Information Technology and Services

Learning Environments and Media Production (LEMP) upgraded technology in over 30 spaces on and around campus this past summer. Projects ranged from classroom projector upgrades to a fully integrated 7.1 surround sound classroom connected to an audio mixing studio.  A total of 5 new classrooms in the Shaffer Art Building were added to the registrar pool.  Classrooms in Newhouse and Shaffer were upgraded to high-definition (HD) presentation technology. Short-throw projection systems were installed in Bowne Hall and HBC conference rooms. LEMP also replaced 94 computers in the ITS public computer labs in Shine and Kimmel, and repurposed some computers at student email stations. 

 One of the major additions on campus is a multimedia interactive classroom in Bird Library, built in conjunction with The Belfer Audio Archives, to support classes taught in the recording studio. 

 "A unique challenge in the Belfer installation was to provide full 7.1 surround sound, along with the traditional equipment found in campus classrooms," said Don Little, director of LEMP.

From surround sound to SMARTBoard software to gaming counsels, the Belfer Laboratory project is a dynamic learning and teaching environment. The heart of the system is a Denon surround sound switcher/processor, which supports all of the current surround sound standards. Users can annotate or draw right on the images projected on the SMARTBoard. 

A link was installed to display the recording studio's computer system and a live video camera feed to both the control room and recording studio. The room is also compatible with the latest gaming consoles for students learning to design soundscapes for video games. The low profile A/V credenza system conforms to ADA standards, allowing seated users to operate the system.

The Learning Environments Group upgraded technology off campus as well, with their installation of a new SMARTBoard in the Say Yes to Education office at 109 Otisco Street.

"It operates as part of a system that includes the interactive whiteboard, a computer, a short-throw projector and white boarding software," said Ray Dow, manager of Learning Environments. "A projector displays the computer's desktop image on the interactive whiteboard, which accepts touch input from a finger, pen or other solid object.  Each contact with the interactive whiteboard is interpreted as a left-click from the mouse."

Presentation classrooms in Newhouse and Shaffer were upgraded to HD projectors with Extron Touchlink control interfaces. They include a HDMI/DVI/VGA/Composite switcher to allow support of legacy and newer source devices.

"Overall, the system is designed for today's technology, but is upgradable as new technologies emerge," said Little. 

For more information contact Don Little at x1849 or dmlittle@syr.edu.