The University of Udine in Italy recently celebrated the opening of its new Scientific and Technological Library, a landmark project that merges architectural innovation with sustainability. Recognised with the prestigious 2022 “CasaClima” award for its energy-efficient design, the library stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
To support this facility, Extron’s AV switching, streaming, AVoIP, and control technologies were chosen to create a flexible and reliable audiovisual infrastructure. The new library features a variety of educational spaces, including classrooms, study rooms, and the Aula Magna multipurpose room.
An Extron IN1808 IPCP SA handles all of the AV switching and signal processing for the Aula Magna multipurpose room. Its built-in Extron IPCP Pro xi control processor and integrated 100-watt class D power amplifier make it an all-in-one design solution.
An Extron SMP 351 recording and streaming processor captures and distributes AV content from meetings, events, and presentations. In addition, an Extron MediaPort 200 HDMI to USB bridge enables the university to share enhanced audio and video when hosting events and classes on Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Together, they allow the university to record presentations and integrate them into a video conference.
Two 7in Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels, one in the front of the large room and one in the back, simplify system control and input selection for both technicians and presenters.
An Extron DMP 128 Plus audio DSP processor mixes and optimises all of the audio sources. It connects the rooms to the building’s Dante network which also supports AES67.
At the heart of the AV system for each of the four smaller classrooms is an Extron IN1608 xi presentation switcher. The switcher routes signals from the classroom’s computer via a DTP HDMI DA to both the ceiling-mounted projector and two flat-panel displays, ensuring high-quality video scaling and seamless switching between sources for clear visual presentations.
Extron audio amplifiers drive the Extron FF 220T ceiling speakers. Each classroom features an Extron MediaLink Plus controller for easy push-button system control.
This project marked Udine’s first use of AV-over-IP technology. The Extron NAV Series was selected for its flexibility and reliability in event-critical situations. NAV encoders and scaling decoders connect each room’s AV system to the AV over IP network.
NAV blends the adaptability of IP-based technology with the efficiency of virtual switching for video, audio, and USB signals. Exceptionally low latency and optimised bit rates ensure superior image quality. The NAV System enables technicians to quickly combine all four classrooms and the Aula Magna meeting room into one large event space.
This capability is critical for hosting a diverse array of university events and conferences, ensuring that each space can be tailored to meet specific requirements. The NAV System’s advanced AVoIP technology enables flawless distribution of audio, video, USB, and control signals throughout these varied spaces, maintaining high-quality outputs with ultra-low latency and unmatched reliability.
The Extron NAV System is designed to enhance user engagement through the inclusion of its cutting-edge PURE3 compression technology. This feature guarantees the preservation of audiovisual content quality across the library’s complex multi-room configuration, ensuring all participants, whether situated in the Aula Magna or within any of the smaller classrooms, experience clear and uninterrupted presentations.
The NAV System enables the integration of multiple rooms into a unified event space, facilitating a diverse range of university events and conferences.
The ambitious three-year project was met with significant budget constraints. Funds were reallocated towards IT and architectural expenses, tightening the available budget for AV systems. These financial pressures challenged the AV system design team to find innovative solutions that could meet performance requirements without compromising on quality or functionality.
Stefano Bonomi, head of multimedia systems and distance learning for Udine commented: “The real challenge over the years was adapting to the project’s continuous evolution and changing room uses. We opted for Extron’s highly flexible and current technology, implementing the Extron NAV Pro AV over IP System for all major audio, video, and USB routing in combination with our standard Extron solutions.”
Alessandro Magris, operations services management office manager at Udine, added: “For nearly 20 years, we have been striving to standardise our IT and AV technologies as effectively as possible. Our primary challenge is to ensure the best possible user experience in both historical buildings and new projects that we develop from the ground up.”
