Audiovisual Systems for the UFBI Large Multimedia Classroom
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The University of Florida Brain Institute (UFBI) wishes to outfit a large auditorium/classroom (150 seats) with state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities. This large multimedia classroom (LMC) will become the focal point for educational activities in the UFBI building now under construction. The LMC must handle various forms of instructional media in a seamless, integrated fashion. The LMC must also accommodate instructors with various degrees of "media literacy" ranging from simple 35mm slide presentations to advanced computer simulations and telepresence.
The LMC core facilities will include dual high-resolution projection systems capable of handling standard video, high-res video, and computer generated images. A full array of audiovisual devices will be available, including VCRs, computers, a document camera, and two slide digitizers. Instructors should be able to control all functions from a multi-media podium or allow technicians to take over from a nearby control room. We envision that LMC will project instruction to remote locations using video teleconferencing and live Internet broadcasts. The LMC will also be part of an integrated part of a building-wide instructional system including a high-res AV distribution backbone, a local cable television system, and various computer networks.
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Proposals are being solicited from firms with extensive experience integrating audiovisual systems for instruction. Proposal shall include, at a minimum, the following information. Failure to include these items may be grounds for rejection of the proposal.
We envision using an AMX or equivalent system to integrate all room fuctions including:
The room has been designed to accomodate two ceiling mount projection systems. These projectors will share a 16 x 10 foot screen located above the stage. Each projector must be capable of handling the following signals:
The multimedia podium will serve as the main point of control for instructors. Control functions may be divided between "fixed" (room lights) and "roving" (change slides) controls. The fixed control functions may available from a touch panel mounted on the podium itself. The roving functions should be available from both the touch screen and a wireless, hand-held control.
In addition to controls, the podium will contain two small monitors to allow the instructor to view the projected images without looking over his/her shoulder. A "video writer" system should be available to point to and markup projected images. Additional "preview" monitors may also be desirable. Power, network, and video input jacks should be available for instructors who wish to deliver presentations from their own laptop computers. The design should also include a locking mechanism and other security features.
A document camera and multimedia computer will also be required. These may be included as part of a single podium or as a secondary unit that "mates" with the main podium. The document camera should have both front and back lighting. It should be capable of displaying laser printed pages, standard transparencies, hand-written notes and xrays. The computer should be a standard multimedia PC with multiple drives (CD, Zip, Jaz) and connected to the Internet. A remote pointing device should available to allow the presenter to move about the stage while controlling the presentation.
Finally, we anticipate that additional equipment will be "rolled in" for special needs. For example, a molecular model might be presented using a Silicon Graphics workstation brought from another lab. The podium should contain the necessary computer and video jacks to accomodate these additional devices.
Instructors should be able to walk into the classroom and electronically project their 35mm slides without any special preparation. We currently use slide to video projectors for this purpose. This works well but the resolution is limited to that of standard television. We anticipate that there are higher resolution alternatives (RGB+H/V or all digital). These projectors will be controlled from the podium remote. This equipment will be mounted in a cabinet on the wall behind the instructor.
Instructors should be able to walk into the classroom and electronically project their VHS tapes without any special preparation. A small "queuing" monitor should be available to check the tape before projecting it. This equipment will be mounted in a cabinet on the wall behind the instructor. (The monitor should be shared between all the equipment in the cabinet if possible.)
What about other formats? 8mm? digital?
Do we still need this? Perhaps it should be DVD.
The classroom will have two remote controlled cameras for teleconferences and remote monitoring. The instructor camera will be ceiling mounted near the back of the room. The audience camera will be mounted to the instructor's left in the front of the room. Both cameras should have full tilt/pan/zoom capabilities.
A portable teleconferencing console consisting of two monitors and a camera will "rolled in" between the first row of seats facing the instructor. The monitors will display the local and remote teleconference signals. The camera will be positioned over the remote monitor to allow the instructor to speak "eye to eye" with students outside the room. Appropriate wiring, jacks, and switching must be included in the RFP.
Will the console itself be part of the RFP or just the wiring?
High quality audio is essential to the operation of the LMC. Proposals should include the following elements:
Will this be part of the RFP?
The building will have a coaxial cable television backbone for general use. The LMC should be interfaced to allow instructors to "dial in" to any channel and project it for the audience. Signals originating in the LMC should also be available to the rest of the facility over this system.
The building will have a 6 wire (RGB+H/V+spare) high-res video distribution network. The LMC video system should be able to switch and display images from this network without loss of resolution. Any high-res devices in the LMC should have the potential to put signals on the network as well. The goal is to display higher resolution whenever it is available. Certain low-res devices (the podium monitors for example) should be interfaced to view these signals at lower resolution.
More from Mike Conlon?
Haiquan?
Mike Conlon?
The objective of the proposal evaluation process is to identify a vendor who has the necessary expertise and resources to undertake the LMC project.
Vendor offers to deliver and integrate the necessary systems to make the LMC fully functional as described under "Specifications."
Proposals will be evaluated by a "Proposal Evaluation Team" (PET) consisting of individuals designated to make an award recommendation for the LMC. Each member of the PET will evaluate all proposals in accordance with the criteria listed below. A score of 0 to 100 points will be assigned to each category. The scores will be weighted as outlined below. Scores from all evaluators will be averaged to arrive at the final score for each proposal. Should we set a minimum score?
Evaluation will be based on the degree to which the proposer's related experience approaches or exceeds the size and scope of the LMC.
Evaluation will be based on the relevant experience of the personnel assigned to the project. Evaluation factors will include education and training, overall experience in multimedia classroom design, and experience with the proposer's organization.
Evaluation will be based on the understanding of specification requirements, the responsiveness to those requirements, and appropriateness of the proposed design.
Evaluation will be based on reasonableness of the proposed work breakdown and margins provided to insure on-time completion.
Factors to be considers include the total proposed cost, the data included to justify the total cost, the reasonableness of the cost breakdowns provided, and the definition of the scope of work covered by the proposed cost.
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TBA in early January 1998...
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