Cardiff Business School - Virtual Executive Teaching Suite

AV INSTALLED

X2O OneRoom

Panasonic displays

B-Tech mount

Extron control

Marshall cameras

TOP-TEC lectern

Clevertouch display

Bose sound bar

​​​​​​​Audio visual case study cardiff

Within Cardiff University’s Aberconway Building is the recently launched Virtual Executive Teaching Suite (VETS) featuring pioneering new technology that will revolutionise the way Cardiff Business School are able to teach, meet and collaborate online.

Cardiff Business School​​​​​​​

GVAV were delighted to continue a long and successful relationship with Cardiff University, operating as both consultant and integrator for this project. The conception of this project arose from the requirement for an innovative meeting space that could transcend the classroom in a post-pandemic world.

As the concept evolved through the planning phase, a more traditional hybrid model was replaced by a fully virtual classroom design that could accommodate up to 96 remote participants in an immersive, interactive and engaging learning environment. As the design requirement changed, GVAV worked closely with other contractors to be proactive in making provisions for the extra power and space required to accommodate the system. With many relevant product options available from different manufacturers, extensive demonstration, testing and research was carried out with the client before settling on the X2O OneRoom system.

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This ambitious project represents the first GVAV integration of the cutting-edge OneRoom system, establishing a new standard for virtual meeting and learning. The University’s new VETS facility aims to bridge the gap between in-room staff and remote participants through cohesive, real-time interactive sessions to enrich the shared experience for both students and faculty.

Through a suite of sophisticated built-in features, X2O OneRoom is designed to facilitate engagement and collaboration through real-time tools like interactive whiteboards, breakout groups, polls, quizzes, and a permanent content repository. The system also incorporates a dynamic chat functionality, enabling written communication between participants. By providing a platform that supports rich, interactive content and collaboration in this way, participant engagement and productivity are improved.

One of the standout features of the X2O OneRoom system is its scalability. The platform can accommodate a variable number of participants, as well as flexible room configurations to cater to varying requirements, making this the right solution for Cardiff Business School’s new virtual classroom.

Each remote participant is provided with a unique login by the platform’s automated system, ensuring security for each session. Once logged in, the user-friendly interface can be accessed via a laptop browser without the need for additional software installations, simplifying access.

Within the software, each virtual participant is assigned a space on the room’s video wall. Directional audio inside the room and unique perspective views provided by cameras located at each screen location create an immersive and personal connection between participants and in-room teaching staff. This bridges the gap between physical and virtual interactions, breaking the barriers presented by traditional video conferencing systems. This blend of advanced technology and intuitive design positions the X2O OneRoom system as a leading solution in the evolving landscape of virtual education and collaboration.​​​​​​​

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Alongside the software, in-room technology plays a crucial role in creating this immersive virtual meeting space. The centrepiece of the room is a 6x2 video wall comprising of 12 Panasonic TH-55EQ2 55" displays mounted to a bespoke curved B-TECH “System X” mount.

Marshall cameras are built into the custom mount to provide each virtual participant with a unique perspective view of the presenter.

For immersive sound, Extron SB 33 adjustable-width soundbars are positioned under each column of screens to deliver directional sound, tying the audio to the remote participant.

The system has been designed to offer flexible camera views, allowing users to easily access and change pre-set angles of the room’s cameras to provide focus on the most frequently used presentation locations.

Cardiff Business School acoustic panelIncorporating these options enabled the client to adapt the visual focus for different presentation styles and settings. For example, the primary view for attendees can change to the seating area underneath the branded acoustic panelling for panel/interview sessions and back to the teaching podium or main display as needed

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Both X2O Media and GVAV coordinated in an excellent manner with University IT and stakeholders to help achieve this definite solution.

Both attention to detail and positivity was present throughout - from installation, to programming and delivery, including consideration for rack cooling and ambient noise levels to room aesthetics.

The successful execution of this project will provide the school with a truly unique teaching and learning experience.

Pete Dunsire

Senior Project Manager AV/IT, Cardiff University

For the benefit of the in-room presenter, a Panasonic confidence monitor has been mounted on a floor cart, displaying content such as camera streams, participant chat, and whiteboard views to ensure staff remain connected with all aspects of the virtual session.

The main teaching base in the room is a TOP-TEC Messenger lectern with an innovative sustainable worktop, crafted entirely from 100% recycled plastic.

TOP-TEC lectern

This vibrant and unique surface design, made from PET packaging waste with elements of Kaleido, not only enhances the room's aesthetic appeal but also underscores Cardiff University’s dedication to sustainable practices. As well as being eco-friendly, the height-adjustable feature of the lectern ensures DDA compliance and accessibility for all users.

An 86” Clevertouch interactive whiteboard display is located at the back of the room, allowing staff to illustrate and annotate shared content, as well as making use of the whiteboard function within the X2O system.

This display serves a dual purpose, also functioning as a standalone display for Microsoft Teams calls, allowing the client full flexibility in how the room is utilised. For Teams conferencing through the Clevertouch, a Bose VB1 video bar has been mounted underneath the display, with an Extron SB 33 soundbar above for room-filling audio.

Cardiff Business School AV control

Mounted below, an Extron button panel allows easy switching between the OneRoom system, or input via HDMI for a laptop connection.

Since handing the space back over to the University during the summer, GVAV have been proactive in offering system training and support to ensure a seamless transition at the beginning of the new academic year.

AV user guide

Alongside initiating bespoke training with X2O Media’s dedicated support team, a comprehensive user guide has been produced by GVAV outlining the simple steps to operate the room and the system within.

With a shared commitment to innovation in education, Cardiff University has long been a valued client of GVAV. The implementation of the new VETS facility at Cardiff Business School underscores the University's latest commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the student and teaching experience and reaffirm its position at the forefront of modern higher education.

“

GVAV were flexible in adapting to changes in the suite's specification and design at numerous stages of the consultation. VETS is a trailblazer project, and GVAV's explanation and communication of the technology was clear, timely, and professional.

Helen Mussell

Senior Lecturer in Organizational Studies and Director of Online Learning | Cardiff Business School

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