Challenge
More than ever, schools and students are looking for alternatives to traditional methods of conducting and attending classes. Leading educational institutions are currently pursuing a hybrid / flexible, or HyFlex, course model that provides a variety of options for delivering lesson materials. HyFlex classrooms must include AV technology that facilitates live face-to-face and online instruction (synchronous), while also allowing students to view recorded course content on demand (asynchronous).
Solution
The Atlona OME-MS42 matrix switcher with USB provides connections for the instructors AV sources and its HDBaseT output connects to an Atlona OME-EX-RX receiver that supplies video to the display device. The classroom has two Atlona HDVS-CAM PTZ cameras, one dedicated to then instructor and the other directed at the classroom students. Instructor and room microphones are also included. USB integration is a key element of this solution. Conferencing applications such as Zoom or Microsoft® Teams® allow selection of the instructor’s microphone and camera for direct instruction, or the room microphone and camera for group discussions between in-class and online students. Recordings of the lesson are uploaded to a learning management system for later, on-demand use.
Application Design
AV + USB Extension for Instruction
The OME-MS42 matrix switcher provides AV and USB connections for the instructor’s laptop and the room PC. The HDBaseT output of the switcher connects to an Atlona OME-EX-RX receiver that supplies video and control signals to the display device.
One HDVS-CAM PTZ camera is focused on the instructor, and its USB signal is routed back to the switcher through the OME-EX-RX receiver. The second HDVS-CAM faces the classroom and uses the USB-EX100-KIT USB extender to route its USB signal back to the OME-MS42. An audio digital signal processor, or DSP, provides instructor and room microphone audio to the switcher over USB. These USB signals are available to the Zoom or Microsoft® Teams® conferencing application running on the instructor laptop or room PC, allowing the instructor to select the appropriate camera and audio for either direct instruction or class participation.
An intuitive graphical user interface, or GUI, on the Atlona Velocity VTP-800 touch panel and VGW-HW-3 hardware gateway act as the control system for the room. User input from the touch panel, or a BYOD smartphone or tablet, controls system power, source selection, audio level, and camera presets.
Download Hyflex Classroom Application Guide
Project Consultation
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Get a Free ConsultationProducts Featured
AT-OME-MS42
The Atlona AT-OME-MS42 is a 4×2 matrix switcher with HDMI, USB-C, and DisplayPort inputs. It also features USB interfacing for distance learning applications with Zoom or Microsoft® Teams®.
AT-OME-EX-RX
The Atlona AT-OME-EX-RX receives video and USB from the OME-MS42 over HDBaseT. All that’s required is a standard network cable to link between the two devices. The OME-EX-RX can conveniently be powered by the matrix switcher over this connection.
AT-HDVS-CAM
The Atlona AT-HDVS-CAM is a PTZ camera designed to deliver professional-quality HD imaging for video conferencing and remote meetings. The HDVS-CAM includes controls for pan, tilt, and zoom using the handheld remote control, or within compatible apps such as Zoom Rooms.
AT-USB-EX100-KIT
The Atlona AT-USB-EX100-KIT is a high speed USB extender kit. It is ideal for use with popular conferencing applications such as Zoom® and Microsoft® Teams®, where USB components including laptops, cameras, microphones, and speakers are located in different areas of the room.
AT-VGW-HW-3
The Atlona AT-VGW-HW-3 is a Velocity™ hardware gateway that supports up to 3 rooms of AV control, up to 6 room of scheduling, and includes the Atlona Management System (AMS) for centralized configuration and management of Atlona IP-controllable products.
AT-VTP-800
The Atlona AT-VTP-800 is a Velocity 8″ touch panel for AV control and room scheduling. It features contemporary, refined styling for modern presentation environments with 1280×800 native resolution, and a capacitive glass surface that supports multi-touch and gesture interactions.
AT-GAIN-120
The Atlona Gain™ 120 (AT-GAIN-120) is a compact power amplifier. Switch selectable low or high impedance operation allows it to deliver either two channels of 60 watts each into 4 or 8 ohms, or a single channel of 120 watts at 70 or 100 volts.
Equipment List
Download the complete bill of materials (BOM) for this application in Excel (XLSX) format to easily integrate into your project.
Download Complete Equipment ListAdditional Products & Materials
Omega Family of Solutions
The Omega™ Series is a family of switching and extension solutions, with features and technologies designed for modern meeting and gathering spaces.
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San Mateo Community College Case Study
Atlona’s IP-based control system Velocity™ is deployed as part of San Mateo Community College’s nursing laboratory upgrade. Learn how this Silicon Valley College harnesses their existing network infrastructure to simplify AV control, extend system management, and analyze how technology is utilized in the classroom.
