GVSU Laker Esports Center bases its AV system on Extron

The infrastructure of this electronic sports center, located at the university of michigan Grand Valley State account is based on switching systems, audio and control Extron.

Grand Valley State (GVSU), the fourth largest university in Michigan, I wanted to create an e-sports center (eSports games), but they had a limited budget. The design team compared furniture and audiovisual equipment to bring the Laker Esports Center to life (LEC). The AV core of this installation is based on the technology of Extron.

The audiovisual system had to provide optimal image scaling, as well as high-performance switching and routing. The system components had to have a reliability, proven durability and flexibility, in addition to being easy and practical to handle and maintain. Besides, System control had to be intuitive for users of different levels.

Players wear headphones with a microphone to stay focused. However, Coaches and spectators needed a way to see and hear the action and exchanges between players. This is why the components of the audiovisual system had to be the same or from the same family of products as those used in the existing spaces on campus..

The solution that has been installed has been an audiovisual system for electronic sports based on switching systems, Extron audio and control.

A solution adapted to space

The next step was to locate the ideal space for sports games.. An underused training room on the ground floor of the Kirkhof Center building was repurposed. It was closed, no windows and minimal direct light. The lighting levels in the room were adjustable. An adjacent dining room allowed students and staff to watch the game between classes.

These characteristics made the room very conducive to computer games and competitions..

The room has 303 square meters of useful space, where there are a total of 25 playing positions in five groups. Four of them consist of three or four positions each and are located around the perimeter of the room.. A long table in the center offers 10 placed in two rows of five. The coach's position is at one end of the long table, and on the opposite wall there are two screens of 75 inches.

To furnish the space, the university partnered with local furniture maker Herman Miller to provide the tables, gaming chairs Logitech and accessories. Dell supplied the gaming computers Alienware Area-51.

Students can play individually or as a team., and two or more pods can simultaneously participate in group play.

Large screens can show the same content or a combination of games, player statistics and background data or information with input from commentators.

The trainer selects the content for each wall screen in the room, as well as for the three wall screens of 75 inches from the dining room. To extend audiovisual and control signals from rack-mounted components in the sports center utility room to all five screens, Content is distributed over a shielded twisted pair cable infrastructure.

Like the rest of the campus facilities, the audiovisual system is from Extron. The IT team designed the AV system in-house using a seamless presentation matrix switcher DTP CrossPoint 4K, a ShareLink Pro wireless collaboration gateway and hanging speakers. touch panels TouchLink Pro provide system control.

Innovative Communications assisted the university team with design validation and equipment acquisition.

The DTP system involves in the game

A scalable presentation matrix switcher DTP CrossPoint 8×4 Extron is the heart of the installation. Makes it easy to view content from seven sources. One available in each of the three and four station play modules, and three come from the central module of 10 stations.

Signals are transmitted using twisted pair wiring with interconnections through floor boxes. Two Extron DTP distribution amplifiers support dining room wall displays. To allow up to four windows on the main center screen, installation includes a multi-window processor MGP 641 by Extron.

The Switching Matrix Model DTP CrossPoint 4K selected includes a 2-channel stereo audio amplifier×50 Integrated W, which speeds up integration and saves rack space.

Audio amplifier works in conjunction with hanging speakers SF 26PT by Extron, providing engaging sound throughout the room. They chose the black version of the hanging speakers to blend into the room's high black-painted ceiling..

After numerous requests from viewers, The school is installing speakers in the cafeteria so they can enjoy both the sounds and sights of the frenetic game.. An Extron audio amplifier and TouchLink Pro touch panel with volume control are already installed to support this system expansion.

TouchLink Pro

The AV system can be controlled via Extron TouchLink Pro touch panels that work in conjunction with the integrated control processor of the DTP CrossPoint 4K matrix switcher..

In general, The touch panel at the trainer station or wall mounted unit within the room is used to operate the presentation system and select content to display within the esports center and dining room. A desktop touch panel is mounted on top of the computer frame.

Although it can be used to control the AV system, This touch panel is primarily used by support staff to perform system maintenance and advanced control functionality..

The Laker Esports Center draws students from across campus to this previously underutilized space to participate. Its popularity has grown exponentially thanks to word of mouth.

The next stage is to launch learning programs that instruct students in the business of esports, like videography, statistical analysis and the organization and holding of competitions. The offering will include theory and first-hand practical experience with audiovisual equipment and related technologies.