EDUCATION AMX TECHNOLOGY AT THE HEART OF THE FORUM
This innovative facility features a range of teaching spaces including this 200-seater lecture theatre
Opened in September 2013 with a lecture by Professor Brian
remains intuitive to the user. The Share Space harnesses
Cox OBE, The Forum Southend-on-Sea is the result of a
the impressive capabilities of the award-winning Enova
unique and exciting partnership project that brings a brand
DGX 16 digital matrix switcher, the University of Essex has
new, state-of-the-art library and learning facility to Southend
been able to connect up to four group study pods and
town centre. The first of its kind in the country, The Forum
a dual-projector teaching position, allowing seamless
is part of an ongoing collaboration between Southend-on-
switching of tutor-led and peer review activities. On being
Sea Borough Council, the University of Essex and South
set a challenge, students can now split into groups to
Essex College. This ground-breaking facility incorporates a
collaborate at the pods, using their own devices and the
joint public and academic library, a new home for the Focal
space’s interactive projectors, they can also review other
Point Art Gallery, plus a range of teaching and learning
students’ work at their own pod, or they can watch all
spaces, including a 200-seater lecture theatre. Located
four displays as they update simultaneously, side-by-side
at the heart of The Forum and featuring the very latest in
on an expansive curved, writable surface. The Innovation
AMX technology, the University of Essex’s Learning Hub
Space sees the Enova DGX central controller connect the
offers an innovative environment for collaborative study
five group study pods with the main teaching position.
and research, and is a showcase for the many benefits that
The pods, which are themselves made up of isosceles
technology-aided learning can bring.
trapezoids, can be easily rearranged to create a number of dynamic work-station configurations. A simple 7” control
In order to realise the technological and educational
panel affords teachers an intuitive user interface and
ambitions of this pioneering space, which would also
fingertip control of all the audio-visual and presentation
be used to drive interactive tutorial sessions and open-
equipment at their disposal; allowing for the seamless
day activities, the University turned to leading systems
integration of technology into the lesson plan.
integrator Snelling Business Systems and an AMX Enovadriven solution which has enabled it to embrace HD
“The flexibility and reliability that the Enova system brings
digital technologies, whilst ensuring that the system
to the Share Space design allowed us to fully realise the
A U T O M AT E
|
CONNECT
|
CONTROL
|
MANAGE
The flexibility and reliability that the Enova system brings to the Share Space design allowed us to fully realise the dynamic nature of the space
dynamic nature of the space that we had planned.” Explains Matt Softly, ICT Manager, University of Essex. “Distributing HD images, Blu-Ray output and connecting our interactive projectors in such a seamless way would not have been possible in the past, and we were able to deliver full HD using an intuitive UI without needing to compromise.” Developed specifically to resolve AV issues for digital video distribution while enabling connected devices to be centrally monitored, managed and controlled over an IT infrastructure, the Enova DGX provides the University of Essex with the most reliable, end-to-end analogue plus digital audio and video distribution solution available today. The centrally-located Enova DGX 16 successfully manages and distributes analogue plus digital audio and video, including HDMI with HDCP (HDMI/HDCP), control and Ethernet, around this high-specification environment, without any of the typical problems associated with HDCP authenticated content distribution and switching.
The Enova DGX connects up to four group study pods
Elsewhere, and The Forum’s 200-seater lecture theatre is equipped with 7.1 surround sound and a 7000 ANSI Lumen Projector-based system, all driven by an AMX Enova DGX to allow independent control from both the AV Lectern and the Control Booth. Six teaching rooms feature interlinked AMX DGX-2155HD All-In-One Presentation Switchers, allowing the rooms to be sub-divided or opened up, depending on class size and timetable. Six Group Working Pods feature bespoke plectrum shaped study desks, fitted out with AMX Hydraports with HDMI and VGA inputs to allow BYOD capability for student group study; all linked to RMS via an AMX NI-900 NetLinx Integrated Controller. The main boardroom features a Cisco video conferencing system and DNP Supernova projection screen, all driven
Students can bring their own device, or use the Hub’s interactive projector
by an AMX DGX-2155HD All-In-One Presentation Switcher, with intuitive control provided by a 9” Modero wireless control panel. Finally, in the Study Skills Room an AMX DGX-2155HD All-In-One Presentation Switcher allows the students to practice their presentation skills, and facilitates the delivery of study sessions from professional services. Control throughout is afforded via AMX Modero X Series control panels with a bespoke University of Essex branded GUI, and all rooms are connected to AMX’s Resource Management Suite (RMS) for full auditing and support. So, if this ground-breaking initiative teaches us anything, it’s that technological integration by AMX can create vibrant and interactive learning spaces, whilst simplifying the lives
The solution facilitates seamless switching of tutor-led and peer review activities
of those teaching it. Now that’s a lesson worth learning! A U T O M AT E
|
CONNECT
|
CONTROL
|
MANAGE
Students can watch as displays update simultaneously, side by-side, on the expansive curved writable surface
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHT
Opened in September 2013 with a lecture by Professor Brian Cox OBE, The Forum Southendon-Sea is the result of a unique and exciting partnership project that brings a brand new, stateof-the-art library and learning facility to Southend town centre. Located at the heart of The Forum and featuring the very latest in AMX technology, the University of Essex’s Learning Hub offers an innovative environment for collaborative study and research, and is a showcase for the many benefits that technology-aided learning can bring.
In order to realise the technological and educational ambitions of this pioneering space, which would also be used to drive interactive tutorial sessions and open-day activities, the University turned to AMX and an Enova-driven solution which has enabled it to embrace HD digital technologies, whilst ensuring that the system remains intuitive to the user. This innovative solution has enabled the university to connect group study pods and dualprojector teaching positions, allowing seamless switching of tutor-led and peer review activities.
LOCATION Southend, United Kingdom
Distributing HD images, Blu-Ray output and connecting our interactive projectors in such a seamless way would simply not have been possible without AMX
EDUCATION
+44 (0)207 652 9450 | www.amx.com/eu