Crestron, through the integrator Assurance Media, collaborates with the laboratory, which allowed them to precisely understand the particular needs of this client.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) is the state’s reference center for public health in Delaware (USA), with more than a century of history dedicated to analysis and the protection of the population. Its role is strategic: from monitoring infectious diseases to coordinating with agencies such as the CDC, EPA, or FDA. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the laboratory identified a key need: to modernize its meeting and collaboration spaces to face an increasingly demanding scenario in terms of communication, coordination, and emergency response.

The challenge: a critical environment with physical limitations

The DPHL faces unusual conditions for AV integration. 80% of its surface area is dedicated to sterile zones, which drastically reduces the space available for collaborative work areas. Added to this is the high operational pressure and an environment where power outages are common. The priority, therefore, was not only to install advanced technology, but to guarantee reliability, operational continuity, and ease of use for non-technical staff.

In addition, the laboratory was seeking a multipurpose space that could function as a training room, hybrid meeting center, and, if necessary, as a backup operations center in the event of health emergencies or natural disasters.

The solution: design focused on people and processes

Since 2009, the integrator Assurance Media has collaborated with the laboratory, which allowed them to precisely understand the particular needs of this client. For this phase, the project focused on combining two adjacent rooms and transforming them into a divisible conference room. This created a flexible space that supports both internal meetings and coordination sessions with external partners.

The system was built on a Crestron infrastructure, with the DM NVX® AV-over-IP platform and centralized control. This choice replaced unreliable components, providing a robust and scalable backbone that ensures continuity even in environments with electrical instability.

For the end user, a simple experience was designed: 7” and 10” touch panels that allow the entire system to be operated without technical assistance, and a clear use scheme that facilitates both hybrid meetings and training or team events.

Network security and ease of use: a delicate balance

One of the biggest challenges was enabling collaboration without compromising the laboratory’s strict network security. Here, the integration of AirMedia® was decisive. The system offers wireless BYOD connectivity and wired HDMI connection, ensuring a secure environment for content sharing without the risk of compromising sensitive systems.

This point is particularly relevant for other AV integrators: IT security is no longer an add-on, but a structural requirement in critical sectors such as healthcare or research laboratories. The solution demonstrates how it is possible to offer usability for the user while also meeting the most demanding security standards.

Results: a space with strategic value

The new multipurpose space at DPHL has generated a direct impact on operations and internal culture. They now have a reliable environment to coordinate with external agencies, train staff, improve team morale, and above all, maintain operational continuity in case of emergency.

From an integration perspective, this case is an example of how AV design cannot be separated from the organizational context. It was not just about installing screens or encoders, but about creating an environment that supported the laboratory’s mission: to provide reliable data and recommendations to protect public health.

In the words of AJ Rahman, AV Practice Area Manager at Assurance Media: “The laboratory plays an essential role in protecting public health. As integrators, our mission was to provide a consistent, reliable solution that is easy to maintain over time. We knew that the Crestron DM NVX platform would deliver the best return on investment as a long-lasting solution with tangible impact on the laboratory’s operations.”

Lessons for the AV integrator

This project leaves clear takeaways for integration professionals:

• Design with the user in mind: when staff are non-technical, ease of use becomes a critical factor for adoption.
• Ensure operational continuity: in sensitive sectors, system robustness can be just as important as functionality.
• Balance security and collaboration: BYOD solutions must coexist with high-level corporate or institutional network requirements.
• Flexible spaces, secure investments: the ability to adapt a divisible space multiplies return on investment and provides resilience to the organization.