Around 80 devices from Snap One are providing entertainment, security and control to The Shack Indoor Golf Club in Glenview, Illinois. Visitors can ‘play’ on over 100 championship courses, all brought to life by Trackman golf simulators. The experience is further elevated by the audio, video, and automation components from Snap One, now part of ADI.
These technologies have been integrated throughout the facility, enhancing the simulation environments without intruding on the experience. Long-time Snap One + ADI customer, Quality Connections Audio & Video Design (QCAV), worked closely with The Shack’s owners to craft the dynamic, PGA-style entertainment venue for all ages and skill levels.
QCAV was introduced to the project just as the 8,000sqft building was being gutted, giving the team a clean slate to work with. The owners envisioned a golf facility with advanced technology. The Shack wanted life-size displays, distributed audio and video, surveillance, and automation.
QCAV installed a custom-programmed Control4 automation system integrated with the OvrC remote management platform. The Shack managers use a simple Control4 app on a dedicated iPad behind the restaurant bar to supervise the numerous Snap One technologies, including the larger-than-life displays featured in the six golf simulation bays.
The team can access the cloud-based management solutions to ensure all Snap One technologies are operating optimally. If something seems problematic, the QCAV techs can troubleshoot from wherever they are with no need to go directly to The Shack.
To turn the displays on and off, QCAV programmed special open and close commands into The Shack’s central automation processor. Just a single touch of a button on the iPad signals the Control4 EA-3 controller to turn on and off all six simulation displays and 30 TVs.
Audio is integrated, travelling with the video via a Triad audio matrix and LEA amplifiers to Snap One Episode-brand loudspeakers in each simulation location and other parts of the property. QCAV divided the audio distribution system into three independent zones enabling music from components in the AV rack to play at the bar/restaurant while golfers hear audio from a sports broadcast in the simulation area.
To extend the video enjoyment beyond virtual golf sessions, QCAV integrated a Binary MoIP (media over IP) solution from Snap One to distribute other entertainment content from a central rack of AV components to any or all displays. This includes 30 Samsung TVs mounted on poles between each simulation bay and occupying the bar/restaurant area.
August Arrigo, QCAV principal, said: “If a problem is detected, we can fix it without having to visit The Shack and have the system up and running within a few minutes. If we do need to perform an onsite inspection and remedy, WattBox allows us to see exactly which piece of equipment is affected so we can bring the right replacement or tools to fix it.” Luma-brand surveillance cameras also provide insight, recording footage captured inside and outside to a dedicated server, which The Shack managers and owners can review when necessary.”
He added: “When the simulators aren’t being used, the 150in displays and a 220in display in a jumbo bay with stadium-style seating, can show the SuperBowl, golf tournaments, movies, and more, while the Samsung displays present something completely different. The Shack managers select and direct the choice media via a custom Control4 app on a dedicated iPad secured on a wall-mounted LaunchPort charging station. For the quad-screen at the bar, they can choose separate programs for each of the four individual displays or spread one show across all four displays.”
