Lightware’s Taurus UCX-4x3-HC40 and the Taurus Smart Dock were selected as part of a huge six-year AV upgrade project at the Eindhoven University of Technology.
The Eindhoven University of Technology is a research university in the Netherlands spanning 25 buildings, specialising in engineering, science and technology.
"We first became aware of Lightware’s AV products when we visited Tilburg University and saw how the products had transformed their learning spaces. We contacted Hans at Lightware Belgium, who kindly invited us to the Düsseldorf Training Center. Here, we were shown the capabilities of the Taurus UCX-4x3-HC40 and knew this series would be a great fit for our classrooms and meeting rooms,” recalls Ruud Vercoulen, project manager at Eindhoven University of Technology. Working with integration partners, Kinly, Presentation Partner and Fidato, the university began the task of transforming their rooms in November 2024.
The Taurus UCX-4x3-HC40 universal matrix switcher allows lecturers to connect their own laptops and use the available assets of the room, including HDMI displays, cameras and other USB peripherals.
“The USB-C connectivity offers a simplified transmission of 4K video, audio, control signals and power. We also have the ability to charge connected laptops up to 100W, eliminating the need for users to be near a wall plug and therefore minimising disruptions during lessons,” says Vercoulen. “Being able to set up quickly via one compact box and knowing that the connection will work perfectly is invaluable,” explains Vercoulen. “The integrated LARA automation also means designing, deploying and managing systems is quick and efficient. We can also use it to shut down room equipment automatically after use, vastly reducing energy consumption around campus.”
During the summer, the university renovated a further 110 meeting rooms. “Our Microsoft Teams Rooms, based on Cisco with dual screens are fitted with a Taurus UCX-1x1, allowing users to come in, touch one button and be ready to join the meeting, without even needing to connect their laptop. In our BYOD meeting rooms, which use Sennheiser Teams Connect bars, users are able to present to the screen by connecting their laptop via USB-C, whilst also making use of the room’s peripherals,” continues Vercoulen.
All future room upgrades will adhere to one of the above set ups, standardising Lightware’s connectivity across campus to deliver high data transfer speeds, greater power and universal compatibility.
When the six-year project is complete, the university will have upgraded over 600 meeting rooms and 150 classrooms with a Lightware-powered AV infrastructure that supports modern learning requirements whilst remaining adaptable for future expansion.