MMU Reinvents the Modern Classroom with Crestron’s AV-over-IP Technology

introduction

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in Manchester, England, is one of the largest public universities in the UK. It serves over 40,000 students and employs more than 4,000 staff in one of the country’s most vibrant and notable cities. Renowned for its dedication to sustainability, innovative teaching, and world-leading research, MMU continues to make a significant impact in higher education.

the challenge

MMU aimed to create a flexible, collaborative teaching environment that supports both individual and group learning. The university invests heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and digital infrastructure, to support cutting-edge learning and discovery. From a technology perspective, MMU sought to implement a robust and standardized AV system that would be consistent with its institution-wide standards.

the solution

After partnering with MMU, integrator Roche AV Pro was challenged to equip key learning environments with an AV-over-IP solution that could support robust use cases. Roche AV Pro has strong expertise with the Crestron ecosystem and trusts the product offerings to meet the reliability and dependability needs of these spaces. MMU established its cutting-edge learning spaces with Crestron DM NVX® AV-over-IP technology, first implemented in the School of Digital Arts (SODA), where its reliability set a benchmark for future campus-wide adoption.

“We sought to create a flexible and collaborative teaching environment using Crestron technology that could support both individual and group learning.” – Craig Pickard, Operations Director, Roche AV Pro

the technology

MMU uses Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP technology as a cornerstone of its modern learning environments, which began with its deployment in the School of Digital Arts (SODA). This was the university’s first experience with Crestron DM NVX technology, and it set a high standard for future projects. The SODA offers courses spanning film, animation, UX, design, photography, sound design, gaming, and AI. DM NVX technology delivers audio and video feeds that can be perfectly synchronized for music studios. The building has proven to be one of the most reliable on campus, inspiring confidence in DM NVX AV-over-IP technology for campus-wide installations.

The success of the SODA building led to the replication of Crestron DM NVX systems in the new Dalton building, which houses the high-tech science laboratory, the Superlab. The Superlab exemplifies MMU’s commitment to providing cutting-edge educational technology. It is a large-scale, open-plan science laboratory that accommodates up to 180 students and features a full wet lab setup with sinks, gas taps, and medical-grade touch screens at each student station. The touch screens are integrated with the Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP system, allowing seamless switching between student-controlled computers and instructor-led content, fostering both individual and collaborative learning.

Reliability and scalability were driving forces that gave MMU the confidence to adopt DM NVX technology in multiple spaces. The lab is divided into four independently controllable zones, enabling instructors to simultaneously teach in one, several, or all zones. With 96 displays and 117 DM NVX AV-over-IP endpoints, the system supports dynamic configurations via a central controller, offering presets for full-room or segmented use.

The university has also standardized its AV user interface across all rooms, from seminar spaces to complex labs, ensuring a consistent and intuitive experience for faculty and students alike. This standardization has significantly reduced training requirements and boosted confidence in students and professors, proving that a unified AV experience is achievable across diverse educational settings.

“The Superlab is a living ecosystem of technology, collaboration, and design, where science meets seamless AV integration, empowering every student and educator to connect, collaborate, and create without limits.” – John Valentine,
IT Services Campus Team Leader, Manchester Metropolitan

the results

MMU’s adoption of Crestron DM NVX technology has transformed its approach to educational AV, exceeding expectations in delivering a consistent, intuitive, and future-proof experience that has been replicated across campus. The user-friendly interface used across all rooms allowed faculty to learn how to use the system quickly and easily.

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