AV modernisation at the FTC
Client:
University of Portsmouth
Project
This project at SUPC member University of Portsmouth’s Faculty Teaching Centre, transformed the existing space into a fully modern, IP-based AV environment, designed for flexible teaching, intuitive control, energy monitoring, and future scalability…
Overview
In July 2025, we completed a comprehensive audio visual systems upgrade within the Faculty Teaching Centre at the University of Portsmouth’s Portland Building. This project transformed the existing space into a fully modern, IP-based AV environment, designed for flexible teaching, intuitive control, energy monitoring, and future scalability.
The solution was delivered through a combination of advanced technology, strategic re-use of infrastructure, and a network architecture fully designed, implemented and delivered by Roche AV Pro.
Teaching Spaces Transformation
On the ground floor, the retained LG video wall was modernised with a Crestron NVX-360 encoder, replacing the legacy DM receiver. The video wall is primally used as signage but is now able to be used for local presentation.
The teaching spaces on the first and second floors were reengineered to support both single-room and dual-room configurations. Each floor consists of ten student tables and one central teaching station. The system can operate as one unified classroom or be divided into two independent zones with five tables each. The teaching stations feature HDMI and USB-C fly-leads as well as wireless presentation inputs via Crestron AirMedia and TX3-100 USB-C transmitters. Routing of sources is handled by TSW-1070 touch panels, allowing instructors to send content to any display depending on the room mode. In dual-zone operation, source access is logically divided between the primary and secondary spaces to ensure isolation.
Each of the 26 student tables across both floors is equipped with a Sharp/NEC 65” display and fly-leads for HDMI and USB-C input, with automatic switching based on hot-plug detection. Notably, the tables are designed for local operation—students can use them independently without the need to power on the entire AV system. To support energy monitoring and diagnostics, each table includes a Gude power conditioner, enabling granular tracking of power consumption and device activity across the room.
Integrated Audio, Video & Control
Audio for the teaching floors is managed through Biamp DSPs, which deliver mix-minus configurations, intelligent source management, and seamless integration with the room control system. A total of 20 Genelec PoE Dante-enabled ceiling speakers provide high-fidelity distributed sound throughout the teaching zones. Voice capture is supported by ceiling-mounted Sennheiser TCC2 beamforming microphones and complemented by a set of wireless handheld and lapel microphones, offering flexibility for both formal presentations and interactive sessions. In unified mode, visual content and PTZ camera feeds are streamed and recorded using Epiphan Pearl Nexus units. When split, only content from the primary zone is recorded, ensuring proper content separation.
Each teaching space is also fitted with dual ceiling-mounted occupancy sensors to enable automated shutdown when not in use and to support analytics for room utilisation and efficiency.
The fourth-floor AV system retained its video wall, ceiling speakers, and amplifier, while being updated with new HDMI and USB-C inputs. A TSW-770 touch panel mounted at the entrance allows users to control the system easily. Automatic source switching ensures that signage is shown via the NVX-E30 when no active local source is present. Like the ground floor, the fourth-floor system is fully isolated via a dedicated Crestron processor and AVLine switch.
The Outcome
In total, the deployment includes 54 Crestron NVX endpoints distributed across the FTC, 21 Sharp/NEC displays throughout student tables and teaching zones, 20 Genelec PoE Dante ceiling speakers for audio coverage, and 26 Gude power conditioners - one per table and several at support locations - for real-time power monitoring and control. The network backbone supporting all AV-over-IP routing was designed and implemented by Roche AV using five Netgear AVLine switches, providing low-latency, segmented, and highly reliable signal distribution.
This project has delivered a scalable, intelligent, and energy-conscious AV system tailored to the demands of modern higher education. The integrated design combines robust AV-over-IP delivery, precise audio processing, touch panel control, room automation, and device-level power monitoring. Roche AV Pro’s excellent system design and meticulous attention to detail ensured the project was delivered as seamlessly as possible, minimising disruption while maximising performance, usability, and future readiness. The result is a sophisticated, resilient AV infrastructure that empowers University of Portsmouth’s educators and students alike, and stands ready to evolve alongside their needs for years to come.
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