Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore has harnessed Extron’s AV switching, audio, and control systems to create modern learning environments with clear communication and flexible content sharing.
NTU Singapore aimed to transform its traditional lecture-style classrooms into interactive spaces that support flipped learning models.
The university needed an AV system that would allow students to raise questions from anywhere in the room, sharing content from the table, and presenting to the entire class without long delays and pauses to get connected.
The project also posed technical challenges, with complex cable routing that needed to be managed to ensure an efficient installation while maintaining system reliability.
The AV control system needed to be designed for ease of use, minimising technical barriers so that instructors can operate it with minimal training, requiring NTU Singapore to implement a self-help troubleshooting feature for instructors to diagnose and resolve basic issues directly from the touchpanel before escalating to IT support.
Each tutorial room features an Extron TLP Pro 1025M wall-mounted touchpanel, offering instructors a one-touch interface for controlling all aspects of the AV system such as source selection, audio levels, display routing, and system power. The interface is designed to complexity and improve usability, allowing instructors to focus on teaching rather than technology.
NTU also implemented a custom self-help troubleshooting menu, located within the touchpanel interface to guide users through basic diagnostics and common issues, empowering them to resolve issues without requiring technical assistance and reducing support tickets generated by the university’s IT department.
A custom self-help troubleshooting menu was developed within the touchpanel interface, guiding users through basic diagnostics and common issues, thereby resolving problems without technical assistance.
Should additional tech support be needed, the touchpanel includes a QR code that, when scanned, instantly logs a service ticket and alerts the IT help desk.
Benjamin Lim Hock Leong, divisional head, NTU shared services IT, commented: “We've cut overall tickets by 15% using Extron's GVE system for proactive IoT monitoring. We're solving problems before they even happen!”
The university boasts two large collaboration rooms for team-based learning, with each room housing 29 and 35 tables respectively.
Students work together and share content across displays, relying on a Extron XTP II CrossPoint 6400 matrix switcher for flexible AV routing.
Each table is equipped with XTP HDMI transmitters, receivers, and Show Me cables (HDMI, VGA, USB-C) enabling students to connect and present content. For voice pickup for discussions and hybrid learning, the system incorporates DMP 128 Plus C AT processors with acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) and Dante audio networking. Audio is distributed evenly throughout the room with XPA U 2002 SB amplifiers, powering 10 pairs of SF 26CT ceiling speakers per room, creating a balanced sound experience.
NTU Singapore also integrated Extron’s SMP 352 streaming media processor, enabling dual recording and live streaming. Using Kaltura LinkLicense, faculty staff can manage and share recorded lectures through NTU Singapore’s learning platform. The MediaPort 200 HDMI and audio scaling bridge ensure seamless video conferencing integration for remote participation.
Instructors can manage the system using an Extron TLP Pro 1025M touchpanel, supported by an IPCP Pro 3600Q xi control processor and custom automation modules for AV control.
Extron’s GlobalViewer Enterprise software provides NTU with a centralised platform for monitoring, control, and management of AV-enabled spaces campus-wide, including 70 tutorial rooms and two collaboration rooms.
From one interface, the university’s IT and AV support teams can remotely access system diagnostics, monitor device status in real time, and respond quickly to support requests initiated through the help desk or directly from a classroom touchpanel.
The software’s customisable reporting tools allow NTU to track room and device usage trends, optimise resource allocation, and plan maintenance proactively to reduce downtime.