Western New England University Supports Current and Future AV Needs with Extron Digital/Analog Hybrid Switchers

Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts recently completed the largest project in the school’s 92-year history: the construction of a $40 million, 127,000 square foot academic building to house programs in pharmacy, biology, chemistry, physics and psychology. The college hired Wassmann Audio Video to design and install the AV systems. Wassmann selected primarily Extron Electronics for the AV equipment.

They liked their previous Extron systems and wanted something similar as they went widescreen and added digital sources.

Adam Calisch, System Designer, Wassmann Audio Video

Future Proofing While Remaining Compatible with Legacy Equipment

Western New England University wanted to equip 31 classrooms, each with future-proofed digital AV systems that were also able to support current and legacy analog equipment, including VGA laptops and document cameras, alongside digital sources including Blu-ray Disc players, desktop PCs, the latest laptops and future digital sources such as tablets.

A History of Using Extron Products

According to Wassmann System Designer Adam Calisch, Western New England University had a history of using Extron products. “They liked their previous Extron systems and wanted something similar as they went widescreen and added digital sources.” For the new AV systems, Wassmann used previous system designs as a basis for the systems in the new building with newer Extron equipment supporting digital and analog video, and Extron continually supporting Wassmann to help keep the project on schedule and within budget.

Versatile Switcher for Digital and Analog

Wassmann chose Extron’s MPS 409 Media Presentation Switcher for each room AV system, combining five switchers in a single compact enclosure. The MPS 409 can handle digital and analog signals including HDMI, DVI, VGA/HDTV, composite video, and analog stereo audio, ensuring both current and future compatibility. Wassmann then used Extron MTP/HDMI U T A D and MTP/HDMI U R Universal Twisted Pair Transmitters and receivers to send HDMI and analog VGA, audio and control signals over CAT 6 cables to a Sanyo 1280x800 LCD projector. Some classrooms and auditoriums had two projectors installed, each with a dedicated MPS 409 plus MTP universal transmitter and receiver.

Amplifiers

Wassmann installed Extron MPA 401-70V 40 watt mono power amplifiers in some classrooms, and XPA 2001-70V 200 watt mono power amplifiers in larger rooms to power the classroom’s distributed ceiling speakers. Both amplifiers are ENERGY STAR qualified and feature Extron’s exclusive, highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design with an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby when inactive, so that the amplifiers can self-manage their power usage to save costs.

Staying in Control with MediaLink and GlobalViewer

For system control, Wassmann chose Extron’s MLC 226 IP MediaLink controller to standardize display interfaces and provide intuitive AV control for faculty members. Western New England University chose GlobalViewer® , Extron’s Web-based resource management and remote control application to remotely support the 31 classrooms. Calisch states that "GlobalViewer minimized the support needed for the system, and the school is considering deploying GlobalViewer Enterprise campus-wide" for centralized technical support of this and other buildings.

Plans for Future Expansion Using Extron Products

"After several months of classes, things are going well," Calisch reports, "In fact, Western New England University is going to be doing significant renovations to three of its major academic buildings and wants to duplicate what was done in this project."

The Best of Both Worldss

By using Extron switchers and twisted pair extenders capable of handling both digital and analog signals, Wassmann was able to create an AV systems for Western New England University that are forward looking, backwardly compatible and completely reliable.