However, each space could independently run its own lecture, run as two conjoined lecture spaces, or run as one whole fully conjoined three-way lecture space if required. From a programming point of view, this posed unique challenges for the team, however, with good planning and consistent communication between GV and the University specialist, this was made possible.
University of Plymouth - Emdeck Building
AV INSTALLED
86" Iiyama Screens
Microsoft Life
Marshall Cameras
Audac Speakers
TBone Microphones
EPSON Projectors
Turning Leaf Lecterns
The Emdeck Building at the University of Plymouth was a unique renovation project that began in 2018 to convert an old MDEC (manual data entry centre) Royal Mail building into a functional University space. The renovated building now provides an extensive combination of general teaching, bookable computer, and social learning spaces, alongside catering facilities. The multi-use facility is an exceptional addition to University of Plymouth’s comprehensive list of city sites.
The University required extensive AV solutions across 27 medium-sized refurbished rooms, including sizeable screens to allow for socially distanced seminar teaching for students, large scale projection and the ability to record sessions for those studying remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 27 rooms, three of them had the additional functionality to combine into one larger space. This expansive area required further AV solutions to allow for substantial sized seminar or lecture teaching.
Hybrid AV solutions for socially-distanced learning
GVAV supplied a fully integrated solution, making use of the clients existing PC’s, complementing them with two 86” Iiyama screens to aid the lecturer when teaching seminars with a considerable number of students. The installation of Microsoft Life and Marshall Cameras in each of the rooms enables successful distance learning as students can see and hear the content via their own remote PC’s. SDI Magewell and HDMI content capture cards were used to assist with the video and audio recording of live lectures, this enabled the content to be viewed online later using the Panopto platform. The Extron IN1806 was selected as a seminar room switcher, due to its versatility as an all-round functional Scaler & Signal Processor. The Extron TLP Pro 725T Touch Panel was selected to give an overall better user experience for controlling the various AV system devices. For impressive audio that works well for students both in the room or working from home, Audac ceiling speakers, TBone microphones and Extron amplifiers and processors, provided the ultimate solution.
Additional AV for Large Teaching Spaces
For the three combined rooms, there was a slight deviation from the classic seminar rooms. The Extron Amps were replaced with BSS Audio DSP’s and Martin Audio Speakers were used for the front of house audio to compliment the Audac Ceiling speakers for large space audio handling. The 86” Iiyama’s were replaced with Projection screens and EPSON projectors. The sheer size of the space provided unique complexities for the team. The space consisted of an Electric Projector at the front instead of an 86” Iiyama and each space had its own Lectern with the middle space of the three being the main control unit for the whole space.
