Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Whitaker 451
July 2008

Seating = 18 movable seats

Equipment Description and Capabilities

This classroom is equipped to function as a classroom with two display systems, or as a distance education room with a single display.  Distance education features are discussed separately.  In classroom mode, two rear projection video projectors are set up to project from the following sources; the local computer (dual display is possible allowing for use of two simultaneous Internet browsers, or one browser and an application, or two applications, etc.), VHS VCR, DVD (in computer), digital document camera, user supplied laptop, and from auxiliary video and audio jacks on the tie plate.  Projector (#1) closest to the instructor defaults to the primary PC card and is equipped with an interactive SMART Board system.  Projector (#2) closest to the windows will usually be used to display other selected sources and defaults to the document camera.

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 and preview monitor located on the top right of the instructor’s station.  The AMX touch panel is used to select inputs and route these inputs to the projectors and the preview monitors on the podium.  The touch-screen also controls the audio levels.  The local computer is connected to the backbone network. 

The auxiliary jacks provided include a 9 pin male VGA connector with associated network jack and stereo ¼” mini jack (for portable computers) and BNC video connector with associated RCA audio jack (for cameras, VCRs, etc.).  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 a special interface cable that is attached to the podium.

An interactive Smart Board overlay is part of this system.  It uses standard dry erase markers, or special “no ink” markers to display writing on the projection screen and save notes written on the board to a computer file.  These notes can be converted to text, edited, printed, e-mailed, included in course web pages, etc.  In addition, the SMART Board can be used to interact directly with many software packages using your finger, the special stylus, or a marker pen.  The necessary Smart software is included on the instructor's PC.  A separate guide for operation of the SMART Board is provided.

Distance education features include: two flat-screen plasma displays located in the back of the room, two cameras, floor pads for camera control, recording VCRs, instructor and audience microphones, and related control equipment.  These features should have no impact on room use as a traditional technology classroom

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).  Contact Andrea Pressler in Materials Science (84241) for assistance with the distance education features.

Usage of the Devices

1. Power up the equipment and projectors by touching the AMX touch-screen located on the top right of the instructor’s (two or three touches may be required).  Select “Classroom Mode.”  If the screen remains black, the display may have been turned off.  Activate the display with the power button on the bottom right side of the display and then touch the screen as needed.
2. Power up the computer if being used (the display should turn on automatically, press the power button on the lower right side if necessary).  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 document "LTS Guide to Public Computing Sites and Classrooms" for additional information on the use of public sites.
3. Power up the VCR located in the wall to the left of the instructor station—be sure to select the “play” VCR (uppermost) and load tape if needed.
4. The “Source” buttons on the top of the AMX touch-screen select the devices to be projected.  The group of buttons on the top left selects the source for Projector 1 and the group of buttons on the top right selects the sources for Projector 2. Projector 1 is the projector closest to the instructor station as you face the class, but will be to the student’s right.  Projector 2 is the projector closest to the windows, and will be to the student’s left.  Selected sources and projectors are indicated on the left side of the touch screen display.  PC 1 defaults to Projector 1, the document camera defaults to Projector 2.  There is a delay as the projectors warm up.  Please be patient.  The center of the touch screen display also serves as a preview for all inputs except PC display 1.  By touching the display, the preview window can be made full screen for easier viewing.  The sources are as follows:

   "PC 1" selects podium computer and routes the primary graphics board to the left-hand display on the instructor’s station and to Projector 1.

   "PC 2" activates a second computer card.  This display is routed to the preview window on the touch screen control.  This second display enables simultaneous use of PowerPoint and Web browsing, for example.  Note that PowerPoint slide shows always display on the left-hand monitor and projector 1.

   "Doc. Cam" activates the document camera and defaults to Projector 2 and displays the document camera preview on the touch screen control.  Detailed instructions for the document camera are attached.

   "VHS" activates 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.

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

   "Laptop" activates the auxiliary computer jacks (15pin male VGA and stereo mini audio jack) for client-supplied laptop.  The laptop picture will also be displayed on the touch screen preview window.

   Volume may be adjusted by touching the “Room 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”.

5. The interactive SMART board is accessed through the computer.  The SMART board enables you to display your writing on a projection screen and capture it for later editing or distribution.  To activate the SMART Board: From the Windows “Start” menu select “Run” and type “smartb” and “ok.”  This will initialize the SMART Board and start the SMART Notebook program.    Alternatively, select “Programs” then “Accessories” then “SMART Board Software” then “SMART Board driver 5.61.”  Repeat these steps and select “SMART Notebook 2.2”.  If the computer has been refreshed before use, you will have to select the port (COM 1) and the type of board being used: “Projected SMART Board Mode.”  Click “Next” and “Done.”  Once the SMART board is activated, select a marker pen from the slide out drawer under the screen and you may write or interact with the program as you wish.  Use the provided eraser to erase from the board and the projected image.  Additional instructions are attached.
6. The document camera is located on the left side of the instructor's station.  If the power indicator is orange, press the button.  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 projector 2.  Zoom, focus, and other control buttons are located on the front edge of the camera base.  Detailed instructions are attached. 
7. Press the power off button on the bottom left corner of the 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.
• 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 dual projection and distance education features of this room make the touch screen fairly complex.  The default routing should suit most uses, but you can re-route any input to any display should you need to do so.  We advise all clients to familiarize themselves with the control system before the first time using the classroom.
• If the touch-screen control is black and does not respond, it may have been turned off.  Turn the display on with the power button on the bottom right side of the display.

Notes on Computer Usage

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

Interactive SMART Board™
Overview and Instructions

This classroom has been equipped with an interactive SMART Board system. Working through the classroom’s fixed computer or user supplied laptop, The SMART Board allows you to:

• Display board writing in up to four colors on the large-screen projection system
• Save, print or e-mail a complete record of everything written during the course of your class.
• Interact directly (on screen) with most software using your finger, a special stylus or a whiteboard marker pen.

There are two components to the SMART Board system: The SMART Board driver and SMART Notebook. Both must be active for the SMART Board to function in the classroom. The SMART Board driver runs the board and converts the marker pens into electronic ink. SMART Notebook facilitates display to a projection system and can be used as a stand-alone program that allows you to save your notes for later editing or distribution. SMART Notebook is available for download on your office computer through the Picture Taker software program.

Using the SMART Board as a White Board

1. Activate the SMART Board: From the Windows "Start" menu select "Run" and type "smartb" and "ok." This will initialize the SMART Board and start the SMART Notebook program. Alternatively, Activate the SMART Board: From the Windows "Start" menu select "Programs" then "Accessories" then "SMART Board Software" then "SMART Board driver 5.61." Repeat these steps and select "SMART Notebook 2.2". If the computer has been refreshed before use, you will have to select the port (COM 1) and the type of board being used "Non-projected White Board Mode." Click "Next" and "Done."
2. To use the SMART Board with a laptop, the SMART Board drivers, and SMART Notebook software must be present and loaded. Attach the laptop with the provided cables and select laptop from the console input buttons.
3. The computer must be selected as the source for the video projector using the NEC remote (even if using a laptop). Remember it takes a while for projector power up.
4. If you wish, select "View" and "Full Screen" to maximize the projected writing area. The escape key returns to normal view. Select a pen from the pen tray and write as you would on a regular white board. The writing will appear on the computer monitor in the main window of SMART Notebook and on the projection surface. The color of the tray determines the color of the displayed text. Replace the pen into the proper pen tray slot when done writing.
5. If you wish to save this page press the "New Page" button on the right hand side of the pen tray. You may then remove the round eraser from the pen tray and erase the board. The writing will vanish from the display as you erase, while the old page remains saved in SMART Notebook on the computer. You must save this work to a file before you leave the computer for the day. If you wish, you may select these saved pages (click them with the mouse on the computer display) and display them through the projection system although you won’t be able to make additional notes ‘live’ on these pages. You can, however, use the various tools in SMART Notebook to make changes at a later time.
6. If you don’t have any need to save your work, simply use the round eraser, erase your text and start again. NOTE, you must take the eraser out of the pen tray. This is what tells the system to erase from the board AND the display. If you just use your finger to erase, the writing will leave the white surface, but will remain on the projection screen!

Using the SMART Board Interactively

After the SMART Board drivers and SMART Notebook software have been loaded, load the program you wish to use. You may now use your finger, the special SMART Board stylus or a marker pen to write on or interact with the program being displayed. These pages can be saved, reviewed, emailed, etc. There is a tutorial provided with the SMART Notebook that may give you a good idea of how this works. Note that to use your finger as a ‘mouse’ all pens must be in the pen tray. It is also possible to activate a keyboard using the keyboard button on the console and ‘type’ text and numbers onto the screen.

Using SMART Notebook

The SMART Notebook program does two things: It allows display of your writing "live" as described above, and it allows you to save, annotate, edit and distribute these pages later. You can also use the "pen" tool with a mouse on our computer, but this is not at all comfortable. If you wish to distribute your classroom notes, it is recommended that you save the material to your home space on the LAN or to a floppy before you leave class. Save the pages as a SMART Notebook file. At your desktop computer, you can use the program’s tools to:

• Convert what you have written to typed text
• Move text from one "page" to another
• Erase text or other items
• Add typing, graphic objects or lines with the program’s tools
• Add highlights with the program tools
• Save or import images or text from other applications
• Capture all or part of a computer application and add these items to your notes page
• Sort your notes pages
• Email your files or save your notes pages as HTML files and post them to a Course Info Page (see below)
• Print your notes to your local printer

The SMART Notebook tutorial (under "Help" will teach you some of these features and the help contents menu can help with the other features. Please call Elia Schoomer at 83058 for assistance with any of these features.

Using SMART Notebook files

• Saving SMART Notebook files: Select "Save" or "Save As" from the File Menu. Select a name and directory as usual. This file can be opened later on a computer using the SMART Notebook software. You may also save the file in HTML by using the "Save as HTML" button in the File Menu.

• Sending SMART Notebook files as email attachments: From the File Menu, select "Send Mail" and address your mail in the usual fashion. You must save the file first. The file will be send as an attachment. SMART Notebook must be loaded on the receiving computer to open the file.

• Publishing SMART Notebook files to a web page: Select "File" "Save as HTML" and follow the instructions. You must have Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and its web-publishing wizard to use this feature. This has not been tested.

• Publishing SMART Notebook files to a Course Info course:

Digital Document Camera Instructions
Whitaker 451

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

1. Turn on the projection system using the touch-screen control.  Select document camera for one of the projectors from the source menu at the top of the screen.
2. If necessary raise the two light arms as far as they will go and adjust for even illumination
3. If necessary raise the camera arm up by pulling the small lever at the end of the arm towards you and lifting up the arm.  Point the camera straight down at the base.
4. Press the power button on the front left of the base (an orange light indicates off, a green light indicates on).
5. Press the “Lights” button once for the top light and press again if you wish to use the bottom light for transparencies.  A third press on this button turns off all lights.
6. Place your work on the base.  You should see it displayed on the touch-screen preview monitor and on the projector screen.
7. Camera controls located along the front surface include:

   Zoom in and out (arrows optimize display area and text size)

   Focus (although the system does auto-focus quite well)

   Iris (allows you to brighten up the image, especially useful if you are using white paper with black text)

   Mode (selects between various display resolutions.  We recommend XGA)

   Tone (one setting is for “images” and the other is for “text”.  Use the one that looks best to you)

   Nega/Posi (inverts the image to negative)

   AWC (automatic adjustment of color balance)

   Red and Blue arrows (to manually adjust colors)

   Freeze (holds the image even if you remove your materials.  Touch button again to see new images)

   Scroll (arrows) to move around on a page if you are zoomed in (although it is probably easier to simply slide the paper around, keeping your eye on the preview display to see what is going on).  Press “Full/Scroll” button (green light off) to activate scroll arrows.  Scroll is not available in SXGA mode.

8. When you are done with the camera please turn off the power.