John H. Wood, Jr. United States Courthouse

San Antonio, Texas

Welcome to the John H. Wood Jr. Federal Courthouse in San Antonio - a "Courtroom of the Future." One step inside and the evidence of cutting edge technology is overwhelming. This dynamic, media-rich facility has AMX control and automation written all over it.

Designed and engineered by Ritz AV, a systems integrator based in Beltsville, Md., the courtroom serves two main purposes. Many regard it as an exhibit of how AMX control impacts the operations and overall capabilities that define the modern court system. The building also acts as a real-life, working courtroom completely integrated through the power of the AMX NetLinx Control System. The positive results are immeasurable, especially since the legal system is too often known for its backlog and slow-downs. AMX enhances and expedites the legal process, providing easy-to-use automation of surrounding electronic equipment directly within the courtroom.

Court Order

In cooperation with the lawyers and jurors for each trail proceeding, U.S. District Court Judge Edward C. Prado (who recently has been nominated by President George W. Bush to the Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit in New Orleans), has taken the law into his own hands - literally - by taking control through AMX. Such a technology-enriched legal environment allows Judge Prado to direct a wide range of electronic equipment inside this thoughtfully designed district courtroom. The quality and flow of each trial proceeding has been greatly improved. "Judge Prado is extremely delighted with everything that the control system can do," said Court Clerk Philip Reyes. "He has applauded this kind of technology since day one." The judge and clerk experience instant command over each piece of connected electronic equipment, effortlessly navigating an AMX 10.4" Touch Panel situated conveniently at the bench. From a main user interface page, either person can display video taped depositions or retrieve evidence, switch video output to any of the LCD monitors, and adjust room lighting and the position of the video projection screen. Add to that six voice-activated robotic cameras that are programmed to recognize verbal commands from any microphone in the courtroom.

Jury Duty

The streamlining of the litigation process through the implementation of advanced technology has enhanced the court's ability to meet the needs of the bar and the public, while preserving the dignity and fairness of the proceedings. While the seamless nature of the courtroom increases the number of cases that can be heard on a daily basis, AMX control enhances the lines of communication between all parties involved. When having a firm grasp on the facts determines the outcome of a trial, how evidence and testimonies are presented and heard remain extremely vital - to the judge, jury, witnesses, families and general public. Wireless AMX ViewPoint Touch Panels and mounted 10.4" panels at the counsel tables offer prosecutors and defense attorneys one-touch control of document cameras and video evidence. The wireless ViewPoint provides both lawyers the mobility to address witnesses and jury members in a natural manner. This innovative panel is small enough to be carried with one hand, so the attorneys can continue to move about the courtroom. Jurors never need to lean over to hear eyewitness accounts or squint to see a lawyer holding up a photograph. Evidence is revealed for all to see on a large projection screen. Cross-examinations are heard loud and clear over the speaker system. Jury members retain more information and that translates into more discerning deliberations and fair verdicts.

The Verdict Is In

Integrating the courtroom is still considered a revolutionary idea. County, state and federal governments require a strong return on investment, especially when the amount of money appropriated for an installation can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. The John H. Wood Jr. Courthouse, for example, uses approximately $500,000 worth of electronic equipment and AMX control. The payoff comes with public perception, which remains positive as the justice system embraces a forum for handling more cases, faster than ever before. Judges and lawyers may not be technically inclined, yet the AMX Control Systems and Touch Panels are simple to understand and even easier to operate. The verdict is in: AMX justifies the bottom line.