Case Study: The University of Florida
Home | Case Study: The University of Florida
MDM Commercial’s Pro AV Team Helps the University of Florida Build a Cutting-Edge, Technology-Enhanced Campus Experience
MDM Commercial recently teamed up with Absen, a leading LED display brand, on a major video wall installation at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, FL. The project featured a 263,000-square-foot video wall installed at UF’s Malachowsky Hall, a state-of-the-art addition to the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
UF sought to create an innovative, digitally advanced learning environment and enlisted MDM Commercial’s expert Pro AV team to bring their vision to life.
“We started by researching manufacturers and brands. We initially tried a different brand, but it didn’t fully meet our needs. That’s when MDM proposed we take a look at Absen,” said Lon Vance, AV Production Manager, University of Florida.
MDM Commercial worked closely with UF and Absen to design a custom solution.
“It’s always great working with a client that knows what they’re doing. A project like this requires a strong collaborative effort to be successful,” said Chase Natoli, Executive Vice President, Technical Sales at MDM Commercial.

The result was an installation featuring three Absen video walls, including two Acclaim Series displays—one in the IoT Maker Lab and another in the VR Maker Lab—along with an HC II Series display in the AI Lab. These displays seamlessly showcase multiple data sets simultaneously or deliver full-screen visuals for remote lectures and presentations.
Natoli highlighted the key benefits of video walls in higher education environments.
“Video walls are extremely useful in a classroom setting. They allow us to visualize large data sets or display full-screen content at all times. With many lectures now being conducted remotely, there are countless creative ways to use this technology to enhance the student learning experience,” he said.
Video walls and other digital signage products have become increasingly popular on college campuses as they offer a dynamic and immersive way to enhance the learning environment. These technologies allow universities to display real-time information, from important announcements and event schedules to interactive content and educational materials.
“The high contrast and clarity of the display—even from 30 or 40 meters away—help me complete my tasks with precision,” said Yuxuan (Shawn) Zhang, PhD Student, University of Florida.

By integrating digital display technology, campuses can create a more engaging experience for students, faculty, and visitors, ensuring that content is up-to-date and relevant at all times. This flexibility not only improves communication but also fosters a collaborative, forward-thinking atmosphere that aligns with the evolving needs of modern education.
Eric Scott, Chief Marketing Officer at MDM Commercial, expanded on some of the benefits digital display technology offers colleges and universities.
“From a student perspective, their needs are constantly evolving in how they digest information. This technology allows universities to stay competitive as they recruit top-level students. It provides a ‘wow’ factor, helping institutions like the University of Florida stand out as a global research leader,” he said.
As the demand for innovative, tech-forward solutions continues to grow, universities are increasingly turning to digital signage to meet the evolving expectations of students and stay ahead in a competitive educational landscape. These technologies not only enhance the learning environment but also bolster a university's reputation as a leader in cutting-edge research and student engagement. This shift toward digital displays sets the stage for collaborative efforts between technology partners and institutions to create impactful, tailored solutions that meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

“Together with our engineering team at Absen, we developed a design that was later discussed with the University of Florida and MDM Commercial. Through collaboration, we successfully brought this project to life,” said Juan Riveros, Regional Channel Manager, Pro AV, Absen Inc.
Digital signage creates a seamless and engaging campus experience for students, faculty, alumni, and visitors. As colleges and universities seek to integrate display technology into their facilities, they can trust that partnering with MDM Commercial will ensure the success of their projects.
When choosing MDM for your digital technology needs, you’re partnering with experienced professionals who can manage and implement your project from start to finish.
MDM Commercial is truly a one-stop shop—a place where you can find the cutting-edge technology you need, receive top-notch professional consulting, benefit from expert installation services tailored to your unique needs, and have access to outstanding ongoing support.
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Schedule a consultation with our seasoned tech sales professionals today to discuss your facility’s unique needs. We provide a diverse selection of video wall products, including LCD, DVLED, All-in-One, Indoor, and Outdoor options.