Account Background

Guideworks is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Comcast Corporation, located in Radnor, PA. Its function is to develop and program the user guide interfaces for all of Comcast’s end user market. GuideWorks creates premium guidance and navigation systems for digital cable and home entertainment. The software developed by GuideWorks is widely deployed in Comcast digital cable systems throughout the USA, and delivers both Video On Demand and Digital Video Recorder features to consumers.

Project Background

Guideworks’ evolving business and meeting climate outgrew the legacy AV system that was in place. The challenge was to improve workflow, increase information retention for training, and create a multi-display environment to test the software they develop.

The core requirements for this triple divisible space included:

• Integrate triple projection and triple flat panel displays
• Realign video system for optimal viewing angles
• Actively involve attendees during audio conferences
• Eliminate “babysitting” of the AV system
• Eliminate glitches with connecting multiple source types
• Improve end user experience to operate system with confidence

The IMS Solution

Guideworks’ vision for the training rooms came to life with the help of the design/build systems integration expertise of IMS Technology Services.

• 3 Rooms – separate or all as one
• Flexible to accommodate a rolling LifeSize VTC Cart
• Each space with HD projection & 60” LED displays
• Full room audio conferencing
• Each space with a connectivity center with digital & analog inputs
• Intuitive graphical touch panel control
• Networked system for virtually immediate end user support 

The Biggest Challenge

Three existing shallow non-standard floor boxes needed to provide digital (HDMI) connectivity during the installation. The boxes were over 8 years old and were not designed to hold HDMI. IMS devised a plated solution for easy connectivity to deliver a truly flexible space for meeting configurations of all types.

Result

Internal training and software development is more effective and productive than ever at Guideworks. Prior to the official system training, the end user group was already comfortable with the core functionality of the system. Trainers, product development staff, leadership, and presenters of all levels of technical sophistication can comfortably deliver and share the content of their presentations with great flexibility, while simultaneously communicating with internal and external resources as naturally as a phone conversation. Work flow has been greatly improved.

Finally, with the networked control capability the technical staff has an immediate ability to respond and handle basic troubleshooting. This is essential, as the technical staff is also responsible for supporting user groups in downtown Philadelphia, as well as Radnor.

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