Extron Unveils New S³ Technical Institute High-Tech Training Facility

Anaheim, California (June 15, 2000) - Extron announces the grand opening of its new 5000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility at its world headquarters in Anaheim, CA. Featuring a comprehensive AV classroom, a fully equipped theater, a computer-based training environment, and two state-of-the-art videoconference rooms, the new facility will greatly enhance the delivery of Extron's renowned training, including Extron School, Extron School On The Road, Extron Distance Learning, dealer training, internal training, and other educational programs. Extron will debut the new facility to invited guests during INFOCOMM 2000. Jim Clements, Extron's Director of Education and Training, explained the inspiration behind the facility. "In keeping with Extron's S³ philosophy of Service, Support, and Solutions, we are committed to providing the most effective avenues for AV professionals to develop their professional knowledge base. The S³ Technical Institute training facility is the latest example of this ongoing commitment." The new facility is equipped to support a wide range of superb learning and training environments in which students and instructors can effectively see and hear presentations, as well as work together in maximum comfort. Each training area's video, audio, acoustics, lighting, temperature control, and architecture contribute to the effectiveness of this ultimate learning environment. The classroom is equipped with a front projection video system and three top-of-the-line rear projectors that operate in a separate projection room. In the projection room, each projector's line of sight to the screen is enclosed in a tunnel to ensure that projection room lighting does not affect the students' view of the presentation in the training room. To make certain that everyone can clearly hear and be heard, the classroom's audio system uses speakers and microphones housed in the false ceiling. Walls, doors, and ceiling materials throughout the facility were all designed for high sound transmission class (STC) ratings, so hallway traffic or activities in adjoining rooms do not disrupt the training. The theater features a full 6.1-channel Surround Sound audio system, a widescreen DLP front projection system, and a rear projection LCD display system. The computer-based training room provides integrated student and instructor computer terminals for hands-on computer hardware and software training. The two videoconference or distance learning rooms use the latest videoconferencing technology and techniques to facilitate optimal distance learning opportunities for AV professionals around the world. The genius of the training center design is connectivity; any of over 100 video sources can be switched to any one or all outputs throughout the training rooms. This provides distributed access not only to the DVD players, VCRs, and audio devices located within the centralized equipment rack, but also to any other connected input device from any location within the facility. This connectivity is made possible by Extron's Matrix 6400 Switchers and intuitive, user-friendly touch panel screens for the facility's control systems. The facility enables West Coast based AV professionals to participate in locally held training. This year the International Communications Industries Association, Inc. (ICIA®) will offer four of its advanced ICIA Academysm courses at the Extron S³ Technical Institute. ICIA will bring its Installation, Rental, Systems Design, and Facilities Design Schools to Anaheim in the third and fourth quarters of 2000. Brad Caldwell, ICIA Chairman and President of Integrated Media Systems in Anaheim, commented, "ICIA appreciates Extron's commitment to us. Our goal is to bring AV education to a greater audience by deploying ICIA training to various geographical areas. The opportunities afforded by West Coast training will give West Coast members easier and more convenient access to the AV training they want." The S³ Technical Institute training facility was made possible through the generous support of Barco; Christie Digital Systems; Crestron Remote Control Systems; Da-Lite Screen Company, Inc.; Digital Projection; Display Devices, Inc.; ELMO; Hoover & Keith Inc.; McKay Conant Brook Inc.; NEC Technologies, Inc.; Panja, Inc.; PLUS Corporation; Premier Mounts; Real Time Services, Inc.; Samsung Electronics; SMART Technologies Inc.; Sony Electronics Inc.; and Stewart Filmscreen Corporation. To obtain more information on the S³ Technical Institute, contact an Extron Customer Support Representative at: 714.491.1500 or 800.633.9876 (Extron USA); +31.33.453.4040 (Extron Europe); or +65.383.4400 (Extron Asia).