We love supporting the arts in our community! One of our favorite spots is the CityArts gallery in the heart of downtown Orlando. CityArts is currently featuring a truly unique exhibit that we just had to share for our artsy followers!

Check out the current exhibit, BOMBSHELL: Masquerading Warfare by Ben Van Beusekom, at the CityArts gallery in Downtown Orlando through Sunday, 10/11/20.

The artist created stunning works of fine art using donated materials and vintage gas masks that will blow you away!

Ten years in the making, the haute couture artist has been painstakingly adding feathers, beading, sequins, and fabrics to create unique looks for each mask. The result is a truly breathtaking collection of masks that feels so fitting right now as we all cover our faces during the pandemic.

We’re so proud to work with the creative people enhancing the culture of our hometown!

Ascend Artist and Founder, Josh Almeida, stopped by CityArts recently to check out the exhibit before the gallery opened for the day and was so inspired! He was also there to see how the gallery team is enjoying the new audio system we recently installed in this historic building. When you visit, give a listen to the awesome sound in the building!

Photos do not do justice to the impeccable craftsmanship of each piece. You have to see these in person!

Check out the CityArts gallery in downtown Orlando, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11a – 6p. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to support the arts in our community. Find out more information about CityArts here.

Our face masks are not nearly as glamorous as Van Beusekom’s! But we still encourage everyone to mask up when you go out please. Let’s work together to stop the spread of COVID-19!

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How Much Does a Video Wall Cost?

When taking on a large project such as a video wall, the question that’s always on the tip of everyone’s tongue (and rightfully so), is “What will a video wall cost me?” Futuristic, high-tech, creative solutions are great, but can often come with a decent price point. There are a ton of factors that go […]

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Featured Project

Hard Rock Hotel Resort Audio Video System

We recently completed an exciting project for the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando, where we installed a stunning 3×3 video wall as part of their resort audio video system upgrade. This impressive video wall consists of nine 55″ displays while creating a striking centerpiece in the hotel’s newly renovated lobby.

The entire system is powered and controlled by our custom programmed interfaces. This includes all hardware, including video wall processors, audio and video sources. We used durable cat-5 cables to connect the displays, saving our client from the expense of running new power lines. This design also allowed us to integrate the video wall with the hotel’s existing audio video system, meaning the content displayed on the wall can be seen and heard throughout the hotel.

Customized Control with Ascend Studios’ iPad App

At Ascend Studios, we provide custom-branded iPad apps to control all of our resort audio video systems. For Hard Rock Hotel, we completely updated their existing control system and added new features. Now, they have easy control over the video wall, hotel-wide audio zones, and video sources, all with real-time feedback.

The app also includes integrated help files, improved Wi-Fi signal strength, HD graphics, and seamless access to our 24/7 Help Desk support. With our remote monitoring system, we can troubleshoot issues from anywhere in the world, ensuring that the system runs smoothly for guests.

Resort-Wide Audio Video System Overhaul

In addition to the video wall, our team redesigned the entire resort audio video system, covering the pool area, five ballrooms, and all public areas of the hotel. We replaced outdated equipment from the 1999 installation and installed our preprogrammed DSP processors and Crestron control system. This upgrade provided the hotel with a fully customizable audio system, allowing easy updates and scalability.

The system, controlled via a 10″ touch screen and iPad, includes 96 audio zones, each with EQ, leveling, compression, and individual zone controls. We completed the system switch-over in a single night, minimizing disruption, and had everything up and running before 5 AM.

Key Features of the Resort Audio Video System:

Nine 1920×1080 HD video wall displays with remote power and video connections
Custom themed iPad app for seamless control of audio and video systems
Integration with six cable boxes, a Blu-ray player, and a music video server
Full integration with the hotel’s existing audio system
Additional high-output speakers and subwoofers for enhanced sound
Local video DJ HDMI input for live events at the video wall
96 controllable audio zones with advanced EQ and individual zone settings
Free 24/7 access to Ascend Studios’ Help Desk and remote support

This upgraded resort audio video system ensures that Hard Rock Hotel provides a top-tier guest experience, with cutting-edge audio and video technology throughout their property.

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