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When Gila River Resorts & Casinos faced the growing risk of outdated AV technology across their properties, they turned to Immedia for a solution that would not only modernize their systems but ensure operational continuity every step of the way. This case study highlights how our team engineered and executed a comprehensive network upgrade — delivering cutting-edge performance, built-in redundancy, and long-term scalability without any downtime.
This project entailed a comprehensive upgrade of the Audio-Visual (AV) network infrastructure across three casino locations. The primary objective was to enhance network reliability, performance, and audio consistency through the implementation of a redundant network architecture utilizing Extreme Networks switches and advanced audio processing.
Gila River Resorts & Casinos came to Immedia with a critical challenge: their AV technology was outdated, with systems dating back to 2013. This aging infrastructure posed a significant risk, as the casinos operated on a precarious system that could fail at any moment. With three casinos relying on this technology, the need for a comprehensive upgrade was urgent.
Immedia stepped in to design a complete solution that would revamp the entire video backbone of the casinos while ensuring uninterrupted operations. After the design was complete, Gila River chose to take the project out to bid.
Immedia was successful in winning the bid, and by June 2024, received the purchase order to begin the ambitious upgrade.
The success of the project was largely attributed to the collaborative efforts between Immedia's skilled team and the dedicated staff at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. From the outset, open lines of communication were established, fostering a strong partnership that allowed for seamless coordination throughout the upgrade process.
Immedia's network engineers and project managers worked closely with the casino's IT and operations teams to ensure that every aspect of the installation was meticulously planned and executed. This teamwork was crucial in navigating the complexities of upgrading the AV systems while maintaining full operational capacity in the casinos. Regular meetings and updates kept everyone aligned on project milestones and timelines, enabling quick problem-solving and adjustments as needed.
“Working with Immedia means partnering with a team that takes requests seriously and prioritizes responsiveness. They are always willing to provide cutting-edge systems and reliable service, even on short notice, ensuring that urgent needs are met without compromising quality. Their commitment to flexibility and efficiency allows them to deliver seamless audiovisual solutions quickly, keeping operations running smoothly and exceeding expectations.”
Jason Bowman, Corporate Director of IT Infrastructure, Gila River Resorts & Casinos
The first casino was completed by the end of August 2024, followed by the second in November 2024 and the third by January 2025, all achieved with zero downtime.
This extensive upgrade involved replacing all network hardware and sources, effectively transitioning from the outdated system to a modern, robust infrastructure using the Crestron DM NVX ® AV-over-IP platform. The scope of Immedia's work included the installation of 39 DM NVX encoders, 137 DM NVX decoders, and 29 Crestron touch screens at the primary casino, Wild Horse Pass. Each location received tailored configurations, with additional encoders and decoders installed at the other casinos.
They can now add displays and sources with minimal programming requirements, significantly enhancing their operational flexibility. Currently running at 4K, the system has the potential to upgrade to 8K and even 16K in the future, ensuring that the casinos remain at the forefront of technology for years to come.
The updates provided by Immedia have equipped Gila River Resorts & Casinos with virtually unlimited scalability.
The shared commitment to excellence and mutual respect among the teams not only facilitated a smooth transition but also strengthened the relationship between Immedia and Gila River Resorts & Casinos, setting the stage for future collaborations.
Immedia's expertise and execution have transformed Gila River Resorts & Casinos' AV capabilities, enabling them to create engaging environments that enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. The partnership has not only mitigated the risk of system failure but has also positioned the casinos for future growth and innovation in the entertainment sector.
“Like in any business, issues may arise. However, partnering with Immedia gives us confidence that any challenges are resolved efficiently, reinforcing our trust in their reliability and dedication.”
Jason Bowman, Corporate Director of IT Infrastructure, Gila River Resorts & Casinos
