ClearOne BMA Audio Solutions Installed Across College of New Jersey Campus
- By Kate Lucariello
- 10/12/23
Sparked by the need for remote learning solutions in the face of the pandemic, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in 2020 began installing ClearOne audio systems in small and large classrooms and conference rooms campuswide.
The Office of Media and Technology Support Services (MTSS) looked at several options to deliver classroom and lecture hall audio, according to a release. Funding was made available for annual rollouts of new conferencing technology across campus.
"We quickly recognized the need to develop hybrid learning environments that support the ongoing success of our staff and students," said MTSS Director Jon Bannan. "The most critical need we identified was that any solution must be dead simple to operate, or otherwise risk introducing interruptions and frustration into educators' daily schedules."
The college opted to have ClearOne install its Collaborate Versa Lite CT system in small and medium spaces, which uses beamforming drop-ceiling microphones to provide simplified AV peripherals and a computer connection through the Versa USB Hub. The system has echo cancellation and adaptive steering, which switches between several directional beams based on the location of a meeting participant or host.
The installation also includes camera systems with automatic tracking of a moving speaker. This gives educators more flexibility to teach remote learners.
"In the competitive college landscape, staying ahead of technology trends is vital to achieve enrollment goals and provide all students equitable access regardless of individual situations or external disruptions," said Bannan.
ClearOne later installed BMA 360 ceiling microphones with a Converge Pro 2 DSP mixer in larger classrooms, with tracking cameras. This system has up to 12 additional lavalier or other microphones for multiple speakers. Conference rooms also received new installations, the college president's being the first, to solve challenging acoustic problems. The installed BMA CT Voice Lift system in that room addressed such challenges.
"Their efforts to standardize the campus' technology are already paying dividends for staff and guests," said Jason DiCampello, ClearOne regional sales director, who worked directly with Bannan. "The need for reliable, high-quality audio and video solutions in education is only going to grow, and we look forward to continuing to work with TCNJ to provide long-lasting solutions that support staff and help the college meet its goals."
Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey has seven schools and is one of the less than 10% of higher educational institutions nationally to have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Visit The College of New Jersey's About page to learn more.
ClearOne offers home office and commercial solutions. Its self-paced product overview page provides more information on audio conferencing, visual collaboration, and AV networking.
About the Author
Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.