As part of the “Active Learning Campus” trend in new construction, California Hall includes rotating seats and tables where students face their peers to work in teams instead of sitting and working solo.
Over the years PCD has installed numerous Audio / Video systems for a variety of customers and applications. The observations made, and feedback received from our clients indicate the greatest general frustrations with AV is that the technology changes rapidly enough that the systems become stale within a 3 to 5 year period. Without maintenance, the systems become inoperable due to an accumulation of small issues, revealing the need for regular attention. Scheduled maintenance creates the opportunity to have personnel retrained on operation of the systems so that presentations can become more effective. Then there are also the ever-changing needs of organizations, especially as they grow.
We are proud of the technician / installation staff at PCD. Our Techs and PCD are committed to ongoing training with our valued vendors’ products and in the latest technological breakthroughs.
In the process of installing our systems, we often run into the need where multiple runs of microphones from various stage panels that have XLR connectors all have to feed to a central point where we need to allow a easy to connect and disconnect location. This is often used to allow a mixing console to reside in the control booth or be moved to a center of house location in the audience for a better mixing position. To do that, there are a few manufacturers that make multi-pin jacks that allow this easy and fast, reliable and durable quick connect to happen. In this example, we are referring to the Whirlwind brand Mass connector. Multiple pins allow each conductor to make a secure and solid connection for reliable and quality signal flow. These are tedious and takes a skilled hand and good eyesight to ensure a quality and reliable long term solution for our venues.
Seeing a Multi Pin connector in a panel, it looks so organized and simple.
PCD has built a reputation on supporting education, theater arts, churches, conference centers, hotels, and a wide variety of businesses through High Definition Audio/Visual systems. Our talented engineers design and implement world-class systems for theaters and concert halls across Northern California, ensuring that the sound can be comfortably heard from the back of the auditorium right to stage front center. Our high-tech solutions can bring a professional quality to your school theater. With every project, our experienced team takes the time to create an Audio/Visual system that works for your space and needs.
Our crew of installers and technicians stand out because of their experience and knowledge of audio, video, and communications systems. PCD’s installation team are all members of the IBEW Local 551 Union, and our training program for apprentices is run through the Union. This gives a regularity to the training our employees receive and prepares them with the technical skills they need. With an average of 8 years of experience in AV and electrical work, and a fierce commitment to keeping abreast of emerging technologies, our team is well qualified to complete custom work. One of our employees recently celebrated 20 years of service with us! When our customers hire PCD, they know they are getting certified and highly skilled installers.
As the fires around us continue to ravage we are doing our best to continue operations and serve our clients. Many of our employees have been evacuated and some have lost their homes. Our first commitment is to our employees and community. In the meantime, the PCD employees who are able to report to work are picking up the load in order to assure our clients are being served.
Great things are on the horizon at PCD. As the new year approaches, we have refreshed and relaunched our PCD brand. As the trusted AV integrator in northern California for the past 35+ years, we wanted to honor PCD’s past in an expressive yet significant way. It was important to PCD to maintain the integrity of our brand while keeping our sights on the fast moving and ever changing technology in the AV industry. PCD’s vision for the future is:
The end of 2017 is already here, and you’re probably looking forward to spending time with family and friends celebrating the holiday season and the pending New Year.
PCD recently completed an AV integration for the theater, LED video wall, and gym at the Rothschild Performing Arts Center/Harker School in San Jose, CA.
Are you looking for an open Unified Communications solution that allows you to use Skype for Business and other programs? Or are searching for an AV solution that will simply enable you to present to clients professionally? Whether you know exactly what programs and features you need, or just want a straightforward solution that works, PCD can help you. Our designers take into account your meeting space and your needs. We use high-tech equipment and our in-house installers set up the systems, teaching you and your team how to use it before we hand over the reins. After the job is complete, we are available for continued tech support, maintenance, and upgrades.
The WolfVision Cynap is a powerful and easy to use system that allows for professional presentations and collaboration. The wireless design and numerous capabilities make it ideal for educational and business settings. Do you need to collaborate with a team? Up to 4 different devices can connect wirelessly and share content on-screen at the same time. Your team members can share from their smartphone, laptop, or tablets. This cutting edge technology works with all iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices. Users can share content via a USB stick or download it directly online via cloud or drive, making even a laptop not essential. Just pull out your smartphone! The WolfVision Cynap features include:
Searching for better sound in your venue? Different spaces may have radically different AV needs, such as a conference room versus a performing arts center. Fortunately, PCD has 35 years of experience helping organizations throughout California implement innovative audiovisual solutions. Our designers take into account your space, priorities, and technical skill level of your staff. From there our talented team installs state-of-the-art equipment and trains your staff in how to use it. Bose amplifiers prove to continuously add value and power to venues when they need it. Bose amplifiers are perfect for use in:
A City Council chambers is a place for the elected representatives to come together alongside the public for matters of policy, so it’s vital for it to be a space that encourages ease of communication. The audio system should work smoothly and allow for good quality of sound so that everyone in the area can hear the proceedings. Ideally, it’s also beneficial to have the proceedings televised throughout the building so that those who can’t be in the chambers itself can still observe. Additionally, with today’s technology digitally recording for archival and streaming to cable TV local channel or to web site and Facebook amongst other venues is a driving demand nowadays.
Hayward Unified School District has undertaken a massive project to modernize high schools in the district. This involves major renovations to three high school stadiums. While upgrading these stadiums, construction crews completed a total demolition of existing stadium structures. They installed new artificial turf, track, bleachers, lighting, and sound systems.
One of the most exciting parts about being involved in the AV industry are the trade shows they put together. InfoComm, for example, is the largest audiovisual technology trade show in the country and a winner of the TSNN Award for Top Trade Shows. We recently attended the 2018 conference in Las Vegas, and after three days of viewing the latest and greatest AV technology for the commercial sector, we feel totally invigorated.
In the June 20th 2018 edition of Sound & Communications Magazine, PCD was honored to be highlighted for our work at Harker School and Rothschild Performing Arts Center. The article showcases the ways that Rothschild Performing Arts Center rivals world-class venues thanks to its gorgeous construction and cutting edge use of audiovisual technology. Guests were treated to beautiful images displayed on the large videowalls throughout the facility.
As mentioned back in our November 2017 blog, PCD has been working on rebranding and relaunching our www.pcdinc.net website. In the fast paced world of AV, we wanted our new look to reflect PCD’s determination to constantly move forward and remain fluid in an ever changing world. Regarding the ever changing audio video industry, PCD is always dedicated to bringing our clients’ WOW to reality and remains responsive to all clients’ needs, big or small.
In October 2017, St. Rose Catholic School in Santa Rosa, CA suffered two unimaginable back-to-back disasters. In addition to the firestorm that swept through Santa Rosa on the night of October 9, 2017, the water company mistakenly restored service to the campus in the following weeks. While still on mandatory evacuation, an estimated 5,000 gallons of water poured into various rooms on the empty campus before the mistake was realized.
As the new school year begins the realization hits that all of the people who are well versed in operating the complex systems for the theater, auditorium or multipurpose room are no longer students. What are you going to do? We have you covered. Call us to set up a service call. We will send one of our technicians to the school to conduct a training for the new students. The amount of time will vary depending on the system but is generally 2 to 4 hours. The cost will run from $500 a session and up. Our techs are booked in advance and at this time of the year in high demand so please make your appointment as soon as possible.
