When Thompson Rivers University (TRU) determined they needed more space for their expanding nursing program, they built the Chappell Family Building for Nursing and Population Health at their campus in Kamloops, British Columbia. Each instructional and meeting space includes an AV presentation system with wireless functionality. The rooms are linked over an extensive NAV Pro AV-over-IP transport system that distributes HDMI and audio signals throughout the 49,000-square foot (4,552-square meter) multi-disciplinary building.

The installation provides seamless compatibility with current teaching modalities, equipment and systems and is designed to support future requirements just as easily. The design proved successful over a year-long pilot validation process. Once commissioned, the Extron NAV, AV presentation, and control systems at TRU’s state-of-the-art teaching facility accommodate the needs of the nursing program and support the expansion of the outside post-graduate paramedic and firefighter training programs.

“Design validation protects against using the client’s project as a testing platform, and Extron’s NAV Pro AVoIP and Pro Series control systems tested true,” said Marcel Schoenenberger, principal consultant, McSquared System Design Group, Inc. “NAV supports the medical training scenarios seamlessly and reliably on the converged network with no noticeable latency or signal degradation.”

TRU worked with McSquared System Design Group, Inc. and AVI‑SPL to deploy a fully functional installation that includes an array of Extron products. Each lab training station provides an automated manikin that simulates illnesses and realistic responses to treatment, along with a wide variety of medical equipment and alternative sources, displays and an augmented reality system. Activities can be recorded and/or streamed over the university’s network. Each deployed system is operated using a Pro Series control system programmed using Global Scripter, Extron’s Python-based development environment. A TouchLink Pro touchpanel and a tablet at each station provide the same GUI and functionality as the touch panel located in the control room. Using GlobalViewer Enterprise, TRU’s support staff is also able to monitor, control, and manage system resources from a remote location. The NAV and control systems along with the additional Extron products successfully support the many labs and classrooms, as well as seminar, research and collaborative study spaces throughout TRU’s new health sciences building.

To read the full TRU story, click here.