Met Office HQ Conference Rooms

In the unlikely event of a section failing, individual modular LED panels can be replaced without disrupting the rest of the wall. This also means that the display can be maintained entirely from the front, so there’s no need for rear access, reducing maintenance time and disruption.

Each LED display is driven by a dedicated Novastar video processor handling real-time scaling and layout management. Both rooms are also equipped with a Sony 85" 4K display as a secondary screen, displaying additional presentation content as required. As well as image performance, these displays were selected for their strong sustainability credentials, including energy efficiency and reduced-impact packaging.

Source routing and video distribution across both rooms is handled by Visionary's AV over IP platform. Rather than running fixed point-to-point cabling between every source and display, the system encodes video, audio, USB, and control signals as data and distributes them across a managed network. Visionary AVoIP was selected for its low-power, fanless design, AES67 audio integration, video preview capability, as well as strong technical support and warranty.

The network supporting the system runs across two Netgear M4250 managed switches, providing the bandwidth, IGMP multicast support, and PoE infrastructure needed to handle multiple simultaneous 4K streams reliably. All connected devices across the network are monitored and reported through the wider control ecosystem, allowing proactive fault identification and streamlined system management.

Each room has a selection of wireless Shure Axient Digital wireless microphones, housed on a docking station. Shure gooseneck mics are integrated within the lecterns for fixed position presentations. The cutting-edge 24-channel receiver also allows for future expansion through licensing, enabling additional channels without requiring new hardware.

Both rooms are also equipped with a legacy Sennheiser infrared assistive listening system for those with hearing difficulty. The system was an existing installation that had fallen out of use, and was recommissioned and tested by GVAV beyond the original project scope. Unlike induction loop systems, the IR signal is contained within the room and cannot pass through walls, making this a secure solution for sensitive meetings.

Integrated within each lectern is a dedicated iiyama confidence monitor providing a local view of the main LED wall display content. Meetings can be joined with one touch from a familiar Microsoft Teams Rooms interface via a Poly 10” touchscreen display also on the lectern. Users can also bring their own device and plug directly into the system to share content to either display.

The system has been designed with ease of use as a top consideration, meaning any presenter or meeting organiser can walk into either room and be operational within seconds. Each room’s lectern has a third display integrated - a Q-SYS touchscreen with a GVAV-designed custom GUI, giving users clear and simple control over input source selection, audio and room lighting without any additional user training required. Integrated power management, including SurgeX protection, ensures that key systems such as the LED displays can be fully powered down when not in use, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

On handover of the space, GVAV produced detailed user guides for the two spaces, including full operating instructions and technical guidance.

With these refreshed conference rooms now in use, the Met Office has two modern spaces designed for more engaging and productive hybrid conference events. Through the Absen LED wall, clear and bright visuals are delivered into the room, while meetings run on the familiar Teams platform that staff already know, with professional-grade audio and a camera system benefitting those joining a call from a remote location. The design also supports long-term sustainability, with energy-efficient technologies, system monitoring, and future expansion built into the solution.

Working alongside the Met Office’s in-house technical team, both spaces have been upgraded to perform reliably over the long term, and to keep pace with the people who use them.