ntu creates innovative learning environment with extron ...€¦ · ntu creates innovative learning...

“NTU has been using Extron AV equipment on campus since the early nineties, and they wanted that same high performance and reliability for their new Learning Hub.”

Loh Beng ChoonSenior Manager of AV Solutions at 01 Computer

NTU Creates Innovative Learning Environment with Extron XTP Systems & TouchLink Pro Control

Nanyang Technological University – NTU has become a leader in collaborative learning with the

completion of the Learning Hub at their Singapore campus. Located within the South Spine of the

campus’ new eight-story building, it features a flexible lecture facility and classrooms designed on

a flipped pedagogy model. The premise behind this model is to have students study the lesson in

advance and then use lecture time for interactive learning among small groups as well as between

the instructor and the class. Innovative technology is vital to support this modern approach to

education. After evaluating various solutions offered by industry leaders, the integrator, 01 Computer

of Singapore, selected Extron XTP Systems® and Pro Series control products to implement the

flipped classroom model.

“NTU has been using Extron AV equipment on campus since the early nineties, and they wanted

that same high performance and reliability for their new Learning Hub,” says Loh Beng Choon,

Senior Manager of AV Solutions at 01 Computer. “The XTP System was selected because of its

dependability and the proven Extron technologies that are standard with the line.”

XTP Systems Enable Flipped Classroom ModelFor the 56 classrooms within the Learning Hub, the basic design is the same. The room layout

provides seating for six students at five, six, or 10 tables, depending on room size, and includes a

flat panel display by each table. The main display is a projection system. The lectern, referred to as

the Teacher Console, offers local sources, AV connectivity for portable devices, and control of the

installation. Each classroom uses an XTP System for AV signal routing. The University selected the

Photo courtesy of Hufton and Crow.

Extron XTP Systems® support 56 flipped classrooms at NTU's Learning Hub. Photo courtesy of Hufton and Crow.

XTP System for many reasons. The modularity and performance of

the XTP CrossPoint® matrix switchers provided support for digital and

analog sources and ensured high quality signal distribution regardless

of the type of portable device brought into the classroom, including

both digital and analog sources. There was also familiarity with many

of its included digital technologies, which allowed for implementation

of comprehensive EDID and HDCP strategies for managing the diverse

equipment used within the Learning Hub. Additionally, the capability to

power remote endpoints over the same CATx cable used for AV and

control signals streamlined integration by reducing equipment needs

and installation time per room. These capabilities led NTU to select

XTP Systems as the best solution for their flipped classroom model.

Each classroom has an Extron XTP CrossPoint 1600 rack mounted

within the teacher console, and is populated with an appropriate mix of

input and output boards to accommodate the size of the space. As an

example, the XTP CrossPoint matrix switcher in a five-table classroom

is configured as 12x8. It supports the classroom devices controlled

from the console plus transmissions to and from the student tables. The

installation standardized on XTP CP 4i twisted pair boards for support

of all inputs within the system. This configuration gave an optimized


approach that supported the widest possible variety of signal types as

well as provided flexibility to incorporate specific transmitters to support

the varying number of source devices in different locations.

The team downloaded XTP System Configuration Software for setup

and commissioning of the system. The complete view of the entire

system from a single window and the ability to make selections

from individually tabbed sections simplified the tasks of configuring

endpoints, setting EDID, assigning remote power, and making I/O

selections. The Backup Systems Settings feature came in very handy

since it allowed configurations to be duplicated throughout the University

across same-sized rooms. Afterwards, the software was loaded onto

the IT computers, and used for real-time system monitoring and remote

classroom assistance.

TouchLink Control at the Teacher ConsoleThe console includes an HDMI laptop, a desktop computer with VGA

video and audio output, a document camera with VGA output, AV

connectivity for personal source devices, along with a touchpanel for

AV system control. The Extron XTP T VGA extends AV signals from the

desktop computer, embedding any audio into the XTP® signal stream

The Extron TLP Pro 720M enables in-room AV system control from the teacher console.

The Extron XTP CrossPoint 1600, IPCP Pro 550 control processor, and other AV equipment are rack mounted within the teacher console.

In addition to student tables with associated displays, NTU’s flipped classroom model includes a teacher console and a projection system.

for transmission to the matrix switcher. An Extron XTP T USW 103

Three Input Transmitter is used to switch and extend signals from the

visualizer and auxiliary inputs. It is configured for auto-switching for

simplified operation.

Also mounted within the console rack is the Extron IN1508 presentation

switcher and a recording system. The eight-input switcher is used to

scale presented and shared images to a resolution of 1920x1200 for

delivery to the recorder. The seamless switching capability eliminated

the possibility of visible jumps or other issues that could impact the

quality of the presentations and recording. Currently, the material is

being captured for archival purposes only.

To encourage participation and collaboration, students needed to

not only hear the instructor but also understand classmates asking

questions and sharing information from other areas of the room.

Installed in the same rack is the sound system that includes the

Extron MVC 121 Plus Three Input Stereo Mixer with DSP. In addition

to supporting the recording system, the mixer sends audio signals to

the Extron MPA 401 amplifier for distribution to an appropriate number

of speakers for the space. “From previous experience, we knew that


the MPA 401 was reliable and can be on for long periods without

generating excessive heat,” says Loh Beng Choon.

Extron SI 3CT LP full-range ceiling speakers provide high quality

sound reproduction within each room. The AV system design team

selected this particular model for several reasons. The conical baffle

offers 170° dispersion, eliminating beaming directly under the speakers

and ensuring consistent sound levels across the listening area. The 4"

back can on this plenum-rated speaker allowed each unit to be installed

into the shallow air-return space above the ceiling without the need for

a special enclosure, which decreased project costs. Installation of the

SI 3CT LP also meant fewer speakers needed per classroom.

The original design specified an Extron TLP 710 TouchLink®

touchpanel mounted to the console; however, based on the

projected future needs of the University, the team installed the latest

TouchLink Pro version instead. The Extron TLP Pro 720M provides

faster processing and more available memory than the originally scoped

model. The instructors also appreciate the automatic adjustment of

screen brightness when room lighting is dimmed. The interface on the

touchpanel’s 7" touch screen, customized for the flipped classroom

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Installed beneath each student table is an Extron XTP T USW 103, providing a convenient way for students to connect HDMI and VGA sources.

© 2016 Extron Electronics. All rights reserved. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

model, and the contemporary design of the TLP Pro 720M complement

the sophisticated style of the Learning Hub as well.

The Extron ECP Certified members of the integration team used

Global Configurator™ Professional Software to configure the touchpanel

and the rack-mounted Extron IPCP Pro 550 control processor.

According to one team member, the powerful advanced configuration

features of GC Pro combined with the speed and flexibility of the

IPCP Pro processor allowed quick examination and assignment of

button action conditions. This further streamlined system integration

within the 56 classrooms.

XTP T USW 103 Switcher at Each Student TableEach table offers AV connectivity for portable devices. To share content,

a Samsung® DB40D 40" Slim Direct-Lit LED display is mounted on

the closest wall. An XTP T USW 103 switcher is mounted beneath

each table to support students with HDMI and VGA source devices.

An Extron two-button controller connects to the XTP T USW switcher,

making it easy for students to select the desired HDMI or VGA input.

For supplemental instruction and to effectively share content from a

particular table with the rest of the class, the room includes a projection

system that uses a ceiling-mounted Sony® VPL-SW630 ultra short

throw projector.

To support room displays, an Extron XTP R HDMI receiver is mounted

to the back of each flat panel display and an XTP scaling receiver is

secured to the projector mount. The panels accept 1920x1080, and

the XTP SR HDMI scales images to the projector’s native resolution

of WXGA (1280x800). Both models are used for extension of AV and

control signals throughout the room from the matrix switcher. “The

low profile of the XTP receivers allowed us to hide them behind the

flat panels, which kept the installation neat and less vulnerable to

vandalism,” says Loh Beng Choon.

The farthest destination endpoint from the XTP CrossPoint matrix

switcher is approximately 130 feet (40 meters), well within the 330 feet

(100 meters) transmission distance capability of XTP extenders. The

bidirectional RS-232 control ports on the transmitters, receivers, and

I/O boards facilitated a simple way to insert control for monitoring and

operation of equipment within the room. This design choice reduced

the number of independent cables needed in each classroom, further

streamlining the design and integration.


Innovation that InspiresNTU spared no expense in constructing and equipping this

technologically advanced building. Response to the Learning Hub from

the students and the staff has been equally enthusiastic. Standardization

of room layout and AV system design fosters a high level of comfort and

familiarity, and it also enables the IT staff to quickly troubleshoot a system

and provide support to those new to the facility. The 56 classrooms are

in constant use. Extron XTP Systems and professional-grade control

products have contributed to the complete success of the University's

flipped classroom model, enhancing the scholastic experience within

the Learning Hub at Nanyang Technological University.

“Extron always has the right product mix and provides excellent

support, helping us with equipment or simply answering a question,”

says Loh Beng Choon at 01 Computer. “From the earliest phase

through system commissioning, Extron was by our side.”

ntu creates innovative learning environment with extron ...€¦ · ntu creates innovative learning...

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