Auditorium Sound System, Cafeterias, Gymnasiums, and Multipurpose Rooms—every campus has them, and each space comes with its own unique character. In older schools, little thought was given to audiovisual (AV) systems beyond a basic loudspeaker setup. But today, school auditoriums need modern AV systems that can meet a variety of functions, from assemblies and lectures to live performances and presentations.
If your auditorium’s AV setup consists of outdated gear or a simple portable system, it’s time to rethink and upgrade. Here’s a comprehensive look at key considerations when integrating new AV equipment into your school’s auditorium.
Sound System Basics: More Than Just Loudspeakers
A quality sound system is essential for any school auditorium, especially large ones where sound distribution can be tricky. Many older rooms were equipped with budget gear installed by non-AV specialists, often leading to poor audio performance.
Upgrading your sound system means more than just adding more speakers—it involves proper sound distribution, acoustic treatments, and appropriate amplification. Partnering with an experienced AV integrator ensures that the sound design is tailored to your room’s acoustics, ensuring clarity even in the back rows.
But audio is only part of the equation. Let’s dive deeper into what you need for a top-notch visual presentation system.
Visual Presentation: Projectors vs. Display Panels
When selecting AV gear for your school auditorium, one of the most important decisions involves choosing between projectors and large display panels. While display panels are increasing in size and popularity, projectors remain the go-to solution for medium to large school spaces. Why? They offer unmatched image size, flexibility, and the ability to stow the screen when not in use.
Projection Screens: Go Big, but Be Smart
Motorized projection screens are ideal for schools because they can be retracted when not needed, preserving the space’s multifunctionality. In many installations, we’ve used screens over 16 feet wide in medium-sized auditoriums. The key is to choose a screen that fits your space without dominating it.
- Follow the 5X Rule: The screen’s mounting system should be rated to handle five times the screen’s weight. For instance, if the screen weighs 250 lbs., ensure that the mounting system is rated for at least 1,000 lbs.
- Black Drop Consideration: Ensure the screen has enough “black drop” so it can extend to just above the stage for optimal viewing.
- Secure Mounting: Avoid using toggle bolts through metal studs—they aren’t strong enough. Instead, reinforce the wall with a backing plate spanning the screen’s width.
Projector Selection: Lumens, Throw Distance, and Contrast Ratio
Choosing the right projector involves more than just picking the brightest model. The room’s size, ambient light, and throw distance will determine the projector’s specifications.
- Lumens: Brightness is key, especially in rooms with windows or strong overhead lighting. High-lumen projectors (4,000-6,000 lumens or higher) are necessary for large, well-lit spaces.
- Throw Distance: Most projectors have a zoom lens, but it’s ideal to mount the projector midway within the recommended throw distance range for optimal image quality.
- Contrast Ratio: For presentations, contrast ratios as low as 15:1 may be sufficient. However, for movie screenings, aim for a higher contrast ratio, around 80:1. Use a light meter and test patterns to fine-tune the settings.
Many projector manufacturers provide online throw distance calculators to help you determine the optimal placement.
Optimizing Audio-Video Integration
Once the screen and projector are installed, you’ll need to route the audio correctly to the auditorium’s sound system. Avoid connecting audio directly from the projector to the soundboard—this can cause interference due to long cable runs and electrical noise. Instead:
- Use an HDMI De-Embedder: These devices extract audio from the HDMI signal, ensuring clean sound delivery to the speakers.
- HDBaseT Technology: To avoid signal degradation over long distances, use HDBaseT extenders instead of standard HDMI cables. HDBaseT can carry audio, video, control signals, Ethernet, and power over a single cable, up to 100 meters. Many projectors now come with built-in HDBaseT receivers, making integration easier.
Laser Projectors: The Future of Long-Lasting AV Solutions
One of the biggest advantages of upgrading your AV gear is the ability to take advantage of laser projectors. Unlike traditional lamp-based projectors that require frequent bulb replacements (every 3,000-5,000 hours), laser projectors offer lifespans of up to 25,000 hours or more.
- LED Projectors: These are another long-lasting option, though they typically have lower brightness levels, making them less suitable for larger spaces.
- Maintenance-Free Operation: With no bulbs to replace, laser projectors save time and money on maintenance, making them ideal for schools.
Final Tips for a Successful Auditorium Sound System
- Partner with Experienced AV Integrators: Professional installation ensures that your system is optimized for sound, image quality, and longevity.
- Conduct Regular Maintenance: Even the best systems need routine checks to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Plan for Future Upgrades: Technology evolves quickly, so it’s wise to choose scalable solutions.
With careful planning and the right equipment, your school auditorium can become a highly functional, multimedia-friendly space capable of hosting everything from school assemblies to live performances. Don’t cut corners—investing in quality AV gear now will pay off for years to come.
Best of luck with your upgrades!
Mitch Montrose is founder and chief executive officer of Montrose & Associates, Inc., a Los Angeles-based commercial audio-visual integrator, www.montroseinc.com. A broadcast engineer by training, Mitch has been in the industry for almost 40 years, designing and building broadcast, post-production, and AV systems for some of the world’s largest corporations.