MODULE

13
PROPERTY SYSTEMS
13A – Information Technology Infrastructure
13B – Telecommunications
13C – Audio/ Visual

HOTEL
DESIGN STANDARDS
January 2012
 Courtyard – International Asia Audio / Visual – 13C

MODULE

13C
AUDIO / VISUAL

HOTEL
DESIGN STANDARDS
January 2012

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Table of Contents
13C.1 General Description ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
13C.2 References & Definitions .......................................... 2
13C.3 Sound Systems - Background Music ...................... 3
13C.4 Event Space Sound Systems & Visual Display ...... 6
13C.5 Food & Beverage Sound Systems ......................... 20
13C.6 Fitness Area Sound & Video Systems................... 22
13C.7 Spa Sound & Video Systems.................................. 23
13C.8 Entertainment Lounges Sound & Video Systems 25
13C.9 Master Antenna Television ( MATV) System......... 25
13C.10 Digital Signage Systems ....................................... 27
13C.11 Infrastructure Requirements ................................ 29
13C.12 System Coordination ............................................ 37

Revised : January 2012

Supersedes: January 2011 and all previous versions

Module Organization
• This Module is a part of an integrated series of 17 Modules.
• Coordination with information from other Modules is required.
• The reference symbol <XX> is used to indicate a Module
reference that includes additional information.

Marriott Confidential and Proprietary Information

The contents of the Design Standards are confidential and
proprietary to Marriott International, Inc. and may not be
reproduced, disclosed, distributed or used without the express
permission of an authorized representative of Marriott.
Copyright, Marriott International, Inc., unpublished material. All rights
Reserved.

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13C.1 General Description

A. Project Contact : Marriott International - “MI” - is the
corporate entity that manages this Brand and all MI
hospitality Brands. Contact the MI Design Manager for
the project specific manager referenced by the term “MI”
throughout this Module.
B. Sound Systems:
1. Background Music: Background music is defined as
instrumental (no words or lyrics) that is played at a low
level to provide auditory cues and subtle
accompaniment to guests. It is intended that this type
of music is audible throughout public areas including
lobby, circulation and assembly and activity areas such
as hallways and corridors. It is never provided in
guestroom corridors.
2. Foreground Music: Foreground music is defined as
having more dynamic character and entertainment
quality than background music and may include music
with lyrics. It is typically played at higher levels in food
& beverage venues, event spaces and activity areas.
3. Customized Music Services: Sometimes referred to
as: “music styling”, this refers to services which (1)
provide customized programming or playlists of music
channels, and (2) provide a means of changing the
tempo and / or genre of the music according to
different times of the day; this is called, “day-parting”.
4. Sound Reinforcement: Sound reinforcement systems
provide amplification of voice and music sources and
from A/V program sources such as computers, video
and audio tapes, etc. These systems are provided in
event spaces and entertainment areas and some
activity areas.
C. Guestroom Entertainment Systems:
1. Purpose: This system provides television programming
(local, satellite, and premium cable channels), music,
property information (events, F&B, information and
local “barker” channel), interactive games and pay-per-
view programming.
2. Additional Services: The system may also provide
programming from related facilities (convention
centers, airports, universities), etc.
D. Digital Signage & Way Finding :
This system is also referred to an “electronic reader
board” or “visual information system “.
1. Purpose: The Digital Signage Systems manage and
display information relating to events, food &
beverage, and property activities to guests via various
visual displays throughout public
circulation and assembly areas.

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2. Way-finding: This system incorporates way-finding

features that assist the guest in locating event spaces.
Larger fl at-panel displays located at “entries and
“decision points” along the guest’s journey provide
information relating to event locations and times.
Smaller door-side displays near event space guest
entry doors are used to provide event information from
this system.

3. Digital Signage Systems: Independent digital signage

systems are also used to provide flight information at
airport properties, general hotel and local area
information and promote food & beverage venues and
special amenities (Spa, Golf Club, etc.) at resorts.
13C.2 References & Definitions
A. Related Information : Coordinate with other Modules
relating to:
• Architectural acoustics <6>
• Guestroom entertainment, Module <7A>
• Computer systems, Module <13A>
• Telecommunications, Module <13B>
• Electric Power, Module <15C>
B. Industry Standards:
1. Sound System: Design the sound systems in
conformance with generally accepted best practices as
published by the InfoComm International (InfoComm)
and National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA).
2. Infrastructure Cabling: Install in compliance with
manufacturers’ recommendations, NEC, BICSI, NFPA
and generally accepted best practices as published by
the International Communications Industries
Association (ICIA / InfoComm) and National Systems
Contractors Association (NSCA).
C. Definitions of Terms:
• BICSI: Building Industries Communications Systems
Institute
• DRM: Digital Rights Management
• DSP: Digital Signal Processing / Processor
• HD : High Definition ( video or television)

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• HDMI : High Definition Multimedia Interface

• MATV: Master Antenna Television System
• NAB: National Association of Broadcasters
• NEC: National Electric Code
• NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
• PPV: Pay-per-view System
• SD : Standard Definition (video or television)
• UL: Underwriters Laboratories

13C.3 Sound Systems – Background Music

A. General Requirements:
1. Purpose: The background music (BGM) system
distributes music to public areas including lobby,
circulation and assembly and activity areas.
2. Location: The equipment is co-located with the main
event space equipment, where possible. Where
impractical to completely centralize the systems,
interconnect the remote equipment with the central
equipment to accommodate centralizing the
background music sources and to permit centralized
master control of all BGM systems.
3. Quality: The equipment, materials and components are
commercial quality designed for continuous use.
Consumer quality components are not acceptable.
4. Standards: Workmanship complies with manufacturers’
recommendations and generally accepted industry
standards as published by ICIA / InfoComm and NSCA.
B. Features & Functions:
1. Music Sources: Background music for public
circulation and assembly spaces originates from a
subscription service having no media located at the
property.
a. Examples include subscription music services that
are delivered via telephone, Internet, cable, or
satellite. Background music services or sources that
use on-premises media such as cassettes, tapes, or
CDs are not acceptable as music sources for the
public circulation and assembly areas.
b. Background music subscription service for the public
circulation and assembly areas provides “day-
parting” programming to permit the property
management to pre-arrange music changes
according to time of day. These programming
changes occur automatically and do not require
operator intervention or action.

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c. Background music systems for the event spaces

provide at least three, independently selectable,
channels of music from the subscription service
dedicated for event space systems such that each
event space salon or room may select from among
any of these sources. In addition, provide a line-level
input on the patch panel to permit the use of auxiliary
music sources.
d. Background music systems for food & beverage (F&B)
areas; provide one independent, dedicated channel of
music from the subscription music service. In addition
to this source, each F&B area can select from the
main property background music sources.
2. Controls:
a. Provide independent music volume controls for each
distinct area of the property. Locate these controls
either at the main equipment rack or locally where
the controls can be concealed from public view and
access, where local control is appropriate.
b. Example : A local control at the front desk area to
permit staff to adjust the volume at night. These
controls automatically reset to a pre-defined volume
level and music source before morning activities
begin.
3. Speakers:
a. The type of speaker varies according to the
architecture and space design being served. Interior
spaces may use an array of ceiling speakers, self
contained speakers, planter speakers, etc.
b. The intent is to conceal the speakers as much as
possible while providing consistent, low-level
background music coverage.
C. Areas Served:
1. Requirement: Provide a continuum of low-level
background music throughout the public assembly and
circulation areas. This music serves as an aural cue for
guests.
2. Acoustic Zones: As a design principle, ensure that
guests are not able to hear more than one music
source at any time, at any public area.
3. “Buffer” zones of quiet areas or using noise from water
features to acoustically isolate areas may be required
to accomplish this effect. Critical areas are at the
entrances to food & beverage venues and courtyard
activity areas.

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4. Low-level Background Music: Provide for the following

areas:
a. Public Assembly and Circulation Areas: Provide low
level background music throughout public circulation
and assembly areas, except guestroom corridors.
b. Lobby & Front Desk Areas:
• Provide low-level background music throughout
the lobby area.
• Provide an independent volume control behind the
front desk.
c. Porte Cochere:
• Provide the same programming as the main lobby
area. In busy downtown area locations where traffic
noise is significant, this treatment is not required.
• Locate speakers in the porte cochere if less than
6.1 m (20 ft.) high, or may be concealed in planters
or landscaping nearby.
d. Restrooms: Provide low-level background music,
same programming as the adjacent areas. Typically,
these speakers are tapped to provide a lower volume
than the adjacent circulation area speakers.
e. Elevator Lobbies:
• Main Floors: Provide low-level background music
with same programming as the adjacent lobby and
circulation areas.
• Guestroom Floors: Provide low-level background
music only in high-rise projects. Do not locate
speakers within 12.2 m (40 ft.) of guestroom doors.
f. Retail Areas:
• Provide low-level background music with same
programming as the adjacent lobby and circulation
areas.
• Each retail space has an independent control for
volume; themed retail areas (golf shops, spa shops)
have program selection from a dedicate subscription
music source in addition to volume control.
g. Pre-function Areas:
• Provide low-level background music with same
programming as the adjacent lobby and circulation
areas.
• For additional requirements see Event Spaces, below.
h. Courtyards – Indoor:
• Provide low-level background music from speakers
concealed in planters or landscaped areas. Where a
functional part of an adjacent food and beverage or
activity venue, design the system to permit

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connecting speakers to that venue’s background /

foreground music sound system with independent
volume controls.
• Ensure that guests do not hear more than one
music source at any time at any public area. This
may be accomplished through interconnecting the
programming switches or through control system
programming. “Buffer” zones may be required to
accomplish this effect as described above.
i. Outdoor Circulation Areas: Provide low-level
background music from speakers concealed in
landscaped areas.
j. Courtyards - Outdoor: Provide low-level background
music from speakers concealed in landscaped areas.
• Where a functional part of an adjacent food and
beverage or activity venue, design the system to
permit connecting speakers to that venue’s
background / foreground music sound system.
• Provide a local input to feed the Courtyard sound
system, and tie lines back to the central sound room.
k. Bridges or Walkways to Adjacent Facilities: Provide
low-level background music from speakers
concealed in landscaped areas, under the bridges, or
in overhead covered structures.
13C. 4 Event Space Sound Systems & Visual Display
A. General Requirements:
[Link]: Sound reinforcement systems accept signals
from microphones and A/V program sources an
evenly distribute high fidelity, high-level, full frequency
response sound throughout an audience or listening
area.
2. Requirements: Provide built-in sound reinforcement
systems for spoken word and reproduction of
recorded audio program for individual event spaces
(each Ballroom section or salon and Meeting Room)
that has over 93 m² (1,000 sq. ft.) of floor space or
when combined with an adjacent spaces is equal to or
larger than 93 m² (1,000 sq. ft.). Provide input plates,
controls and an array of ceiling speakers for such
event spaces.
3. Passive A/V Network Tie Line Connections: Provide
for event spaces that do not require built-in sound
systems as defined by the above.
4. Control Systems: Digitally programmable and provide
the exclusive user interfaces for sound system

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functions. This system provides an interface with the

property’s management system and allows staff to
monitor and control the AV systems through computers
and mobile devices on the management network
5. Locate control system control panels both at the main
equipment rack and in each event space.
6. Processing (for the sound systems): DSP based (digital
signal processing) that provides mixing, routing,
equalization, leveling, combining, and other sound
processing functions.
B. Event Spaces:
1. Pre-function Areas: Provide system capacity to play
background and foreground music during reception
events throughout.
a. Provide the capability to interconnect these areas
with adjacent event spaces for overflow functions.
b. Systems are controlled by the control systems for the
adjacent event spaces.
c. Zone the systems to permit assigning program
sources for any of the adjacent event spaces.
2. Ballrooms: Provide independent, high-level, high
intelligibility sound reinforcement systems in each
Ballroom salon.
a. The primary purpose of Ballroom sound
reinforcement systems is to amplify the spoken word.
• The secondary purpose is to provide foreground
music and playback of recorded A/V programs.
• The third purpose is to provide background music.
• The Ballroom sound reinforcement systems are not
intended to be the primary reinforcement for live
musical entertainment.
b. Provide input / output plates, in-room controls, A/V
network connectivity and ceiling speakers.
c. Provide in each center salon a ceiling mounted
manually retractable projector mount, to
accommodate portable projectors, positioned to
serve the primary object wall.
• Extend the connectors from the projector mount
to the front of the room’s A/V input plate. Built-in
projectors and / or projection screens are not
required.
• The retractable projector mount includes
connections for power and video signals; these
connections run to the input plate located on the
object wall of the salon.

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• Input connections include AVNet tie lines which

are used with portable transmitter / receiver pairs
to route analog or digital signals to the projector.
The transmitter provides audio program signal
break-out to feed the built-in room sound system
• Provide multiple retractable projector mounts in
salons that have multiple object walls.
• These projector mounts may also serve as hang points
and retractable feature lighting supports,
when properly specified.
d. Provide recording facilities at the equipment racks on
both a recording panel equipped with XLR-3M jacks
(one per Ballroom salon or Meeting Room) and on the
patchbay. Recording outputs are transformer isolated
from the DSP output and are not equalized.
3. Meeting Rooms: Meeting Rooms are equipped with built-in
sound systems and tie line plates as described for
Ballrooms.
a. Meeting Rooms are each also equipped with built-in
electrically operated projection screens and manually
retractable projector mounts positioned to serve the
primary object wall.
• Extend the connectors from the projector mount to
the front of the room’s A/V input plate. Where cable
distances from wall plates to projector mounts or
displays are less than 35 feet, input connections
include digital video and accommodate audio
program signal breakout to feed the built-in room
sound systems. For longer distances, AVNet tie
lines with portable transmitter / receiver pairs are
used as described in 2.c above
• Built-in projectors are not required.
• Built-in projection screens, at the minimum, are HD
aspect ratio, and may be dual aspect ratio, where
practical.
b. Meeting Rooms may be required to have floor pockets
for power, data and telecommunications connections;
contact the MI Representative for additional
requirements.
4. Breakout Rooms: Meeting Rooms smaller than 93 m²
(1,000 sq. ft.) that have fixed walls (no operable partitions)
are sometimes called Breakout Rooms. Provide each
room with a tie line plate as described for Ballroom salons.

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5. Boardrooms: Boardrooms are defined as having fixed

walls (no operable partitions) and a fixed table. One
end wall is designated as the “object wall” or front of
the room.
a. The Boardroom technology is “HD video teleconference
ready” including interconnections with
telecommunication services, and pre-wired for multiple
microphones at the fixed Boardroom table.
b. Provide an electrically operated projection screen at
the object wall and a corresponding manually
retractable projector mount. Extend the connectors
from the projector mount to the front of the room’s A/V
input plate. Where cable distances from wall plates to
projector mounts or displays are less than 35 feet,
input connections include digital video an
accommodate audio program signal break-out to feed
the built-in room sound systems. For longer distances,
AVNet tie lines with portable transmitter / receiver pairs
are used as described in 2.c above
• Built-in projectors are not required.
• Provide built-in projection screens with aspect ratio of
16 : 9
c. Provide inputs for digital video, audio, network,
telecommunications and convenience outlets built into
the Boardroom table.
d. Provide a built-in sound system having features and
functions as described for Ballroom salons, above.
e. Provide inputs for the sound system and flat panel
display at both the front of the room and built into the
Boardroom table.
f. Provide a concealed large flat panel visual display
located at the front wall of the room.
• This display is equipped with upgraded front - firing
built-in speakers and multiple inputs; the inputs are
extended to the Boardroom table and to the front wall
of the room.
• Equip the display with non pr anti glare viewing
surface.
• The display may be concealed by one of the following
methods; retractable millwork doors, “art-screen”
frames, or lifts that retract display into credenza or
other millwork.

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C. Features & Functions:

Provide event space A/V sound and visual display
systems to fully support effective meeting activities.
Provide a robust built-in system to deliver high-level
sound reinforcement, program signals distribution and to
integrate with and complement portable equipment and
systems.
1. Inputs: See Figure 1.
a. Input plates are equipped with two active
microphone level inputs (XLR-3FD connectors), one
passive audio tie line (XLR-3FD connector), an
MATV jack (“F” connector)
b. Terminate active microphone inputs with a 1.6 K
ohm resistor on the back of the input plate jack to
minimize input noise.
c. Input plates are integrated with A/V network features
described below.
d. Input plates are equipped with a means of protecting
and concealing the connectors when not in use.
This may be provided by a millwork panel or by a
wall-box enclosure.
2. Location: The input / output plates and tie line plates
are located at the “object walls” and at various locations
around the peripheral fixed walls.
a. Locate plates to serve cables to the most commonly
used head table, podium, stage, platform and
lectern locations without requiring the running of
cables past or over public or service entrance doors.
b. See Figure 2.

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3. Quantity: Each event space is equipped with at least one

input / output and A/V network connectivity plate.
a. Larger salons also are also equipped with tie line
plates in the front and rear of the room. This
minimizes, to the greatest extent possible, the need
to run A/V cabling in front of doorways and other
guest traffic areas for safety and aesthetic reasons.
b. See A/V Network and Tie Lines, below and Figure 1.
4. Accessibility: Ensure that the input / output plates and
controls are located high enough on the wall to meet
ADA requirements and to be accessible when portable
platforms are in place.
5. Processing: Processing refers to the management and
manipulation of sound system signals from the input
jacks in the event space salons and from auxiliary
sources (such as music sources) to the ceiling speakers.
6. Processing elements include the patchbays, digital signal
processing, monitoring and amplification.
7. Patchbays: Provided for event space sound systems.
Active input circuits are “normalled” through the
patchbays to the DSP inputs. Normalled jacks also
intermediate between the DSP outputs and following
amplifier inputs. Tie lines “dead-end” on patchbays.
a. Patchbays are commercial duty, Mil spec, 6 mm (¼ I
inch) TRS type or “Bantam TT” type having
mechanical or solder connections; insulation
displacement or “punch-down” connections are not
acceptable.
b. Active inputs of the DSP system that appear on the
patchbay (normalled through input circuits and inputs
from auxiliary sources) are equipped with protective

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isolation transformers between the patchbay and the

DSP inputs. Phantom power is not provided by the
DSP systems; assume all phantom power is external to
the built-in systems.
c. The inputs of amplifiers are normalled through the
patchbay; the associated outputs of the DSP do not
appear on the patchbay.
d. Patchbays are equipped with internal accessories
including phase reversers, line-to-mic pads, isolation
transformers, ground lifts and sufficient mults to allow
by-passing processing components from the input
circuits to the amplifier inputs.
e. A critical requirement of the patchbay design is to
provide a means to bypass failed DSP or control
systems.
• Provide sufficient patchpoints, multi jacks, and
patchcords to permit bypassing the DSP and restore
full sound system performance by patching from an
in-room input, through the mults, and into the
amplifier inputs.
• Design the system to minimize the number of
patchcords required to perform this function.
f. Patchbays have shields bussed; this serves as the Uni-
Point ground for the sound system processing. See
Figure 8 (Power and Grounding Diagram).
g. Refer to example Figure 3 (A / V Signal Flow Diagram)

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8. Digital Signal Processing DSP: The digital signal

processing components are commercial duty,
programmable units. The DSP function may be either a
single central device or distributed processing devices.
a. The DSP performs the function of mixing signals from
input panels and auxiliary signal sources including
signals from the background music service
b. The DSP provides level control for system inputs and
outputs.
c. The DSP system combines channels of associate
Ballroom salons, meeting rooms and / or Pre-function
areas.
d. Front panel controls of the DSP are electronically
disabled or secured behind mechanical covers. The
system design does not require and does not permit
user interface or manipulation directly of the DSP unit.
e. The DSP provides bandpass equalization of sound
signals from the inputs and equalization of the signals
to the speakers.
f. The DSP provides leveling of music signals from
background music sources.
g. The DSP programming does not include automatic
mixing or gating functions.
9. Amplification: Provide amplification for each channel of
sound reinforcement.
a. Amplifiers are commercial duty, convection cooled and
designed to drive 70 volt constant voltage speaker
circuits.
b. Amplifiers are either single or multi channel devices.
10. Monitoring: Provide auditory monitoring at the equipment
rack for each amplifier channel speaker level output.
a. Provide one line level monitoring channel with its input
on the patchbay.
b. Provide for the use of a headphone for monitoring
signals.
11. Output Controls: Speakers are wired in zones relating to
head table areas of event spaces. Individual zones of
speakers may be turned on or off using the control
system. This function is provided through the control
system DSP and multiple amplifier channels.
a. Alternately, when the number of zones to be controlled
exceeds three, use relays to turn off speaker zones
and minimize the number of patchcords required to
restore performance in the event of DSP or control
system failure as noted above.
b. See Fire Alarm / Life Safety Interface, in Section
13C.11, Item “L.”
12. DSP Programming: Provide a legal copy of the authoring
software and unrestricted license and an archival
electronic copy of the uncompiled operating code to the
property as part of the as-built documentation of the

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system.
13. Control: Event space sound systems are equipped with
an overall control system. The primary function is to
provide local and central control of the basic functions of
the sound systems.
a. The control system is the exclusive staff and guest
interface with the processing equipment; direct
access to the processing is not required,
accommodated or permitted.
b. The control system provides browser based IP access
via the internal property network and via internet
access. This includes monitoring and control
functions of the sound systems.
c. The development and design of the user interface
screens, system functionality, and logic are
developed through an iterative process involving the
design consultant. A revision of the programming for
the DSP and control system is anticipated three
months after the property is opened.
14. Central Control Panel
a. The event space sound reinforcement system
includes a large 30 cm (12 inch) diagonal measure,
minimum, color LCD touch screen control panel for
overall system functions.
b. System functions are provided by touch screen. The
user interface does not require the user to use any
pointing device or keyboard for system operational
functions.

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c. Where event spaces are remote from the equipment

room, provide a large touch screen control panel in a
rugged protective enclosure in the service corridor
associated with these rooms.
15. In-room Local Controls: Each event room, area, or salon
that is equipped with a dedicated sound system is
provided with an in-room control panel located near the
entrance from the service corridor.
16. In Ballroom salons and Meeting Rooms where a service
vestibule is provided, locate the in-room control panel
within the vestibule in a protective enclosure where it is not
visible to guests.
17. Where a salon or Meeting Room does not have a service
vestibule, locate the in-room control panel behind a
protective and concealing millwork detail.
a. The controls are designed to give access to specific
system functions to the staff and to meeting planners as
desired by the staff, but also provides a means of
securing the controls to prevent access or operation by
unauthorized persons when so desired. This security is
accomplished by electronic, electromechanical or purely
mechanical means.
b. The control system is micro-processor based to provide
the user interface to the digital signal processing system.
The in-room control panels provide extended functions
including selection of lighting presets.
c. In-room control panels are intrinsically rugged and
installed in a way to be relatively impervious to damage
from physical contact from carts, chairs, etc. normally
found in event spaces.
d. In-room control panels include an illuminated,
programmable LCD display, push button and / or rotary
controls to provide user interface and system status
information. In addition, the control system
accommodates the use of mobile technology to provide
staff with system control
18. Control System Programming: Provide a legal copy of the
authoring software and unrestricted license and a archival
electronic copy of the uncompiled operating code and
user interface screen designs to the property as part of
the as built documentation of the system. See the project
A/V Supplement for specific, parametric control system
functional and programming requirements.

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19. Speakers: Provide an array of flush, high quality ceiling

speakers, evenly spaced to provide high intelligibility, low
distortion, wide frequency response, wide dynamic range
and even direct sound coverage (+/- 2dB @ 4kHz)
through out the event spaces seating and audience areas.
Speaker spacing averages 0.8 times the floor to ceiling
height dimension with the ratio of the closest and furthest
spacing between any two adjacent speakers not
exceeding 1:1.5.
20. Size / Type: The size of the ceiling speakers varies
according to the ceiling height. Typically, smaller
speakers are used in lower ceilings and larger speakers
are used in higher ceilings. Ceilings up to 3 m (10 ft.) high
are provided with 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inch) full range
speaker assemblies.
a. Ceilings between 3 and 5 m (10 and 16 ft.) are
provided with 20 cm (8 inch) coaxial two-way speaker
assemblies.
b. Ceilings between 5 and 7 m (16 and 20 ft.) are
provided with 30cm (12 inch) coaxial two-way ceiling
speakers; these speakers are equipped with 60 to 75
degree constant directivity high frequency transducers.
d. Ceilings above 6 m (20 ft.) high require special electro
acoustical modeling and require high power speakers
having a high degree of dispersion pattern control.
e. Speaker assemblies are equipped with non-resonant
backboxes and / or enclosures to protect the speaker
The weight of the speaker is supported from the
structure and does not rely on the ceiling for support.
Speaker grills have a minimum of 66% open area and
minimum 24 mm (3/32 inch) perforation holes.
f. The signal distribution to the speakers uses a constant
voltage system (70.7 or 100 volts). The transformers
are high quality with 6 dB headroom allowance in
component sizing.
21. Quantity: The quantity of speakers is determined by the
spacing, as described above. The quantity of evenly
spaced ceiling speakers for each event space, meeting
room, or ballroom salon can be roughly calculated as the
overall area divided by (floor-to-ceiling dimension)
squared.
22. Zoning for Control: Provide individual zones of speaker
control to permit turning off speakers above head tables
and platforms, when necessary. This controls feedback
and improves system gain. See Figure 4 (example
Ballroom Ceiling Plan – Speaker Layout and Zone
Circuiting).
23. A/V Networks ( AV Net) and Tie Lines: Provide
interconnecting cabling between and among the event
spaces, associated Pre-function, activity areas and
appropriate communication “points of presence” in the
facility such as television head end rooms, telephone

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equipment rooms, computer rooms, the loading dock,

business center, A/V department operations office,
etc.
a. Provide multi-mode fiber shielded Category 6
network cabling. The minimum number of
interconnecting cables is four A/V optimized Ethernet
circuits terminated on RJ45 connectors and two
multimode fiber cables terminated on specialized A/V
connectors (Neutrik FiberCon). The performance of
tie lines is certified to meet BICSI standards for both
design and performance for the type of cabling
installed.
b. The tie lines land on plates in each of the event
spaces.
• Event spaces are equipped with at least one of
these plates; larger spaces are equipped with at
least two plates.
• These connections are integrated with the A/V input
/ output plates.
• See Figure 2 (example A/V Input Plate detail).
c. Additional tie line plates are provided adjacent to
hang points in the ceiling or integrated with
retractable hang points; provide at least one ceiling
tie line plate in each small salon and at least two in
each large salon.
d. Provide two AVNet Category 6 tie line plates in floor
pockets (when provided).
e. The tie lines are run back to the primary A/V
equipment room serving the associated event spaces.
There, they land on patchbays located in the
equipment racks.
f. Ballroom Salons and Meeting Rooms may be required
to have floor pockets for power, data and
telecommunications connections; contact the MI
Representative for additional requirements.
g. This network serves event spaces including those
such as breakout rooms and other areas that may not
be equipped with built-in A/V or sound systems.
h. Design connectors on the plates to be protected from
damage from physical contact from carts, chairs, feet,
etc. normally found in event spaces.
i. Provide a media connection panel located at the
property receiving dock. This panel provides
interconnectivity to local and national television
production vehicles for special events. The panel is
stainless steel, lockable, and weather tight and has

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the following features:

• Six RJ45 Ethernet jacks for A/V tie lines
• Six fiber optic jacks for multi-mode fiber
• Two fiber jacks for single mode fiber
• Two SMPTE Fiber tie lines for Ballrooms larger than
930 sq.m ( 10,000 [Link])
• Ten balanced audio jacks
24. Portable A/V Equipment: Provide a complement of
portable equipment that supports the built-in systems.
a. Include microphones, cables, projectors, flip charts,
theatrical lighting systems, portable high-level sound
systems, projection screens, production mixers for
audio and video, cameras, adapters, video graphics
displays, computers, etc.
b. Develop a project specific list for portable A/V and
lighting equipment requirements. Include interfaces,
receivers and transmitters required for analog and
digital video and audio sources to work with the
AVNet system.
25. Documentation: Provide technical manuals with the
following:
a. Detailed functional block diagrams that illustrate
as-built conditions. Identify each equipment item by
manufacturer and model number, label alpha
numerically contractor furnished controls, relays,
patch panel jacks, and similar devices. Reference
these designations on fabrication drawings, patch
panel details, and related instruments.
b. Detailed as-built drawings of contractor fabrications.
Illustrate the mechanical and electrical construction,
with manufacturer’s part numbers and values for
components.
c. Final rack elevation drawings.
d. Manufacturer’s literature, including descriptive
literature and performance specifications, operating
manuals, and servicing information.
e. Schedule of nominal control settings for proper
system operation.
f. Test and measurement data gathered during systems
tests and commissioning
g. Systems Operating Instructions for each system
specifically describing the functions, operation, and
maintenance of the systems installed. Write the
instructions in full detail in language sufficiently clear
for comprehension by non technical persons.
h. Troubleshooting guide for system operators listing
the procedures to follow in the event of an apparent
equipment failure, written in logical outline format.

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i. A restatement of the terms and conditions of the

system warranty and a schedule of manufacturer
warranties covering parts and labor for the equipment
supplied.
j. Archival copies of un-compiled source code and
user interface designs for programmed equipment.
Include copies of the authoring software and
documentation.
26. Documentation: Provide user’s manuals, with the
following materials:
a. Systems Operating Instructions for each system
specifically describing the functions, operation, and
maintenance of the systems installed. Write the
instructions in full detail and in language sufficiently
clear for comprehension by non technical persons.
b. Schedule of nominal control settings for proper system
operation.
c. Troubleshooting guide for system operators listing
the procedures to follow in the event of an apparent
equipment failure, written in logical outline form.
d. Simplified as built block diagrams deleting alpha
numeric references to controls, relays, patch panel
jacks and other similar devices.
e. A restatement of the terms and conditions of the
system warranty. Describe the terms of manufacturer
warranties, that extend beyond the one year
provisions of this system warranty.
f. Submit within four weeks of final acceptance, four
complete sets of corrected or revised pages and
drawings to update the operating and maintenance
manuals described above to reflect adjustments and
changes to the system during the final testing and
acceptance.
27. Warranty: The system warranty includes the following:
a. Guarantee to repair or replace defects in materials,
workmanship or performance of the installed systems
or their comprising elements at no additional
cost.
b. Provide temporary replacement equipment of a
similar nature if repairs to the defective item cannot
be completed within 24 hours. Use temporary
labels to match the original labeling nomenclature.
Always replace the temporary item with the original
unit after repair.

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c. Replace any equipment item that exhibits similar

failures three times within the warranty period.
d. Replace with new equipment any equipment item
that exhibits similar failures three times within the
warranty period, at no cost.
e. Respond with remedy to requests for service within
24 hours of the request. Provide the property’s
supervisory personnel with a telephone number with
which service requests can be placed at any time.
This requirement applies from the date of the AV
consultant’s recommendation of acceptance and
continues for the following 365 consecutive days.
The warranty shall remain in effect for a period of
one year from the date of system acceptance except
for equipment items whose manufacturer’s warranties
exceed this warranty period and they remain in
effect beyond the one year system warranty period.

13C.5 Food & Beverage Sound Systems

A. General Requirements: Provide background and
foreground music entertainment in food & beverage areas
to complement the atmosphere developed by the interior
designer and operator.
1. Local Controls: Provide in each area and in each venue.
2. Location: The equipment providing the background
music is co-located with the main event space sound
systems, where practical.
3. Access: Each area being provided with background
music has local controls where the controls are
concealed from public view and accessed only by staff.
The controls are located within the space being
controlled so that staff can hear the effects of their
adjustments. The controls include selection of
programming and volume control.
4. Background Music : Themed entertainment and food &
beverage areas are provided with a dedicated channel
of background music from the subscription music service.
No local music inputs, such as CD or iPod / MP3 are
required.
5. Additional Requirements: There may be more advanced
A/V entertainment requirements; see Food & Beverage
Concept Report for specific requirements.
B. Features & Functions:
1. Three Meal a Day and Fine Dining Restaurants: Provide
background music throughout the seating areas.
2. If a seating section is designated as “Private Dining”
provide a local speaker level volume control for that area.
3. Lobby Lounge / Bars: Provide background and
foreground music throughout the seating areas.

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a. Provide zoned local volume controls and a music

source selection control behind the bar.
b. If the concept calls for television entertainment,
provide sufficient televisions to permit most of the
seated patrons to view a video display without
having to turn away from their table guests. Current
technology, professional quality displays with non-
or anti-glare viewing surfaces and third-party RS232
and/or Ethernet (cabled) control are required.
c. Provide a digital media server and control system
with satellite / television tuners behind the bar and
connected to the sound system.
d. Locate a touch screen control panel behind the bar
and at the hostess stand.
4. Piano Bars: Where a piano is part of the concept for a
lounge or bar area, provide a contact microphone in the
piano to provide live sound to the system.
a. Provide a small control panel located at, on, or near
the piano that includes a switch to turn on / off the
local background or foreground music and a volume
control to adjust the level of piano music. The
activation of this control will cause the music to
ramp up or down over a 10 second period, not
simply switch on and off.
b. Provide an identical panel as described above
behind the bar to permit the bartender to control the
sound from the piano and control the background
and foreground music volumes.
c. Where the piano entertainment is anticipated to
include a vocalist or small combo, provide one or
two microphone jacks in addition to the piano
microphone. Provide a small, portable sub-mixer
located at the piano to permit the combo musicians
to sub-mix their instruments. The bartender panel
has three volume controls: one for the piano, one for
the vocalist and one for the other instruments.
d. Where the piano is located near a food and
beverage venue, provide the piano as a music
selection for each such venue.
e. It is recommended that the piano be a digitally
controlled player piano.
5. Snack Bars: Provide background and / or foreground
music from the central control room. The programming
is the same as for the adjacent activity or circulation
spaces. Provide local volume controls.
6. Pool Bars: Provide background and / or foreground

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music with the main programming source located at

the central control room. Provide zoned local volume
controls and source selection controls behind the bar.
a. Where the pool complex is significant, provide
dedicated feed and channel from the central music
server with a local control panel to permit adjusting the
music server for this area. Where this feature is
included, ensure that the adjacent activity area sound
systems are interconnected such that the same music
programming is played throughout the pool area.
b. Locate and contain A/V equipment serving pool areas
in an environmentally conditioned, clean, dry and
secure space or provide a self contained
environmentally sealed and conditioned equipment
rack for this equipment.

13C.6 Fitness Area Sound & Video Systems

A. General Requirements: Provide background an
foreground music to complement the guest activities in
various areas of the Fitness Center.
1. Volume Controls: Provide for each activity area.
2. Location: The equipment providing the background
music is co-located with the main event space sound
systems, where practical. Alternately, it is located in a
staff lounge, telecom equipment closet or administrative
office associated with the Fitness Areas.
3. Access: Each activity area being provided with music
has local controls where the controls can be concealed
from public view and accessed only by staff. The
controls are located within the space being controlled
so that staff can hear the effects of their adjustments.
The controls include selection of music programming
and volume control.
B. Features & Functions
1. Entry Areas and Circulation Corridors: Provide low-level
background music to welcome the guest to the fitness
area. If a reception desk is included, volume controls for
pool, reception and locker rooms are located behind the
desk.
2. Aerobics & Weight Rooms: Provide background and
foreground music and televisions in each of these areas.
The foreground music is an independently selectable
channel of music from the subscription service.
a. Provide wall mounted volume and source controls to
permit the guest to make music selections.

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b. Provide three to six flat current technology flat screen

television monitors that can be easily seen by guests
using the aerobic machines and exercise area. Each
television is equipped with a non or anti-glare viewing
surface and an FM radio transmitter for its sound.
c. Aerobic exercise equipment (elliptical machines,
treadmills, steppers, etc.) are equipped with individual
television monitors and personal head / ear phone
jacks.
d. MATV: Connect exercise equipment monitors and
area flat panel televisions to the MATV.
e. See Module <4>.
3. Locker Rooms: Provide low-level background music on
the same channel as the entry area; locate controls for
this zone at the reception desk.
4. Indoor Pool Areas: Provide low-level background music;
locate controls for this zone at the reception desk.
5. Outdoor Pool Areas: Provide low-level background music
using speakers concealed in surrounding plantings. If a
pool snack bar is provided, connect speakers system to
the pool snack bar sound system. Otherwise, locate
controls behind the reception desk.
13C. 7 Spa Sound & Video Systems
A. General Requirements: Refer to Module <4> and the
Spa Design Standard for more specific information relating
to Spa requirements.
1. Background and Foreground Music: Provide t
complement the guest activities in various areas of the
spa.
2. Volume Controls: Provide for each activity area. The
equipment providing the background music is colocated
with the main event space sound systems, where
practical.
3. Access: Each activity area being provided with music
has local controls where the controls can be concealed
from public view and accessed only by staff. Locate the
controls within the space being controlled so that staff
can hear the effects of their adjustments. The controls
include selection of music programming and volume
control.
4. Dedicated Television Information Channel: Properties
equipped with a Spa have a dedicated television
information channel that is distributed to guestrooms via
the guestroom entertainment system. The programming
for this channel originates from the Spa Manager’s office.

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5. Additional Requirements: The Spa Programming

Report may call for additional A/V technologies to be
incorporated into the Spa A/V systems including digital
art distributed throughout the Spa areas, personal
listening pods, etc.
B. Features & Functions:
1. Entry Area and Circulation Corridors: Provide low-level
background music to welcome the guest to the Spa.
a. Locate volume controls for the entry area, circulation
corridors, pool and locker rooms behind the reception
desk.
b. Provide low-level background music throughout the
guest circulation corridors to mask sounds from the
treatment rooms. Alternately, provide low-level
“nature or organic” sounds from a digital music source.
2. Treatment Rooms: Provide stereo ceiling speakers and a
wall mounted music control in each treatment room.
a. The music control provides volume of and music
selection from least six channels of stereo
background music. An auxiliary music input permits
the playing of music from personal music devices.
b. Alternately, provide a six channel, low-power FM
transmission or WiFi system designed to provide
wireless music service throughout the Spa. Provide
each treatment room with a MP3 / CD-radio or WiFi
receiver having presets adjusted to the Spa music
channels. This radio also has an input to accept
signals from a personal music player such as iPod.
c. A commercial music subscription service is the
source of the background music programming.
3. Meditation Areas: Provide low-level background music
with a dedicated music source. Alternately, provide low-
level “nature or organic” sounds from a digital music
source.
4. Outdoor Areas: Provide low-level background music
using speakers concealed in surrounding planting.
Controls are located behind the reception desk or in a
nearby service area.
5. Locker Rooms: Provide low-level background music on
the same channel as the entry area; locate volume
controls at the reception desk.
6. Wet Areas: Provide low-level background music
throughout the wet activity areas including whirlpool,
plunge, indoor pool and wet treatment rooms. Provide
water and weather proof and self contained speakers.
7. Retail Areas: Provide low-level background music with
volume controls at the cashier area. The music channel
is the same as the adjacent entry or corridor music.
8. Juice Bar Area: Provide low-level background music with
volume controls behind the bar service area. The music
channel is the same as the adjacent activity or corridor

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music.
13C.8 Entertainment Lounges Sound & Video Systems
A. General: Refer to specific property Food & Beverage
Concept report for requirements.

13C. 9 Master Antenna Television ( MATV) System

A. General Requirements: Provide an RF television
distribution system throughout the property public
spaces and guestrooms for delivery of television
programming.
1. Programming: Coordinate with <13A> and <13B>
for cable and broadcast television programming
delivery systems for guestroom entertainment.
2. Infrastructure: Provide both analog and digital RF
and digital IP network infrastructure for guestroom
entertainment.
a. The MATV infrastructure does not provide data
service or high-speed internet access for guests.
b. The MATV infrastructure is designed to
accommodate digital television (DTV) and high
definition television (HDTV) programming.
3. MATV Distribution System: Design to receive and
deliver local, satellite, premium and locally
originated television programming.
B. Features & Functions
1. Television Channel Signal Sources: Provide
programming from multiple sources; the intent is to
provide programming redundancy to minimize
guess impact of any single source failure. Contact
the CT for specific channel requirements for
property location.
a. Provide for reception of local broadcast
programming from the national major networks
such as CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS and other
significant local channels.
b. Provide reception of premium channels such as
HBO, CNN, ESPN, Disney, etc. This
programming may be from local cable, from
satellite or from the pay-per-view programming
vendor.
c. The MATV system accommodates the pay-per
view programming, video information system
programming, special channel programming (Spa,
Golf Club, etc.), interactive gaming and other
locally originated programming.

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d. Contact the CTR for Pay-Per-View criteria for specifics

and additional MATV system infrastructure requirements.
e. Provide equipment and modulation for a minimum of 3
in-house channels used by the property. Channels
distribute content in full HD resolution.
2. Headend Processing: Design the headend to be
relatively fail safe.
a. Individual active single channel and pass band
components are combined through the use of a passive
combiner to prevent the failure of any single active
component affecting other components in the system.
b. Provide single channel processors that accommodate
digital high-definition for off air channels.
c. Design for adjacent channel cable operation with 100
active channels.
d. Provide frequency-agile adjacent channel modulators
for locally originated video channels.
3. Distribute the MATV signals to the following areas:
a. Guestrooms (salons and bedrooms in suites)
b. Event space equipment rooms (coordinate with A/V
systems)
c. Food & beverage areas (including executive lounge)
d. Retail areas
e. Recreation spaces (and spa when applicable)
f. Executive / Sales offices
g. Business center
h. Employee dining
i. Engineering (for television service)
j. In public areas, electronically block premium and
pay-per-view channels.
4. Guestroom MATV Distribution: The distribution system is
broadband (not split-band) and provides 1 GHz
bandwidth with capacity for 100 active channels and
provisions for future channel capacity. Consult with the
CTR for property specific criteria.
a. The minimum signal level is + 5dBmv (+/-3 dBmv) at
any tap, on any channel.
b. Design the system to require no more than one
amplifier between the MATV headend’s passive
channel combiner and any guestroom tap.
c. Design the system with trunks, drops and risers such
that failure of any single active device will not affect
more than 20% of guestrooms.
d. The system may “daisy-chain” up to 16 rooms
(maximum) on any single riser, or the system may be
configured to homerun each guest room tap.

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e. The cabling is at least double shielded with 100%

bonded foil shield and 60% aluminum or tinned
copper braid over foil. Cable is rated for digital signal
distribution.
f. Connectors: Full-cycle hex-crimp type.
g. Splitters and taps: Fully shielded and directional and
designed to pass sub-channel return signals. Self-
terminating or resistive taps are not permitted.
Minimum tap value is 7dB.
h. Design amplifiers for digital signal distribution and
equip with sub-return amplifiers.
5. Public Area Distribution: Home-run to MATV
distribution equipment located in central Sound
Equipment room.

13C. 10 Digital Signage System

A. General Requirements: Also referred to as an
“electronic reader board” or “visual information
system” or “electronic way finding system,” it
manages and visually displays information relating to
events, food and beverage and property activities to
guests. The design of the electronic way-finding
system display is specific and unique to each property
and is distinct from the digital signage displays
provided to promote property amenities and activities.
1. Headend: The components of this system include a
“headend” that accepts and manages information, and
various visual displays throughout public circulation
and assembly areas to present information to guests.
2. Flat Panel Screen Displays: All systems include large
flat panel displays with non or anti-glare viewing
surfaces at key guest circulation junctures in the
facility.
3. Door Side Graphic Displays: All systems provide
smaller flat panel door side graphic displays located
at entrances to each event space. These are
integrated with the signage.
4. General Property Information: Provide at least one
channel for property general information that is
distributed only to the guestroom televisions. Consult
with the CTR for property specific requirements.
B. Features & Functions: The information displayed
relating to meetings and events, includes name, time
and location of the event. Large displays show
meetings occurring or currently scheduled for each day;

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door side displays show meeting information specific to

the related event space.
1. Advanced Features: More advanced features may
include displaying graphics, client logos and full motion
video on large and / or door side displays.
2. Property LAN: Connect the system to the property LAN
such that programming and control is performed from a
designated computer in the administration offices.
3. PMS: Interconnect with the property management
system (PMS) to permit automated posting of events
and interconnect to the property television distribution
system to provide meeting information to the guestroom
televisions. Consult the CTR for specific interface
required and available.
C. Displays:
1. Locations: Locate large displays to provide directional
information at each level of the public areas for the
anticipated flow of guests from the elevators and from
the main entrances to the hotel and event space. Locate
the displays to minimize retracing or backtracking of
traffic.
2. Large Displays: Large displays are commercial quality
flat panel LCD displays equipped with frames or bezels
having non or anti-glare protective glass.
a. The quantity of large displays is determined through
analysis of displays needs. Provide sufficient displays
such that, with a minimum character height of 19 mm
(¾ inches), a dwell time of 10 seconds for each “page”
of information, and a full day’s event information
displayed, the maximum wait time to see any given
event information does not exceed 30 seconds.
b. The display may be recessed into a shadow box
detail in the wall, or provided with a decorative bezel
to integrate the display with the interior architecture
and treatment. These details must provide adequate
ventilation for the display device, and maintain the
fire rating of the wall into or onto which the display is
mounted.
c. Decorative framing or enclosure provides for some
flexibility in display size to accommodate the
possibility of future displays of slightly different overall
dimensions
d. Provide for independent control of overhead speakers
that are near the large displays such that any
programming that includes an audio signal can be
fed to the display area without interference from

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other local sound system programming.

3. Door Side Displays: Provide a door side, flat panel
graphic display at each public entrance to each event
space.
a. LCD: Provide 38 cm (15 inch) (diagonal measure)
door side displays adjacent to each main entrance to
each event space. Provide frames or bezels having
non or anti-glare protective glass.
b. The display may be recessed into a shadow box
detail in the wall, or provided with a decorative bezel
to integrate the display with the interior architecture
and treatment. These details must provide adequate
ventilation for the display device, and maintain the fire
rating of the wall into or onto which the display is
mounted.
c. Any decorative framing or enclosure should provide
for some flexibility in display size to accommodate the
possibility of future displays of slightly different overall
dimensions
13C. 11 Infrastructure Requirements
A. Architectural Acoustics, Event Spaces
1. The acoustical characteristics of the event spaces are
critical to creating successful meeting experiences.
2. Excessive background noise, excessive reverberation,
echoes and sound from adjacent spaces interfere with
the guests’ ability to discern the spoken word,
increases stress and reduces intelligibility. The intent
is to reduce stress and maximize intelligibility.
B. Background Noise Levels
1. Noise Criteria (NC): Measured and calculated
background noise levels can be expressed as Noise
Criteria, or NC. This mechanical noise level indicator
only includes the energy or sound pressure levels of
frequencies between 125 Hertz and 4,000 Hertz. It
ignores noises outside of this range even though they
are well within hearing range.
2. Maximum Background Noise Levels:
a. The background noise levels in Ballrooms are
limited to NC 35 maximum.
b. The background noise levels in Meeting Rooms
and Boardrooms is limited to NC 30 maximum.
3. HVAC Systems: <15A> The most typical source of
unwanted high levels of background noise is the
HVAC system. Design the HVAC systems to minimize
noise levels in the event spaces. Avoid locating noise
making HVAC devices in the ceiling spaces or on the

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roof of event spaces. Select quiet supply diffusers while

following ASHRAE guidelines for noise control.
C. Reverberation Times:
1. Reverberation Time (RT60): is the time measured
in seconds for sound energy to decay 60dB from its
original energy level.
2. Average Reverberation Time:
a. The average reverberation time in Ballrooms is limited
to RT60 = 1.2 seconds, maximum with all salons
combined and average between 500 Hz and 4,000 Hz.
b. The average reverberation time in Meeting Rooms is
limited to RT60 = 0.8 seconds.
3. Causes: Reverberation has a direct relationship to the
internal volume of the space. Therefore, larger rooms
have a greater potential to have a problem with
excessive reverberation.
4. Acoustic Treatment : Reverberation can be controlled
through the use of a proper balance of absorptive,
diffusive and reflective surface treatments. These are
typically required on wall surfaces from chair rail to at
least 3.6 m ( 12 ft) AFF. Coordinate wall finishes
between the project acoustical consultant and the
Interior Designer.

D. Echoes:
1. Cause: Echoes are caused by large, acoustic all
reflective (hard) surfaces. Most frequently, these are
the walls of the event space.
2. Physical Properties: The greater the distance between
the sound source and the reflective surface, the more
distinct the echo becomes.
3. Therefore, larger rooms are more susceptible to having
echo problems. Live bands and productions with
staging and high-level portable sound systems
exacerbate this echo problem because their speakers
direct much of their energy toward the side and rear
walls.
4. Absorptive Surfaces: Wall surfaces which are properly
designed with diffusive or absorptive elements will
reduce or eliminate echoes.

E. Isolation from Adjacent Spaces: See Module <6>.

1. Acoustic Isolation: Provide a sense of privacy for
guests attending meetings in hotel event spaces. This
relies on isolation from adjacent spaces including public
and service corridors, and adjacent event spaces.
2. Sound Transmission Class (STC): The isolation quality
of architectural elements (walls, doors, operable
partitions) is often referred to as Sound Transmission
Class, or STC. This standards based, single figure
rating is determined under tightly controlled laboratory

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Courtyard – International Asia Audio / Visual – 13C

conditions on a relatively small area sample. Because

of field conditions, larger architectural elements
require a higher STC rating to compensate for vibro-
acoustic behavior of the element. EG: Larger operable
partitions need to be rated higher than smaller
partitions to provide the same performance.
3. Noise Isolation Class (NIC): Field testing of
architectural spaces is better expressed in terms of
Noise Isolation Class, or NIC. This methodology is
designed for field evaluation and considers the
subjective effectiveness of all of the associated
architectural elements. NIC relates much more
closely to the guests’ subjective experience and
therefore should be used instead of STC when
describing the desired performance of a demising or
operable partition.
4. Pass Doors : Not permitted in operable partitions,
due to acoustical seal compromises and door
maintenance problems.
F. Equipment Rooms:
1. Sound System Equipment Rooms: The main even
space sound equipment is located in a dedicated
Sound System Equipment Room that is on the same
level as and has its main door opening to the service
corridor associated with that event space. See Figure
-5 (example Sound Equipment Room Layout).
a. No other system equipment is located in the sound
system equipment room, except for an IDF for the
property LAN and telecommunications services.
b. Sound and telecommunications equipment is
contained in totally enclosed and lockable steel
equipment cabinets to prevent damage.
c. If the equipment room serves both A/V and
telecommunications equipment, separate the
equipment with a fence and lockable door to
protect the telecommunications equipment and
allow the A/V equipment to be accessible.
d. The Sound System Equipment Room is an
environmentally conditioned, secure room. Design
this room to maintain a temperature between 10˚
to 27˚ C (50˚ to 80˚ F) with 30% to 75% relative
humidity, non-condensing; see Module <15A>.
e. There is no equipment in the ceiling space above
this room that requires maintenance, adjustment
or service that can leak or produce condensation.
f. Where event spaces are remote from the
equipment room, provide a large touch screen
control panel in a rugged enclosure in the service

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13C – Audio / Visual Courtyard – International Asia

corridor associated with these rooms.

g. The Sound System Equipment Room has:
• Sealed floor
• Painted walls
• Fluorescent lights
• Lay-in ceiling
h. The Sound System Equipment Room is not intended
to provide storage of portable A/V equipment. It
may, however, serve as the A/V Department offices.
2. Mezzanine Level Control Rooms: Provide a mezzanine
level AV control room above the pre-function guest entry
to accommodate technicians operating the AV systems
for events as follows:
a. In high end projects that anticipate a high volume of
social activities
b. Where a ballroom is somewhat small for the
anticipated programmed events
c. Provide windows that open to the ballroom space to
allow the technicians to hear the event.
3. MATV System Rooms: The headend equipment is
located in an environmentally conditioned, secure room.
Design this room to maintain a temperature between 10˚
to 27˚C (50˚ to 80˚ F) with 30% to 75% relative humidity,
noncondensing; see Module <15A>.
a. Where the property is using antennas to receive the
off-air programming, the headend equipment room
is located within a 61 m (200 ft.) run of cable from
the equipment to the antennas.
b. Where the property is using local cable for the off-air
local programming, the headend equipment room is
located near the A/V equipment room or near / in
the property’s computer equipment room.
c. The MATV headend may be co-located with the
property computer and / or telephone equipment.
See Module <13A>. If the headend is not located in
the same room as the Communications Room,
provide ethernet links back to the Communications
Room.

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G. Raceway: Raceway refers to the pathways which contain

and manage the A/V and telecommunications cabling.
This includes conduit, pull boxes and cable trays. See
Figure 6 (example A/V Infrastructure Diagram).
1. “Accessible Raceway” System: Provide to permit
maintenance and upgrading of cabling infrastructure to
accommodate future requirements.
2. Physical Protection: Provide raceway elements to
provide physical protection to the cables, to
accommodate servicing and replacement, and to
provide electromagnetic shielding to minimize
interference with the system.
H. Conduit:
1. Location: Provide conduit from sound system input and
control devices. Conduit extends from the device back
box to above the cable tray so that the cable is
continuously protected.
2. Flexible Conduit: Not permitted. Conduit is ferrous and
thin wall or rigid.

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13C – Audio / Visual Courtyard – International Asia

3. Sweep Bends: Conduit serving network cabling has

“sweep bends” to permit ready maintenance or future
installation of fiber optic cabling.

I. Cable Trays:
1. Purpose: Provide cable trays to collect cables from
input and control devices and from speakers and route
them to the equipment room.
2. Dividers: Cable trays are divided with ferrous dividers
to keep different circuit levels separated from each
other.
3. Location: Cable trays are either attached to the wall or
center hung to permit easy maintenance, additions
and upgrading of the system cabling.
4. Example: Refer to Figure 7 (example Cable Tray
Wiring Distribution Detail).

J. Open Wiring: Open wiring may be used above accessible

ceilings for speaker and control circuits only. Support
open wiring using “J” hooks no further apart than 5 feet on
center.

K. Power & Grounding Service: Provide power for the

sound system from a dedicated single phase, same
phase isolated ground panel located within the sound
equipment room. This panel is referred to as the:
“Technical Systems Power Panel” and is dedicated to
providing power to the A/V equipment racks and to
convenience outlets within the Sound Equipment Room.

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13C – Audio / Visual Courtyard – International Asia

1. Power Panel: Equip with an isolation transformer having

a Faraday shield, derived neutral and isolated ground
tied back to the main building ground grid with a
dedicated, large gauge cable. Refer to Figure 8
(example Technical Systems Power and Grounding
detail).
2. Main Sound System Audio Ground: A dedicated high
quality, chemically charged, non-sacrificial technical
ground providing an impedance to earth of less than 5
ohms (such as Lyncole Industries “XIT” ground rod).
Equivalent grounding schemes may be considered if
their proven performance is equivalent to the system
described.
3. UPS: Equip the sound system is with an uninterruptible
power supply (UPS) to protect the programming and
settings of the control system and the DSP system. The
amplifiers are not carried by the UPS system.
4. Convenience Power Outlets: Provide adjacent to sound
system input plates and A / V network connector panels
in the event spaces.
L. Fire Alarm / Life Safety Interface:
1. Separate System: The sound system is completely
independent of the life safety system and does not carry
life safety alarms or messages.
2. Sound System Shut Off: Since the sound system I
capable of producing high sound levels that could
interfere with guests’ hearing the life safety system
announcements or fire alarms, it is the intent to turn off
the sound system in the event of an alarm.
3. Connectivity: The event space sound systems are
interconnected with the fire alarm system such that the
power to the amplifiers is interrupted in the event of a
general or local alarm. This may be effected through the
use of shunt-trip breakers or latching power contactors
in the equipment rack.
M. Telecommunications:
1. System Interconnectivity: Provide interconnections with
the telephone services to the tie lines and A/V network
patchbays.
2. PI : Provide property internet connections and a variety
of telecommunications services (house phone, DID,
POTS, T-1, ISDN etc.). These services are patched into
the A/V network to serve guests’ needs.
3. Adapters: Provide to use network RJ45 connections as
four phone circuits.
4. Internet Connection: Provide to the control system for
remote monitoring, operation and maintenance.

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13C.12 System Coordination

A. General: Coordinate with requirements of other Modules
including:
•1 Site / Building Exteriors
•2 Facility Entrance
•3 Food & Beverage
•4 Recreation
•5 Retail
•6 Community Spaces
• 7A Guestrooms & Suites
• 7B Guestroom Corridors / Support
•8 Administration & Employee Facilities
• 12 Elevators & Escalators
• 13A Technology Infrastructure
• 13B Telecommunications
• 14 Fire Protection & Life Safety
• 15 Mechanical - Plumbing - Electrical
• 17 Loss Prevention

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