Extron AV Products Instrumental to Bringing Hybrid Learning to Germany’s Otto-von-Guericke-University

Anaheim, California (March 4, 2026) - Otto-von-Guericke-University, a public research university in Magdeburg, Germany, is implementing a long-term initiative to upgrade and standardize all AV teaching systems across the campus to enable hybrid learning and to streamline system support. The University's in-house AV team leveraged the existing campus network by using Extron's NAV Pro AV over IP solution for AV signal switching and distribution. DMP Plus Series audio DSP processors and NetPA amplifiers enhance sound and ShareLink Pro presentation systems provide wired or wireless AV content sharing from BYOD devices. To support hybrid learning, SMP streaming media processors record and stream class sessions for live or on-demand viewing, and MediaPort USB scaling bridges work with UC conferencing applications like Zoom, allowing remote students to participate in on-campus classes. Controlling and monitoring it all are IPCP Pro xi Series control processors, TouchLink Pro touchpanels, and GlobalViewer Enterprise AV resource management software.

“Besides providing evaluation products for real world proof-of-concept testing on the University’s network, Extron stood out with their upfront support, knowhow, and design advice based on technical evaluation of the campus network topology, bandwidth, and traffic loading conditions," says Karl Christian Balzer, IT System Administrator at Otto-von-Guericke-University. "This ensured a flawless testing process and created the confidence needed to deploy NAV on a larger scale.”

The NAV Series performs AV signal switching and distribution in large classrooms, lecture theaters, and the Campus Welcome Center. Instructor desks can source AV teaching content from a PC, a guest laptop, a document camera, and wirelessly from portable devices via ShareLink Pro. Wireless mics and ceiling array microphones, cameras, ceiling speakers, and projectors allow interaction between students in the classrooms and students participating remotely. Smaller rooms have a similar set of AV amenities, and use IN1804 DO scaling switchers to perform AV signal switching and DTP2 distribution of AV content over CATx cable.

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