BACKGROUND
The INTO building is a partnership between the University of Exeter and the INTO University Partnerships to provide English language and other preparatory courses for international students.
The development is the fourth INTO project for which Snelling Business Systems were approached to tender and have subsequently equipped, following a successful proposal and scrutiny from the appointed IT contractor for the INTO buildings.
Snelling Business Systems designed and delivered all elements of the intergraded audio visual systems for the project, from producing the functional specification and CAD design drawings to commissioning bespoke furniture to meet the client specification, delivering systems onsite and providing user training.
AIMS OF THE PROJECT
The INTO Centre at the University of Exeter aims to offer a wide range of programmes providing direct entry to degrees at the University of Exeter.
The building itself was designed to create 23 state-of-the-art classrooms, each equipped to deliver outstanding teaching facilities for the English language courses, as well as a central lecture theatre and an integrated digital signage system with remote capability.
Snelling Business Systems worked hand-in-hand with the client and their IT consultants, to deliver the multiple audio visual system for the development.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
Each of the 23 classrooms was equipped with interactive display systems allowing presentation from installed PC's and guest laptops. In addition, classrooms were fitted to display physical media via Visualiser's and simple control via wall mounted push buttons.
As INTO students are usually learning English as part of their course, the systems were also designed accordingly, allowing iPods, MP3 players and CD / Tape devices to be easily connected and used without switching the full system on. This innovative approach resulted in power saving and cost cutting on consumables such as projector lamps.
The lecture theatre was fitted with a twin screen interactive system with full matrix, supporting digital and analogue inputs. It was also equipped for rich media web streaming.
The overall design of the room was challenging given the non linear shape and low feature ceiling but these challenges were met with a bespoke system and custom built lectern.
The building was also equipped with a comprehensive digital signage system, which feeds full HD display screens with INTO branded content and information. To meet this aspect of the client requirement Snelling Business Systems fitted ONELAN digital signage servers to drive the screens and provide web based administration, allowing reporting and control from the London offices.
The installation of the Audio Visual equipment was completed by Snelling Business Systems on time and to budget and the client is delighted with the company's involvement in the development - "I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thanks to you, Josh and the team for another fantastic install. Yet again it's been an absolute pleasure working with Snelling Business Systems...The whole AV install looks brilliant.".