HAAGA-HELIA University Upgrades Campus with TouchLink and GlobalViewer Enterprise

HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences is internationally oriented and offers students from around the world a top-quality education in business and services. To keep pace with its modern educational philosophy, the Finnish university has been updating AV technology in all six of its campuses. The first step was to improve AV systems on the Pasila campus, so HAAGA-HELIA University hired AV integrator AVACK, and chose Extron TouchLink® -based control systems and GlobalViewer® Enterprise.

Our lecturers have given very positive feedback on the TLP 350MV for its simplicity and user-friendliness.

Markus Junnila, AV Specialist, HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences

Client Needs

Classroom AV systems on the Pasila campus share many similarities, apart from having either one or two projectors depending on the room size. With these systems, instructors can use a document camera, PC, laptop, or a DVD player and display the content using a projector. An HDMI matrix switcher routes the source signals to the projectors, while audio output is sent through an amplifier to the classroom speakers.

HAAGA-HELIA University wanted to improve the efficiency of classroom equipment across multiple campuses, while also ensuring simple and effective system operation. This goal included monitoring the maintenance needs of AV devices and the ability to remotely assist instructors, all from a central location.

TouchLink-Based Control Systems

To control AV devices in each room, AVACK selected the Extron TLP 350MV TouchLink Touchpanel paired with an Extron IPL T S2 IP Link® Control Processor for single projection rooms, or an Extron IPL T S4 for dual projection rooms. The IPL T S2 and IPL T S4 provide two and four serial ports, respectively, for managing RS-232 communications to the matrix switcher and projectors. These control processors are key system components for monitoring, control, and resource management over the university's network.

The classroom's touchpanel offers a 3.5" touchscreen, customizable backlit buttons, and a volume knob allowing instructors to easily turn displays on and off, select a source, and adjust volume. For added convenience, the TLP 350MV is mounted using an Extron SMB 303 Surface Mount Box on the instructor's desk. "Our lecturers have given very positive feedback on the TLP 350MV for its simplicity and user-friendliness. The best part is that the touchpanel continues to work reliably while in constant use," says Markus Junnila, AV Specialist for HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences.

Effective Resource Management

Extron GlobalViewer Enterprise, or GVE, is a server-based AV resource management application that enables HAAGA-HELIA University to manage, monitor, and control rooms across the Pasila campus. Personnel can set up schedules to power off and power on equipment throughout the campus, or in individual buildings or rooms at specific times. HAAGA-HELIA University also takes advantage of the software's capabilities by creating reports and monitoring projector lamp hours, filter hours, network connection status, and device inactivity.

Results

For HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences, Extron TouchLink-based control systems and GlobalViewer Enterprise improved AV equipment management and provided an easy-to-use interface for controlling classroom devices. The university's personnel are able to anticipate projector maintenance needs and reduce support costs by obtaining detailed reports on device usage.

"From the technical point of view, the AV specialists at the university are very happy working with Extron," says Heikki Yli-Ketola, System Specialist for HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences. "It's important that HAAGA-HELIA's technical support personnel feel they can get quick help, and Extron support is fast and friendly." He adds, "Extron products are also very reliable and have been easy to adapt to our existing systems."