Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Packard Lab 208
July 2008

48 fixed seats

Equipment Description and Capabilities

The LCD Video projector is set up to project from the following sources: the local computer, VHS VCR, and from the auxiliary jacks on the tie plate located on the top of the equipment rack on the left side of the instructor's station.  The Dell 755 Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66GHz computer is equipped with an 80GB SATA 10000rpm hard drive, 4GB RAM, a CD-RW/DVD+/-RW, and a graphics card. These devices, as well as the auxiliary audio ports located on the tie plate are connected to an amplifier and speakers.  Devices are selected and controlled from the LCD AMX touch panel, located at the top right-hand side of the instructor’s station.  The local computer is connected to the backbone network.  A wireless mouse is available (contact the Media Center 83059 for information).

The auxiliary jacks on the tie plate include a 9-pin male VGA connector with associated network jack and stereo ¼” mini jack (for portable computers) and RCA video connector with associated RCA audio jacks (for cameras, VCRs, document presenters, etc.).  AC power is also available.  These auxiliary jacks are provided for clients who wish to use their own special equipment and associated cables. Connection of Macintosh or PC laptops to this auxiliary input requires a special interface cable, provided at the instructor’s station. 

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).

Usage of the Devices

1. Power up the equipment rack and projector by touching the AMX touch-screen located on the top right of the instructor station (two touches may be required).  Please note that the projector turns on gradually and you may not see an image for 30 seconds.  A message will display as the system turns on.  Please be patient.
2. Power up the computer CPU and monitor if being used (buttons on monitor and computer).  You must complete a LAN login to use a public computer by typing your user name and password in the appropriate fields in the opening dialog box.  Remember to log out when you are done.  See the "LTS Guide to Public Computing Sites and Classrooms" for additional information on use of public sites.
3. Power up the VCR if being used (button on VCR)
4. Touch the button on the AMX touch-pad that corresponds to the device to be projected.

   "VHS" activates VHS VCR and displays the play, pause and other controls

   "Aux. Video" activates the Auxiliary video jack (RCA connector) and associated RCA audio jacks for client-supplied video device.

   "PC" selects the local computer (and DVD player).  See the computer notes page for instructions).

   "Laptop" activates the auxiliary computer jack (special 9-pin male VGA and stereo mini audio jack) for client supplied laptop.

   "Aux. S-Video" is for a client supplied S Video device.

   “Picture Off” blanks the projector image; "Picture On" reactivates the image

5. Adjust the volume by touching the Volume up or down arrows on the AMX touch-pad.  The “mute” button at the bottom of this control turns off the sound.

Power Down the Equipment

1. Before leaving the room you MUST logout of the system.  Select “Start” and “Log Off”.  If you fail to logout, the next user of the system will have access to your account and files.
2. Remove your tape and power off the VCR, if used.
3. Press "System Power Off" button on the AMX touch screen to turn off the projector and related equipment.  A confirmation message will be displayed.  Select "Yes" to turn off the system.

Potential Problem Areas

• You must login to every public site computer.  If you find a computer that is not displaying the login screen, the previous user failed to logout.  Select “Start” and “Log Off”, then follow the prompts to log on.
• The system is currently set to turn off automatically at 12 PM 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 although there will be a delay while the system resets.
• 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.
• 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 that "picture off" has not been selected.

Notes on Computer Usage

See the "LTS Guide to Public Computing Sites and Classrooms" for additional information on computer usage.