The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is a world-renowned institution for veterinary education and research. Schalm Hall Room 170, a large and heavily used classroom on the Vet Med campus, supports lectures, clinical training, and collaborative learning sessions. After eight years of service, the existing AV system was failing and no longer met the demanding needs of modern veterinary education. UC Davis selected Creation Networks to deliver a complete technology refresh.

Creation Networks performed the full design, engineering, programming, and installation of the new audiovisual system.

The aging AV system in Schalm Room 170 had become a significant obstacle to effective teaching:

• An eight-year-old system showing frequent failures and performance degradation
• Poor video quality and unreliable projection during detailed medical presentations
• Inadequate audio reinforcement and speech intelligibility in a large classroom
• Outdated control system that was difficult and frustrating for faculty to operate
• Limited support for modern sources such as laptops and hybrid learning scenarios

Creation Networks designed and installed a robust, high-performance AV system specifically engineered for the rigorous demands of veterinary medical education. The new system delivers exceptional video clarity, crystal-clear audio, and intuitive control while ensuring long-term reliability and ease of use for faculty and students.

The solution features a powerful combination of premium components integrated into a cohesive, user-friendly platform. A high-brightness 10,000-lumen laser projector paired with the existing large projection screen provides sharp, vibrant visuals that remain clear even with the lights on — essential for detailed anatomical diagrams, surgical videos, and diagnostic imaging. The video infrastructure is built on the Extron DTP Crosspoint series, enabling seamless switching between multiple sources including instructor laptops, classroom PCs, and document cameras, while supporting confidence monitors for the presenter.

For audio, Biamp processors handle advanced signal processing and mixing with powerful acoustic echo cancellation, ensuring excellent speech intelligibility throughout the large room. The system was integrated with new Shure wireless microphones (handheld and lavalier) and a new amplifier to significantly enhance the existing speaker system, delivering clear, even sound coverage for lectures, guest speakers, and student presentations.

System control is managed through Extron IPCP control processors with a clean, intuitive Extron Touch Panel mounted at the lectern. Faculty can now start a presentation, switch sources, adjust volume, or launch a hybrid session with a single touch — dramatically reducing setup time and technical stress.

The entire installation was carefully coordinated to minimize classroom downtime, with all components chosen for reliability, energy efficiency, and future scalability.

• Video System: High-brightness 10,000-lumen laser projector paired with the existing projection screen for sharp, vibrant presentations. The video switching and distribution are handled by the Extron DTP Crosspoint series, supporting PC, laptop, and confidence monitors.
• Audio System: Biamp processors for advanced audio processing and signal management, paired with a new amplifier to enhance the existing speaker system.
• Wireless Microphones: Professional Shure wireless microphone system for clear, reliable voice reinforcement during lectures and discussions.
• Control System: Extron IPCP control processors with a user-friendly Extron Touch Panel mounted at the lectern, providing faculty with simple, one-touch control of all AV functions.

The entire system was engineered for maximum reliability, ease of daily use, and seamless integration into the academic environment.