City of Riverside Project profile
Dedicated to providing outstanding municipal services that reflect its rich heritage, vibrant community, and forward-thinking approach, the City of Riverside’s Information Technology Department (ITD) aims to improve operational effectiveness through innovative technology solutions. In pursuit of this goal, ITD collaborated with EIDIM to enhance the AV system in the City Council Chambers. This key space serves as the official venue for Riverside’s City Council meetings and hosts a variety of sessions for City commissions, committees, and local community groups.
Project Description
The City of Riverside Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management was facing the challenge of upgrading the audiovisual systems within their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Training Classroom. The existing projection screen setup was no longer meeting the needs of modern emergency operations, so the department sought a solution that would provide clearer, real-time visual information for first responders, operational staff, and training personnel. The solution involved replacing outdated projection screens with cutting-edge video wall systems capable of displaying high-definition feeds from multiple sources. The goal was to not only enhance the visual clarity but also provide a more intuitive and flexible interface for managing various video feeds across both the EOC Ops Floor and Training Classroom.
The complexity of the project arose from the need to integrate these video walls into an existing AV system. The new video walls had to receive inputs from a Blackmagic 80×80 router, leveraging an SDI video routing system that the department had already set up. In addition, the selected vendor was required to maintain the backend system while ensuring the video walls met specific design and operational standards, including 24/7 operational capabilities.
The Challenge
One of the key challenges in this project was managing the integration of the new video wall systems into the existing infrastructure, which involved careful coordination with the current SDI routing system. The project’s complexity was further compounded by the need for the new video walls to fit within the space constraints of both the EOC Ops Floor and the Training Classroom. Additionally, these spaces were already equipped with outdated projection screens and metal-stud walls, which required customized mounting solutions to support the weight of the video walls. Ensuring that the system was easy to operate by non-technical staff was also crucial. A user-friendly control interface was necessary to allow seamless switching between sources and easy operation under high-pressure situations, which is often the case in emergency operations.
The City of Riverside – Council Chamber A/V Technology Upgrade project focused on modernizing the audiovisual infrastructure to improve meeting effectiveness and foster greater public involvement. The upgrades included the installation of high-definition video displays, enhanced audio systems for clearer communication, integrated control systems for seamless operation, and advanced streaming capabilities to promote transparency and accessibility in local government activities.
Technology and Solutions Used
4K UHD LCD/LED Monitors
500 nits brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, 178-degree viewing angle, and 24/7 operational rating for clear, continuous display.
Blackmagic 80×80 SDI Video Router
Routes 16 simultaneous SDI 12G inputs and outputs, providing low-latency, high-quality video feeds to the video walls
HDMI/SDI Adapters
Ensures compatibility between the existing SDI routing system and the new video walls by converting HDMI signals to SDI and vice versa
Software GUI for Control
A secure, password-protected interface for managing video wall inputs, layouts, and power, accessible from any PC in the building
Touch Panel Interface
Optional iPad or Android touch panel for intuitive control over the video wall, including power and source management.
Automated Power Control
Automation to power the video walls on/off, optimizing energy use and ensuring the system is always ready when needed
Project Outcome
The completed project transformed Riverside’s EOC into a modern, visually intuitive space where information can be processed and displayed in real-time. The EOC’s main video wall, capable of displaying up to 16 sources, was designed with maximum flexibility to ensure that critical data, such as maps, emergency alerts, and live feeds, could be showcased effectively for quick decision-making. The Training Classroom, though simpler, benefited from a multi-screen setup, providing a streamlined experience for training scenarios that require the display of different video sources simultaneously.
Beyond the technical success, the project also ensured that the EOC remained fully operational 24/7, with the video walls capable of supporting the demanding work of emergency responders. Staff were trained on the new systems, with job aid documents provided to ensure smooth operations even in stressful situations. The integration with the existing AV system, combined with the ease of control via the GUI and optional touch panels, meant that even non-technical users could manage the video walls with confidence. The inclusion of warranty services, repair/replacement guarantees, and automation features ensured that the system would continue to function reliably well beyond the initial installation phase, cementing the long-term value of the project.
How can we help?
At EIDIM, we are committed to providing you with cutting-edge, customized audio and visual solutions that cater to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more and we’ll find the best solution for you.
