The University of Guelph in Ontario, which serves nearly 30,000 students and more than 1,200 faculty, is recognized not only for excellence in the arts and sciences but for educating the whole person by turning knowledge into action and passion.  One of the ways the University of Guelph acts on this educational commitment is by offering a second to none hybrid learning experience, complete with the latest state-of-the-art technologies.  From projectors to pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and displays, the University employs an end-to-end Sony ecosystem to help support instructors’ needs while heightening student engagement through the image quality, dependability and craftsmanship associated with the brand.

Christopher Hewitt, Manager of Classroom Technical Infrastructure at the University helped select the new technology.  He explained the decision-making process behind choosing Sony.  “Sony’s product lineup is vast, however, one of the biggest features is the ability for the technology to integrate with our existing systems and be versatile enough to meet my specific needs.  The interoperability of the product is paramount.  In addition, design quality seems to be synonymous with Sony’s professional products.  From LCD panels to projectors, it’s reasonable to expect that Sony will ALWAYS deliver a great product.”

He continued, “Our product selection is primarily from Tier 1 vendors and vendors that have major brand influence.  When we choose a new product, we try to rank it with others to ensure that it is compliant with our needs and then evaluate using factors such as price, serviceability, product reputation, quality and ease of use.  Typically, we look for products that are dependable and have companies that stand behind their product.  It’s also important to have a sales representative that is local to our market, has a stakeholder relationship with our University and can bring experts to the table to talk about product development.”

From classrooms including small seminar and lab rooms, to lecture theaters, the University of Guelph uses Sony’s latest technologies across campus.  Specifically, the institute has standardized on a full range of more than 150 of Sony’s laser projectors.  The VPL-PHZ10 and VPL-PHZ50 are used in smaller spaces while the VPL-FHZ90 and VPL-FHZ70 are used in larger rooms, with each room typically housing two projectors.

In terms of selecting projectors, Hewitt noted, “We’ve been using Sony’s projectors exclusively since 2015.  When we were looking to make an upgrade, we conducted our own shoot-out testing the Sony projectors against other competitors and we’re confident that the Sony lineup outperformed others.  Paired with the exceptional reliability that Sony provides, the models offer us a competitive advantage.  In addition, the great sales incentive allowed us to maximize our renewal funding, enabling us to purchase units for more classrooms.”

He continued, “Our product selection is primarily from Tier 1 vendors and vendors that have major brand influence.  When we choose a new product, we try to rank it with others to ensure that it is compliant with our needs and then evaluate using factors such as price, serviceability, product reputation, quality and ease of use.  Typically, we look for products that are dependable and have companies that stand behind their product.  It’s also important to have a sales representative that is local to our market, has a stakeholder relationship with our University and can bring experts to the table to talk about product development.”

From classrooms including small seminar and lab rooms, to lecture theaters, the University of Guelph uses Sony’s latest technologies across campus.  Specifically, the institute has standardized on a full range of more than 150 of Sony’s laser projectors.  The VPL-PHZ10 and VPL-PHZ50 are used in smaller spaces while the VPL-FHZ90 and VPL-FHZ70 are used in larger rooms, with each room typically housing two projectors.

In terms of selecting projectors, Hewitt noted, “We’ve been using Sony’s projectors exclusively since 2015.  When we were looking to make an upgrade, we conducted our own shoot-out testing the Sony projectors against other competitors and we’re confident that the Sony lineup outperformed others.  Paired with the exceptional reliability that Sony provides, the models offer us a competitive advantage.  In addition, the great sales incentive allowed us to maximize our renewal funding, enabling us to purchase units for more classrooms.”

As the school began programming their classes with a hybrid mindset, technology has played an even more important role in providing interactivity and collaboration, in-person and remotely.  Hewitt described the setup.  “We have in-person lectures that are live streamed using a web conference environment that is platform agnostic.  Coupled with our standard of being a BYOD environment, it means with little configuration, we are able to accommodate anyone’s laptop into the classroom and successfully have it joined to the conference using Sony’s cameras to capture the audience and lecturer’s class.”

Hewitt continued, “With regards to the technology that we put in place over the pandemic, the Sony cameras have given the ability to live conference from the classroom to students and other faculty members abroad resulting in increased engagement, web conference capability and the ability to have a hybrid lecture that is two-way.  It allows participants to not only view the classroom but participate interactively.”

The technology in place is also making an impact on its beneficiaries.  Hewitt explained, “Students and faculty members alike have noticed a difference in the quality of the images displayed on-screen.  Having a great image is paramount to the student experience, with rich colours, true blacks and deeper contrast - especially when placed in a class where colour and experience matter.  Our College of Arts have depended upon Sony’s projectors through the years and are very fond of the experience they deliver.”

The final reason Hewitt cited for aligning with Sony was their overall partnership.  From progressive service and support to creative problem solving, he feels Sony often goes above and beyond for their customers.  After many years of collaboration, Sony remains committed to helping colleges and universities large and small, like the University of Guelph, thrive and take advantage of transformative technologies that help capitalize on the latest educational trends and create a more dynamic form of learning.