Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Sinclair 106
July 2008

Seating Capacity = 118

Equipment Description and Capabilities

The LCD Video projector is set up to project from the following sources: the local computer, VHS VCR, DVD player, and from the Wolf Vision digital document camera.  Auxiliary jacks are provided on the tie plate located 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 on the top right of the instructor’s station.  This touch panel also acts as the preview monitor for several of the system devices.  The local computer is connected to the backbone network.

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).  Power is also available.  These auxiliary jacks are provided for clients who wish to use their own equipment and associated cables.  Connection of Macintosh or PC laptops to this auxiliary input requires a special interface cable that has been attached to the instructor’s station.  

A microphone is provided on the instructor's desk next to the document camera.  Wireless microphones are available from the Media Center (83059) and microphone jacks (XLR connections) are located on the instructor’s station.  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.

A wireless mouse is available.  Contact the Media Center (983059) for information

The screen controls are located on the touch screen and also at the left hand side of the stage in a gray electrical box.  Control for the lights and curtains are located here as well. Similar controls are also located in the center of the last row of tables.

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).  ITSS can also provide a wireless microphone or additional wired microphones with stands.

Usage of the Devices

1. Power up the equipment and projectors by touching the AMX touch-screen located on the top right side of the podium (two or three touches may be required).  Note this screen is also the display monitor for the built-in PC.  There is a delay as the projector warms up.
2. Power up the computer CPU if being used.  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" document for additional information on use of public sites.
3. Power up the VCR (located in the instructor station) and load tape if needed
4. Press the “Source” button from the row of buttons on the top of the AMX touch-screen that corresponds to the device to be projected.  There is a delay as the projector warms up.  Please be patient.  The screen will lower automatically (note a screen control is available on the wall behind the podium and by selecting “projector and screen controls” at the bottom right corner of the touch screen).  The display defaults are as follows:

   "PC Display 1" selects the podium computer and routes the graphics board to the center of the touch screen display.  Touching in the indicated area will enlarge this image.

   "Doc. Cam" activates the document camera and displays the document camera preview on the touch screen control.  Detailed instructions for the document camera are attached.

   "VHS" displays the VHS VCR, and displays the play, pause and other controls on the touch screen control.  The picture is also displayed on the touch screen control preview window.

   "DVD" selects the DVD player and displays player controls

   "AUX Video" activates the auxiliary video jack on the tieplate (BNC connector) and the associated RCA audio jacks for client-supplied video device.

   "Laptop" activates the tieplate VGA inputs (provided VGA cable with stereo mini audio jack) for client-supplied laptop.  The laptop picture will also be displayed on the touch screen preview window.

5. Volume may be adjusted by touching the “Program” or “Speech” volume up or down arrows on the AMX touch-screen.  The “mute” button on the bottom of these controls 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 in a drawer on the right side of the instructor's station.  Open the drawer, pull up the camera head.  .  Point the camera down at the tabletop.  Press the power button to activate the unit.  A green light indicates power on.  Press the light button once for top lights, press it again if you are using overheads and need the bottom lights.  If you have not already done so, select the document camera from the input bar on top of the touch pad.  The preview will be seen on the touch screen and the image will be sent to the projector.  Zoom, focus, and other control buttons are located on the front edge of the camera.  Detailed instructions are included below.
7. 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.

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 to turn off the projectors and related equipment.  Select yes at the confirmation message to properly complete system shut down.

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.
• Note that the touch screen display serves as the preview monitor for all inputs and the display monitor for the PC.  We advise all clients to familiarize themselves with the control system before starting a presentation.
• There may be sound problems if a wireless microphone is used in close proximity to the podium microphone.  Point the podium microphone straight up if you notice any distortion when using a wireless microphone.
• A special cable is required to run laptop computers with this system.  It will not work with off-the-shelf cables.  Clients must know how to feed VGA signal from their laptops.
• 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.
• If the document camera does not work, check the power switch.  Be sure the lights are on.  Adjust the focus and zoom.

Notes on Computer Usage

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