The National Judicial College does justice to courtroom communications with its updated AV system

Background

Founded in 1963, The National Judicial College (NJC) is a leading provider of judicial education in the US. The first to offer programs to judges nationwide, the NJC continues to work with the judiciary to improve productivity, challenge current perceptions of justice, and inspire judges to achieve judicial excellence. The college offers an average of 90 courses and programs annually with more than 4,000 judges attending from all 50 states, US territories, and more than 150 countries.

The NJC’s 50^th  anniversary in 2013 culminated in the opening of its 90,000-square-foot facility that houses five state-of-the-art classrooms, a 150-seat auditorium, a multimedia room, and an updated model courtroom. 

Goals

The challenge was to manage and control a seamlessly integrated, easy-to-use audio/video system that would facilitate communication throughout several rooms and consistently reproduce an outstanding signal.

Solution

The audio-video technology in the courtroom is anchored by Kramer products.

The model courtroom system includes a VS-162V 16×16 composite video matrix switcher and a VS-3232DN modular multi-format digital matrix switcher for signal management. Each attorney table has a SID-X1 multi-format video over a twisted pair transmitter and Step-in Module that allows the input of up to four sources (HDMI, DVI, VGA, and DISP Port), plus audio. 

The signal, which is routed through the switchers and the PT-572+ twisted pair receivers, can be switched to the main courtroom displays as well as individual displays at the jury box, attorney rooms, and media room using an intuitive touchscreen panel. Signals are routed through the twisted pair transmitters and receivers and distributed as necessary by a VM-1H4C twisted pair distribution amplifier or VM-8H HDMI distribution amplifier. An FC-46xl audio de-embedder reproduces clear HDMI audio signals for the courtroom. 

Value

“We designed the system using Kramer equipment because we know Kramer’s track record for reliability and ease-of-use, and the Kramer technology consistently reproduces an outstanding signal every time,” said Kevin. 

The system now allows communication throughout the mock courtroom with individual video screens and big screen displays as well as video to the jury room, media room, judge’s chambers, and attorney rooms.