ATEN’s integrated audio-visual management system was implemented to enhance performance at Hard Rock® Cafe Dubrovnik.

The old city of Dubrovnik, a maze of narrow streets with sturdy walled buildings, has long been a popular filming location, including for the iconic Game of Thrones, increasing its appeal. This made it an ideal location for Croatia’s first licensed Hard Rock® Cafe, which opened its doors in April 2023. The cafe is divided into three main areas that together can accommodate over 400 guests: the indoor cafe and Rock Shop, a courtyard with a terrace and an outdoor area overlooking Onofrio’s Large Fountain. The interior is adorned with classic rock memorabilia such as guitars, costumes and photos of famous musicians, creating a unique atmosphere that transports you into the world of rock and roll.

The challenge – Centralized audio-visual control from a single tablet for all areas of Hard Rock® Cafe

Given the unique requirements of Hard Rock® Cafe, ensuring a fully functional technical space is essential. In a venue where events are organized, the quality of the audio-video equipment and the lighting system says a lot about the venue’s potential. This quality also stems from the ability of the equipment to be integrated into a single control system. The motivation for implementing this project was to change the outdated audio-video-lighting structure to optimize the entire centralized control process. This way, the staff can easily access all areas of the cafe from a simple tablet.

After the project implementation, the ATEN Rack was equipped with two major types of equipment: the ProAV video matrix for managing video signals and a Controller that interfaces with the tablet. The tablet can operate with multiple menus set by the client according to needs and the zones of Hard Rock® Cafe. Thus, each area can be controlled through video management, sound volume, scene management, and motorization of lights, to meet the varying requirements depending on the event. Additionally, the wall showcases are elements of attraction that must be highlighted as well as possible, and the dynamic moments during concerts need quick technical support. Without tablet control, each system would have its own mode of command and control, making it more difficult to manage.

“Our partner, LAV Projekt, collaborated with the client to build a unified interface, thereby ensuring command and control. At the same time, it is important to mention that Hard Rock® Cafe strictly requested adherence to quality standards. The technical documentation allowed the use of certain brands, and product compatibility represented a second challenge. LAV Projekt opted for SONY displays, Xilica audio system, and ATEN video and controller. The project direction was towards changing the outdated audio-video structure to a modernized and high-performance one that meets the quality standard,” stated Sorin Oprescu, Field Applications Engineer ATEN Eastern Europe.

Solution Architecture

High-quality playback with minimal latency required the implementation of an ATEN VM1600A modular matrix switch in combination with ATEN VM7814 HDMI input modules and ATEN VM8514 HDBaseT output modules. This allowed the signal to be further distributed through HDMI cables. To transmit the signal in 4K format, the VM1600A was paired with ATEN VE816R extenders, enabling the delivery of 4K video signals up to distances of 100 meters, effectively covering nearly the entire building. Centralized control of audio-video systems is ensured by ATEN VK2200, the second generation of ATEN’s Control Box, which is the highest performance processor in the series.

Easy operation of this processor is ensured by the 10.1 inch ATEN VK330 touch panel (Touch Panel), which comes with the preinstalled ATEN Control System application, designed for integrated use with the ATEN system. The client has the option to select and control all audio-video inputs/outputs from all areas of Hard Rock® Cafe. The network’s electrical stability requirements were met by implementing an uninterruptible power supply ATEN OL3000HV, and this professional UPS ensures emergency power when the main power source fails. The power supply is coupled with ATEN PE8208 and ATEN PE8216G power panels that offer multiple control options and remote control of outlets, according to grouped or individual outlets, allowing control and monitoring of the power supply to all devices in the system.

The solution involves ATEN VM1600A modular matrix switcher in combination with ATEN VM7814 HDMI input and ATEN VM8514 HDBaseT output modules, which enable to further distribute the signal via HDMI cables. In order to be able to display that signal in 4K format, it was combined the VM1600A with ATEN VE816R extenders, thus obtaining the possibility of sending 4k video signals up to 100m away, i.e. coverage of almost the entire building. Full control of audio and video systems is provided ATEN VK2200 central control system, the second generation of Aten’s Control Box, which is the highest performance processor in the series. Easy operation of this processor is provided by the ATEN VK330 1010.1-inch touch panel (Touch Panel), that comes with pre-installed ATEN Control System application, designed for integrated use with the ATEN central control system. With them, the client has the option of selecting and controlling all audio and video inputs/outputs within all Hard Rock Cafe zones. It was solved the system’s power grid stability requirements by implementing an ATEN OL3000HV uninterruptible power supply, and this professional UPS provides emergency power when the input, main, power source fails. The power supply is paired with ATEN PE8208 and ATEN PE8216G power supply panels that provide multiple control options and remote control of sockets (according to individual or groups of sockets), which enables control and monitoring of the power supply status of all devices in the system. Additional control system extensions are also delivered for future system upgrades.(extras din descrierea din online)

The selected solution comprises the ATEN VK2200 controller, Xilica audio processor, and stage lighting controls. The controller’s role is to control the video matrix, the audio processor, and the lighting processor, offering the client a very user-friendly interface with the help of the tablet, without leaving the application.

Compatibility

The real challenge was developing a driver for the Xilica audio processor in such a way that the ATEN controller could send correct commands to the processor. The instruction set needed to be compatible with Xilica. Another obstacle was that, after integrating the system, the furthest monitor experienced image issues due to being connected with low-quality cables. In this case, these were replaced with ATEN cables that support distances of 100-150 meters.

Conclusion

Compared to other Hard Rock® Cafe solutions, the ATEN solution is centralized and easy to interact to. A key advantage is that modifications to the system’s functionality can be made on-site through the tablet, which integrates control of all audio-visual elements. In the case of a solution without centralized control, real-time modifications are not visible, necessitating on-site verification each time until the desired configuration is achieved. The ATEN solution provides instant confirmation from a distance. The Hard Rock® Cafe Dubrovnik project was implemented less than a year ago with ATEN equipment and the implementation by partner LAV Projekt is intended to be replicated at other Hard Rock® Cafe locations. The success of the solution has made this project the first feature on the LAV Project site, showcasing its complexity.