San Antonio, TX
Ford AV partnered with the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health to design and integrate audiovisual systems that support modern health education, hybrid learning, and collaboration across Texas. The project spanned classrooms, large conference rooms, multipurpose spaces, an executive suite, and a highly specialized teaching kitchen and production studio that required reliable, scalable AV tailored to its instructional purpose. The goal was to deliver an AV system to support in-person instruction and create an engaging experience for remote participants.
“With remote learning becoming so popular they wanted to be able to create the best remote experience possible for both the students in room and the students joining remotely.”
— Ford AV Project Team
AV System Design with Hybrid Learning Technology
Ford AV was responsible for the design and integration of all audiovisual systems throughout the facility. Each classroom was equipped with dual displays, providing expansive visual coverage for instructional content and remote participants. Automatic Camera Preset Recall (ACPR) technology was deployed in every classroom, enabling intelligent camera behavior based on microphone activity. This allowed instructors and students to remain focused on teaching and discussion without needing to manually control cameras.
The full Q-SYS ecosystem integrates PTZ cameras, ceiling microphones, line array speakers, and UC engines. As an instructor spoke, cameras automatically tracked and framed the active speaker, while an audience camera captures student participation. This approach created a more natural and inclusive experience for students joining remotely.
Executive and Conference Room AV Integration
The executive suite and 25-seat conference room required a higher level of precision and flexibility. Each seat at the conference table has a Clock Audio microphone, paired with six ceiling-mounted QSC PTZ cameras. Using ACPR, each microphone triggered a corresponding camera preset, automatically switching views to the active speaker.
Video routing, using QSC encoders and decoders, allows users to switch between local PCs, BYOD sources, and Microsoft Teams meetings. Touch panels provide intuitive control, making it easy for users to launch meetings and manage content without technical assistance. This design supports executive decision-making, hybrid governance meetings, and collaboration with remote stakeholders without requiring in-room technical support.
Teaching Kitchen and Production Studio Technology
One of the most unique spaces in the project was the teaching kitchen, which required a broadcast-style AV approach to support culinary instruction and remote learning. Ford AV designed a small production system that included four Marshall cameras positioned to capture critical areas such as the sink, prep stations, stovetop, and oven, along with two additional PTZ cameras to provide wider room coverage. The result is a purpose-built instructional environment that mirrors professional production workflows while remaining intuitive for faculty use.
Camera feeds were routed through a video switcher, giving Instructors control over which views were displayed locally or remotely. This setup allowed students, both in-person and remote, to see detailed cooking techniques and demonstrations, supporting an immersive educational experience.
“The teaching kitchen featured advanced culinary capabilities, which required careful planning for camera coverage across ovens, cooking surfaces, and prep areas. Capturing these angles called for creative problem-solving during installation.”
— Ford AV Project Team
AV Installation Challenges in New University Facilities
The project presented several challenges, including missed conduit runs and infrastructure gaps. These required real-time coordination and problem-solving. Ford AV worked with the general contractor and trades to identify issues early, implement practical solutions, and avoid project delays.
Camera mounting in spaces such as the conference room and teaching kitchen also required careful planning. Multiple onsite walkthroughs were conducted during construction to review infrastructure and mounting locations, allowing the team to adjust designs and avoid installation conflicts. Additionally, many of the classrooms were nearly identical, so Ford AV installed and commissioned a single demo room first. Once testing was complete, configurations were efficiently replicated across the remaining spaces.
Improving Hybrid Health Education Learning Through AV Technology
The completed AV systems provide UT Health Science Center School of Public Health with flexible, hybrid learning environments that support both traditional and remote instruction. Intelligent camera tracking, automated switching, and video routing allow instructors to focus on teaching while ensuring remote students remain engaged.
The teaching kitchen stands out as a highly specialized learning space, showcasing Ford AV’s ability to adapt AV integration to unique educational environments. Across classrooms, conference rooms, and multipurpose spaces, the AV systems support long-term use, evolving instructional needs, and the growing demand for hybrid health education across Texas.
This project highlights Ford AV’s expertise in educational AV integration, particularly for health science and higher education facilities seeking reliable, scalable technology solutions.
- Higher Education AV Expertise – Decades of experience designing and integrating AV systems across Texas and beyond.
- Hybrid Learning Technology Leadership – Advanced classroom AV solutions that enhance both in-room and remote learning experiences.
- Complex University AV Integration – Proven success delivering AV for classrooms, executive spaces, conference rooms, and specialized environments.
- Trusted by Leading Texas Institutions – Universities and health education organizations rely on Ford AV for dependable AV integration, project management, and ongoing support.
Ready to enhance hybrid learning and health education with expertly integrated AV technology? Contact Ford AV to start planning your next higher education AV project.
