Australian War Memorial Relies on Extron for Proven, Flexible AV System Performance

“We wanted a theatre system that we could run and adapt ourselves. With Extron, our team can manage routing, control, and interface changes in‑house, which means we can respond quickly when the way the space is used changes.”

As Australia’s national site of commemoration and military history, the Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, museum, and archive in the nation’s capital. The Memorial is in the midst of a multi‑year redevelopment that adds new public spaces, expanded galleries, and more immersive storytelling environments. These updates support ceremonies, film screenings, public programs, and special events tied to Australia’s military history.

As part of this redevelopment, the Memorial opened the AWM Theatre presented by Boeing, a purpose‑built venue designed to support a wide range of presentation and event formats. The theatre is operated and maintained by the Memorial’s in‑house audiovisual team, led by David Hirschausen, Manager Audio Visual. Extron was selected for this project due to its proven reliability and consistent performance in demanding environments, supported by a long-standing relationship and a history of successful deployments.

CHALLENGES

The previous theatre no longer met the Memorial’s technical or operational needs. It lacked the flexibility to support modern event formats and offered limited control over video routing and presentation workflows. As public programming expanded, the Memorial needed a venue that could support everything from staff meetings and seminars to live performances, cinema screenings, and streamed events.

Another key requirement was the ability to accommodate visiting production teams. External crews often bring their own cameras, lighting, and projection equipment, and the house system needed to accept those sources without extensive reconfiguration.

Equally important was ownership. The Memorial maintains a dedicated AV team, with Theatre operations led by Rob Lintermans. The team prefers to manage systems internally and required a control and distribution platform that staff could configure, adjust, and maintain without relying on outside programmers.

For more than 15 years, Extron has been a trusted AV technology provider to the Australian War Memorial. This relationship is based on consistent system performance and has enabled the in‑house AV team to build deep familiarity with Extron solutions, reinforcing their ability to independently manage, adapt, and scale as requirements evolve.

DESIGN SOLUTION

The new AWM Theatre seats 251 and is supported by an adjacent function room and a Flexible Display area located between the two spaces. Fiber connectivity links these areas, allowing future content sharing and overflow use. The theatre is designed for technician‑operated events, while the function room and Flexible Display area support simplified, self‑service operation.

Video distribution and switching are handled by two Extron XTP II CrossPoint 1600 matrix switchers. The system routes signals over twisted pair and supports both HDMI and 12G‑SDI sources using XTP CP 12G‑SDI input/output boards. This allows the Memorial to handle internal sources as well as broadcast and production equipment brought in for special events.

A vision mixing workflow replaces the basic crash switching used in the previous theatre. Operators can preview and prepare sources before switching them live, improving presentation quality and supporting more complex productions. The infrastructure is designed to accommodate future format changes as event requirements grow.

AV system control is centered on an Extron IPCP Pro 555Q xi control processor. Fixed Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels are installed throughout the theatre, function room, and Flexible Display area. A full administrative interface is available in the control room, while simplified interfaces are provided in public and education spaces. Control System LinkLicense enables the same interfaces to be mirrored on iPads, giving staff flexibility during setup and operation. An MLC Plus 50 controller is used where localized control is required.

The Memorial’s in‑house team manages system configuration and ongoing changes using Extron software tools, including GUI Designer, Global Configurator, Toolbelt, XTP Systems Configuration Software, and Product Configuration Software. These tools support interface design, system configuration, troubleshooting, and video routing management. Access is handled through a centralized jump box, allowing staff to maintain and adjust the system internally. It provides the AV team with a single secure access point for configuring, monitoring, and maintaining Extron software and system settings across the venue. This approach reflects the team’s preference for direct system ownership and fast response when changes are needed.

RESULTS

The AWM Theatre now supports a broad range of event types with consistent operation and clear workflows. Visiting production teams can integrate their equipment quickly, while the in‑house AV team retains full control of system behavior and future updates.

Simplified user interfaces reduce support demands for smaller events, and full control remains available for complex productions. The system has given the Memorial a venue that meets current needs while remaining adaptable as public programming and event activity continue to expand.

“The theatre supports a wide mix of events, from internal programs to public performances. Extron gave us a reliable control platform that brings video, lighting, and audio together in a single interface, making the space easier to operate day to day.”

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