University of Exeter enhances hybrid learning with Sony PTZ cameras
Sony’s remotely controllable PTZ cameras with AI-powered Auto Framing technology are contributing to increased engagement for students watching lectures online.
- University of Exeter experienced problems with use of cameras in hybrid lectures
- Presenters’ movements could leave them out of the frame for several minutes
- SRG-A12 PTZ Auto Framing cameras with 12x optical zoom
- SRG-A40 PTZ Auto Framing cameras with up to 40x optical zoom
- Lecturers are always framed naturally, even while moving around the room during presentations
- Enhanced student engagement
- No human operator needed
The student learning experience is our priority. We have used Sony products for several years which has established confidence in the brand.
Aaron Delgado
Lead AV Developer, University of Exeter
Combining the best of in-person and online learning
The University of Exeter is part of the Russell Group, representing 24 leading universities in the UK with a focus on world-class research and education.
Hybrid learning has become an integral part of the higher education landscape, combining the best of in-person and online learning. Recognising the need for innovative technology to realise the full benefits of hybrid learning, the University of Exeter has recently adopted Sony’s innovative PTZ cameras. The move underlines the university’s commitment to deliver the best possible learning experience – both for on-campus and remote students – and its dedication to staying at the forefront of educational technology to achieve this.
AI-powered PTZ cameras track lecturers’ movement
To date the university has integrated more than 20 Sony SRG-series PTZ cameras across multiple buildings on its campus. Working with local AV solutions provider GVAV, it has installed SRG-A12 cameras in seminar rooms, together with SRG-A40 cameras in lecture theatres as well as the flagship auditorium that seats up to 450 people. To keep up with student demand for enhanced hybrid learning the university plans to equip a further 41 rooms with the technology this year.
The SRG-A12 and SRG-A40 both feature Sony’s PTZ Auto Framing technology that enhances the cameras’ ability to deliver high-quality composed shots without an operator. Powered by built-in AI analytics, Auto Framing allows the camera to automatically track the lecturer – or another subject – with smooth Pan-Tilt-Zoom movements. The technology maintains an accurate lock on the presenter as they move around the room, regardless of their posture or the clothing they’re wearing. An easy-to-use web app control panel designed by Crestron allows lecturers to enable Auto Framing quickly, without the need to spend additional time setting up ahead of a lecture.
Prioritising the student learning experience
“The student learning experience is our priority” states Aaron Delgado, Lead AV Developer at University of Exeter. “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 confidence in the brand and products, so we were able to rollout the cameras across campus rapidly.
“Previously, we experienced usability issues with using static camera presets” continues Aaron. “If a lecturer moved to the left or right of the frame without changing a preset, they could be out of the shot for up to ten or twenty minutes. This would really impact on student engagement levels. PTZ Auto Framing helps eliminate this issue, and significantly enhances the quality of both hybrid teaching sessions and lecture capture recordings.”
As Aaron explains, the benefits that the cameras have brought students and academics also extend to the university’s development team. “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.”
