Case Study: The Human Lab records consumer feedback with AREC in the UK

Dear ADENA Partners, we are concluding the year with a case study featuring a unique facility called The Human Lab, based in the UK. Completed by our distributor, Tukans, and system integrator, Visually Connected Worldwide, the project demonstrates how companies can utilise AREC Media Stations to effectively create content and stream it with minimal user input and maximum security.

The Human Lab, managed by the Human Factors Centre consulting agency, is a specialised testing space for the medical and consumer industries. The lab comprises a viewing room and a respondent room, separated by a one-way mirror. The respondent room can be configured to replicate a wide range of environments: from a typical conference room with chairs and tables to an outdoor setting, complete with grass and landscape rocks. The room is also equipped with various technologies, such as eye-tracking systems, to help companies evaluate responses to products, their usability, and more.

Another invaluable technology required for such applications is AV recording. For a long time, the lab relied on a Hikvision NVR to provide recordings of testing sessions to companies. While the system consistently recorded events, it used an uncommon security format, making it difficult to share recordings with clients. This system also relied on Hikvision static security cameras, which lacked easy control of their pan and tilt positions — a feature that is essential for fully capturing the testing experience. Lastly, the system lacked streaming capabilities and was not designed for hybrid conferencing, thereby limiting The Human Lab’s ability to invite remote observers and promote its services.

The lab was looking to upgrade its system when the Visually Connected Worldwide team reached out. They assessed the requirements and contacted us shortly after. We arranged a meeting at short notice, discussed it thoroughly, and organised a proof-of-concept demonstration with the facility manager — all within the same week. After we addressed all questions and proposed ways to simplify the lab’s AV workflow, it was decided that AREC was indeed the right solution for the facility, and installation followed soon after. The system we proposed completely replaced the original hardware and improved it in every aspect.

To begin with, it was crucial for the lab to have backup recordings at all times and additional failsafes. One of the main reasons the facility relied on an NVR was its ability to record continuously every day. For this reason, we proposed replacing it with an LS-200 Media Station. The station recorded, streamed, mixed cameras, and created backups. It was the ideal choice, as it could record not only a mixed video feed from two cameras but also each camera's output individually, providing the user with all the necessary materials for post-editing, clip creation, and security purposes.

To provide a "plan B" in case the user accidentally stops or forgets to start a recording, we set up a continuous stream to a private channel on a streaming platform. This stream operates automatically as soon as the Media Station is powered on and maintains a 48-hour buffer. The streaming platform restarts the stream automatically and stores streams for up to a week, allowing users ample time to download videos if needed. Since the LS-200 can handle two RTMP streams simultaneously, we also assisted the user in setting up a private YouTube channel, not only for failsafe streaming but also for promotional events and webinars.

Another failsafe mechanism we proposed was the UB-01 Recording Light. This accessory, designed specifically for Media Stations, allows the user to monitor the recording status of a connected Media Station and start or stop recording as needed. An additional feature of the UB-01 is its ability to duplicate the functionality of a USB port to which it is connected. For example, when connected to the front USB port of the LS-200, it enables the user to plug in a USB drive and save recordings not only to the primary storage but also to the external drive.

To further enhance user confidence, we proposed that the customer use ARECloud — our free cloud control solution. This platform allows users to add all their Media Stations, check previews, switch recording and streaming themes, monitor recording and streaming status, and schedule events. ARECloud can be accessed from any location with an Internet connection, making it highly convenient for users to control their Media Stations even when they are away from the lab.

Since most of the lab's customers use videoconferencing software and may need to connect from their offices, we proposed adding a RADA Bridge, an HDMI-to-USB converter. This device transforms the LS-200 into a webcam for Teams, Zoom, and other conferencing applications while also transmitting its audio. With the Bridge in place, remote attendees could observe the testing work and simulations as if they were physically present.

Lastly, the Media Station utilised two AVer network cameras as video sources and a Sennheiser ceiling microphone with a Dante Avio converter for audio. The LS-200’s VISCA-over-IP support allowed the lab to control the PTZ movement of the AVer cameras directly through the station’s web interface, the free AREC software, and the GUI on the station’s video output.

The abundance of new features and security measures helped The Human Lab significantly enhance its content creation and outreach capabilities. Is your company looking for a reliable recording and streaming solution to improve media production? Contact us at www.a-dena.com to arrange a demonstration and discover why AREC is exactly what you need!

ADENA Hack: How to make it visible that the Media Station is recording?

There are multiple ways in which AREC Media Stations indicate recording status. First of all, every station lights up the “recording” button when it is recording. You can also see that through the GUI, the web interface, using PC/MAC applications, and even through a dedicated accessory UB-01 Recording Light- through which recording and streaming can also be initiated. However, another way is via the camera’s tally light - we introduced these to CI-21H and CI-22H PTZ Camera models for your convenience. Whenever you are using these camera models with our stations, upon starting a recording session, the tally light will automatically turn on and thus indicate that the Media Station is working. This addition to CI-21H and CI-22H models can help both the host and their audience know that they are being recorded without extra costs. Would you like to see how it works in practice? Contact us at www.a-dena.com to arrange a demonstration and we will be more than happy to arrange it for you.

ADENA Hack: How to complement your AREC setup

AREC devices are flexible and can be used with a variety of devices to complement their features. For example, you can use computer mice to operate interactive GUI, or regular numeric keypads to control basic features like theme switching or recording and streaming controls. However, we are also introducing two additional accessories to make your recording and streaming experience even more pleasant - these are UB-01 and AM-01. The UB-01 is a recording light - when it is connected to AREC Media Station via USB, it can issue start and stop recording commands, as well as show if a recording session is in progress. The device can be mounted on a wall to provide a visible cue for the presenter. AM-01 is a receiver for the wireless microphone - it can be used to pair AM-600 and AM-601 microphones with computers, Media Stations that don’t have inbuilt antennas, and other devices via USB to capture their audio. Both accessories are available now and can be used together with other AREC and third party solutions to expand our products’ features. Find out more information about these devices in their product pages, or contact us at www.a-dena.com and we will be happy to assist you.