AV set up for a dentist client

[AB]

I supply dental equipment and sometimes come across situations where I will commit to solving another problem they have at the same time in order for them to commit to buying from me. I've not once come unstuck as it's usually a free dental chair or something equally easy to source and have someone else install.

This time I am supplying a dental microscope with with a camera adapter and camera in order for it to be hooked up to a large screen in his boardroom, this is standard.

Email from him;

"[i]However what I need extra is a two way speaker system or microphone system when I am doing surgery and teaching so people in the boardroom can clearly listen to what I am explaining.

At the same time, they might be able to ask me questions also. Additionally, while the microscope camera will focus on the surgical area, I think I do need another free standing camera which can show for example bone material which will be mixed or other items which need to be shown.

However it is very important that my team can be able to swap between the microscope camera and the free standing camera to be able to show it to the boardroom. [/i]"

So I'm thinking I need a camera on a tripod focusing on the general procedure, with input also to the boardroom screen to solve the image problem. However, this creates a lot of wires. Is there a wireless switchable solution available? I can't seem to find one, and I'm not sure how reliable it would be. In an ideal world and if we can hide the wires sufficiently we'd have both HDMI outputs going into the screen and switching between the 2 would be by switching input on the TV? Or both going into some sort of switch and then into the same input on the TV if that would make switching easier?

In terms of 2-way speaking, some sort of 2-way intercom with mute function on both ends? His staff in the boardroom can unmute the speaker when the dentist wants to take questions?

I'm trying not to overcomplicate things as I think he's going to expect my guys to install it at the same time as the microscope.

Any pointers or words of wisdom appreciated.

This guy is based in Hornchurch, Essex if any PHer wants the work...

[Mr Pointy]

That's quite a big ask. First question is how far is it from the surgery to the boardroom? If the cameras are HDMI out you're not going to be able to use cables more than 10m (15m at a push) without converting them to another transport format. There are 2 into 1 switchers available but the distance is probably the first question.

As for the audio it's the sort of thing a couple of Polycom phones could be used for, although it might need a better mic in the surgery.

Is this paid for or a freebie (to give some idea of the budget)?

[AB]

The client will pay for the equipment and would expect us to install while there.

Unless we can come up with a tailored package including installation and we suggest it's not our area of expertise and he'd be better off getting a professional to install to make best use of the kit he's having off us.

[h0b0]

I would suggest a head mounted camera instead of tripod. The tripod will just get in the way. The head mount will direct everyone’s attention to exactly what the dentist is looking at. You can get them from Panasonic cheap or you can spend $2k for a proper one made for surgeons.

In the board room I’d have both cameras showing at the same time. No switching as that would be a ball ache. I would put the 2 feeds to one super wide monitor. If that’s not an option because they are using their existing plasma, spilt the screen.

For audio I’d look at conferencing solutions as already mentioned. Look for ceiling mounted drop mic for the dentist and possible a plantronics for the boardroom as that should already be there. They may have to dial into an audio bridge but that should be easy.

Another option is this Cisco telepresence

One in the dentist room and one in the board room. You would still have to have the microscope camera as well.

[AB]

That sounds sensible, thank you.

I'll have a look at these options and give the client a call and run them past him. Just needed you guys to think outside of the box for me

[Mr Pointy]

For the audio there are a few toys in the Polycom range that you could stich together.

If you have a laptop or PC at each end you could two of these:
https://www.polycom.com/voice-conferencing-solutio...

Maybe some issues with siting the surgery end, but that would depend on room layout.

You could stick a conference phone at each end:
https://www.polycom.com/products-services/voice/co...

Maybe add another mic in the surgery:
https://www.polycom.com/products-services/voice/ac...

Or even a radio mic:
https://www.polycom.com/products-services/voice/ac...

The video solutions depend on the distance between the rooms.

PH member VEX has an AV business so you might be able to ping him or catch his attention on the TV & Cinema forum:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...

[AB]

This one has reared its head again.

We sorted the camera situation out but need to sort out the conferencing side by tomorrow - demanding client!

Is it as simple as two boardroom conference units as mentioned above, can they be wired together as it’s only for the next room?

[AB]

This one has reared its head again.

We sorted the camera situation out but need to sort out the conferencing side by tomorrow - demanding client!

Is it as simple as two boardroom conference units as mentioned above, can they be wired together as it’s only for the next room?