Travis Air Force Base – AV System Modernization

Q: What does a nationwide AV integrator actually manage?

A nationwide AV integrator manages the full lifecycle across every site: technology standards, site surveys, engineering documentation, procurement, installation, commissioning, and ongoing support — not just equipment sales.

Q: How is a nationwide rollout different from a single-site AV project?

A single-site project designs for one room's conditions. A nationwide rollout defines approved room archetypes (huddle, conference, boardroom, training, etc.) that get applied consistently, with documented exceptions for site-specific constraints like room size or network policy.

Q: Do all rooms need identical equipment?

No. Standardization applies at the archetype level — a small huddle room and a large boardroom should follow different technology packages, but each package should be repeatable across every site that fits that archetype.

Q: Why does network readiness matter for AV projects?

AV-over-IP video, conferencing appliances, control processors, and digital signage all run as networked devices. Without early planning for VLANs, PoE budgets, and security policy, a well-specified system can still underperform once it's installed.

Q: What happens after installation?

Commissioning tests the system under real conditions — video routing, mic pickup, DSP tuning, and conferencing workflows — before handoff. After that, ongoing support (monitoring, maintenance, escalation) keeps performance consistent as firmware, platforms, and room use evolve.

INTRODUCTION

Creation Networks, Inc. partnered with the U.S. Air Force at Travis Air Force Base, California, to modernize aging audiovisual systems. The project encompassed complete design, engineering, programming, and installation.

The upgrade dramatically improves video quality, audio clarity, and user experience.

PROJECT NAME
Travis Air Force Base

Location

Solano County, CA

A large aircraft near an airport control tower on an overcast day.

CHALLENGE

The existing AV infrastructure at the facility was outdated, unreliable, and insufficient for modern mission demands. Key issues included:

Limited support for modern video conferencing and collaboration.
Poor video resolution and inconsistent performance during critical briefings and remote operations.
Subpar audio pickup and reinforcement, especially in group settings.
Fragmented control systems that complicated daily use for Airmen and command staff.

The solution needed to deliver enterprise-grade reliability, seamless integration, and future-proof scalability without disrupting operations.

THE SOLUTION

Creation Networks designed and implemented a comprehensive turnkey AV solution. We handled every phase—from initial assessment and custom engineering to professional programming and flawless installation.

The new system features a high-brightness Barco projector with advanced optics for sharp, reliable visuals; Crestron DigitalMedia (DM) infrastructure for robust 4K signal distribution and control; and premium Shure audio solutions for crystal-clear conferencing. Q-SYS powers the integrated audio system with Shure microphones and provides intuitive Crestron touch panel interfaces with custom programming for simplified operation.

This approach delivers high-performance conferencing with an intuitive user experience.

THE TECHNOLOGY

The deployment incorporated best-in-class components:

Barco G62-W9 DLP Projector with G Lens (0.65-0.75:1) for exceptional brightness and clarity.
Universal ceiling mount, adjustable extension column, and support hardware.
Crestron DM-RMC-4KZ-100-C receiver/controller and high-speed HDMI cabling.

Crestron CP4N 4-Series Control System.
Crestron HD-WP-4K-401-C 4K Multi-Window Video Processor.
Netgear M4250-26G4F-PoE+ Managed Switch.
Taurus TPX Transmitter/Receiver Bundle for flexible connectivity.
Extensive Premium High-Speed HDMI cabling.

AVER CAM520 Pro3 Conference Camera for superior video capture.
Shure MXA920 ceiling array microphones for advanced audio pickup with beamforming technology.
Q-SYS audio processing and amplification with Shure integration.
Q-SYS touch panels with custom programming for one-touch control of sources, conferencing, and room functions.
Crestron TS-1070 tabletop touch screen, USB extenders, and premium cabling including USB-C solutions.

All systems integrate seamlessly for video calls, wireless presentation, multi-window processing, and centralized control.

RESULTS

The upgraded AV environment at Travis AFB now delivers:

Crystal-clear video with reliable 4K projection and conferencing, eliminating previous visibility issues.
Superior audio performance via Shure MXA920 arrays and Q-SYS processing—ensuring every voice is captured accurately in meetings and calls.
Simplified operation through intuitive Crestron touch interfaces, reducing training time and operator errors.
Enhanced mission readiness with a modern, reliable system that supports operations and inter-agency collaboration.

Airmen and leadership now benefit from professional-grade AV. The project was completed on schedule with zero operational downtime.

Creation Networks specializes in complex AV integrations for government, military, enterprise, and commercial clients. Our end-to-end expertise in design, engineering, programming (Crestron, Q-SYS, Shure and more), and installation ensures solutions that perform under the most demanding conditions.