Decentralized AV System
A decentralized AV system, on the other hand, is based
on individual, self-contained classroom systems that are
not patched into the building’s telecommunication room.
This design is far simpler than a centralized system,
thereby reducing installation and component costs. The
system life cycle cost is typically lower than it would be
for a similar centralized system; maintenance and upgrades
can be made on a room-by-room basis rather than
requiring a system-wide shut-down, reprogramming,
or repair.
This flexibility and affordability can have drawbacks,
however. Because each room comprises a separate AV
system, no central administrative control or monitoring
is available; some overall system control and automation
can be added with web-based system monitoring applications
often supplied with the projector or display
operating system.
For most schools, a decentralized system will meet
their needs both now and as AV technology evolves.
The ease of installation, reduced amount of regular
maintenance, and lower total system and life cycle cost
(including components, upgrades, and IT staff support)
offer school administrators the flexibility to add components
that meet the needs of their teaching staff and
students now, as well as the ability to predict and control
their classroom technology budget in the long-term.
Auto-switching Control Panel
22 I ICT TODAY
Classroom AV system users come with a range of technical
skill sets from savvy to easily intimidated. Because end
users are the ultimate judges of an AV system, their
willingness to use the system, their level of satisfaction
with the interface, and the amount of time they spend
activating the system are all factors that will be taken
into account when assessing the quality of a legacy
or newly installed system.
Teachers and administrators want AV systems that
have intuitive on/off controls, instant “on” capability,
and clear feedback that the system is working. They need
easy and fast connections to all devices in the classroom
and consistent system-wide dependability without
frequent support from an IT professional.
There are a number of ways in which AV technologies
can be deployed in real-world classroom
applications. Many classroom AV systems can be
accommodated by a single AV source extended to
a single display or projector. This simple solution
reduces complexity, unplanned maintenance, and
end-user confusion.
Basic control panel systems and auto-switching
wallplate inputs (Figure 4) make system access effortless
and instantaneous. Choose auto-switching wallplates
FIGURE 4: AV control systems.
3.AV SET-UP: KEEP IT SIMPLE
AND INTUITIVE