These advanced products enable enhanced signal switching and offer discreet flexible connection options, especially with the integrated USB-C connection.
With the new matrix switchers, lecturers can choose to either use the PC in the seminar room or connect their own devices via the provided cable connections. The TPX switchers ensure reliable signal transmission to the projector and forward the audio connection to the loudspeakers. Particularly noteworthy is that when connected via USB-C, the lecturer's end device is not only charged but also given access to additional USB devices within the system, such as cameras or microphones, as well as to the network and the internet. A single cable provides full-featured connectivity.
"As an engineer, what I particularly like about the Lightware Taurus TPX is that the system is extremely easy to install,” says Peter Heidemann, an information electronics engineer and media technician at the university. “A single Ethernet cable is all that is needed to cover everything.”
Another special feature of the Taurus TPX is that it is easy to install with no additional cable connections. The signal transmission between the TX and RX sides occurs via a LAN cable, with the RX side being supplied with power via PoE (Power over Ethernet), meaning that no separate power supply unit is required. These features make installation not only uncomplicated but also cost-efficient.
The TPX-2x1 bundle is particularly suitable for rooms without fixed room PCs and is also more cost-effective, while the TPX-4x3 bundle offers more inputs and is therefore optimal for more complex rooms. However, both bundles offer the same impressive features, such as single CAT connectivity up to 100 metres, USB-C connectivity for 4K video, audio, data and power, and multiple USB 2.0 connectivity for various USB devices on the TX and RX side.
“The device is small and compact, ideal for modernising both new and older rooms with existing AV technology,” continues Heidemann. “I particularly like the fact that it can be used as a plug-and-play solution for quick conversions, but also that you can make your own adjustments and programming if you have more demanding requirements. The latency-free transmission of USB over Ethernet for a camera, for example, in parallel with the image output on the projector, is worth its weight in gold.”
The upgrade of media technology at Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences has been well received by its users. A user survey showed that 41.7% use the rooms weekly. Of these users, 33% conduct training courses, 28% hold presentations, 20% practice hybrid learning and 18% hold meetings. The user-friendliness was rated particularly highly, with 83% rating it as very good. Image transmission and switching between sources were also rated very good by 58% and 66% of users, respectively.
The distribution of the connections used is also interesting: 41.7% use the HDMI connection with USB-A, 33.3% use the USB-C connection and 25% switch between the two as needed. In rooms without the new media technology, 75% of users rated the media technology as worse, which once again underlines the superiority of the new solution.
“Taurus TPX supports a wide range of devices and offers versatile connection options,” remarks Heidemann on the versatility of the new Lightware solution. “Thanks to the USB-C functionality and the HDMI option with USB auto-detection, it is flexible for use in almost any setup.”
Overall, the project demonstrates how modern technology can improve efficiency and user-friendliness in educational settings. The positive feedback from users and the increased flexibility and functionality provided by the Taurus TPX product bundles make this project a prime example of successful media integration in learning environments.
