This new setup combines the latest technologies to support not only education but also high-level meetings and collaborations. Below is an overview of the hardware used and how it contributes to an advanced and dynamic learning environment. For the renovated building, a top-quality audio & video setup was chosen to ensure that presentations and lectures are optimal to follow and deliver.
Quality and Precision in All Spaces
- Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling Medium: This ceiling microphone system is ideal for medium-sized meeting rooms. The system uses beamforming technology, where microphones focus on the speaker and minimize ambient noise. This ensures that speakers are always clearly audible, regardless of where they are in the room.
- Extron Passive Soundfield Pendant Speakers: These speakers provide high-quality audio for classrooms and meeting rooms. The installation of passive pendant speakers ensures even sound coverage in the space, which is crucial for large or acoustically challenging rooms.
- Extron Audio DSP DMP64+: This advanced digital signal processor ensures optimized audio playback using filters, equalizers, and other processing capabilities. The system allows for the seamless integration of various audio sources, improving sound quality.
- Advanced Audio Tracking on X, Y, and Z Coordinates: Thanks to this technology, the microphone can accurately track the position of the speaker in a room, which is especially useful during dynamic presentations where the speaker moves around. This keeps the sound reproduction consistent and clear, regardless of the speaker's location.
- 98" QM Samsung Displays: Large screens are crucial for presentations and lectures, especially in larger rooms. These Samsung displays deliver sharp image quality, making them excellent for displaying presentations, video material, and live recordings.
Control and Integration: Ease of Use Central
The entire system is designed with ease of use in mind, so that teachers and staff can easily access the technology without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
- Extron TLP PRO Touchpanel: This touchscreen provides a central control interface for the entire room. It allows users to easily manage lighting, audio settings, projectors, and other equipment. The intuitive interface enables quick switching between different presentation modes and settings.
- ClickShare CX30 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): This wireless presentation tool makes it easy to share content from laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This encourages collaboration, as anyone in the room can access the display device without cables. No software installation is required.
Video Technology: From Presentation to Recording
The choice of high-quality video hardware was essential for capturing and presenting lectures and meetings. Hybrid meetings have become crucial in the modern academic world. The renovated university building is fully equipped to meet these high demands.
- AVER PTC 310 UV2 - 2X: These automatic PTZ cameras (pan-tilt-zoom) use smart tracking functionalities, allowing the camera to automatically follow the speaker. This is especially useful in lecture halls, where the speaker often moves. The AVER cameras can capture high-quality recordings in full HD, making them perfect for streaming and recording lectures. Two units were installed to facilitate switching between a room (overview) view and a presenter view.
- AVER MT300N NDI USB Control Module: This hardware ensures smooth integration with network-based video production systems, simplifying the management of live streaming and recordings. Thanks to the USB control module, operators can quickly switch between different cameras and video settings.
Flexible Space Planning and Connectivity
The university has also paid great attention to the flexibility of spaces and the ability to adapt to different educational needs and collaborative activities.
Yealink Room Reservation System
This system makes it easy for staff and students to book and manage meeting rooms. The screens at the entrances of meeting rooms provide an at-a-glance view of which rooms are available and which are reserved, ensuring more efficient use of spaces.
Clear Touch Display
The spacious 10.1-inch multi-touch screen of the RoomPanel Plus is designed for a better scheduling experience, making it easy to view meeting details clearly and book a room for ad-hoc or future meetings. The built-in Android 11 system provides an even faster, more reliable, and safer user experience. Additionally, the RoomPanel Plus, with its sleek and lightweight design, effortlessly complements various spaces.
High-End Meeting Rooms: Fully Equipped for Hybrid Work
In addition to lecture halls, there are also eleven meeting rooms fully equipped with high-quality technology for hybrid meetings and collaborative sessions.
- Poly X52 Studio and CX30 Barco: This combination of video conferencing systems ensures a seamless hybrid experience, allowing participants to join meetings both physically and virtually. The Poly X52 offers excellent video quality, while the CX30 from Barco provides wireless presentation options and BYOD functionality.
- Samsung QM 65" Samsung Displays: Large screens are crucial for presentations and lectures, especially in larger rooms. The Samsung displays deliver sharp image quality, making them excellent for displaying presentations, video material, and live recordings.
Conclusion: Innovation and Efficiency in a Modern Learning Environment
The reconstruction of the university building in Antwerp not only resulted in a physical rebuild but also led to innovative and technological advancements. The integrated audiovisual solutions make the campus future-proof, where hybrid learning, collaboration, and flexible work are central. Thanks to these advanced technologies, the university can offer its students and staff the best learning and working experience in a dynamic and inspiring environment.
The successful deployment of top-quality hardware from Sennheiser, Extron, AVER, Yealink, and Samsung underscores the importance of a well-designed audiovisual system for contemporary educational institutions. The choice for this flexible, high-quality, and user-friendly equipment provides a future-proof solution that meets all modern requirements.
