IT and Audio-Visual Team, Graduating Class of 2025: Olds College for Agriculture and Technology
**Upgrading AV Systems at Olds College and UConn's Gampel Pavilion**
Olds College in Alberta, Canada, and the University of Connecticut (UConn) at Storrs, USA, have both undergone significant upgrades to their audiovisual (AV) systems in a bid to enhance teaching and learning experiences, as well as improve fan engagement in sports facilities.
At Olds College, the Information Technology (IT) team selected Sony Pro BRAVIA BZ30L displays, SRG-X400 4K NDI cameras, and VPL-FHZ80 projectors for installation in classrooms and labs. A dozen projectors are installed across both buildings, with more than 20 displays in 70- and 75-inch sizes and 10 cameras. The camera in the ceiling at Olds College's AHEC can focus on anything on the instruction table and track its movement smoothly.
The AHEC classrooms and labs at Olds College have been designed for maximum viewing and content-sharing options, with the capability to route any signal to any screen in any classroom. This setup creates viewing gallery areas, allowing more students to observe procedures without crowding around a surgery table. Additionally, additional displays are used for break-out meeting rooms and digital signage throughout the Werklund Agriculture and Technology Center.
The AHEC installation at Olds College is capturing HD footage for future course materials and to provide better access for students during procedures. The security features of the cameras allow easy control over privacy and user access, with presets to keep content private once a procedure is completed.
Joe Guenther, Information Technology director at Olds College, stated that the recent AV installation has significantly improved classroom presentation, viewing flexibility, network connectivity, and interactive collaboration.
Meanwhile, at UConn, the goal of the latest project was to upgrade the AV systems at the Gampel Pavilion basketball facility to improve the fan experience. This project was part of a broader effort to modernize and standardize AV technologies across various UConn sports venues, including the Freitas Volleyball facility, Toscano Hockey arena, and others, facilitated by the integration team at Metinteractive.
One of the major challenges encountered was the lack of standardization between AV systems across different sports facilities on campus. This fragmentation previously led to higher support demands and capital costs, as each arena had its own complete but incompatible system. Overcoming this required harmonizing and connecting the AV infrastructures to allow simpler and more cost-efficient operations in the long term.
To address these challenges, the project emphasized standardizing AV systems, creating connections between facilities, and leveraging in-house expertise alongside Metinteractive's integration professionals. The upgrade incorporated several technology enhancements, including the installation of new and improved LED videoboard displays and replacement of old seating in the inner bowl to complement the AV improvements, enhancing the overall spectator experience.
Jeff Mele, the chief commercial officer and project executive for Gampel Pavilion at Metinteractive, led the project. The technology used at Olds College's AHEC, being AV over IP, allows for live demonstrations of medical procedures from the animal hospital in a classroom in another part of the building.
These upgrades aim to provide a clear competitive advantage for attracting new students and experienced faculty who have heightened expectations for high-quality, easy-to-use technology in education and sports facilities.
The digital signage integrated throughout the Werklund Agriculture and Technology Center at Olds College features up-to-date information about various aspects of the business, enhancing communication within the academic community.
At UConn, the latest upgrade to the AV systems in Gampel Pavilion, a significant business venue, includes the installation of new LED videoboard displays, aiming to elevate the digital signage capabilities and further improve the fan's sports experience.
