Northumbria University chooses AI tracking solution
Northumbria University, with over 38,000 students, is a public university in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, known for its strong focus on innovation, collaboration and graduate outcomes. In 2025 it was awarded the title of Modern University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times.
Client: Northumbria University
Location: Northumbria, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
Sector: Education
Scope: Upgrading the audio visual capabilities of two large lecture theatres
Project Brief
As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience, Northumbria University sought to upgrade the audio visual capabilities of two large lecture theatres within its £100 million City Campus East development.
Located in the CCE1 building and accommodating up to 400 attendees, the theatres serve a dual purpose: delivering high-quality teaching and supporting commercial hire for conferences, talks, and large-scale events.
The University required a high-quality camera system capable of:
High-quality video capture
Automated presenter tracking
Seamless live-streaming and recording
Supporting hybrid learning and conferencing platforms
The challenge was to implement a solution that would deliver broadcast-quality results while remaining reliable, intuitive, and adaptable to varied event formats.
Our Solution
The University partnered with us to deliver the project. Having already worked with Northumbria University over the past three years as its exclusive AV integrator, we have demonstrable knowledge and experience of being able to transform and enhance teaching spaces across the campus, delivering modern, high-performance AV solutions which have significantly improved the learning experience for both faculty and students.
AV2000’s Andrew Cripwell oversaw this latest project:
“We recommended the Avonic product based on a hands-on evaluation of its qualities at ISE 2024 in Barcelona and its endorsement by POLAR. The University had expressed an initial preference for a different brand, but a further proof of concept demo by POLAR persuaded us that the Avonic solution was best. The smooth, high quality of its optics and strong reputation in the field convinced us that Avonic’s CamDirector Teacher Tracker software used with its PTZ cameras was a perfect fit for the Northumbria University project.”
The deployed system included:
- CamDirector Teacher Tracker (CD-Trac1 licence)
- CD500 AI processing units in each lecture theatre
- Two Avonic CM-70 20x zoom PTZ cameras per room
- CAP100 HDMI to USB 3.0 converters for H.264 streaming output
CamDirector’s AI software automatically tracks a single presenter, intelligently switching between overview and close-up shots based on movement. This autonomous multi-camera system delivers dynamic, engaging lecture capture without requiring manual camera operation.
The CAP100 converters ensure compatibility with video conferencing platforms such as Skype for Business, Zoom, and WebEx, enabling flexible use across teaching, live streaming, and commercial events.
Installation was completed efficiently, with Avonic providing guidance on optimal camera positioning and remote support sessions to ensure minimal disruption. POLAR’s Integrated Solutions team supported the project from recommendation through to deployment.
Results
The installation has transformed the University’s lecture capture and live-streaming capabilities.
The AI-powered tracking delivers smooth, professional-quality video that enhances both in-room and remote viewing experiences.
Key outcomes include:
Fully automated presenter tracking with no manual intervention
High-definition, broadcast-quality video output
Improved hybrid learning delivery
Enhanced commercial event capability
Minimal disruption during installation
The new system elevates on-screen lecture content to a professional standard suitable for teaching, recording, live streaming, and commercial hire - reinforcing Northumbria University’s reputation for delivering a modern, high-performance learning environment.
Mark Jennings of POLAR Integrated Solutions comments:
“The video quality achieved through the use of Avonic PTZ cameras and the ingenuity of its CamDirector software is second to none.
The systems work exceptionally well, enabling the University to elevate its on-screen lecture content to the highest level possible for the widest variety of uses.
With more than 25 years in the business, AV2000 continue to do great work across every area of AV design, consultancy, service, maintenance, and support.
We’ve enjoyed collaborating with them on numerous projects, including recent Avonic projects.”
Andrew concludes:
“The hardware installation was straightforward, with Avonic providing guidance on optimal camera positioning.
Their remote support sessions were excellent and ensured that the project progressed with minimal disruption.
Similarly, working with POLAR has been a consistently positive experience. Their Integrated Solutions team is highly responsive and always willing to provide technical support where needed.
From early-stage recommendations through to deployment, they’ve been collaborative and proactive.”
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