Cardiff University in the UK has partnered with systems integrator GVAV to integrate Visionary's PacketAV Matrix Series for AV distribution in its new STEM learning environments.
Founded in 1883, Cardiff University is known for its academic excellence, research output and commitment to innovation. The University is home to a diverse student body, attracting over 33,000 students from over 130 countries worldwide. It offers various undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, engineering, medicine and biosciences.
Cardiff University’s campus includes modern libraries, research centres, laboratories and student accommodation. Recently, the University initiated its most significant campus upgrade in a generation, investing $646 million in a new facility to cultivate collaboration between staff and students. The investment will serve to introduce a wide array of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs.
GVAV was selected to provide Cardiff University with an unified AV system. The University required a flexible and versatile solution compliant with University standards. GVAV integrated an AV-over-IP system to unite the AV components and offer a scalable, flexible and future-proof system for AV distribution.
“The technology setup includes control systems, cameras, audio equipment and other standard AV components typical of such environments. Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series was selected as the backbone for the AV system,” said Chris Kendall, commercial director for NetworkTV. “Originally, the project faced challenges specifying a particular control system from a different manufacturer due to an extended lead time. This presented somewhat of a setback. Upon presenting Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series as a viable solution, several aspects of the PacketAV Matrix Series appealed to the University and met their system requirements. We conducted demonstrations, thoroughly explaining the product, and the University ultimately approved it.”
Cardiff University's previous success with Visionary's PacketAV Matrix Series has prompted the standardisation of this technology across multiple campus buildings. “Last year, one of our significant projects at Cardiff University involved relocating the School of Healthcare to Heath Park West, incorporating the PacketAV Matrix Series,” said Pete Dunsire, senior project manager AV/IT for Cardiff University. “This installation, solely focusing on AV and IT, amounted to a substantial investment of two and a half million pounds. We integrated the PacketAV Matrix Series into the School of Healthcare alongside a smart system with training mannequins to simulate a healthcare environment. The patient data is seamlessly transmitted from hospital beds and mannequins to a control room via smart cameras. Additionally, the PacketAV Matrix Series has been deployed in other buildings onsite, including the School of Engineering, with two installations already in place. Additionally, our recent project involves the School of Maths and Computer Science, where the success of previous implementations has led to the adoption of the PacketAV Matrix Series.
Visionary PacketAV Matrix Series, specifically the E4100 and E4200 encoders, are crucial in capturing audio and video signals from the facility’s input sources. The system includes a total of 55 encoders, including 27 E4200 encoders designated for lectern and learning pods, two E4100 encoders replicating the main 86” Clevertouch Screen, and 26 D4100 decoders units for the learning pod displays. As each display required the ability to receive two local inputs and one wireless source, they were equipped with the E4200 model, which supports two HDMI and USB-C input sources.