Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Lewis Lab 511

January 11, 2005

Equipment Description and Capabilities

This is a registrar classroom with 30 seats. There is a roll-down screen. The LCD projector is set up to project from the following sources: VHS VCR/DVD, user supplied laptop computer (laptops are available from the Media Center in the EWFM Library) and S-Video jack. These devices are connected to the video projector. Devices are selected at the LCD AMX touch panel, located on the wall on side of the room.

The auxiliary jacks provided include a 9-pin male VGA connector (with laptop cable), a LAN jack (and cable) and stereo ¼” mini jack (for portable computers). RCA connections are used for the VCR. S-VHS connections are also available. Connection of Macintosh or PC laptops to the auxiliary input requires use of a special interface cable. This cable (VGA, PC audio, and LAN) has been attached to the top of the rolling lectern. A cable for older Macintosh computers may be borrowed from the Media Center (Call 83059).

Assistance

Instructional Technology Support Services (ITSS) may be contacted at x83059 if you wish to arrange for training on this room's features prior to using the room. Trouble reports may be reported to the Help Desk at x8HELP (84357). Information on using the LAN may be found in the "Guide to LTS Public Computing Sites and Classrooms".

Usage of the Devices

1. Power up the equipment and projector by touching the AMX touch-pad located on the wall near the instructor’s station (two touches may be required). Note that the projector does not turn on instantly. It can take as long as 30 seconds for a picture to become visible. Please be patient when selecting inputs.
2. Lower the screen.
3. Plug in your laptop using the special 9-pin VGA cable. Be sure your laptop is sending out video (there is usually some combination of function keys to do this). Plug in audio cable if needed. Plug in the LAN cord if needed.
4. Power up the VCR or DVD (if needed) and load media.
5. Press the “Source” button on the AMX touch-pad that corresponds to the device to be projected.

"VHS" displays the VHS VCR. Use the play, pause and other controls on the VCR as needed.

"DVD" activates the DVD player and displays the player controls

"Laptop" displays the laptop connected using the special cable."Aux S-Video" displays an S-VHS device if you have plugged one into the tie plate.

6. Adjust the volume by touching the Volume up or down arrows on the AMX touch-pad. The “mute” button turns off the sound.
7. Picture ON or OFF will turn off the picture. The projector will remain on and ready for your next image.
8. PLEASE TURN THE PROJECTION SYSTEM OFF WHEN YOU ARE DONE. If the touch pad has gone to ‘sleep’ and is black, touch it once to reactivate it and then press "System Power Off" button to turn off projection system when done. A confirmation message will appear. Please select the correct button to turn off the projection system.

Potential Problem Areas

• Remember that a special cable is required to run laptop computers with this system. It will not work with off-the-shelf cables and adapters. Clients must know how to feed VGA signal out of their laptops.
• The system is currently set to turn off automatically at 12PM EST if anyone fails to turn it off. Should the system turn off inappropriately users may turn it back on with the AMX touch panel.
• Note that the projector does not turn on instantly. It can take as long as 30 seconds for a picture to become visible. Please be patient when selecting inputs.
• If there is no sound, check the audio mute button and the volume up arrow on the AMX touch-pad.
• If there is no picture, be sure the correct input is selected and check that the "Picture ON" button has been pressed.