Effective Remote Working

Resources to help you and your teams safely and successfully transition to a remote work environment using Zoom:

READ

Blog: How to Work from Home and Meet Like a Pro

Blog: Best Practices for Creating Culture, Community for Remote Workers

Blog: 5 Tips for Managing Remote Teams

How to Hide Your Messy Room for a Zoom Video Conference

5 Tips for Working From Home for the First Time in 2020

How to Set Up a Temporary Work From Home Office Successfully

STAY SECURE

Resources by CrowdStrike: Cybersecurity in the time of COVID-19

Blog: How to Keep the Crashers From Crashing Your Zoom Event

Blog: Best Practices for Protecting Your Zoom Meetings

Blog: Secure Your Zoom Meetings with Waiting Rooms

Crestron Offers Innovative Solutions To Streamline Audio-Visual Technology

In today’s blog post, we’re pleased to highlight some of the exciting innovations happening at Crestron, a digital technology partner for CCS Projects. We’re pleased to work with Crestron, offering their digital entertainment and integration solutions together with our leading audio-visual services to a wide array of clients across the country.

For years, Crestron has been a leader in the manufacture of advanced control and automation systems, helping to innovate technology and reinvent the way people work and live. More recently, with the growth in digital capabilities across the world, Crestron is adept at streamlining technology and improving the quality of life for people in corporate conference rooms, hotels, classrooms, auditoriums, and in their homes.

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One of the company’s recent innovations is its QuickMedia® transport technology, which helps to streamline presentation system design and simplify installation by integrating 16 separate cables into a single CAT5-type wire. True HD video, with balanced and unbalanced line and mic-level audio and high-resolution computer signals gets delivered over the QuickMedia single cable.

Crestron points to the efficiency of QuickMedia being the perfect integration for multimedia presentations in lecture halls, boardrooms, banquet halls and auditoriums. Simply put, QuickMedia works. It’s among the best integration equipment we’ve seen, even when faced with an array of AV sources, multiple computer inputs and several input locations, with multiple displays including plasmas, projectors and LCD monitors with sound reinforcement and program audio outputs. For installed setups, Crestron offers the QuickMedia Wizard to help users with a fast and simple programming and system configuration.

Another facet of Crestron’s service offerings is its MediaManager presentation solutions, which help save costs to organizations. It acts as a lower-cost presentation solution that uses QuickMedia technologies to save integrators cabling costs, and significantly reduce installation time and money.

CCS is proud to be a reseller partner for Crestron Audio Visual solutions across the country. Find out how we can complement your business, leisure or education environment with Crestron technology solutions. CCS Presentation Systems is among the largest U.S. audio-visual system integration firms, and one of the leading providers of audio-video products and solutions in the nation.

For a broader look into Crestron’s advanced control and automation solutions to infrastructure and interfaces, have a look at the inner workings of this successful company in the video clip below.

Crestron Corporate Video from DataVox on Vimeo.

Baird Holm

Baird Holm

Location: Omaha, NE

Working side by side with Baird Holm, CCS designed and installed their latest technology upgrade of their training floor.

Project Components

  • Extron Video Distribution and Control
  • NEC Flat Panel Displays
  • Mersive Solstice Wireless Technology
  • Epson Laser Projectors
  • Da-Lite Screens
  • QSC Audio Processing
  • Cambridge Sound Masking

Contact Us

Lead AV Installation Technicians

CCS Presentation Systems looking for an Inside Sales Representative with strong telephone selling skills for our growing Los Angeles office. The aspects of the job would be to manage and sell to inbound inquiries and support our Field Sales Representatives, but the main goal would be to develop your own relationships with new customers, and to move to a full outbound sales position within 12 months. Target customer segments are education, government/military, and/or corporations. We have all the top brands (e.g. Epson, NEC, SMART, AMX, Crestron, Extron, BlueJeans, Cisco, LifeSize, Polycom and numerous others) at the best cost basis due to our national buying power, and we offer one of the most lucrative compensation plans in the industry for the successful salesperson. The ideal candidate would have at least two years of successful sales experience, excellent phone and technical (e.g. computer) skills, a strong customer-service orientation, a strong work ethic, a team-centric approach, and a positive outlook. Successful AV industry experience or experience selling IT, copier, phone, or other technical equipment would be a big plus, but we are willing to train a good inside sales person on everything they need to know about the technical aspects of our industry. We would also show particular interest in anyone who has gone thru the Enterprise Rental Car management training program. We’re searching for full-time candidates but would consider a part-time position in the right situation.
  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, Max. file size: 10 MB.

Check out the SMART Board 6000 Series

https://education.smarttech.com/products/6000-series

SMART Board® 6000 series

The hub of today’s classroom

The most popular SMART Board, the 6000 series is the all-in-one classroom solution. Tools are simple and intuitive. The interactive display comes with an embedded computer and world-class education software to help teachers deliver engaging and collaborative lessons.

Our best value SMART Boards are available in 65” and 75” models.

A new technology, exclusive to SMART Boards

iQ technology makes the SMART Board the essential hub of the classroom. It connects lesson content, interactive displays, devices and pedagogically relevant software to create one cohesive experience. Instantly access SMART Learning Suite’s interactive lessons, game-based activities, and online co-creation, as well as features like wireless screen sharing and a digital whiteboard.

There’s no need for wires and cables, nor manual software and firmware updates. Everything you need is in one place, and available at the touch of a finger.

Contact CCS Presentation Systems for more information on this model and more!

Julie Solomon, jsolomon@ccsprojects.com

CCS eNews – Featured Products

zSpace – Virtual Reality

Using a pair of tracking glasses and a tracking pen, users can interact with objects in a stunning 3D environment. Those images can easily be displayed on existing projectors or flat panels for the whole group to experience.

Click here for a short video showing the power of zSpace and its ability to revolutionize our world.

Contact your local CCS location to learn more about this dynamic product, and how it’s easily implemented using your existing projector or flat panel display!

Check out the SMART Board 4000 Series

SMART Board® 4000 series

Tomorrow’s technology today

No matter the teaching style or classroom environment, give students the best in collaboration technology. Now available in 65″, 75″ and 84″ models.

https://education.smarttech.com/products/4000-series

Silktouch™ technology

The most accurate, natural, and responsive touch experience from corner to corner. Fingers glide effortlessly over the surface, providing hours of error-free use in perfect comfort.

SMART ink™ technology

Writing is natural and looks better with SMART ink. Whether you’re using a pen or finger, each stroke is a work of art. Its realistic digital ink improves legibility, so teachers don’t have to re-write and students feel confident contributing.

Brilliant HD or Ultra HD resolution

Durable, commercial-grade HD LED panels display images in 1080p resolution. The 75” and 84” models includes Ultra HD resolution. No more downtime fixing burnt out projector bulbs, no shadows getting in the way, no glare or hot spots, and no faded images.

Simultaneous touch points

With up to 10 simultaneous touch points for Windows, multiple students can use gestures, like zoom, rotate and flip, at the same time. The natural learning experience develops essential life-long collaboration skills without students realizing it.

Mini PC compatibility

Have the flexibility to equip classrooms and collaboration environments the best way you see fit. There are mounting points for Mini PCs available (75” and 84” only).

SMART Learning Suite included

SMART Board® 4000 series includes access to four of the world’s best education software tools:

SMART Notebook: The world-leading software designed for education.
SMART lab: Create engaging activities in less than 5 minutes.
SMART amp: Discover co-creation on a level you’ve never seen.
SMART response 2: Quick and effective formative assessment.
Contact CCS Presentation Systems for more information on this model and more!

Julie Solomon, jsolomon@ccsprojects.com

CCS recently completes Santa’s Executive Conference Room

CCS Presentation Systems, one of the largest AV integrators in the country has just completed the audio visual renovation for Santa’s executive conference room at Holiday Headquarters, North Pole.

Features include multi-point telecommunications within the 3 mile long production warehouse, a SMART Board for elf training sessions, lighting control, an interactive projector that displays live route updates to the executive team and a warming oven for cookies.

We’re so proud of the work completed, stay tuned for more innovative projects in the new year!
Nationwide holiday closure hours:
All CCS locations nationwide ( click here to view the map) will be closed December 24th and 25th, as well as January 1st.
Office hours may vary by location, so be sure to contact your local representative for details.

Happy Holidays from CCS Presentation Systems! 

Light Up Swampscott Final Press Release

LIGHT UP SWAMPSCOTT COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER RAISES $16,607 FOR SWAMPSCOTT SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PURCHASE & INSTALL A NEW PROJECTOR AND DONATES ONE YEAR WARRANTY AND REPLACEMENT BULB VALUED AT $2,255.

June 23, 2015 – Swampscott, MA. – The Swampscott School District raised $16,607 as a result of the “Light Up Swampscott” fundraiser program, a partnership between the District, UNO Pizzeria & Grill, Swampscott Education Foundation, CCS Presentation Systems New England, Eastern Bank and Salem Five Charitable Trust.

This community effort had several components including donations of $7,965 from the Swampscott Education Foundation, $5,000 from Eastern Bank, $3,002 from UNO Pizzeria & Grill, $500 from Salem Five Charitable Trust and $140 from private donors. CCS Presentation Systems New England gave a $1000 discount on the installation and also agreed longer term support for the School District by providing a 1 year on-site warranty valued at $1,595 and an additional projector bulb valued at $660.

A new Hitachi CP-WX9211 digital projector will be installed replacing the auditorium’s original projector. The new projector will add high resolution, higher brightness, vivid colors, and sharp image quality to enhance presentations impacting education and community meetings and performances. . CCS will also provide digital HDMI connectivity, so that updated devices have a means of easily connecting to the system. The current system only allows for analog video connectivity. The auditorium serves as the venue for a wide range of teacher and student group activities in addition to numerous community meetings, performances, and forums. This new projector will ensure many more years of community usage and help enable greater student and school staff productivity.

”I am so grateful to UNO, the Swampscott Education Foundation (SEF), Eastern Bank, Salem Five, and the community for coming together to make our Light Up Swampscott fundraiser a success.”, says Superintendent Pamela Angelakis. “This kind of community generosity is what makes Swampscott such a special town. We will be holding a celebration in early fall when the installation of the projector at the high school is complete and we hope everyone will attend. A special thank you to Annie Pulaski at UNO for working so closely with the schools and for encouraging us from beginning to end.”

Dave Richie, President and Treasurer of the Swampscott Education Foundation, says, “I think this project was an excellent example of what our local business and institution can do when they work together and align their goals. It is my hope that we have an opportunity again to pool our resources and tackle these types of problems.”

”Combining the business, school and philanthropy communities proves that collaboration does have impact. Swampscott’s students and the community as a whole will now have increased opportunities to make use of advanced technology.”, adds Laura Kurzrok, Executive Director of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.

“CCS is pleased to be a part of the LIGHT UP SWAMPSCOTT COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER to help support technology in the classroom” says Chris Gamst, Vice President of CCS Presentation Systems.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to support education and the Swampscott community through our fundraiser program. And this new Hitachi projector will benefit both the students as well as the community at large.” says Annie Pulaski, Local Marketing Coordinator of UNO Swampscott. “We are proud to be an active contributor to this community initiative.”

A “LIGHT UP SWAMPSCOTT” Projector Unveiling/Celebration Party will be held at a later date after the projector has been installed and school has reconvened in the fall. It will be a fun event for the whole Swampscott community to celebrate the success of the program and to kickoff the new school year. The date and details of this special event will be released at a later date.

For complete information on the “Light Up Swampscott!” Program, please contact Annie Pulaski at 252marketing@unos.com or Sarah Coletti at scoletti@unos.com.

Additional Information:

About Swampscott Education Foundation:

The Swampscott Education Foundation Inc. (“SEF”) is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, dedicated to raising money and funding grants that enhance the educational experience of the students of the Swampscott public schools. There has been a community based educational foundation supporting the Swampscott schools for the past twenty years and over that time it has awarded $300,000 to grant recipients. It is the SEF’s vision to build from that base and positively impact the educational experience of every Swampscott public school pupil. You can learn more about the Swampscott Education Foundation by visiting www.swampscottfoundation.org.

About UNO and UNO Dough Rai$ers:
Uno Pizzeria & Grill offers a complete casual dining menu, including seafood, burgers and steaks, pasta dishes, appetizers and desserts, as well as its signature Chicago Original Deep Dish Pizza™ and all-natural crust flatbread pizzas. There are over 140 Uno Pizzeria & Grill restaurants located in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Uno is proud to support the local communities it serves with its hugely popular Dough Rai$ers program. To date, Uno has donated more than $4 million to deserving organizations. Organizations host a lunch, dinner or both at their local Uno and earn up to 20% of sales generated from guests who eat at Uno to support the cause. (http://www.unos.com/raisers.php)

About CCS Presentation Systems New England:
CCS Presentation Systems New England was founded in 1998 by Cheryl and Chris Gamst. CCS serves New England-area customers in the corporate, government and education sectors. The company provides full service sales, design, integration, installation and maintenance of audio and video equipment including interactive whiteboards, classroom response systems, projectors, LCD and video conferencing systems, digital signage, audio systems, document cameras, energy management systems, sound masking and more. During the past 16 years, CCS New England has been named a Top 50 Woman Owned Business, Top 50 Diversity Owned Business and Top 50 Privately Held Business. Additionally, CCS is a five time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list for fastest-growing private companies in America, has consistently ranked in the top ten for Systems Contractor News and was named Integrator of the Year in 2013 by Commercial Integrator. For more information about CCS visit www.ccsnewengland.com

About Eastern Bank:

Founded in 1818 and based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest and oldest mutual bank in the country, with $9.8 billion in assets and more than 100 branches serving communities in eastern Massachusetts and southern and coastal New Hampshire. Eastern Bank offers banking, investments and insurance all under one roof, and prides itself on working harder to understand its customers’ needs so it can deliver these services in a committed and personal way. Eastern Bank, which includes Eastern Bank Wealth Management and Eastern Insurance, is a recognized leader in corporate social responsibility and for its advocacy on behalf of a number of social justice causes. You can learn more about Eastern Bank by visiting www.easternbank.com, www.facebook.com/easternbank or www.twitter.com/easternbank.

How Do AV Technicians Approach AV Design For Education?

AV Technicians assess the complete requirements of an audio video system installed in local schools. They review the full requirements for the classrooms individually based on proportion and necessity. They follow specific tests when designing the systems that ensure that the school and teachers alike get the most out of their customized designs. The following highlights explain how these technicians approach Education AV Design projects.

Acquire Measurements for the Classroom

First, they measure the entire classroom. The size of the room defines specific elements about the AV system. First, it defines how the system will operate and whether or not these elements could affect how students view information through the systems. The size of the room may play a role in how the systems and furniture are installed throughout these areas.

Review Screen Size

The screen size is selected according to the room size and how it will be positioned. If the room is large enough for an overhanging screen, the technician will suggest a larger screen. The SMART Boards must accommodate the needs of all students inside the classroom. If the screen is too large, it could make it difficult for students sitting in the front rows to see it clearly. The technicians will test a variety of screens to help the school choose the best option for each classroom.

Test All Audio Connections

The classroom audio video system must provide adequate sound throughout the room as well. The technician must test the sound at different sections of the classroom. This prevents it from becoming unclear in distance spaces and too overwhelming in the front rows of the room. This may also influence speaker placement as well as the type of speakers chosen for the classrooms.

Eliminating Premises Liabilities

As the system is installed, the technician must evaluate how the cabling will flow through the classroom. They must find better solutions for hiding the wires to prevent aesthetic issues. They must also find ways to lower the probability of premises liabilities. The cable could present tripping hazards if they aren’t installed correctly.

These instances could lead to litigation if a student or teacher is injured. The cables must also be installed make it easier to navigate through the classroom. If they aren’t positioned carefully, they could make it difficult for students to walk around the system which could lead to damage of the classroom collaboration.

Reviewing Choices for the Control Panel

The control panel is often located in a centralized place in the classroom. This allows the teacher to control the system without blocking the view of the screen. They can use tools and features that are available through these EdTech systems to manage the AV system.

Technicians assess the best ways to approach new classroom installations. A new AV system requires careful assessments that could benefit the students overall. If the wrong choices are made, the system could be ineffective, and the school won’t receive the full benefits it provides. Schools who want to assess the Education AV Design and related products contact their local CCS Presentation Systems representative right now.