Extron AV Systems Enhance Student Collaboration at Singapore University of Technology and Design

Users have found the new AV systems to be very easy to use and reliable. Extron has been consistently supportive, both online and on-site.

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is the fourth autonomous university established in Singapore. It has rapidly gained recognition as a leading institution in engineering, with a strong emphasis on innovation and multidisciplinary education. SUTD aims to be a world-class, research-intensive university, focusing on advancements in technology and design to shape future leaders and innovators.

SUTD sought to upgrade the AV systems across several of its learning and teaching spaces. As a rapidly growing hub of technological innovation, SUTD required state-of-the-art AV capabilities to enhance teaching and provide students with a dynamic, interactive learning environment. Partnering with 01 Computer System Pte Ltd, they executed a comprehensive AV system refresh across 5 lecture theatres, 13 labs, and 15 cohort classrooms, integrating Extron technologies to meet the university's evolving needs.

CHALLENGES

The primary challenge SUTD faced was the need for its AV systems to support modern digital signal types while allowing for greater flexibility in collaborative learning environments. The previous systems lacked the necessary scalability and reliability required for contemporary teaching methods, including guest lectures, remote learning, and large-scale events. Additionally, the university needed a streamlined solution to reduce system breakdowns and minimize energy consumption, while ensuring ease of use for faculty and students alike.

Key to the project’s success was ensuring the new AV systems could handle the varying needs of different spaces—ranging from large, multifunctional lecture theatres to smaller cohort classrooms and specialized labs—all while maintaining uniform control interfaces and minimizing the learning curve for users.

DESIGN SOLUTION

01 Computer System Pte Ltd, with support from Extron’s Asia team, developed a comprehensive AV design tailored to SUTD’s requirements. The upgrade included Extron’s advanced control and signal distribution technologies to enhance the user experience across all spaces.

Lecture Theatres

In the largest lecture theatre, LT1, which seats 500, Extron’s DTP CrossPoint 86 4K matrix switcher was deployed to manage the distribution of AV content. This included multiple inputs from devices such as PCs and document cameras, with signals transmitted through DTP HDMI 4K 330 transmitters and receivers. Instructors use the intuitive Extron Control App on a tablet to control the entire AV system, making it simple to manage presentations and multimedia during lectures.

To enhance the audio experience, Extron’s DMP 128 Plus digital matrix processor ensures crystal-clear sound throughout the space. Its ProDSP™ technology delivers exceptional audio processing with wide dynamic range, reducing issues like clipping and feedback. This ensures that whether students are attending a lecture, event, or remote session, the audio is consistently clear and intelligible.

The MediaPort 300 bridges AV signals to USB, facilitating integration with conferencing software, enabling the university to host remote sessions and hybrid learning environments. Three projectors in LT1 display content clearly to the entire audience, all managed through an Extron control system based in the control room, which includes an Extron TLP Pro 1025T TouchLink® Pro touchpanel and IPCP Pro 550 xi control processor.

Cohort Classrooms

In each of the 15 cohort classrooms, Extron’s IPCP Pro 550 xi control processors ensure efficient management of AV content and room controls. Each classroom is equipped with two TLP Pro 1025M TouchLink Pro touchpanels, one at the front and one at the back, giving instructors seamless control over displays, projectors, and audio. A DMP 128 Plus audio processor outputs to the existing amplifiers and speakers, providing high-quality sound for lectures and collaborative work.

"Users have found the new AV systems to be very easy to use and reliable,” says Lester Lee, Director at 01 Computer System Pte Ltd. “Extron has been consistently supportive, both online and on-site."

Labs

Thirteen labs at SUTD, including the multi-functional i3 Lab, were equipped with Extron’s TLP Pro 725T TouchLink Pro touchpanels and IPCP Pro 350 xi control processors. These systems provide automated control over audio, video input selection, and motorized screens, allowing for flexible use of the space for both instructional and hands-on work. Extron’s DTP transmitters and receivers were used to facilitate high-quality 4K HDMI signal distribution across these specialized learning environments.

RESULTS

The successful implementation of Extron’s AV solutions at SUTD has significantly enhanced the university’s learning environments. Faculty and students alike have praised the ease of use and reliability of the new systems, which have drastically reduced breakdown calls. The uniformity of control interfaces across different rooms ensures a consistent user experience, allowing instructors to focus on teaching rather than navigating complex technology.

"We expected users to be impressed and satisfied, and they are,” says Lee. “The university is now moving forward with more tech refresh projects, positioning Extron as the main equipment provider."

Energy-saving measures, such as Extron’s IPL T PCS4i for automated power control, have reduced overall energy consumption. Additionally, the integration of Extron control systems has simplified event management, from everyday classes to large internal events like the university’s Townhall.

Overall, the tech refresh has met and exceeded SUTD’s expectations, positioning the university for future AV upgrades with Extron products as the foundation.

We expected users to be impressed and satisfied, and they are. The university is now moving forward with more tech refresh projects, positioning Extron as the main equipment provider.

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