Cardiff University integrates its AV equipment under an AVoIP solution from Visionary

The state-of-the-art collaborative learning facilities in the Queen's Buildings Cardiff University, Engin C/2.04 and C/2.07, have undergone a complete renovation that includes scalable AVoIP systems of Visionary y 20 screens Panasonic TH-65EQ2 y Clevertouch 4K Impact Plus.

Next to the Computer Science Schools, Physics and Astronomy, the Engineering School of the Cardiff University is located within Queen’s Buildings, a neo-gothic university building on Newport Road, which was conceived as a quadrilateral but was never completed.

This century-old structure has been modified and expanded, but retains much of its original interior aesthetic in its four connected wings. Many spaces are being modernized with the latest audiovisual technology to offer more learning areas.

In two rooms in the west wing of the building, Cardiff University identified the need to create a new facility for its Faculty of Engineering, that brought together students in a shared collaborative space, el cual también podría utilizarse como un área de enseñanza tradicional. Continuing with your relationship and support for the University, GV AV was selected as the integrator for this project, working under the direction of main contractor John Weaver.

A collaborative project

This new, modern facility needed to incorporate flexible and scalable connectivity options, allowing staff and students to share content on different screens within the new spaces. The original plans for both rooms were conceptualized by the University and the audiovisual consulting firm Drama By Design keeping usability in mind, collaboration and continuity throughout the whole.

They were installed 18 Panasonic TH-65EQ2 4K screens throughout the venue, 11 of them in the largest room, C/2.04. This model of 65 inches was chosen for its connectivity, functionality, high quality and bright images, essential features to combat the nature of bright spaces with large windows overlooking the patio.

They were chosen soportes TOP-TEC Jupiter Shuttle to fix the screens to the wall, and TOP-TEC floor stands were also used as a solution to the logistical challenge of mounting Panasonic displays in areas where glass panels or wall spaces were impractical to install them..

Together with Panasonic peripheral displays, la solución de visualización principal de enseñanza en ambas salas es la pantalla táctil Clevertouch 4K 86” Impact Plus. This model has become a more popular choice for the University due to its high precision touch technology, connectivity options and ease of use.

Impact Plus Screens, mounted on column supports Clevertouch with electronically adjustable height, allow teaching staff to teach in a more interactive way, facilitating the ability to highlight, annotate and illustrate with a pencil or the touch of a finger.

Improve connectivity

The living room screens are just one of the many components of this cutting-edge project.

As with most new audiovisual installations in education, Another important requirement was that the space be accessible for distance learning. For clear video capture that benefits those joining sessions from outside, a was installed PTZ camera Panasonic AW-HE40SW with 30x optical zoom along with ceiling microphones Clockaudio y Audio-Technica for optimal sound capture.

For those in the room, los ceiling speakers JBL are driven by power amplifiers Crown, that produce loud, clear audio with a choice of inputs from one Audio-Technica integrated boundary microphone o handheld and clip-on lapel microphones Sennheiser Speechline, ensuring the presenter is heard effectively.

one unit MobileConnect by Sennheiser brings an inclusive and innovative dimension to learning spaces, as it works as a listening assistance system that addresses the various listening needs of students. MobileConnect allows users to access enhanced audio content directly through their smartphones or tablets, eliminating the need for additional hardware and ensuring that all, even those with hearing impairments or language preferences, can fully participate in conferences and presentations.

The cameras Axis They are also integrated into the AV system for security and monitoring purposes.

AVoIP solution

To join all the components of the integration, AVoIP systems were implemented (Audio Visual over Internet Protocol) of Visionary in the new spaces, which represents a scalable solution, flexible and avant-garde for multimedia integration. This advanced system harnesses the power of IP technology to seamlessly distribute audio and video signals throughout each space..

In practical terms, los AVoIP systems enrich the learning environment for students and empower teaching staff by providing a dynamic, high-quality platform for sharing content.

At the heart of this AVoIP system are Visionary encoders and decoders: components that work in harmony to facilitate the distribution of audio and video content.

The encoders Visionary E4100 y E4200 They are responsible for capturing the audio and video signals from the installation's input sources.. Since each screen had to be able to receive two local inputs and a wireless source, each of them was equipped with the E4200 model, supporting two input sources HDMI and USB-C.

Once these signals are captured, Encoders use advanced techniques to package them into IP packets. At the receiving end, los Visionary D4100 decoders perform the reverse process, decoding IP packets back to their original audio and video formats. Once decoded, These signals are seamlessly sent to the respective displays and audio systems for presentation.

Visionary devices stand out for offering high-quality AVoIP solutions, making them the perfect choice for this installation. Customer requirement to be able to seamlessly stream content to multiple screens, along with the need to flexibly integrate with various AV components, made Visionary the ideal choice for the system.

The backbone of the AVoIP system is the network infrastructure, consisting of high-performance network switches of the series Netgear M4250. When managing the routing of IP packets, switches ensure minimal latency and preserve the integrity of AV signals.

The system handles audio signals with the help of DSPs (digital signal processors) advanced audio Biamp The effect. These processors receive audio from input sources, optimize audio quality and fine-tune sound before sending it to speakers. Tesira's modular design and scalability make the system future-proof, adapting to changing needs over time.

“The introduction of new technologies, as Crestron VC4, Visionary AVoIP y Sennheiser Mobile Connect, has helped create two high-end, personalized learning environments. “The careful selection of new and developing technologies helps us to continue to offer tailored and concrete solutions for Cardiff University”, explica Pete Dunsire, gerente de proyectos sénior de AV/IT de la Universidad de Cardiff.

Familiar and seamless simplicity

AVoIP system facilitates dynamic content sharing between devices in the room, all controlled from the teacher's teaching station. Integrated with a microphone, viewer WolfVision, HDMI inputs, USB-C and USB-A and a customer-provided PC, los atriles Rubi of TOP-TEC with personalized branding are located at the front of each of the new rooms.

Each lectern also has an integrated panel de control Crestron with a personalized and familiar graphical user interface to ensure continuity and ease of use alongside the university's other teaching facilities. This user interface was designed, programmed and tested in the branch according to customer specifications, meaning it was ready to be deployed to the site.

Following a style the client was already familiar with meant that the additional staff training required would be minimal to be able to use the system intuitively..

At the time of delivery, the customer received a complete User Guide for the space, including complete operating instructions and troubleshooting guidance.

Crestron control panel allows the end user to easily select different input sources for the Clevertouch main display, either from an external wired connection, the integrated display or the room PC. Besides, This signal or other inputs can be displayed on each of the Panasonic screens in the room using this panel.

Each Panasonic display is equipped with a custom box with its own control panel, which even makes viewing options easier, allowing workgroups to work independently and display their content locally. And Kramer VIA GO² integrated with each display facilitates instant and reliable wireless connectivity up to 4K. Shared content can also be cast to other screens in the room via the teaching control panel, making this a truly versatile solution.

“If all aspects of the project are taken into account, from construction to technicians, This is a rapid renewal program, exciting and well executed. The creation of these two new innovative spaces, including fantastic audiovisual solutions, will undoubtedly improve the teaching and student experience”, comments Anthony James , gerente de Espacio de la Universidad de Cardiff

A transformed space

Much more than a simple audiovisual renovation, The new facility within Cardiff University's Faculty of Engineering is a testament to the University's dedication to providing a first-class educational environment that inspires students. This ambitious integration covers not only a full spectrum of audio systems, video and control, but also cutting-edge scalable AVoIP technology designed for the future.

This ambitious integration covers not only a complete spectrum of audio systems, visual and control, but also next-generation scalable AVoIP technology designed for the future.

Based on a long and successful customer relationship, in addition to working in collaboration with the main contractor, consultants and a number of other third parties, GV AV delivered a state-of-the-art facility that, definitely, will help further position the University as a pioneer in modern learning spaces.