Project Portfolio

St. Petersburg College Distance Learning Classroom

St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL

Challenge:

St. Petersburg College wanted a powerful videoconferencing system that could be used for distance learning among five different campuses. The new system would have two primary goals: the ability to send broadcast-quality video over existing ATM lines; and the versatility to control as many devices as possible -- lighting, cameras, projectors, screens, and playback devices -- from a single interface.

Solution:

The videoconferencing system was designed to link eight classrooms across five campuses. The large classrooms at the Seminole and Clearwater campuses were designed to make the learning experience for both the teachers and students completely interactive. Two large screens at the front of the classrooms display graphic images from computers, video playback or live camera feeds. The teacher is able to control all presentation functions through a Crestron touchpanel display that was custom-programmed. The Crestron system interfaces directly with the videoconferencing codec systems, transmitting to remote sites via the school's large-capacity network.

The smaller classrooms are equipped with videoconferencing systems that include Intel TeamStation Codecs and 32" monitors. The systems are controlled by Crestron control systems. All classrooms have the capability to function as a host for videoconferencing.

A new production studio was also designed for the college's local-access cable channel. Video and audio from satellite feeds, cameras and VCR's are routed into an Extron Matrix 6400. The matrix sends signals to the designated destinations, such as playback, recording, or editing devices.

The key to giving the system its universal capability was the comprehensive software programming of the Crestron system. The basis of this system relies on custom-written code, designed to handle an extensive number of videoconferencing configurations.

Equipment Highlights:

Intel TeamStation Codecs; Optivision Codecs with MPEG-2; Hughes/JVC projectors; Sanyo projectors; Parkervision camera systems; audio mixers; ceiling speakers; Crestron control systems; Crestron touchpanel controllers; JVC tape duplicating System; Panasonic 9" and 13" monitors; Tektronix digital master sync generator

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