Greater Manchester Combined Authority: Fire Service HQ Video Wall

AV INSTALLED

Samsung displays

B-Tech mount

Extron amplifier & speakers

Logitech MeetUp

​​​​​​​University of Exeter computer lab audio visual case study​​​​​​​

Located in Swinton, Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Fire Service Headquarters serves as the central command hub for Greater Manchester’s Fire and Rescue Service. 

This facility plays a critical role in coordinating emergency response operations, managing fire safety initiatives, and conducting strategic planning for fire and rescue services across the region.

The headquarters is an existing established facility that has undergone various upgrades to meet the evolving needs of the fire service. The facility’s position within the city of Salford means it’s strategically positioned with access to the rest of the region.

GVAV were delighted to be selected to provide the design and integration services for this key Blue Light sector training and operations requirement.

With the growing shift towards technology-driven training and communication, GMCA identified the need for a high-quality visual system, commissioning GVAV to design and install an advanced solution that would enable realistic training scenarios while supporting hybrid collaboration through a Microsoft Teams integration.

Several site-specific challenges had to be addressed to ensure a successful installation. The primary wall within the training space featured multiple internal windows, preventing direct wall-mounting of the video wall. Lighting conditions and the room’s layout rendered traditional projectors and projection screens impractical, necessitating a direct view display solution.

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A low false ceiling with multiple smoke alarms and air conditioning units further limited the available space for ceiling-mounted equipment and cabling. 

To overcome these constraints, GVAV designed a freestanding video wall solution, utilising B-Tech mounting systems to ensure stability, adaptability, and optimal viewing angles.

The video wall system consists of nine Samsung VMB-U Series 55" displays configured to form a sleek, high-resolution video wall. The panels were chosen for their ultra-narrow bezels for a near-seamless viewing experience, as well as their 4K capability, ensuring exceptional clarity and colour accuracy. 

The B-Tech freestanding mount has been used used to circumvent wall-mounting restrictions while enabling access from the rear for maintenance purposes.

For the audio system, an Extron XPA U 1002 amplifier was selected for its high efficiency performance and low power consumption, ensuring reliable continuous operation. Two Extron FF220 ceiling drop-in speakers provide clear, evenly distributed audio so videos, training content and video calls can be heard with clarity while being discreet within the ceiling.

The speakers were also paired with an Extron HDP 101 HDMI to display port converter to allow for daisy-chaining the screens together and converting the signal back to HDMI for easy connectivity.

GMCA Fire Service HQ Training and meeting facility

A Logitech MeetUp all-in-one device has been installed above the video wall. With 4K capability and integrated beamforming microphone, the MeetUp serves as the room’s camera and microphone high quality video conferencing via Microsoft Teams. The Logitech camera also allows staff to watch and assess participants’ actions remotely during training sessions.

The completed installation at GMCA enhances the Fire Service’s ability to conduct different types of training including through immersive video, for example by displaying emergency simulations in real-time. Configured as a large video wall, the 4K Samsung displays provide clear, reliable content delivery for all users. This multi-purpose space can be deployed for a range of uses including strategic planning, large-scale briefing, video conferencing and presentations.

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GVAV’s North West team worked alongside GMCA to overcome structural challenges to implement a bespoke AV solution, delivering a system that has been designed to enhance training, preparedness and hybrid communication. 

This project further underscores GVAV’s expertise in designing and integrating AV solutions for mission-critical environments, as well as GMCA’s reputation as a forward-thinking local authority.

The new facility will bring fresh opportunities for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, equipping it with modern AV technology built for the future to meet the demands of modern fire service operations.

“

"Going from a 50’’ TV to a media wall has made the training for the fire safety regulators far more immersive and has created a much more realistic scenario for the training. Whilst this design was purpose-made for the training scenario it has also become a fan favourite for Teams meetings. This is down to the large display, impeccable audio and the Logitech meetup.

Also, we have started to use Matterport software for the real world mapped training, this software alongside the huge 9-screen videowall enables us to be tricked into feeling like we are in the room. GVAV went above and beyond, by proposing a design that gave us maximum benefit from what was a very restrictive space."

James Branson

Protection Training and Development Manager, GMCA

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