
University - GVE Monitoring Application
Overview
The university is preparing to install new AV technology on campus. Each of the 140 classrooms will be equipped with identical AV and control equipment. Every classroom has a high definition projector and three sources: a PC, a laptop, and a high definition TV tuner. A local, wall-mounted control solution is required. It will be mounted on the wall near each podium. The control system will control input switching, screen control, and system power. A robust and scalable AV resource management solution is needed to simplify AV system service and support for the classrooms.
Solution Needs Assessment
Staffing
The AV system needs be able to be operated with little or no training. Instructors will teach throughout campus, requiring a consistent control interface that is familiar and easy to operate.
Sources and Connectivity
In each room, there are inputs for one laptop, one PC, and one high definition ATSC tuner. All sources will be scaled.
Control Interface
A wall-mounted controller will allow the user to switch between inputs, change tuner channels, adjust volume, and control projector power on/off and projection screen up/down. The controller will communicate with the AV resource management server over the Ethernet.
Display and Audio Requirements
One 1920 x 1080 resolution projector. All audio will be routed through the scaler and played through ceiling-mounted speakers.
Special Requirements
When the room is unoccupied for a long period of time, the controller should automatically switch the controlled devices to standby mode. The system should automatically power the system ON and OFF at the start and end of each business day as well as report the status to the AV resource management server.
System Design Solution
Control System Configuration
This system requires the basic capabilities of Global Configurator, including: Certified Drivers, Monitors.
Resource Management and System Monitoring
This system requires the advanced Resource Management capabilities of
Control System
An
MLC 226 IP
will serve as the core of this system and will be capable of controlling the projector, the scaler,
the cable TV HD tuner as well as the projection screen. This controller will be mounted in the wall
adjacent to the podium and from there, the user will be able to select between the laptop, PC, and
the TV tuner. Additionally, when the cable TV HD tuner is selected, the user should be able to switch
channels. Extron’s
Powerful AV System Management
GlobalViewer Enterprise is a powerful management tool. It augments the capabilities of Extron’s GlobalViewer Web application without replacing it, making the transition more familiar and less time-consuming. Features like data logging and reporting, third-party scheduling system integration, etc. are much appreciated by the AV/IT support teams. The interface offers a view of the entire university in a single window and access to detailed room data is just a click of a mouse away. The Help Desk view offers instant real-time status information and the ability to remotely control any room, including rooms controlled by other third-party control systems.
The
iGVE
app will allow support staff to effectively manage and control large-scale AV installations using
an
Sources
The three sources within each classroom system are an Extron AVT 200HD cable TV HD Tuner, a PC, and a laptop. All these sources will be connected to the projector via an IN1508 scaler, which will provide a 1080p signal for the projector.
Displays
The system will utilize a high definition projector and a low voltage controlled projection screen for displaying the sources. An RS-232 controllable projector is required so that the controller can send power control commands and receive status using a bidirectional communication line.
Audio
The audio from all the sources will be played back through the Extron MPA 401 Mini Power Amplifier and the Extron FF 220T Flat Field Ceiling Speakers. Volume control of the amplifier will be made possible by passing all the audio via the IN1508 scaling presentation switcher which will be controlled and monitored via a bidirectional RS-232 communication line from MLC 226 IP.