Solutions
At the heart of our business is the audio visual integration. Solutions related to audio, video and lighting installation. We supply: video screens, large format displays, video projectors, loudspeakers, microphones, conference discussion and voting equipment, video conference and communication equipment, lighting sources and intelligent lighting devices.
We install video conference, language interpretation equipment, automated discussion control and voting systems, large format visualization displays, video projectors and automated control of audio visual equipment. Our fields of operation are government institutions, theaters, sport arenas, conference and congress centers, meeting rooms and board rooms.
Audiovisual Systems
The core of Audiotonas – installations of audio-visual solutions. These are modern solutions involving sound, vision and lighting: screens, displays, projectors, loudspeakers, microphones, discussion management and voting systems, video conferencing communications, stage lighting and devices, system control equipment.
Audio-visual (AV) systems are being used for almost a hundred years, these days their application is clearly apparent in every sector of society. Business, education, government, medicine, sports and other sectors are hard to imagine without AV technology. The nature of this technology is to overcome communication challenges and increase communication efficiency.
Concerts, performances – these are events taking place on stage where the use of AV systems is even more visible. That is why it is very important to choose suitable sound, video, lighting components to ensure event success.
Conference, congress centres, institution meeting and communication rooms and similar purpose locations utilise video conferencing, synchronised translation, automated discussion management and voting systems, large format displays and video projectors, automated audio-visual system control.
High-requirements AV systems are widely used in transportation objects – airports, railway and bus stations, also shopping centres and places that gather many people. These systems are designed to provide public visual and sound information without disruptions.
Especially effective visual information and advertising tools in public places are large format (greater than 40”) LED and LCD monitors. Information provided in such monitors is clearly visible from a long distance. All visual and sound information in monitors is provided using Digital Signage equipment – it is adaptive for various locations public information and advertising needs – airports, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, gas station networks, education and medical institutions.
Education sector utilising the benefits of AV systems – computer technologies, video projections, interactive boards, use of acoustic systems – improve teaching quality, speed-up and ease information uptake.
Contemporary exposition centre is hardly imaginable without modern sound and video equipment. Exposition coordinators make use of public announcement systems, audible and visual information broadcasting, architecture and effect enhancing lighting, system management equipment.
Recreation or entertainment location visitors receive information about services or events via AV systems. Large screens display visual information, background music sound systems also help to relax.
Projects in Audiovisual Systems
Conference Systems
Meetings and conferences in business, science and politics are hardly imaginable without conference system equipment. These events use synchronous language translation of various complexities, electronic voting, video demonstration, audio, remote video conferencing, automated control systems, audio and video recording and broadcasting equipment.
As global communication has become global, a multitude of different languages are used in communication. Synchronous translation is used to ensure that people understand each other in international conferences, seminars or congresses. Professional translators in specially equipped interpreter booths, following the speaker’s speech through headphones, synchronize the speech to the language of the other party. Meanwhile, participants can listen to the speaker in a language they understand using real-time receivers with headphones. The system operates on the principle of wireless signal transmission, when the audio signals of the translators are transmitted in the hall with the help of transmitters, and received and decoded with signal receivers. The signals are sent digitally by infrared. It is also possible to use wired translation receivers, which are usually permanently installed in the meeting room furniture.
Conferences and meeting rooms often hold various meetings, discussions and meetings. Their organization is based on a discussion system. A special discussion panel with a flexible microphone and a loudspeaker is installed in the meeting room. Thanks to the built-in microphone and loudspeaker, the speakers are heard throughout the meeting room, the sound signal can be recorded or transferred to other audio systems. The discussion system is usually set up where there is a need not only to voice the participants’ speeches, but also to manage the course of the discussions, by giving the floor to the registered participants of the meeting with the help of the chair or computer.
This system can be equipped with additional hardware and software and other additional functions – listening to synchronous translation, electronic voting, processing and presentation of voting results.
A partner far from you may come up close and share ideas in real-time via video conferencing, high-definition display, fast audio and video transmission and distribution. The spectrum of video conferencing solutions begins with a simple two-point system, ending with a multi-point, high-definition video conferencing system. Each room in the meeting room is equipped with a video camera and microphone, and the picture and sound are transmitted to other remote participants. In this way, all participants not only see and hear distant participants in the meeting, but can also see visual material from other participants directly from a computer connected to the system. Using modern communication technologies, distance visual collaboration significantly facilitates and accelerates group work, as well as cost savings for long-distance travel.
Since conferences use a wide range of hardware and software, conferencing is sometimes complicated and requires a lot of time and human resources. Automated control systems aid to simplify this process. With the help of a specially programmed control panel, management becomes extremely simple and understandable even for people without technical education.
Not everyone who wants to attend a meeting or conference has the opportunity to do so. For this purpose, meeting broadcasting and recording equipment are a great help. Online Live Video Broadcast is a great opportunity to watch an event from anywhere in the world directly on your computer screen. Video recording will not disappear after the event – you can view the event at any time by watching it.
There are also important hearings in the courts that need to be recorded. Fixed technologies include audio and video recording and stenography technology. Professional equipment must be used, as it must ensure the highest level of reliability and high quality of audio and video for later use.
Sound Information Systems
Audio information systems are used in places that gather a large number of people and there is a need to communicate important messages. It can be for public use, industrial objects – shopping centres, factories, squares and more.
Audio information systems are used in places that gather a large number of people and there is a need to communicate important messages. It can be for public use, industrial objects – shopping centres, factories, squares and more. Messages can be pre-recorded or broadcasted directly over the microphone. Their nature can be varied – danger or disaster warnings, evacuation instructions, advertising and information messages. The main purpose of fire alarm and evacuation management systems is to promptly alert people of the dangers they face and to manage the flow of people – to provide information on how to avoid the threat.
The use of audio information systems is also useful when it comes to creating a pleasant environment in the object – transmitting background music. Shopping and entertainment centres have recently become leisure venues. We try to make the visitor feel comfortable, safe and wanting to return to the place they visit, so the installation of modern audio systems in these objects is just a must.
Sound information systems are also very relevant for hotels and business centres. The selection of acoustic systems in these objects is carried out in strict compliance with normative documents and the interior solutions of the building.
Multi-zone sound systems are commonly used in larger objects or complex of buildings. Different messages or music are broadcast in different zones as needed, using separate audio sources. System elements and audio broadcasting can be controlled from different zones or remotely via computer networks.
You may not have known, but you may encounter the audio information system even in … the church. It is often a difficult task to make the church sound, because the inner space of the church is very complicated from an acoustic point of view, so it requires very careful and responsible work to design and prepare the audio system for end use. Using a sound processors, such system becomes fully automated – without the need for human intervention in determining sound levels, frequency characteristics, and many other parameters for high quality sound reproduction.
The equipment used in audio systems must ensure uninterrupted operation of the system, monitoring of the state of the equipment, control of the audio and microphone lines, backup power of the system components, their automatic replacement in case of failure and other. These requirements are defined in European and Lithuanian standards such as EN54.
Public messaging and voice evacuation systems used in sports arenas are particularly important as they are directly related to human safety and distribution of information during events. Systems also perform sound reproduction in the main sports arena during events. Sound systems are complemented by large-format LED displays, information cubes, and lighting systems.
If buildings or premises are located a few hundred meters or even a few kilometres away and need to have sound, then the best choice is audio systems running on the local computer network (LAN). Such systems require fewer cables, control systems, more convenient and easier maintenance, and lower installation costs than conventional systems. It can be said that the future belongs to messaging systems running on computer networks. Computer-based messaging systems are the ideal solution for hospitals, airports, hotels, exhibition and conference centres, stadiums and sports arenas, shopping centres.
The most sophisticated systems can be implemented without loss of quality, inevitably resulting from using analogue systems, a digital audio signal processed by audio processors, standard 5 or 6 category cables, optical data networks and the Internet.
Stage Technologies
Stage technologies combine technical solutions related to the specialized technical provision of theatrical performances, concerts and other events taking place on the stage and other premises of the main hall of a theatre or similar object. These technologies also include lighting, audio and video equipment used in television studios.
Stage technologies include not only stage lighting, its management, sound projection, video projection, but also mechanization equipment, curtains, decorations, mobile scenes, aluminium traversing, fastening equipment. The modern mechanization equipment used in concerts in theatres, outdoor spaces and indoor spaces greatly facilitates the work of stage workers, ensures safe performances without interference, looks aesthetically and works quietly.
Although the old hand-operated decor mechanisms are still being used in theatres and cultural centres that were built several decades ago, new projects today only use automated systems. The benefits of modern stage technologies are not only good for performance, but also for people’s safety and reliability. In the last century and before, many theatres have been equipped with rope lifts and counterweight systems. These hoists are operated manually by lifting or lowering the traverse connected by ropes through the pulley system. Hand movement is transmitted by pulling up – down natural fiber or synthetic rope, which is tied to several steel cables, with a horizontal tube for hanging decorations. The whole system is balanced by additional counterweights, that weight the same as the total weight of the raised decorations or luminaires. Counterweights are weights placed on a vertical axis. The system is balancing when the traverse with decoration or spotlights is lowered on the stage floor, then the contrast arm – the anchor – rises to a few meters in height. For this purpose, on the sides of the stage, there should be special balconies dedicated to stage workers – galleries.
These systems are relatively simple, but currently they are no longer designed and becoming used less frequently in new systems, and will probably no longer be used in the near future. Until now, the only advantage of handheld systems was the much lower price. However, in the newly-built theatres, this difference is diminishing, as automated systems do not require some costly constructional solutions, such as unnecessary bridges – galleries that are used for mounting counterweights, unnecessary side space on the wall for mounting these systems, sometimes with no need for technical floors – grate, with pulleys, ropes and more. Another important reason for the introduction of only automated systems in new projects is the safety of people and the risks that can be caused by incorrect use of manual systems.
Motorized stage lifts with fixed lifting speed
Small budget projects, cultural centres or smaller theatres sometimes have low-cost motorized lifts with fixed speeds, but their lifting speed is low, up to a maximum of 10m / min. Frequently used chain lifts for the entertainment industry are often used in concert halls. These synchronously operated elevators are mostly used for lifting floodlight bridges, hanging acoustic systems, or lifting a mobile part of a roof. Chain hoists are inappropriate for changing decorations during the performance because they are slow and noisy. For lifting decorations, lifts with steel ropes or steel strips that are silent and smooth are most often installed.
Motorized variable speed hoists with computerized control
This type of lift is most often used and designed in theatre stages and multifunctional entertainment complexes. Complex computerized management systems are implemented to manage these lifts, with many technical solutions to ensure system security. For the control of scaffolding lifts, complex electric hoist controllers are used – frequency converters with industrial type computers, various control devices, overload protection and emergency systems, and other technologically complex elements. The speed of these lifts can be adjusted evenly from zero to high speeds of 1.5-1.8m per second. Also, these elevators are extremely precise, operate very quietly, and their stopping positions in the control system can be programmed to the nearest millimeter.
Control systems
For variable speed hoists with a lifting capacity of 500 kg to 1500 kg, their control systems are subject to special safety requirements for the mechanization of the entertainment industry regulated in the European Union. Stage control systems must be easy to manage, allowing the director or stage designer to implement the most complex and diverse artistic solutions. With high-speed lifting equipment and quick change of decorations, you can quickly and easily create and change the stage design.
In modern stage technology systems, the necessary components are the computer management and visualization software, Internet and computer network infrastructure devices. Computerized network servers, computerized electromechanical drives, operator consoles with interactive touch screens and robotic system manipulators are used to manage scene technologies and store information.
Stage floor level mechanization devices
Various mechanization systems are used in the lower part of the theatre scene:
- Automatically controlled floor platforms descending below and rising above stage floor level
- Orchestral pit platforms
- Stage rotating wheels
Fixed technology systems are complemented by various mobile devices. Theatre or event scenes are powered by motorized human lifts, various pick-ups, or autonomously remotely controlled scooters.
Stage technologies, using a variety of virtual reality tricks, can turn the stage into a magical world. The key to the success of musicals or shows created in impressive world theatres is not only the work of great actors or professional directors, but also the use of sophisticated technological solutions. As a typical example, the “Circue du Soleil” projects in New York or Las Vegas at www.cirquedusoleil.com or the Bregenzer Permorming Art Festival in Austria every summer, where performances with spectacular scenography are arranged on a stage floating on Lake Constance at www.bregenzerfestspiele.com.
Television and filming studio technology
Television studios, like stages, use decorations, mechanization equipment, lighting systems. The amount of equipment required for studio depends on its size and main purpose. Equipment quantities and device models will differ significantly for a small news studio and a large entertainment program studio. If the studio is multifunctional, which must consistently replace and update the scenography, an important part of the technology is the mechanization system (the term rigging is also used in English), which consists of a ceiling-mounted track and boom lifts and trolley system.
