Brantford City Council

During the fall of 2001, Brantford City Hall (Brantford, Ontario) underwent several renovations, including a redesigned council chamber. The new audio visual system in the council chamber, that was supplied and installed by Hamilton Video and Sound, includes a video and computer projection system, document camera, wireless control system and an Auditel IDN Integrated Microphone and Voting System.

The IDN system utilizes a Windows based program to provide all the microphone control and voting functions. A Minicom Duet Control System allows either the mayor or the clerk control of the IDN system from their keyboard and mouse. The Auditel software provides the capability of configuring a graphic layout of the seating and name assignment, so the operator can easily see graphically, and by name, the delegates requesting to speak, and those with microphones turned on (mayor's position shown at bottom right). The names of those requesting and with microphones on are also displayed the video projection screen.

The IDN system can be operated in either a central control mode, (where the delegate must request to speak and the operator maintains complete control), or manual mode, (where the delegates control their own microphones). Both microphone activity and voting results printouts are available as part of the program.

In addition to the 20 fixed desk microphones, there are four Azden Performance Series UHF handheld microphones that are used as roving audience microphones, still controlled through the IDN system. The microphone system audio output feeds the sound reinforcement system built into the delegate units, ceiling speakers in the room, cable television broadcast and Williams Sound FM Hearing Assistance System.

Electronic voting is an integral part of the microphone system, providing parliamentary (yes, no, abstain), or 5 way multiple choice voting. Voting results can be displayed on the video projector in real time, delayed until the end of the vote or not displayed at all as a secret ballot. The system utilizes one circulating 3 pair cable between delegate and chairman units, and the NC50 network controller, which occupies only 2 rack spaces. The Minicom computer control system utilizes one CAT5 cable from each remote KVM position to the master.

The Auditel IDN provides a high quality audio system, coupled with a wealth functionality, ease of operation, attractive styling, straight forward installation and modest cost. It is a major asset to any council chamber or committee room.