When the owners of a new Twin Peaks location in Olathe, KS needed an A/V system in their new sports bar, they turned to Wichita Audio Video to deliver a system that offered robust performance on a large scale. Twin Peaks required an A/V system that allowed the staff to focus on running the restaurant, while allowing the staff the ability to quickly make adjustments such as changing the channel or adjusting the
volume on the fly.

The challenge presented to Wichita Audio Video was developing a simplified point of control for 87 Sharp and Samsung displays and 12 DirecTV satellite receivers. “Our challenge was to create a system that enabled the staff to focus on running the restaurant, not the A/V system” said Tim Owens, A/V and Security Manager at Wichita Audio Video. To accomplish this, Wichita Audio Video relied on RTI control solutions.

To properly control all of the video displays and satellite receivers Wichita Audio Video used an XP-8s control processor paired with 20 PCM-4 port expansion modules. This solution provides Twin Peak’s staff with the flexibility to control each display individually. Additionally, Wichita Audio Video employed IP control of the 12 DirecTV receivers, allowing them to provide the Twin Peak’s staff with station and broadcast feedback for each of the satellite receivers. The staff is also able to track which TV(s) are attached to each DirecTV receiver in real-time, and make changes as necessary.

To further simplify control, the Twin Peak’s staff was presented with automated one-touch system feature that turns on all 87 video displays and DirecTV receivers, while establishing desired volume levels and sources automatically. A “special event” macro was also incorporated as a convenience that turns all video displays to a single DirecTV source instantaneously for a quick transition to the big game.

For control, Wichita Audio Video created a custom RTiPanel app interface featuring a copy of the restaurant layout and TV locations. Each Twin Peaks manager was provided with the RTiPanel control application on their iPhone to allow for full control over the entire system in the palm of their hand.

One of the more unique features of the installation was the use of a 22” touchscreen PC running the RTI Virtual Panel PC control application. Located behind the hostess station, the 22” touchscreen provides full control over the entire restaurant (see sample screenshot on right). “The system has been installed for over six months now, and the client has been very happy with the ease of use for the staff, as well as overall reliability. The owners have actually recommended this solution to other franchisees”, added Tim Owens.