Intelligent welcome for Sheffield Hallam

Training Rooms

Consultation

Multi-functional auditorium

Challenge

The AV investment aims to improve the student experience and enhance the reputation of the University. Alongside the lecture theatre and rooms, the project required an impressive video wall for the main entrance, digital signage systems for every landing, along with Group Study Zones and additional large screen displays in the cafeteria area.

The university wished to create a more active learning environment. Visavvi took up the challenge, proposing a bezel-less LED video wall and we are very pleased with the results.”

The solution

Main entrance

Comprising six 55” LED monitors with ultra slim (3.5mm) bezels, the display features white frame kits, with calibration for optimum colour balancing and a Human Sensor system. Control of the videowall is provided via a high spec videowall controller and Display port DVI adaptors for the 4K (3840×2160) resolution.

The WyreStorm Matrix provides HDBaseT bridging between the videowall controller’s DVI outputs and receivers in the videowall – over the CAT5 network.

The display is complemented by a sophisticated sound system, featuring powered DSP driven speakers mounted on either side of the videowall. A versatile Biamp mixer provides automatic adjustment of audio playback volume to suit changing levels of ambient noise.

Lecture theatre

The main focus of the project was the large five metre wide, tiled LED videowall in the main lecture theatre – a ground-breaking indicator of future lecture theatre display trends. The 2.6mm fine pitch digiLED iMAG2600 was selected for its stable colour management, innovative mechanical design, low power consumption and seamless screen surface. The digiLED solution was also unique in offering servicing access from the front, a necessity in this situation.

The system is managed by Crestron DMPS-300c control housed in a bespoke teaching lectern, along with a visualiser and Crestron Capture HD-PRO lecture capture system utilising two remote pan/tilt cameras.

At the Collegiate Crescent Campus the installation of an integrated WUXGA projection and audio system in the 220-seat tiered Lecture Theatre was also underway. In addition to state of the art projection and audio capabilities, the project included the provision of a new high performance lecture capture and streaming system. The audio installation comprised Biamp Matrix systems, a surround sound processor and more than twenty specialist loudspeakers, from 800 watt sub-bass units to monitor speakers located in the projection room.

Classrooms

In the classroom teaching spaces, triple zoned group working capability is provided by dual Panasonic laser hybrid projectors combined with a SMART 885i interactive board. System control is via Crestron located in a bespoke lectern complete with inbuilt PC and monitor plus stereo sound and IR hearing loop. In the laboratory a Wolfvision VZ C6 ceiling-mounted visualiser provides HD recording and streaming.

Digital signage

Signage screens are installed on each landing in custom built Quadra Media frames. Visitors to ‘the Deli’ can keep up to date with the latest information and news via four 55” narrow bezel NEC screens in a 2×2 videowall format. Viewers experience 4K UHD content with crystal clear images controlled via an automatic sensor that tailors the brightness to suit the ambient light levels. High quality audio is supplied using a Renkus Heinz steerable array speaker system.

The quality of installation matches Visavvi’s usual professional standards and we expect many years of faithful service”

Outcome

One of the main objectives was to create a change in teaching experience in the large lecture theatre with a focus on collaborative and group involvement and this has been achieved. The physical design limitations that this space placed on the technology have been met perfectly by the LED wall, demonstrated by sustained occupancy levels. Throughout the building, the environmental objectives have been addressed through the use of laser projection, low power interactive boards and smart sensor digital signage displays.