Extron NAV System Powers Flexible Three-Room Divisible Classroom at Curtin Singapore

Extron AV systems are very easy to use. From an integration standpoint, their architecture allowed us to solve what could’ve been a very complex routing problem. More importantly, instructors can walk into the space, tap a few buttons, and everything works. That level of functionality is exactly what institutions like Curtin need.

Curtin Singapore has been investing in scalable, forward-looking AV infrastructure to support their modern teaching methods. They recently completed Phase 4 of a long-term commitment to hybrid education and efficient space utilization. The university undertook a project to convert three adjacent classrooms into a divisible learning environment. This space now accommodates three independent sessions, a pair of combined rooms, or a fully merged environment. And it’s all powered by Extron’s NAV® Pro AV over IP platform.

The project, led by AV-Science Marketing Pte Ltd, focused on maximizing the capabilities of limited physical space while maintaining seamless AV control, clear communication, and hybrid learning functionality. With flexibility and ease of use as guiding principles, Extron’s AV-over-IP architecture became the ideal foundation for the transformation.

CHALLENGES

The goal of the project was ambitious: convert three standard classrooms into a reconfigurable space capable of supporting three distinct layouts: individual (1:1:1), partial merge (1:2), or full combination (3). The system had to be efficient, intuitive, and reliable enough for instructors to manage without technical assistance, while also meeting the university’s baseline standards for hybrid instruction.

Signal routing and room control logic had to be dynamically adjustable in order to match the room configuration at any given time. At the same time, each zone needed to offer the full suite of AV resources, including PTZ cameras, document cameras, wireless microphones, ceiling speakers, projectors, and flat panel displays. To complicate matters further, all of this functionality had to be delivered in a compact footprint that respected the spatial limitations of the existing classroom layout.

DESIGN SOLUTION

Flexible Signal Distribution with NAV Pro AV over IP

At the core of Curtin Singapore’s divisible classroom solution is Extron’s NAV® Pro AV over IP system, the only no-compromise AV-over-IP platform specifically engineered for enterprise-scale deployments. NAV allowed the university to consolidate three classrooms into a fully flexible AV environment that can be divided or merged in real time. The system ensures signal integrity, system responsiveness, and user simplicity.

The NAV system provides a critical advantage in supporting multiple room configurations (1:1:1, 1:2, and full merge) by allowing AV signals to be dynamically routed between displays, sources, and control points across the three spaces; all over the existing Ethernet infrastructure. This flexibility is made possible by NAV E 121 encoders and NAV SD 101 scaling decoders, which deliver visually lossless 4K/60 4:4:4 video with ultra-low latency, thanks to Extron’s patented PURE3® codec.

With the ability to stream real-time, HDCP 2.3-compliant content, NAV preserves content quality and copyright compliance without introducing lag or video degradation. Its interoperability across both 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps networks also ensures that Curtin’s AV investment is scalable. This allows for future expansion or reconfiguration without re-designing the core system.

The NAVigator System Manager enables secure, centralized management of the entire deployment from a single browser-based interface. It simplifies configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics. This is a key benefit for campus IT and AV support staff managing multiple teaching environments.

For Curtin Singapore, NAV delivers more than just high-quality AV signal transport. It provides an adaptable backbone for teaching and conferencing that matches the university’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in higher education. By enabling real-time room reconfiguration, future-proof scalability, and enterprise-level control, NAV has empowered the university to do more with their limited space.

Simplified Control with TouchLink Pro and IP Link Pro

Control is handled via the TLP Pro 1025T 10" Tabletop TouchLink® Pro touchpanel, conveniently mounted on the equipment rack within the room. From this interface, instructors can power displays, select sources, initiate room combinations, and adjust audio settings without navigating complicated menus. The control logic is managed by the IPCP Pro 250 xi control processor, which meshes seamlessly with Extron’s NAV system and peripheral devices.

Integrated AV for Hybrid Teaching and Clear Communication

HDMI signal extension is accomplished using DTP HDMI 4K 230 Tx/Rx pairs, enabling connectivity from local sources to projectors and flat panel displays across the combined spaces. A MediaPort 200 HDMI and audio-to-USB scaling bridge enables integration with conferencing platforms, supporting hybrid and remote participants.

Scalable Audio Processing and Clear Sound Coverage

Audio clarity was a critical component of the solution. Voice and media signals are routed through an Extron DMP 128 Plus C AT digital signal processor featuring AEC and Dante® audio networking. Amplified by XPA U 1004 four-channel amplifiers, sound is delivered evenly across the space through SF 26CT SoundField® XD ceiling speakers.

Each room is also equipped with PTZ cameras, document cameras, and wireless microphones, allowing educators to switch seamlessly between in-person and hybrid teaching modes. When rooms are merged, the AV system automatically scales audio and video routing based on the current configuration, requiring no manual intervention.

RESULTS

The finished space now delivers a high level of adaptability without compromising user experience. Instructors can operate the system with minimal training, even when the room layout changes. Whether hosting a lecture, a hybrid seminar, or a multi-room workshop, the AV infrastructure adapts in seconds to support the activity.

From an operations standpoint, the Extron system enables Curtin Singapore to achieve more with fewer resources. With one centralized AV infrastructure supporting three rooms in multiple configurations, the university has reduced both hardware redundancy and long-term maintenance complexity.

This installation stands as a model for space optimization and system intelligence in academic environments, delivering real-world value while future-proofing Curtin University Singapore’s AV investment.

The ability to reconfigure the space instantly without compromising audio or video quality is a game changer. NAV gave us the flexibility and control we needed, all on a single network.

AV-Science Marketing Pte Ltd and Extron have really improved our AV experience in our new campus. We can now turn three rooms into one large room in seconds and still get clear video and sound. The installation went smoothly and finished in three months with almost no class disruptions. Extron’s equipment works together seamlessly, and the easy touch controls let our teachers focus on teaching, not tech. This has boosted our hybrid classes and set us up for future technologies.

Featured Extron Products