The newly expanded Casino Arizona at Talking Stick (Scottsdale, AZ) delivers the balance of music, satellite TV sound and P.A. announcements via a set of sophisticated systems. For the upgrade, Phoenix-based Audio Video Resources Inc. (AVR) installed the video wall and 16:9 video screen that is powered by a 10,000 ANSI lumen, high-definition digital projector situated over the entrance.
Working with Seattle’s Sparling Technology Consulting Group to design and install the system for the casino’s 38,000 square-foot addition, AVR decided that SymNet would be the ideal method for managing the complexities the system posed.
“The unique challenge we faced from an audio standpoint was the sheer number of sources,” said Kevin Hodgson, AVR’s lead design engineer for the project. “One of the advantages SymNet offers over competing products is that its comparatively short, wide bus design allows you to handle a lot more channels. That offered a definite advantage to us because we had so many sources that all needed to share. This was a much more cost-effective solution than some of the others that we could have selected.”
Two SymNet 8×8 DSP units employ eight analog inputs and eight analog outputs to route audio signals to six QSC amplifiers that power scores of loudspeakers situated in three zones, which are mostly flown. In addition, the 8x8s also handle audio from five wireless mics used to page patrons waiting for tables. The wireless also enables walk-around employees to showcase winning customers and conduct spot drawings.
The SymNet system also employs three BreakIn12 units to route audio from video sources, including 20 Sony high-def direct TV receivers and eight stand-alone cable TV antenna tuners. The 12-input analog-to-digital converters form a SymNet ring with the 8x8s via SymLink, the proprietary 64-channel audio and control data bus.
“The BreakIn12s do no processing or switching, but are just designed to get 12 inputs into the processing ring, onto the bus and into the DSP box for processing, switching and control,” Hodgson said.
An additional BreakIn12 is dedicated to routing signals from C-band receivers used to show live action from horse and dog racing tracks on screens inside the casino. A separate BreakOut12 unit is used to route audio to an internal CATV system used in the older casino area, from the satellite TV system in the new addition.
Managed by an Ethernet-based Crestron AV2 control system, the casino AV system may represent one of the largest single SymNet deployments.
“I don’t know of other install projects I’ve been involved with that has this many SymNet units in one space,” Hodgson said. “It’s unique in the fact that it’s a very sizeable installation. You can’t go much bigger than what we’ve done. We took full advantage of everything the system had, because the project expanded beyond the original design, particularly in the area of the C-band.”
For more information about Casino Arizona at Talking Stick go to www.casinoaz.com, to check out Symnet products, go to www.symetrixaudio.com.
