Lightware AV-over-IP Powers Immersive Lectures at Hong Kong University
The university’s Computer Lab at the Faculty of Social Science, turned to Lightware’s reliable AV-over-IP solutions.
The University of Hong Kong is a highly regarded institution located in Pokfulam. Established in 1911, it has since become internationally recognised for its accomplishments as a research-led comprehensive university. With a reputation for providing outstanding teaching and research, it’s imperative that their lecture theatres are equipped with the quality audio, video and control needed to deliver an exceptional standard of lectures to students in a way that’s efficient for professors too. To address this challenge in the university’s Computer Lab at the Faculty of Social Science, they turned to Lightware’s reliable AV-over-IP solutions.
The university enlisted systems integrator OPS Technology Limited to implement the technology. The team agreed that VINX, one of Lightware’s AV-over-IP solutions and a predecessor to the popular Gemini GVN, would be a great fit for the lecture theatre. The lab required a solution that would effortlessly integrate with its new AV system, providing stability and optimal performance to accommodate both routine presentations and immersive projection experiences.
To create a more versatile AV environment, the integration team installed 16 120AP-HDMI-ENC, 2 120APHDMI-ENC-DNT and 14 110AP-HDMI-DEC extenders. The products can be expanded from simple pointto-point application to unlimited endpoints, delivering the powerful virtual matrix switching needed in such a large space filled with many different devices.
Since installation, the extenders’ scalability, flexibility and rapid deployment has become invaluable.
The new system has been engineered to support a range of instructional, learning, and hybrid activities. This configuration includes two projection modes—standard and immersive—along with multiple audio and video input sources.
- explains Raymond Au, Integrator at OPS Technology Limited.
With six projectors and three 55” displays in the room, the system’s ability to scale video signals up to 4K UHD at 30Hz has made a huge difference. Content always look sharp, whether it is slides, detailed diagrams or video footage.
- continues Au.
Discover Lightware's Education Solution
Lightware enhances education with innovative AV solutions, fostering seamless collaboration and engaging learning experiences in classrooms and beyond.
The VINX’s unique Video Wall setup feature significantly reduces the time needed to install multiple displays as one large canvas, meaning lining up displays at the front of the room is much faster than with traditional matrix switchers. Instead of running separate HDMI, audio, control, and power lines to each projector or display, VINX collapses everything into one standard network cable per device meaning less clutter in the lectern, as well as easier scaling and lower overall maintenance.
Lecturers can now walk in, connect their device and VINX can handle scaling and distribution across all screens. With multiple computers and cameras in the room too, VINX allows any source to be sent to any screen, all over standard Gigabit Ethernet network cabling.
- says Au.
The room’s radio microphones can be plugged straight into the VINX system, offering the ability to embed or de-embed audio into video streams. Lecturers’ voices can now travel into the in-room sound system or alongside the video feed being sent to loudspeakers or projectors for additional clarity, amplification and distribution.
The AV-over-IP solution ensures that content and audio can reach every student clearly, with less disruption.
- explains Au.
With multiple projectors and screens, students can clearly see the content no matter where they’re sat, allowing them to concentrate on the learning materials rather than straining to see.
Usability of the Computer Lab’s AV system has been transformed by Lightware’s AP-over-IP solutions, delivering high-definition audio, video and control signals.
The flexibility of AP-over-IP gives lecturers the freedom to present in ways that match their subject, without worrying about complex AV setups before each lecture. Lecturers are able to control content easily thanks to convenient iPad management control applications which integrate seamlessly with the system. User-friendly lectern features and audio zoning ensure seamless daily operations and hybrid instructional sessions.
- says Au.
Download Case Study
Lightware’s AV-over-IP solutions streamline immersive lectures in Hong Kong University’s computer lab.
Staying Green with Gemini
Operating on a 1Gb Ethernet network, the Gemini GVN boasts low-power consumption (~10W), reducing energy costs and environmental impact. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging, which is made from paper-based materials, further minimizing our ecological footprint.