Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Packard 466
August 14, 2007

Seating Capacity = 195

Equipment Description and Capabilities

The LCD Video projector is set up to project from the following sources: the local computer, VHS/DVD player, the Wolf Vision digital document camera, a user-supplied laptop, and from the auxiliary cables located in the monitor well on the instructor's station. The computer is equipped with a digital sound card, and DVDROM. These devices are connected to an amplifier and speakers. Devices are selected and controlled from the AMX touch panel, located at the top right-hand side of the instructor's station. The local computer is connected to the backbone network and has access to the server supporting the Library and Technology Services public computers. A wireless mouse is available (contact the Media Center 83059 for information). There is an electric roll down screen.

A 15 pin male VGA cable with audio and LAN cord is provided at the podium for use with user-supplied laptops. Digital to analog adapters or special adapters for use with Macintosh laptops are not provided in the classroom. The auxiliary cables consist of RCA connectors for user supplied audio and video devices. These auxiliary jacks are provided for clients who wish to use their own special equipment. Electrical power is available on the wall immediately behind the instructor station.

A microphone is provided on the instructor station. A wireless microphone is available from the Media Center (83059). The sound system supports stereo playback for all local audio devices as well as from client provided devices connected to the auxiliary jacks. The sound system also provides for speech amplification from the microphones. A telephone is located near the instructor's desk.

Screen controls are located on the touch screen as well as on the wall behind the instructor station. Lighting controls are near the entry and on the touch screen control. Several pre-set lighting scenes are offered: "Presentation" for use with projection, "Lecture" for use without the projector, and "Video" for use when showing movies.

Assistance

Instructional Media Services (IMS) 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 of the instructor station (two or three 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 warms up. Please be patient.
2. Power up the computer CPU and monitor if being used (buttons on monitor and computer). You must login to use a public computer by typing your user name and password in the appropriate fields in the dialog box. Remember to log out when you are done. See the "Guide LTS Public Computing Sites and Classrooms" for additional information on use of public sites.
3. Load VHS tape or DVD if needed.
4. Touch the button on the AMX touch-pad that corresponds to the device to be projected.
   

   "PC" selects the local computer (and the DVD player - see computer notes page for instructions).
   
   "Laptop" activates the auxiliary computer jack (15 pin male VGA and stereo mini audio jack) for client supplied laptop.
   
   "VHS" activates VHS VCR and displays the play, pause and other controls on the touch screen window.
   
   "DVD" activates the DVD player and displays the DVD controls. The "Menu" button opens additional DVD menu and navigation controls.
   
   "Doc. Cam" displays the document camera with the image also on the small preview monitor on the document camera base.
   
   "Aux Video" displays whatever device is attached to the auxiliary audio and video cables.
   
   "Picture Off" blanks the projector image; "Picture On" reactivates the image.

5. Volume may be adjusted by touching the "Program" or "Speech" button and then adjusting the volume up or down arrows on the AMX touch-screen. The "mute" button turns off the sound. If there is no sound, press the up arrow on "Program" or "Speech" as appropriate.
6. The document camera is located on the right side of the instructor's station. If necessary, pull up the camera head. If necessary, point the camera down at the tabletop. If necessary press the power button on the right side of the base to activate the unit. A green light indicates power on. If you have not already done so, select the document camera from the touch pad. The preview will be seen on the small display on the document camera and the image projector. Zoom, focus, and other control buttons are located on the front of the camera and on the touch screen control. Detailed instructions are included below.
7. The "Room Control" button provides access to "Screen" and "Light" controls. The Light Control page offers the four lighting scenes on the switch by the door as described above.
8. Press the system off button on the bottom left corner of the touch screen display to turn off the system when done. Press yes at the confirmation message. Press the power button on the document camera to turn it off (quick press).

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

Wolf Vision Digital Document Camera Instructions

The instructor’s station in this room has been equipped with a digital document camera.  This high quality instrument will enable you to project material from paper, transparencies or even three-dimensional objects to the projector.  To operate this camera:

1. Turn on the projection system using the touch-screen control.  Select the document camera from the source menu at the top of the screen.
2. Raise the camera arm by pulling up on the small blue lined ring.
3. Turn the camera head so the lens points down.  Focus and Zoom buttons should be facing you.
4. Press the power button on the rear left of the base (a green light indicates on).  The light should come on.  If it does not, press the light button as needed.  Note, this camera does not have a bottom light for overheads.  The base surface is sufficiently reflective to allow use of overheads with the top light.  Do not write on the base.
5. Place your work on the base.  You should see it displayed on the touch-screen preview monitor and on the projector screen.
6. Camera controls are located along the top of the camera head:

• Focus defaults to automatic (green light on).  The picture should self-focus and remain in focus as you operate the zoom.  There may be a slight delay.  The automatic focus can be switched off (useful if you are writing on paper)
• Zoom in with the button marked with a single figure and a + sign.  Note that there is a digital zoom feature that doubles the range of the mechanical zoom.  The camera can resolve an object of about one inch square.
• Zoom out with the button marked with three figures and a – sign.

7. The camera head can be rotated to shoot outside of the working surface.  Turn the light out of the way, pull the close up lens out from the front of the camera (it will not fall out), and rotate the camera head.
8. When you are done with the camera please

• Turn off the power
• Lower the camera by rotating the camera head down and then pulling the blue lined ring towards you.