Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Whitaker 303
July 2008

Seating = 240, fixed chairs

Equipment Description and Capabilities

The video projector is set up to project from the following sources: the local computer, DVD/VHS player, digital document camera, and from the auxiliary jacks on the tie plate. 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 podium are connected to the amplifier and speakers. Devices are selected and controlled from the LCD AMX touch panel, located at the top right side of the instructor's station. The AMX touch panel also controls the lights, screen, and audio level. Lighting settings are pre-programmed, but can be adjusted. The local computer is connected to the backbone network. A wireless mouse is available (contact the Media Center 83059 for information).

The auxiliary jacks provided include a male VGA connector with associated network jack and stereo ¼” mini jack (for portable computers) and RCA connectors for user-supplied video and audio devices. AC power is also available at the podium. The auxiliary jacks are provided for clients who wish to use their own special equipment and associated cables. Connection of Macintosh or PC laptops to the auxiliary inputs requires an interface cable which is provided at the podium.

A built-in microphone is located on the podium as is a small light with a dimmer. Two wireless lavaliere microphones, one hand-held wireless microphone, up to three wired microphones, and a wireless mouse are available from the Media Center in Fairchild Library (83059). Wired microphones may be attached at each of three microphone jacks located on the floor of the stage under brass screw-covers.

The auditorium is also equipped with a 35mm slide projector (remote controlled from the touch pad or a wireless remote) and a 16mm movie projector. For access to these please contact the Media Center .

Assistance

Instructional Media Services 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 and projector by touching the AMX touch-pad located on the top right of the podium (two or three touches may be required, one if the screen is black, one if for a room page, and one if the text says "Touch to activate system").
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" document for additional information on use of public sites.
3. Load the VHS tape or DVD if needed.
4. Press the “Source” button on the AMX touch-pad that corresponds to the device to be projected. If the screen does not lower, press the down arrow on the screen button.

   “VCR” activates the VCR, and displays the play, pause and other controls.

   “DVD” activates the DVD player and displays DVD controls. “DVD Menu” displays additional DVD controls.

   “Document Camera” activates the document camera and displays the document camera preview on the small preview window at the rear of the camera display surface. Detailed instructions for the document camera are attached.

   “Podium Video” activates the auxiliary video jack and associated audio jacks for client-supplied video device.

   “Podium PC” selects the local computer.

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

   “Slides” displays function control for the slide projector (located in the projection booth to the rear).

   “Film Proj.” lowers the screen. Film projectors must be operated from the projection booth.

   "Picture Off" blanks the projector image.

5. The document camera is located on top of the instructor's station. Lift the blue tab to raise the camera and turn on the light. Zoom and focus controls are on the camera head. A power button to turn off the unit is located on the right side towards the rear. Detailed instructions are included at the end of this document.

6. Volume may be adjusted by touching the “Program” or “Speech” volume up or down arrows on the AMX touch-pad. The “mute” button turns off the sound. If there is no sound, press the up arrow on “Program” or “Speech”.

7. To adjust the lighting select the lighting setting appropriate for your use:

   “Lecture” turns on the seating area and the stage lights.

   “Computer and Slides” dims the seating and turns off the stage lights

   “Video Film and Overhead” further dims the seating lights

   “Stage Spots” dims the seating area and turns on the stage lights

   The arrows increase or decrease all lights in the room at the same time

   “Lights menu” activates a screen that allows individual control of the seating area lights and the stage lights

8. Return to main menu (touch “return”) and press power off button to turn off the system when done. Answer yes at the prompt. The screen will rise when the system power off button is pressed.

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. ower off the Document Camera and pull the blue tab to lower the head if used.
4. Press "System Power Off" button to turn off the projector and related equipment

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.
• The touch screen is complex at first look, but is rather simple to use. We advise all clients to familiarize themselves with it before starting a presentation.
• There may be sound problems if a wireless microphone is used in close proximity to the podium microphone.

Notes on Computer Usage

For additional information on computer operation see the "LTS Guide to Public Computing Sites and Classrooms".

Digital Document Camera Instructions
Whitaker 303

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 tab. The lights should come on and the camera head should automatically point straight down at the base. A power button is located to the right rear side of the base.
3. If necessary, press the power button on the rear right 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.
4. Place your work on the base. You should see it displayed on the small preview monitor and on the projector screen.
5. Camera controls are located on 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 and the two focus buttons may be used.

Zoom in and out with the blue wheel at the top of the camera head. 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.

Freeze holds the picture in memory so you can insert a new page while the old image remains on the screen.

6. Slides can be displayed one at a time using the small white surface at the back of the camera base. Place a slide on the white area, tilt the camera head and zoom in on the slide. The slide light is turned on with a quick press of the “light” button on the right side of the base. A second press turns off the light, a third press turns on the top light.
7. When you are done with the camera please

Turn off the power with a quick press of the power switch on the side of the base.

Lower the camera by pulling the blue tab towards you.