Exeter University advances learning with Sony PTZ cameras

The University of Exeter, a Russell Group university and one of the UK’s leading institutions for higher education, has implemented Sony’s products for education into its campus to bolster blended learning for students.

The university has adopted Sony PTZ cameras to deliver the best possible experience for on-premise and remote students.

Working with local AV solutions provider GVAV, the University of Exeter has integrated over 20 of Sony’s intuitive PTZ cameras across multiple buildings on its campus so far.

It currently uses the SRG-A12 for its seminar rooms and the SRG-A40 for its lecture theatres as well as aflagship auditorium that seats up to 450 people.

To keep up with demand from students for enhanced hybrid learning, the university plans to fit a further 41 rooms with the technology this year.

Standout features of the PTZ cameras include intelligent tracking capabilities and an intuitive interface. The SRG-A12 and SRG-A40 with revolutionary PTZ Auto Framing technology are powered by built-in AI analytics to deliver high-quality composed shots without an operator. With the advanced PTZ AI Auto Framing feature, the camera automatically tracks the target with smooth Pan-Tilt-Zoom movement regardless of posture, movement or what the target is wearing. An easy-to-use Web App control panel, custom designed by Crestron, means that lecturers can quickly and easily enable the feature without the need to spend additional time setting up ahead of a session.

Aaron Delgado, lead AV Developer at the University of Exeter commented: “The student learning experience is our priority, and any potential new product goes through rigorous testing before we consider deployment into a live learning environment. We have used Sony products for several years which has established a confidence in the brand and products, so we were able to roll out the cameras across campus rapidly.

“Previously, we experienced usability issues with the use of static camera presets, whereby, if a lecturer moved to the left or right of the frame without changing a preset, they would be missing from the shot for up to 10 or 20 minutes which would really impact engagement levels. The PTZ AI auto framing technology helps to eliminate this issue and significantly enhances the quality of hybrid teaching sessions and lecture capture recordings.”

Delgado added: “In the past, we spent hours manually configuring presets and programming bespoke camera tracking systems across our estate – the new cameras have massively reduced the setup time required. The technology is exceptional, and the ease of configuration and tracking performance is a cut above similar products that we evaluated.”

Alexandra Parlour, European marcoms and education segment marketing manager for Sony Professional Displays and Solutions commented: “We’re honoured to provide the tools the team at the University of Exeter needs to continue to enhance the student learning experience. Sony is committed to empowering leaders in education like the University of Exeter to meet today’s demand from students and academia for a streamlined hybrid experience, no matter what location they are working from.”

For more information on Sony’s PTZ cameras and hybrid teaching and learning solutions, visit https://pro.sony/en_GB/products/ptz-network-cameras/srg-a40.