HARMAN_Sheffield-University_case_study

EDUCATION HARMAN TECHNOLOGY SHINES, AT THE DIAMOND

AMX SVSI technology ensures that lectures can be streamed to any screen with an SVSI decoder

system made for a very easy transition, both in terms of installation and management, but also in terms of usability and familiarity with the system. Standardising on AMX in this way has enabled us to deliver a truly joined-up solution; one that scales from the smallest teaching space to the largest lecture theatre, and encompasses everything in between”

The largest capital investment in teaching and learning ever undertaken by the University of Sheffield, the £81 million Diamond building houses specialist teaching facilities including engineering laboratories, lecture theatres, flexible teaching spaces, workshops and a learning resource centre, as well as a range of formal and informal study areas. Named after its distinctive anodised aluminium and glass facade, the Diamond is so called to reflect not only the physical attributes of the building but also the quality of the space and facilities which are housed within it. And, thanks to the University’s ongoing commitment to standardising on AMX infrastructure, the Diamond is also a shining example of the many administrative, operational and academic benefits that integrated HARMAN technology can bring.

Harnessing the power of AMX Enova technology, Knowles and his team have delivered a versatile solution which offers enough processing power to realise the potential of these flexible, multifunctional spaces. An all-in-one controller, AV switcher, scaler, analogue to digital signal converter, twisted pair transmitter and amplifier with built-in professional grade audio processing, these compact Enova DVX allin-one presentation switchers seamlessly handle both analogue and digital AV, make HDCP as easy to install as analogue and deliver picture perfect video and pristine audio around the Diamond’s high specification spaces.

Used in conjunction with products from HARMAN’s range of AMX DXLink HDMI transmitters and receivers, this innovative solution effectively resolves AV issues for digital video distribution while enabling the Diamond’s connected devices to be centrally monitored, managed and controlled over its IT infrastructure.

So, whether students are in the computer rooms with their multi-screen, multi-projector set up; the flexible teaching areas which, when not used for teaching, can be reconfigured for collaborative learning; or one of the nine lecture theatres; innovative AMX technology ensures that they benefit from the very best audiovisual experience.

Designed to provide the very best learning experience for the university’s students, the Diamond firmly positions Sheffield University as the destination of choice for aspiring engineers. No fewer than 19 laboratories offer practical learning experiences for undergraduates; delivering disciplinary, multidisciplinary and problem-based learning activities, all under one roof. Public access to the ground floor and a central atrium at the first enable people to view the showcase engineering activities and promote transparency and collaboration across a range of disciplines. When it came to the technical specification of this flagship building, expectations were understandably high. Having used AMX extensively in other areas of the campus, the university’s Teaching & Learning Infrastructure Manager, Ian Knowles, knew that standardising on AMX would allow him to deliver the kind of technologically-enabled spaces needed for 21st century research and practice.

AMX SVSI technology allows the Diamond’s individual lecture theatres to be technologically linked together, as well as operating independently. Using the power of the Diamond’s IP network, the AMX SVSI system distributes content wherever it is needed, ensuring that

“Put simply, AMX technology works, and it works well.” Said Ian Knowles. “The inherent scalability of the A U T O M AT E

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This pioneering building reaffirms the Faculty of Engineering’s world class reputation

This impressive technological specification not only helps to attract and retain the highest calibre of students, but it has also revolutionised the way they are taught lectures held in one theatre can be streamed to any screen with an SVSI decoder, anywhere in the building or even across the campus.

Stylish 7” Modero touch panels provide users with an intuitive interface, allowing lecturers and teaching staff to easily use the technology at their disposal and ensuring that they benefit from well understood, consistent controls, irrespective of the room they are in or the equipment being used. In the smaller spaces, including the Creative Media rooms, 6-Button AMX Massio ControlPads provide an extremely cost effective AV control solution. Combining control and keypad in a single unit, the Massio delivers the latest networking and security features, along with outstanding processing power. Throughout the facility, AMX HydraPort units provide seamless connectivity and power for laptops and mobile devices ensuring there are cables and connections where users need them most.

6 button Massio keypads provide a cost effective solution for smaller spaces

Last but certainly not least, integrated HARMAN technology has not only enhanced the specification of this pioneering building and reaffirmed the Faculty of Engineering’s world class reputation, it has also helped to promote new ways of teaching, “the Diamond’s impressive technological specification not only helps to attract and retain the highest calibre of students, but it has also revolutionised the way they are taught.

This technology-enabled environment encourages a more creative approach to teaching, learning and collaboration.” adds Ian Knowles.

A U T O M AT E

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CONNECT

Modero touch panels allow educators to use the technology intuitively

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CONTROL

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MANAGE

This versatile solution offers enough processing power to realise the potential of these flexible spaces

OVERVIEW

HIGHLIGHT

The largest capital investment in teaching and learning ever undertaken by the University of Sheffield, the £81 million Diamond building houses specialist teaching facilities including engineering laboratories, lecture theatres, flexible teaching spaces, workshops and a learning resource centre, as well as a range of formal and informal study areas. And, thanks to the university’s ongoing commitment to standardising on AMX infrastructure, the Diamond is a shining example of the many administrative, operational and academic benefits that integrated HARMAN technology can bring.

Designed to provide the very best learning experience for the university’s students, the Diamond firmly positions Sheffield University as the destination of choice for aspiring engineers. When it came to the technical specification of this flagship building, expectations were understandably high. Having used AMX extensively in other areas of the campus, the university knew that standardising on AMX would allow them to deliver the kind of technologically-enabled spaces needed for 21st century research and practice.

LOCATION Sheffield, United Kingdom

“Put simply, AMX technology works, and it works well. The inherent scalability of the system made for a very easy transition, both in terms of installation and management, but also in terms of usability and familiarity with the system” - Ian Knowles, Teaching & Learning Infrastructure Manager, University of Sheffield

EDUCATION

+44 (0)207 652 9450 | www.amx.com/eu