The Human Lab records consumer feedback with AREC in the UK

The Human Lab is a unique facility located in the UK, the project showcases how organisations can make use of AREC Media Stations to create and stream content efficiently, requiring minimal user intervention while ensuring maximum security.

The Human Lab, operated by the Human Factors Centre consulting agency, is a specialised testing facility designed to serve both the medical and consumer sectors. The lab features a viewing room and a respondent room, separated by a one-way mirror. The respondent room can be adapted to simulate a wide variety of environments, from a standard conference room with chairs and tables to an outdoor setting complete with artificial grass and landscape rocks. Additionally, the space is equipped with advanced technologies, such as eye-tracking systems, enabling companies to assess product responses, usability, and other key factors.

Another essential technology for such applications is AV recording. For many years, the lab relied on a Hikvision NVR to provide companies with recordings of testing sessions. Although this system consistently captured events, it used a proprietary security format that made sharing recordings with clients challenging. Furthermore, it depended on Hikvision static security cameras, which did not offer easy control of pan and tilt movements, a crucial feature for fully documenting the testing process. Finally, the system lacked streaming capabilities and was not designed to support hybrid conferencing, thus restricting The Human Lab’s ability to accommodate remote observers and promote its services more widely.

The lab was seeking to upgrade its system when the team at Visually Connected Worldwide made contact. After carefully assessing the requirements, they approached ADENA shortly afterwards. A meeting was arranged at short notice, during which the project was discussed in detail, and a proof-of-concept demonstration was organised with the facility manager, all within the same week. Once all questions had been addressed and solutions proposed to streamline the lab’s AV workflow, it was agreed that AREC was the ideal choice for the facility. Installation soon followed. The system proposed fully replaced the existing hardware and delivered improvements across every aspect.

To begin with, it was essential for the lab to have continuous backup recordings and additional failsafes in place. One of the main reasons the facility had previously relied on an NVR was its capacity for uninterrupted daily recording. To address this requirement, the team proposed replacing it with an LS-200 Media Station. This solution offered recording, streaming, camera mixing, and backup creation in one integrated system. It was the ideal choice, as it allowed not only the recording of a mixed video feed from two cameras but also the individual outputs from each camera. This provided the user with all the necessary material for post-production editing, clip creation, and enhanced security.

To provide a “plan B” in the event that a user accidentally stops or forgets to start a recording, a continuous stream was configured to a private channel on a streaming platform. This stream begins automatically as soon as the Media Station is powered on and maintains a 48-hour rolling buffer. The platform automatically restarts the stream as needed and stores recordings for up to a week, giving users sufficient time to download any required footage. As the LS-200 supports two simultaneous RTMP streams, the team also assisted the lab in setting up a private YouTube channel. This serves not only as an additional failsafe but also as a resource for promotional events and webinars.

Another failsafe mechanism proposed was the UB-01 Recording Light. This accessory, designed specifically for use with Media Stations, enables users to monitor the recording status of a connected Media Station and to start or stop recording as needed. An additional advantage of the UB-01 is its ability to duplicate the functionality of the USB port to which it is connected. For instance, when plugged into the front USB port of the LS-200, it allows the user to connect a USB drive and save recordings both to the primary storage and to the external drive simultaneously.

To further strengthen user confidence, it was also recommended that the customer utilise ARECloud – a free cloud-based control solution. This platform enables users to register all their Media Stations, view previews, switch between recording and streaming themes, monitor recording and streaming statuses, and schedule events. Accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection, ARECloud offers users the flexibility to manage their Media Stations remotely, even when away from the lab.

As many of the lab’s clients use videoconferencing software and often need to connect from their offices, it was recommended to add a RADA Bridge, an HDMI-to-USB converter. This device effectively transforms the LS-200 into a webcam for use with Teams, Zoom, and other conferencing applications, while also transmitting audio. With the Bridge in place, remote participants can observe testing activities and simulations as though they were physically present.

Finally, the Media Station was configured to use two AVer network cameras as video sources, alongside a Sennheiser ceiling microphone connected via a Dante Avio converter for audio. Thanks to the LS-200’s VISCA-over-IP support, the lab is able to control the PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) functions of the AVer cameras directly through the station’s web interface, the free AREC software, or the graphical user interface on the station’s video output.

The extensive new features and enhanced security measures have enabled The Human Lab to significantly improve its content creation and outreach capabilities.

Is your organisation seeking a reliable recording and streaming solution to elevate your media production? Contact us and discover why AREC is the ideal choice for your needs.