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Alexandria Technical College

Alexandria, MN

Alexandria Tech Introduces Digital Communications System

 

 

 

A shared vision of Alexandria Technical College students and campus leadership was to provide a communication system that would be available to all students, faculty and visitors in all buildings. In Jan Doebbert's opinion it was becoming increasingly important for everyone to see the same messages at the same time.

 

Doebbert, Chief Information Officer at Alexandria Tech, contacted Cliff Dodge at Alpha Video to discuss solutions that weren't just simple slide shows. Together they designed a system that included seven LCD monitors, A CastNET Server and six CastNET players located throughout six different buildings on the campus.

 

Doebbert said the college wanted an IP-based connection so they could add to it as needed.  “Scalability was important,” he explained. “We were looking for a solution that would not only meet our current needs, but also require just minor changes if the school decided to upgrade its communications system in any way in the future.”

 

At Alexandria Technical College, one member of staff in each building is assigned to develop content specific for the discipline for that building.  “This is an important feature for us,” explained Doebbert. “It allows us to add unique messages for specific buildings without interfering with the main messages.”

 

Comments from students, visitors and staff have been very positive: the system is clear, easy to use, and it has a very current and up-to-date appearance. “It just looks good” Doebbert said.

 

He also added that Alexandria Technical College is now able to visually welcome such high profile groups as the Citizens' League or Legislative hearings when they come to visit the campus. “In addition to unique welcome messages, we're able
to display information on schedules and special events we have planned for them,” he said. “The monitors really get their attention and bring a touch of class to the buildings.”

 

Doebbert said installation of the monitors and the CastNET system went very well.  “Alpha technicians worked very well with our staff,” he said. Doebbert also knew there would be a bit of a learning curve with his staff. “Training and follow-up were scheduled in a timely manner,” he said. “Alpha really followed through on what they promised.”

 

The first phase of the project was completed in November of 2004.

 

Integrated Equipment List:

• CastNET video and web messaging server
• (6) CastNET digital content players
• (7) large screen LCD monitors
• CastNET on-line support and remote updating

 

Contact:

Scott Tronson

Alpha Video & Audio, Inc.

7711 Computer Ave

Edina, MN 55435

952.896.9898

scott@alphavideo.com

www.alphavideo.com