Suffolk Reporter

Over the recent winter break, a new video wall was installed in the lobby of Frey Hall. The installation, measuring 6’6″ x 12′, aims to provide dynamic content and real-time updates for students attending classes in the building.

The project was a collaborative effort involving various university teams. Dennis Murray, campus videographer, contributed engaging content for the screen. The Campus Planning, Design & Construction (CPDC) team handled the physical installation with support from electricians, carpenters, and painters. The Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) team participated in assembling and fine-tuning the system.

Greg Davis, senior MSE engineer in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), led the technical execution of the project. He stated: “For the longest time, video walls were seen as unreliable or too expensive. But I knew we could make it happen, at a fraction of the expected cost, without sacrificing quality.”

Davis's team conducted research to find reliable and cost-effective components. They completed the project on a budget under $40,000 during winter break to avoid disrupting classes.

The video wall displays multimedia content such as global live-streamed camera feeds and student projects. Its flexible system allows for real-time updates, making it useful for both current students and visitors touring the campus.

John Berwick, instructional support associate and manager of technology for Frey Hall, highlighted its simplicity: “This system is simple yet powerful. With just a few clicks, we can switch between different content sources, keeping the experience fresh and relevant.”

The CPDC team added custom-built piano hinges for easy maintenance access while campus painters used black paint on surrounding walls to enhance visual impact.

Davis concluded: “When I saw this wall in the lobby of Frey Hall, I knew that it would be perfect for a video wall. We found a way to use reliable technology and to finish the project at a reasonable cost.”

Future updates are planned to integrate this feature into campus tours at Frey Hall to engage students and visitors alike.