Faced with the pandemic challenges, Tilburg University was one of the first among its peers to launch hybrid learning technology in order to maintain an uninterrupted curriculum and provide effective learning tools for remote students.
Back in the summer of 2021, the AV-IT Department of the University launched a demo project to assess the functionality of Lightware TAURUS UCX, a universal USB-C switcher, and its relevance for their establishment.
The AV-IT engineers of Tilburg University wanted to have USB-C functionality as the core technology of their medium and large-size lecture halls. Running the demo project and communicating with the Lightware engineers, the AV-IT team of the University built confidence in the product and enjoyed professional, honest, and straightforward communication with the manufacturer. “Over many years, we have seen a lot of brands coming to make demos. The technical AV Department of the University really want to learn about industry development, they need to communicate with the manufacturer’s technicians to discuss, to communicate. It is sad when people come only to sell,” – noticed Paul van Venrooij, AV Support Engineer.
It is always a challenge when you choose a new brand,” –says Cees Vaandrager, Tilburg University's Engineer IT & AV Professional, - “with Lightware we built trust, the manufacturer was knowledgeable and the demo was most convincing.
The successful demo project allowed the AV Team of the University to proceed with the hybrid technology for the lecture halls of the venue. Thus, the first 28 medium and large size lecture halls across the campus of Tilburg University were rolled out with TAURUS UCX-4x2-HC30.
Instructors and engineers of the University appreciate the ample features of the switcher: “There are a lot of implements on the market, of which some do power, some do video, some do both, but the full functionality like in our university, where teachers put their laptops on the desk at the workplace and then they have everything through one cable, is missing. That is why Lightware product stands out,” – notices Cees.
Now, the University has 60 units of TAURUS UCX-4x2-HC30, which by their nature stand in the core of the AV technology of the lecture halls in Tilburg, providing in just one box an array of features, such as:
- USB-C connectivity which enables one cable to deliver video, audio, charging up to 60W, and internet
- USB 3.1 connectivity and host switching among 4 sources
- Full HDMI 2.0 compatibility allowing uncompressed delivery of 4K60Hz 4:4:4 video with ultra-low latency
- Simplified and automated room utility control
There is no other switcher like this, it does what it does, – says Paul. “It is not comparable to anything else, definitely, not in one box solution“. Instructors enjoy the technology, its usability, straightforwardness, and speed: they put their laptop in or launch the room PC, and in a second the room is up and running
The AV Team of the University looks for standardization, usability, and effective maintenance of the technologies across the campus. In all their lecture rooms there is a dedicated presentation PC on USB-C input and HDMI output of the switcher and they still have a USB-C input and output for the laptop, they utilize room USB cameras, having the remaining fourth input for future integrations. All lecture halls are hybrid providing BYOM functionality of Zoom and Teams.
Being networked, TAURUS UCX enables remote monitoring, device control, and troubleshooting which is tremendously helpful for the AV-IT Team of the University.
Apart from technological qualities and features, Tilburg University engineers appreciate the transparency and truth of Lightware: industries and manufacturers have not completely recovered yet from the harsh blow delivered by covid, and supply chain issues are still very much on the agenda, with Lightware they are confident that the delivery terms will be honored as they have been announced.
Lightware is honest and we can rely on that! And that is a part of building a partnership for us, “– remarks Cees Vaandrager.
The AV Team of the University are interested to see the Lightware USB-C lineup grow. Staying in close contact, Tilburg and Lightware engineers collaborate providing continuous evolution of the product and ensuring future successful rolls out for the University.
Before the end of 2023, Tilburg University is planning to deploy 70 more units of TAURUS UCX to power their instructors with every advantage of the USB-C technology encompassed in this award-winning product.
