AV technology at Abu Dhabis Sorbonne university

Genesis Integration under contract with Case Technology design implemented the latest in HDMI video-over-UTP in this multi language teaching institute. The project started with a requirement for the latest and highest in specifications requirement from the client for this UAE edition of the famous French-teaching institute. The French-speaking higher education institution has the goal to […]

At an early stage, the Genesis Integration design team recognised the requirement to put the latest in future proof multimedia interface (HDMI) on traditional converged network infrastructure. This was to ensure a standard that would not be obsolete in the coming two years. To fulfill this requirement, Crestrons DigitalMediaTM Solution was chosen for its integrated solution that manages, controls and distributes all analogue and uncompressed HD digital content over twisted pair or fibre.

The other major part of the Sorbonne requirement was translation, due to its curriculum in French. Genesis chose Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS) to build a solution based on a high quality wireless infrared “Simultaneous Interpretation System”.

Classroom systems features:

Each classroom had to output a quality video display independent of distance from the teachers desk to the display or projector. Interactive screens and boards were to be used as teaching aids and care was to be taken to ensure that a standing teacher, in mid lecture would not have to return to her desk for interacting with her computer.

Larger classrooms required audio reinforcement, and video conferencing possibilities via a video conferencing gateway, to facilitate quality connection to lecturers abroad. Language classrooms were to have a translators booth and beginner language students were to learn to wear wireless headsets. Music rooms required multiple inputs for various musical instruments and microphones. High grade Yamaha mixing equipment was to be used to record musical compositions. Music rooms were to include interactive displays.

The buildings main “Robert Sorbon” lecture theatre is a larger space that required quality sound reinforcement as well as videoconference facilities and multiple large displays for displaying presentations, applications and even paper notes at the front of the theatre. An important feature in Interactive screens and boards were to be used as teaching aids and care was to be taken to ensure that a standing teacher, in mid lecture, would not have to return to her desk for interacting with her computer this room was to be the interactive pen display for annotation on presentation material, because todays audiences are accustomed to a different, more interactive kind of media usage and consumption.

This lecture theatre was to be a three-language space, serving approximately 150 people. “This education project had all the hallmarks of a tough project, with very serious deadlines. It is not often that we have the chance to bring best-in-class technology teaching aids to help such a celebrated teaching institution as Paris Sorbonne University (PSU). We are proud to have played a such a role to help PSU bring its heritage to its UAE-based school graduates,” said Tony Abou Jawad, Genesis Integration director.

Kit list

52 x MPC-M10 Media Presentation Controller

2 x MPC-M20 Media Presentation Controller

69 x DM-RMC-100 DM Room Controller

4 x DM-MD8x8 DM 8×8 Matrix Switcher

6 x DMC-CATO Quad SM Output Card

9 x DMC-CAT DM Input Card

7 x DMC-DVI DVI/RGB Input Card

1 x DMCO-22 DM Output Card, 4 CAT w/2 HDMI

58 x DM-TX-300N DM HDMI transmitter