Computing and Audio-Video Usage
Wood Dining Room

November 9, 2005

Equipment Description and Capabilities

VIDEO: The LCD projector accepts video input from:

• User-supplied laptop computer
• DVD/VHS player (if using the auxiliary cart)

SOUND: The Sound system accepts audio input from:

• User-supplied laptop computer
• Podium microphone
• Desk and/or wireless microphones, (if using auxiliary cart)
• DVD/VHS player (if using the auxiliary cart)

DATA: An available ETHERNET cable connects users to the backbone network server supporting the Library and Technology Services public computers.

ADDITIONAL BUILT-IN FEATURES: Additional features (radio and CD changer) are available. Contact Conference Services for information about these items.

CONTROLS: An LCD touch panel on the east (left) side of the stainless steel backdrop selects and controls devices. A projection screen automatically descends when a user activates the projector via the AMX touch panel and can also be adjusted with the manual control located nearby. Light switches are located in the kitchen area.

PODIUM: A podium with built in microphone and slide-out tray for laptop computer is stored near the windows on the west wall.

CONNECTIONS: Auxiliary jacks on the tie plate below the LCD touch panel include a 15-pin male VGA connector with a stereo ¼" audio jack (for portable computers), RCA video connector with associated RCA audio jacks, and an XLR connector for use with the auxiliary audio/video cart. Network jack and AC power is also available. Jacks are provided for use with laptops, the auxiliary audio/video cart or for clients who wish to use their own equipment and associated cables. A 25-foot cable bundle with power, network and an interface cable for Macintosh or PC laptop connection is coiled up beneath the stainless steel backdrop.

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). Information on using the LAN may be found in the document "LTS Guide to Public Computing Sites and Classrooms".

Directions for Podium and Laptop Computer Use

1. Roll the podium (if needed) to one of the floor jacks provided for the microphone and plug the three pin XLR cable into the floor box.
   1. If you are using the microphone ONLY and not the projector, just plug the microphone in and talk. Sound levels are set automatically.
   2. Turn off the radio or other sound if necessary using the knobs behind the east side of the stainless-steel decorative panel.
   3. NOTE: If there is no sound, ask Dining Services staff to turn on the master power switch located in a secure closet near the Governor’s Suite (P1).


2. To use the projector:
   1. Touch the LCD touch-screen on the east side of the stainless-steel panel (two touches may be required). NOTE: 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. Connect your laptop using the provided VGA and audio cord (plug audio cord into the headphone jack on your laptop). If a network connection is desired, connect the LAN cable to the laptop computer’s ETHERNET receptacle. Power up the laptop and complete your network log in if needed. See the " Guide to LTS Public Computing Sites and Classrooms" document for additional information on use of public network sites.
   3. On the LCD touch-pad select "Laptop" to activate the auxiliary computer jack (VGA and stereo mini audio jack) for user supplied laptop. See "Potential Problem Areas" below for critical information about laptop usage.
   4. To blank the projector image, select "Picture Off." "Picture On" restores the image.
   5. To adjust laptop audio volume touch the "Volume up" or "Volume down" arrows on the LCD touch- pad and/or adjust the sound volume on your laptop as needed. The "mute" button at the bottom of the AMX control turns off the sound.

Directions For Auxiliary Cart w/ DVD/VHS Pplayer and Additional Microphones

An auxiliary cart is available by special arrangement with Conference Services. This cart offers a DVD/VHS player, hand-held and clip-on wireless microphones and four desk-stand microphones with cables. A number of system connections must be made to use this cart and therefore a training session should be arranged if you plan to use these resources. These include a white power cord and a bundle of system wires: BNC video connector, two RCA audio connectors a 4 pin control cable and a 3 pin audio cable. (Contact Conference Services for information on access to this feature, and Media Services to arrange for a training session). After the system is attached, the instructions above are supplemented as follows:

1. On the touch pad:
   1. Touch "VHS" to activate the VHS VCR and display the play, pause and other controls.
   2. Touch "DVD" to activate the DVD player and display the player controls ("More Controls" takes you to the DVD menu page)
   3. NOTE: It may be difficult to operate these menus from the touch pad. A remote control is provided in the drawer on the cart should you wish to use it.
   4. The volume and mute control on the touch panel will now adjust the sound level for the VHS, DVD, laptop and microphones (except the podium microphone attached to the floor)


2. Wireless Microphones:
   1. To activate press and hold the appropriate button (a green light will be visible on the transmitter). NOTE: If the light does not go on, the batteries will need to be replaced.
   2. To mute: Quickly press and release the same button (light turns orange). Another quick press re activates the microphone (light back to green).
   3. TO TURN OFF WIRELESS MICROPHONE: Be sure to turn the microphone off when done (press and hold until the green light goes out.


3. Table Microphones:
1. To use the table microphones attach each microphone to a base and plug the base into one of the four 3-pin jacks on the audio cart. NOTE: The four desk microphones, the two wireless microphones and the podium microphone can all be used at the same time.
2. Adjust overall sound levels with the wall control. Individual microphone sound levels can be adjusted with the mixer at the bottom of the audio cart. The yellow dots indicate the 'normal' settings and represent a good starting point. NOTE: Be careful to avoid feedback caused by turning up the sound too loud, especially when using many microphones simultaneously.

Power Down the Equipment

1. Press "System Power Off" button on the LCD touch screen to turn off the projector and related equipment. A confirmation message will be displayed. Select "Yes" to turn off the system.
2. Disconnect and return the podium if used. Be careful not to crush the cable under the wheels or in the podium door.
3. Disconnect all desk microphones, power off all wireless microphones and return to drawer. DO NOT turn off the power switches on the audio cart. Simply unplug the white power cable from the wall.
4. Disconnect and return the auxiliary cart to secure storage if used (remember to remove your tape or DVD if used).

Potential Problem Areas

• The use of laptops with projection systems is frequently problematic. Users must know how to feed VGA signal out of their laptops. Typically this involves pressing and holding the function key and one of the function buttons located along the top of the keyboard. The particular button varies among laptops. This tells the system to send the signal to the projector (only), the laptop (only) or both. There is a slight delay with each push of the function key as the computer and projector communicate. Please be patient. Further, the projector's native resolution is 1024 x 768 and while some higher resolution laptops automatically adjust or modify the signal others do not. Users must know how to adjust the display settings on their particular laptop to optimize the image. Some laptops require changes to the settings for dual displays as well.
• Some Macintosh laptops require an adapter to attach to the provided 15 pin VGA cable. Users must provide this adapter which should have shipped with the laptop.
• If there is no picture be sure the correct input is selected and that "picture off" has not been selected. Also be sure the laptop is sending the picture to the projector. Press another input and then reselect the desired option. Make adjustments to the laptop as described above.
• 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 from the podium microphone, make sure the master power has been turned on by Dining Services staff
• If there is no sound, check the audio mute button and the volume up arrow on the AMX touch-pad.
• If there is no sound from the audio cart, make sure the wires are attached to the wall interface correctly and make sure all the power switches on the rack are on. They should not be turned off when the cart is put away. Make sure the audio control on the touch pad is not on mute and that the level is up near the top. Make sure all the mixer knobs are near the yellow dots. Check and replace the batteries in the wireless microphones as needed.
• 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.
• Please remember that this is a very exposed room with limited light control. While we have selected a very bright projector, at some times of day there will be too much light on the screen for optimum display.