Immerse Yourself in Revolutionary Audio Experiences at Duke Kunshan University
In a significant stride towards delivering world-class education, Duke Kunshan University (DKU) has implemented Sennheiser's TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) audio technology to improve remote and in-person teaching interactions.
Context and Need
As a joint venture between Duke University and Wuhan University, DKU places a strong emphasis on global education. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the need for effective hybrid learning solutions, and DKU sought technology to support clear audio in classrooms for both in-person students and remote participants, facilitating seamless interaction.
Technology Used – Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2)
The TCC 2 is a ceiling-mounted microphone array that uses automatic beamforming technology. It locates the active speaker and focuses the microphone beam on them, capturing clear audio without the need for wearable or handheld mics. This system reduces background noise and reverberation, providing high-quality, natural sound to remote participants.
Implementation Details at DKU
Installed in hybrid classrooms, the TCC 2 allows instructors to teach in-person while remote students can hear every word clearly, as if present in the room. Faculty can also hear students’ questions or discussions clearly during sessions, facilitating a two-way conversational experience. The technology integrates with existing video conferencing systems used by DKU for hybrid classes.
Impact
Improved audio clarity bridges the gap between remote and in-person participants, making hybrid sessions more engaging and effective. Teachers reported easier communication without needing to adapt to complicated microphone equipment. Students benefit from a more immersive learning environment, reducing common remote learning challenges like audio dropouts and poor sound quality.
Further Collaboration
Wan, the project lead at DKU, expressed appreciation for Sennheiser's role in the successful execution of the project. The TCC 2 is integrated with Biamp DSP and Sony PTZ camera tracking functionality in conference rooms, enabling real-time camera switching based on speaker changes. The audio system design for the campus was developed by Wan's team, featuring a fully digital and distributed AV-over-IP architecture.
The TCC 2 is equipped with patented dynamic beamforming technology that automatically identifies speakers' positions and seamlessly switches between them in real time. It is certified for use with numerous mainstream video conferencing platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Tencent Meeting, and DingTalk Meeting.
In summary, Duke Kunshan University’s adoption of Sennheiser’s TCC 2 technology provides a smooth, high-quality audio experience that greatly enhances their hybrid learning capabilities, supporting their goal of delivering globalized, accessible education.
- DKU, recognizing the need for superior hybrid learning solutions to facilitate seamless interaction during remote and in-person teaching, opted to utilize the Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) technology to enrich their business of education and self-development.
- Sennheiser's TCC 2 technology, coupled with wireless finance integration through various mainstream video conferencing platforms, has blurred the boundary between physical classrooms and remote learning, seamlessly integrating into DKU's education-and-self-development curriculum and business operations.
- In the realm of technology, the dual integration of Sennheiser's TCC 2 and Biamp DSP systems at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) has led to advanced features such as real-time camera switching, contributing to the university's reputation for showcasing cutting-edge technology in its educational products.
