Building the Future of Campus Gaming: ISU’s Esports Lab Powered by Extron AV

INTRODUCTION

Situated on over 200 acres in the heart of Terre Haute, Indiana State University (ISU) is a public university known for its strong programs in education, business, and health and human services. In 2023, with the goal of enhancing student experience and driven by a surge in student interest, ISU decided to create a dedicated space for both competitive and recreational gaming. The Vice President of Student Affairs at the time chose to use a lounge in one of the dorms, Jones Hall, for the lab. This space would suffice in many respects, but would require modifications, including upgrading the existing AV and network infrastructure and installing a new HVAC system.

CHALLENGES

The development of the esports lab was a testament to the organizers’ dedication and adaptability. While initial efforts to establish an esports group on campus began with a small circle, the team worked to build broader stakeholder involvement over time. The project moved forward within a carefully managed budget, prioritizing key AV technology and infrastructure to best serve the students. Despite being new to esports, the team embraced the opportunity to learn and grow, transforming challenges into valuable experience as they brought the esports lab to life.

Why They Chose Extron

ISU chose to partner with Extron for the development of their esports lab. The decision was influenced by several key factors. Extron’s solutions offered scalability, allowing for future growth and adaptability, which was crucial given the evolving nature of esports technology and the university’s long-term vision. The user-friendly nature of Extron’s equipment made it accessible to students and staff with varying levels of technical expertise, ensuring that the lab could be effectively utilized by all. Additionally, the AV system was based on technology already in use in other event spaces at ISU, which simplified programming and support, making the integration process smoother and more efficient.

That’s part of why I love using Extron equipment. It makes that part of my job easier and makes the system usable across a lot of different skill levels.

SOLUTIONS

To address the unique needs of the esports lab, ISU implemented several innovative solutions. They opted for a DTP CrossPoint presentation matrix switcher, known for its scalability and ease of integration with existing technologies. The lab features multi-screen layouts, cameras, microphones, and streaming computers, all designed to support a wide range of gaming and educational activities. The TLP Pro 1025T 10" touchpanel provides intuitive control over the AV system, allowing users to easily manage sources and outputs. This setup not only enhanced the functionality of the lab but also ensured that it could accommodate future technological advancements and growing user demands.

Gaming Technology

The esports lab at ISU is equipped with leading edge AV technology that sets it apart as a premier facility for gaming and education. The lab houses 25 high-performance gaming PCs, providing students with the hardware necessary for an immersive gaming experience. In addition to the PCs, the lab includes three gaming consoles, catering to a variety of gaming preferences. A dedicated production desk is available for students interested in media and content creation, offering hands-on experience in broadcasting and streaming. The lab is also designed to be inclusive, featuring wheelchair accessible desks to ensure that all students can participate. To track usage and gather data on student engagement, a card swipe system has been implemented, providing valuable insights into how the lab is being utilized.

AV Technology

The ISU Esports AV system is built on an Extron video distribution backbone designed for low-latency, high-quality signal handling across the entire space. Video from gameplay stations, the coaching area, and shoutcaster booth is routed using the Extron DTP CrossPoint 108 4K matrix switcher, which combines HDMI video switching, scaling, control, and audio DSP in a single chassis. HDMI signals are extended over distance using Extron DTP HDMI 4K 230 Tx and Rx transmitters and receivers, ensuring reliable point-to-point distribution to a variety of displays throughout the venue—including largeformat monitors and projection systems. This infrastructure allows operators to dynamically switch between content sources and direct feeds to any screen, supporting both competitive matches and live event playback.

System control is centralized through the Extron TLP Pro 1025T 10" tabletop touchpanel, working in tandem with the IPCP Pro 360Q xi control processor embedded in the switcher. Together, these components provide a responsive and intuitive interface for managing AV sources, routing configurations, and room presets. With this Extron-based architecture, ISU’s esports environment is not only easy to operate but also scalable and reliable—capable of supporting both day-to-day training and high-stakes tournament play.

We wanted something that was easy to use — almost does the work itself. You fire the Extron gear up, it’s already set to a baseline for the room, choose your sources, hit enter, and it does the switching. It keeps everything very simple.

SUMMARY

The esports lab at Indiana State University showcases how scalable technology and intentional design can create an engaging space for both competitive and recreational gaming. Despite facing initial challenges, the project has successfully created a functional and attractive space for gaming and community building. Extron’s scalable and user-friendly technology played a crucial role in the lab’s development, ensuring that it meets the needs of both competitive and recreational gamers. As the lab continues to grow and evolve, it is expected to foster partnerships within the university and beyond, providing students with valuable opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. The ISU esports lab stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to innovation and student engagement, paving the way for future advancements in the field of esports.

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