Boardroom Chic

Reebok's new world headquarters building in Canton, Mass., is amajestic structure with grand curves and a sleek design. But behind thegood looks, there's something more — a sophisticated videoinstallation. From its state-of-the-art, Avid-based video editing suiteto its technology-laden conference rooms, the building makes astatement about the important position video holds in Reebok'scorporate culture.

In the executive boardroom, the technology is largely tucked awaybehind the beautifully crafted, cherry wood cabinetry and millwork. Acustom cabinet at the front of the room houses a rack filled with avariety of playback devices including VHS, audiocassette, CD player,and cable TV tuner.

A self-contained Polycom ViewStation videoconferencing unit featurescamera, codec, loudspeakers, and other necessary electronics. Off toone side of the room sits a 42in. Sony plasma display monitor thatsupports the output of videoconferences and displays programming sentfrom Reebok's own cable television system.

A custom-programmed wireless Panja color touchscreen panel permitseasy remote control of all room functions, from lighting and shades toprojection screen and sound system adjustments. An interface on theback wall allows for non-intrusive media service support as needed.

Rounding out the equipment in this high-tech boardroom are an Extronmatrix switcher, five JBL ceiling loudspeakers, and a Beyerdynamicmicrophone.

The executive boardroom at Reebok headquarters features a Sony PX30LCD front projector that lowers from an SVS life and tucks cleanly intothe ceiling when not in use.