Science & Engineering Superlab
Client: Manchester Metropolitan University
Project
Part of NWUPC member Manchester Metropolitan University's stunning new Science and Engineering building is the cutting-edge Superlab. This space accommodates up to 180 students and sets a new benchmark for AV-over-IP in higher education and beyond.
Overview
Roche AV Pro partnered with Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver a state-of-the-art AV system for its new Superlab within the Dalton Building. Designed to accommodate up to 180 students simultaneously, this large wet lab now sets a new standard for AV-over-IP deployment in higher education. Roche AV Pro acted as the sole AV integrator on the project, providing complete consultancy, system design, programming, and installation services.
Project Goals
Create a scalable AV system to support simultaneous teaching and flexible lab usage for up to 180 students.
Enable centralised control and content distribution across a large number of laboratory stations.
Design a futureproof and sustainable AV solution aligned with Manchester Met. University’s digital learning strategy.
Standardise audio visual infrastructure across campus with a repeatable, supportable model
The Solution
The Manchester Met. University Superlab system is built around a powerful Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP platform, delivering high-performance, ultra-low-latency 4K60 video and audio distribution throughout the space. Central to the setup are 108 Crestron DM-NVX-E30 encoders and 9 DM-NVX-351/352 encoder/decoders, providing full flexibility in routing video signals from source to display across the lab’s numerous student and teaching zones.
Visual output is delivered via Sharp NEC 86” 4K UHD displays, strategically positioned to ensure clear, consistent visibility for all students during demonstrations or lectures. Each display is fed via Crestron NVX endpoints, allowing any source to be routed to any screen, or to all screens simultaneously, as needed.
Control across the lab is managed by a Crestron CP4 control processor, linked to Crestron 10” touch panels installed at key teaching positions. These intuitive interfaces allow academic staff to manage source selection, screen routing, volume control, and system modes with ease. An additional touch panel is used at the comms rack for technical setup and support, while two more are allocated for alternative uses, offering flexibility for future expansion or alternate control points.
Source input options include fixed teaching PCs, Kramer VIA wireless presentation systems for BYOD integration, and Wolfvision VZ-C6 ceiling-mounted visualisers, with local Kramer HDMI switchers providing seamless toggling between devices at individual teaching stations.
Audio is distributed throughout the space using JBL Control 26CT ceiling speakers, powered by Kramer amplifiers, with all audio signal processing handled by an Extron DSP. A combination of Sennheiser SpeechLine lavalier microphones and Shure MXA910 ceiling array microphones enables high-quality voice reinforcement and hybrid teaching support, offering excellent intelligibility and remote learning capabilities.
Additional connectivity is supported via Extron USC 100 and USB-C HD 101 interfaces, allowing modern device connection and content sharing. This carefully integrated blend of leading AV brands - anchored by a Crestron NVX backbone - delivers a highly flexible, user-friendly, and futureproof teaching environment that aligns with the University’s digital learning and sustainability goals.
Innovation & Impact
This deployment showcases modern AV-over-IP excellence, replacing traditional matrix-based systems with a networked solution that offers unparalleled flexibility. The system is designed to scale easily, allowing Manchester Met. University to expand or replicate the setup in future labs using the same Crestron NVX backbone. With user experience front of mind, Roche AV Pro also delivered a custom-programmed control interface that simplifies operation for lecturers, helping them switch seamlessly between different teaching formats and content sources without technical complexity.
By standardising the design around a robust, scalable platform, the University has established a new benchmark for its audio visual estate. The Science and Engineering Superlab now serves as a flagship project, influencing the digital strategy for future learning and teaching spaces across the university.
Sustainability
The move to a networked AV-over-IP solution brought several sustainability benefits. By replacing traditional point-to-point cabling and central matrix switchers with compact Crestron NVX endpoints, the project significantly reduced the amount of hardware, cable, and associated waste required for installation. The system’s remote management capabilities also mean fewer site visits for support, helping to lower the long-term operational carbon footprint.
Additionally, all hardware was chosen for its longevity and serviceability, aligning with the University’s environmental targets and commitment to responsible procurement. The result is a high-performance, future-proof solution that meets both the functional and the sustainability goals of the university.
Outcome
The completed Superlab is now one of the most advanced and technically capable teaching laboratories in the UK. Its immersive, flexible AV environment enhances the delivery of science and health-related courses, allowing staff to teach with clarity, confidence, and control. The system has received strong positive feedback from academic and technical staff alike, with particular praise for its usability and performance.
The Superlab also reinforces the University’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution investing in cutting-edge, student-focused infrastructure. Roche AV Pro’s role as audio visual integrator ensured a cohesive, expertly managed delivery and a future-ready solution the university can rely on.
Conclusion
Roche AV Pro delivered a full Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP system tailored to the Superlab’s dynamic teaching requirements. At the core of the solution is an ultra-low latency 4K video distribution platform, allowing live demonstrations and content to be broadcast instantly to any or all of the 180 student stations. Each station is equipped with a display capable of receiving content from the lecturer or other connected sources, ensuring that the entire cohort can follow practical or theoretical instruction with clarity.
Centralised touch panel control provides an intuitive interface for academic staff, making it easy to select sources, route content, and switch teaching modes as needed. The system’s fully networked architecture also supports remote monitoring, diagnostics, and updates, enabling Manchester Met. University’s technical teams to manage and maintain the system with minimal on-site intervention. The entire project was delivered in close collaboration with the Estates and IT departments to ensure seamless integration with the university’s existing infrastructure and long-term IT strategy.
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