Extron’s New Training Facility: Revolutionizing AV Education

Extron has long been at the forefront of audiovisual (AV) technology and education, providing invaluable training to AV professionals worldwide. Since moving into their state-of-the-art facilities in 2012, their education center has hosted thousands of professionals. However, in the Fall of 2024, Extron embarked on an ambitious project to overhaul its first-floor education space, aiming to redefine the training experience for both in-person and remote participants. The results are pretty amazing.

A Fast and Flexible Transformation

The renovation of the education space was completed in an impressive five weeks. Designed and installed by Extron’s product marketing team, the new facility is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The space is described as “very dynamic and flexible,” capable of accommodating diverse training needs while integrating remote participants seamlessly.

Cutting-Edge AV Education

At the heart of the new facility is a sophisticated array of technologies designed to enhance the training experience:

• Video Wall: The centerpiece is a Daktronics video wall, delivering stunning visuals and immersive presentations.
• AV Infrastructure: Video transport is powered by Extron NAV, ensuring high-quality, low-latency distribution. Video processing is handled by Extron’s Quantum system, known for its precision and reliability.
• Extensive Endpoints: With over 150 AV endpoints throughout the space, they do not lack for connectivity.
• Lighting Control: The lighting system utilizes DMX integrated into an Extron control system, offering versatile and adaptive lighting solutions.

Versatile Design for Diverse Applications

The new AV education space features a divisible room with an air wall sensor, enabling quick reconfiguration from a large stage and lecture setup to two separate classrooms. This flexibility allows Extron to host a variety of events, from hands-on workshops to virtual training sessions.

In addition to its traditional training functions, the updated facility is equipped for producing virtual events and “micro classes”—focused one-hour courses on specific AV topics. This hybrid approach ensures that Extron’s education programs remain accessible and relevant to a global audience.

This space features a pair of videowalls with Daktronics direct-view Chip on Board (COB) LED displays. The main videowall is a 1.2 mm COB display that measures 23′7.5″ x 8′10.5″ and has a resolution of 5760×2160, while the second videowall is a 0.9 mm COB display measuring 11′10″ x 6′8″ with a resolution of 3840×2160. Both videowalls are driven by a single Extron Quantum Ultra II next-generation 8K videowall processor.

Advanced Audio Capabilities

Audio is equally prioritized in the new design. Sennheiser Teams Connect ceiling microphones are used to capture audience feedback and provide voice lift, ensuring clear and consistent communication for both in-room and remote participants.

Adjacent Demonstration Spaces

Complementing the education space are adjacent demonstration areas for esports and command-and-control applications. These areas showcase real-world use cases, emphasizing practical applications rather than merely highlighting equipment. This approach allows visitors to envision how Extron solutions can address their unique challenges.

Welcoming AV Education

The newly redesigned facility will begin hosting events starting this February. Attendees will include the full range of audiovisual professionals, who will benefit from an enhanced learning environment that bridges in-person and virtual experiences.

Extron’s commitment to AV education and innovation is evident in every detail of this project. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a versatile design, the new training facility sets a new standard for AV education, ensuring that professionals are equipped to excel in an ever-evolving industry.