New Esports Space at University of Tennessee Chooses Extron for the Win!

I called Extron support, and together, we determined that the cause of the problem was a cable I was using. As always, the support rep was very helpful and understanding. Every time I’ve been on the phone with your support team, you guys come through and help us look good.

INTRODUCTION

As the esports industry continues to grow, educational institutions are taking bold steps to integrate gaming into their curricula. One such institution, the University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin), undertook a significant transformation of an underutilized computer store into a state-of-the-art esports room. “This room is just the beginning,” says Jace Williams, AV System Administrator at the University. “We are starting with an esports club with hopes to someday soon grow it into an esports team. The interest is already here and it’s an exciting time to be a part of this growing program.”

CHALLENGES

The institution's primary challenges were space limitations and AV infrastructure. Being a smaller university with limited funding, they needed to find a cost-effective way to build an esports room without dedicating substantial resources. The new installation also required strong AV infrastructure, which this room had. Additionally, they needed a flexible solution that could support both casual gaming and competitive esports, without having a fully established team or program in place.

WHY THEY CHOSE EXTRON

The decision to work with Extron was driven by UT Martin's previous experience with the company's products and services. Extron's equipment had already been successfully integrated into 90-95% of the rooms on campus, proving its reliability and ease of use. As Williams mentioned, UT Martin found Extron’s products to be versatile, powerful, and budget-friendly. The familiarity with the technology and the support from Extron’s customer service further solidified the decision to use their systems for the esports facility.

SOLUTIONS

Given the infrastructure constraints, William’s team chose Extron’s DTP CrossPoint 108 4K as the backbone of the AV system. This allowed for easy routing of signals from multiple PCs, gaming consoles, and streaming setups to various outputs around the room. There were some existing SDI-to-HDMI converters, which were put to use and they integrated well with all the Extron devices. A streaming setup was also integrated, allowing any of the six PCs in the room to be configured as the streamer, providing versatility for gaming and broadcasting events.

EXTRON SUPPORT TO THE RESCUE

Williams recalls some challenges controlling their Samsung displays. “I had set up the same RS-232 communication before with an Extron DTP receiver, and it was so easy,” he said. “This time I couldn’t get the communication to happen. I called Extron support and we determined that a cable was the cause of the problem. The support rep was very helpful and understanding. With every phone call to the Extron support team, they come through and help me look good.”

THE TECHNOLOGY - READY TO GROW!

The facility is equipped with a combination of cutting-edge and budget-conscious technology. As the first step toward an eventual larger space and a full esports program, Williams and his team kept the technology to the basics needed for the space. The Extron MGP 641 xi Multi-Window Processor they have will be integrated as the system evolves. The key component is the Extron CrossPoint 108 4K IPCP, which serves as the hub for routing video and audio signals across the room. The built-in control processor allows the TLP Pro 1220TG TouchLink Pro Touchpanel to operate without a separate, dedicated processor. The setup also includes:

• Six gaming PCs
• A dedicated streaming PC for broadcasting matches or events
• Multiple 65-inch displays with switchable inputs for either PC or console gaming
• An AV closet housing the CrossPoint and other essential equipment
• An Extron TLP Pro 1220TG TouchLink Pro Touchpanel for controlling the AV setup, including switching between PC and console inputs, as well as adjusting audio settings

In addition to the AV technology, Bluetooth-enabled mood lighting and a multi-cade retro gaming machine add to the high-tech, cool vibe of this immersive environment.

SUMMARY

This University of Tennessee at Martin esports facility stands as a model for small universities seeking to create flexible, cost-effective spaces that serve both casual and competitive gamers. With Extron’s technologies, the university was able to build an adaptable system that caters to students’ needs, from recreational gaming to potentially hosting future esports teams. The project not only overcame budgetary and spatial constraints but also highlighted the scalability and versatility of Extron AV solutions. As esports continues to grow, this facility positions the university at the perfect spot to launch into a larger esports program as interests continue to thrive.

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