If the systems determine there has been no action taken within a certain amount of time (as set by the user), they will power down the projector automatically, Extron said.

The PoleVault system is designed for classrooms with a ceiling-mounted projector, and the WallVault system is designed for rooms with a wall-mounted projector. Both include complete, centralized AV switching with audio amplification, as well as network connectivity for web-based monitoring and problem resolution.

Crestron’s RoomView AV scheduling and control software, which runs on Windows-based servers, also enables schools to be more energy-efficient.

Designed to give users control of their AV and electronics systems over an IP network, RoomView allows administrators and support staff to manage AV resources, perform remote system diagnostics, track the usage of projector lamps, log network activity, and automate tasks, all through a single browser interface.

Users can see whether projectors, lights, TVs, and other devices are on or off, and they can schedule these systems to turn off automatically at certain times of the day. Users also can preset the thermostat levels of various rooms to correspond to when the rooms will be in use, thereby maximizing energy efficiency.

A PC-based version of the software, RoomView Express, is available as well. And if school leaders want even more ability to track and monitor their energy usage, Crestron’s Fusion EM software tracks an organization’s carbon footprint while letting users change and schedule temperature settings, lighting levels, and more. It also saves energy by automatically turning off lights and reducing HVAC use in unoccupied spaces, the company says.

Network computing makes a comeback

School IT managers might remember the term “network computers” from the late-90s: early-generation thin clients that never really took off, because network infrastructures weren’t robust enough to deliver on the promise of true networking computing back then. Well, this idea is now making a comeback with the emergence of cloud computing—and at InfoComm 2011, LG Electronics unveiled a new series of what it called “network monitors” that can save schools energy and money by tapping the power of virtual computing.