Curtin Singapore adopts Extron NAV to maximize its space and enhance hybrid teaching

Curtin Singapore, a global campus of Australia's Curtin University offering Australian educational programs in Singapore, converts three adjacent classrooms into a divisible learning environment. Thanks to the NAV platform for professional AV over IP from Extron, this space now accommodates three independent sessions, a couple of rooms combined, or a completely merged environment.

Bertrand Seah, director general de AV-Science Marketing, project integrator, highlights that “Extron AV systems are very easy to use. From the perspective of integration, Its architecture has allowed us to solve what could have been a very complex routing problem. And what is more important, instructors can enter the space, touch a few buttons and everything works. This level of functionality is exactly what institutions like Curtin need”.

The project focused on maximize the capabilities of limited physical space and maintain a excellent AV control, clear communication and hybrid learning functionality. With flexibility and ease of use as guidelines, Extron AV over IP architecture became the ideal foundation for the transformation.

The goal was ambitious: convert three standard classrooms into a reconfigurable space capable of supporting three different distributions: individual (1:1:1), partially combined (1:2) or fully fused (3). The system had to be efficient enough, intuitive and reliable so that instructors could manage it without technical assistance, in addition to complying with the university's basic standards for hybrid training.

He signal routing and room control they had to be dynamically adjustable to match the room configuration at any given time. At the same time, each area needed to offer the full set of AV resources, including PTZ cameras, document cameras, wireless microphones, ceiling speakers, projectors and flat screen displays. To further complicate, All of these functionalities had to be provided in a compact size that respected the space limitations of the existing classroom layout..

In the center of Curtin Singapore's dividable classroom is the Extron Professional AV over IP NAV System. This solution allows the university to consolidate all three classrooms into a fully flexible AV environment that can be split or merged on the fly.. The system ensures the signal integrity, the system response and the user simplicity. All the AV signals can be dynamically routed between display devices, fountains and control points in the three spaces, all over existing Ethernet infrastructure. This flexibility is possible thanks to the NAV E encoders 121 and NAV SD scaler decoders 101, that deliver 4K/60 video 4:4:4 lossless visuals with ultra-low latency, thanks to Pure3 codec Extron patented.

With the ability to stream content compliant HDCP 2.3 in real time, NAV preserves content quality and copyright compliance without introducing skips or video degradation. Its interoperability in networks 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps also ensures that the Curtis AV investment is scalable. This allows for future expansion or reconfiguration without having to redesign the core system.

Centralized management

He NAVigator systems manager Enables centralized and secure management of the entire deployment from a single browser-based interface. Simplify setup, monitoring and diagnosis. This is a key advantage for AV and IT support staff managing multiple teaching environments. Really, NAV provides more than just high-quality AV signal transport. Provides an adaptable core network for teaching and conferencing that aligns with the university's commitment to innovation and efficiency in higher education. By allowing the real-time room reconfiguration, Future-proof scalability and enterprise-level control, the NAV has allowed the university to do more with its limited space.
Simplified control with IP Link Pro and TouchLink Pro

Control is managed through the touch screen TouchLink Pro TLP Pro 1025T out of 10″ Extron dessert, conveniently mounted on the room equipment rack. From this interface, Instructors can turn display devices on/off, select sources, Start room combinations and adjust audio settings without having to navigate complicated menus. Control is managed by the IPCP Pro control processor 250 xi, that links seamlessly with Extron's NAV system and peripheral devices.

Bet on hybrid teaching

HDMI signal extension is carried out using the pair DTP HDMI 4K 230 Tx/Rx, enabling connectivity from local sources to projectors and flat screen displays in combined spaces. An HDMI and audio to USB MediaPort scaling bridge 200 allows integration with conferencing platforms, providing hybrid support and remote participants.

Audio clarity was an important component of the project. Voice and multimedia signals are routed through a DMP digital signal processor 128 Plus C AT from Extron featuring AEC and Dante audio networking. Powered by XPA U four-channel amplifiers 1004, sound is emitted uniformly into space through the SoundField XD SF 26CT ceiling speakers.

Each room is also equipped with PTZ cameras, document cameras and wireless microphones, allowing educators to seamlessly switch between hybrid and in-person teaching modes. When rooms come together, AV system automatically scales audio and video routing based on current settings, without the need for manual intervention.
Results

Bertrand Seah acknowledges that “AV-Science Marketing and Extron have truly enhanced the AV experience at our new campus. Now we can turn three rooms into one big room in seconds and still get clear video and sound. The installation went smoothly and was completed in three months with hardly any class interruptions.. Extron equipment works perfectly and easy touch controls allow our teachers to focus on teaching, not in technology. This has boosted our hybrid classes and prepared us for future technologies”.