Collaborative Triumph of the AV Group in Project Execution
Picture This: California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), nestled against the Santa Monica Mountain foothills, now boasts a 'gaming dungeon' — an esports lounge decked out with top-notch tech. The student-led initiative, backed by the administration, transformed an improvised gaming space in classrooms and hallways into a sophisticated, dedicated gaming zone.
The lounge equipment boasts cutting-edge computer, network, and audiovisual technology, all culminating in the ultimate goal: competing in intercollegiate esports league tournaments. As gamers and tech geeks flock to this social hub, it promises camaraderie, improved computer literacy, and a fun escape from the books. The robust esports program is also a magnet for student recruitment, especially for on-campus housing.
Building the gaming empireCSUCI's IT Services Manager, Christopher Murphy, his IT team, and members of the esports team teamed up with pro integrator EKC Enterprises to make this vision a reality. EKC Enterprises, headquartered in Fresno, California, handled the design, installation, and AV control programming. Eager students even got their hands dirty, crafting their own high-performance gaming PCs at build parties facilitated by the IT department. Extron products stepped onto the scene, taking up key roles in AV signal switching, distribution, control, and audio.
Extron: The MVP in the gangMurphy couldn't be happier with Extron, who had their finger on the pulse of CSUCI's needs. The sales team ran through both product options and advised, weighing technical, cost, and flexibility aspects. Compatibility was paramount, and Extron didn't disappoint. By the time installation began, they had certified CSUCI's network switches for compatibility with their NAV Pro AV-over-IP solution.
Game time: jump in!Fourteen gaming stations line a long table, with seven on either side. Each station sports a high-performance gaming PC, a high-refresh-rate gaming monitor, a gaming keyboard, and a mouse. Students join the competitive fray over the LAN or spectate at spectator screens and overhead speakers.
In the instructor's corner, an additional laptop PC feeds into the AV-over-IP network, allowing it to operate as the 16th gaming station or a teaching tool for traditional instruction. Three 4K UHD digital signage displays bring the action alive, and the system's control resides in the hands of an IPCP Pro xi control processor, masterminded by user-friendly TouchLink Pro touchpanels.
Seamless integration, zero dramaJust as the gaming lounge is a hit with students, the system has fit seamlessly into the existing CSUCI campus network, causing no disruptions. Upgrades are a breeze, with easy additions of new endpoints and provisions planned for future recording and streaming, streaming media processors, medaiaport scaling bridges, PTZ cameras, and multi-window processors.
The future's bright: Keep your eye on the prizeOn-campus clubs and administrators will manage the lounge and events going forward. Plans are in the works for increasing tournament participation, forging partnerships in the academic and local Ventura County communities, and engaging faculty in teaching opportunities.
As the gaming community at CSU Channel Islands expands and evolves, Extron remains on the frontlines, guaranteeing smooth AV integrations and stellar gameplay experiences for years to come.
- The gaming lounge at California State University Channel Islands is equipped with a variety of products, such as high-performance gaming PCs, high-refresh-rate gaming monitors, and digital signage displays, all aimed at providing an immersive gaming experience.
- The system in the gaming lounge, managed by an IPCP Pro xi control processor and user-friendly TouchLink Pro touchpanels, provides seamless integration with existing smart-home-devices, education-and-self-development resources, and online-education platforms.
- Technology giant Extron has proven to be a valuable partner for California State University Channel Islands, supplying vital features such as AV signal switching, distribution, control, and audio solutions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming and learning experience for students.
- With the gaming lounge in full swing, California State University Channel Islands aims to capitalize on its growing popularity by increasing tournament participation, forging partnerships, engaging faculty in teaching opportunities, and embracing new technology to enhance the overall esports experience.
