Riga Technical University Centralizes AV Support with Extron MediaLink and GlobalViewer Enterprise

Riga Technical University is the oldest technical university in the Baltic States and has many buildings throughout the Latvian capital. When the time came to modernize the auditorium AV systems, RTU wanted to make it easier for instructors to use the classroom equipment. The university aimed to raise the quality of AV support, making it more proactive, while also reducing associated costs. As part of this plan, RTU needed a centralized infrastructure for monitoring AV systems across the university to ensure smooth, simple, and effective operation. To provide these key functions, RTU worked with AV integrator Biroteh Ltd. to design systems using Extron products.

When it comes to support and centralized multimedia equipment management, GVE is a powerful tool.

Kaspars Auzarējs-Auzers, Riga Technical University Deputy IT Director

Small and Mid-Size Auditoriums

For small and mid-size auditoriums at RTU, system designers created AV systems that give instructors the option to use a laptop, desktop PC, or combo VCR/DVD player and display the content using a projector. To make the system easy to operate, system designers selected the Extron MLC 104 IP Plus MediaLink® Controller for each room. Using the MLC 104 IP Plus, instructors can choose which source to display, power the projector on or off, mute the audio and video, and adjust volume. These devices are controlled and monitored remotely over the university's network using the built-in Ethernet control functionality of the MLC 104 IP Plus. Several rooms feature AAP - Architectural Adapter Plates mounted within the controller faceplate to add connectivity for other system components, including the PC and a telephone.

Large Auditoriums

For larger auditoriums, Biroteh Ltd. installed an Extron Cable Cubby® 800 Cable Access Enclosure in each podium. Each Cable Cubby is configured with an AC power module, AAPs, and cables for inconspicuous access to power, HDMI, VGA, network, and audio connections. An integrated USB adapter plate feeds into a USB hub, which provides support for the presenter's USB device as well as a podium-mounted document camera and an interactive pen display.

Computer-video and audio signals from the Cable Cubby 800 are routed through an Extron MVX Series VGA and Stereo Audio Matrix Switcher, mounted within the podium. An Extron MVC 121 Plus Three Input Stereo Audio Mixer mixes the balanced audio from the Extron switcher plus a desktop and a wireless microphone. To amplify the voice and program audio content for output to the auditorium's speakers, system designers chose the ENERGY STAR® qualified Extron XPA 1002 Two-Channel Power Amplifier. This amplifier generates very little heat and is an excellent choice for use in the tight podium rack.

Campus-Wide Scheduling and Monitoring

GlobalViewer® Enterprise empowers RTU to provide remote support and monitoring for AV systems throughout their buildings. GlobalViewer Enterprise - GVE is a server-based AV resource management application that allows the university's personnel to set up schedules and monitor AV devices. RTU uses daily schedules to power off equipment throughout the campus, or in individual buildings or rooms at specific times. RTU takes advantage of the software's capabilities by monitoring projector lamp hours, filter hours, device power status, third-party control systems, and network connection status. "When it comes to support and centralized multimedia equipment management, GVE is a powerful tool," says Kaspars Auzarējs-Auzers, Riga Technical University Deputy IT Director. GVE also provides options for creating reports on device usage, AV equipment inventory, and many other tasks.

Results

The newly installed Extron AV system controllers and GlobalViewer Enterprise software enable the university to effectively manage their AV resources. University personnel are able to anticipate equipment maintenance needs and reduce support costs by obtaining detailed statistics on device usage. Not only have support requests decreased with the MLC 104 IP Plus, but GVE allows technicians to remotely troubleshoot, and often resolve, issues from a centralized location. The university's Extron certified staff, who support these systems, also routinely integrate new system components. "More than 95% of faculty members are happy with our support, and we thank Extron for their assistance and training," Auzarējs-Auzers says. "This is a win-win situation."