Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Introduction to A/V Support& Classroom Technology

Matthew YoungInstructional Technology Specialist, CTS, IS&T

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

This page intentionally left blank.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Tech Training Overview

• Room Technology Levels

• Cables 101

• Images on Screens

• Built-in Control Systems

• Voice Amplification

• Odd Equipment

• Questions, Comments, Concerns

• Break-out and hands on

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Room Technology LevelsLevel Descriptions AV Equipment1 Fixed access to network resources, low-level

projection equipment, and optical presentation media equipment for a single presenter. Wireless network access for students.

Overhead projector; manual screen; blackboard (or whiteboard); fixed lighting

2 Fixed access to network resources, projection equipment, presentation media equipment. Wireless network access for students.

LCD/DLP Projector; overhead projector; manual screen; blackboard (or whiteboard); VCR/DVD combo unit; stereo program audio; laptop connections; auxiliary video connection; fixed lighting

3 Level 2 above plus speech audio capability. Level 2 plus electric screen; speech audio with wired or wireless microphones (lavaliere/handheld); lectern with media-switching control panel; adjustable lighting control

3.5 Level 3 above plus either slide projection capabilities or PC/Sympodium in lectern.

Level 3 plus either 16mm/slide projection capabilities or PC/Sympodium in lectern

4 Level 3.5 above plus lecture capture and/or video conferencing capabilities.

Level 3.5 plus lecture capture capability (video/computer/audio or computer/audio) and/or video conferencing.

5 Level 3.5 above plus a computer for each station in the classroom. Ability for faculty member to control and project student workstation content.

Level 3.5 plus student PC workstations (option for laptop connection) or wireless laptop cart.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Cables 101

• Wires in a wireless world– What’s up with all these cables?

• Cables and their connectors– How they look and how they are used

• Care and Feeding

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

3 Prong Extension CordNotice how relaxed the coil is; large diameter and no twist. The pointy end goes into the wall. Do not unplug by pulling on the cord, grasp the plug. Keep extra length coiled near the wall or equipment to avoid tripping hazard.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

VGA – Still the standard; now with audioBe sure to insert and remove straight, or risk bent pins. Also note that the connection is trapezoidal and be sure to align properly. The screws are very important in cases where the female connection is positioned vertically.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

3.5mm TRS aka HeadphoneCarry signals on 1-3 channels, usually audio. Our VGA cables have one built in for connecting laptop headphone jack to computer audio port on input panel. Also comes in larger ¼” size.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

HDMI – The new hotnessCarries both audio and video signal. Compatible with high definition devices and HDCP. May be converted directly to/from DVI without audio. Silly expensive cables, do not lose.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Mac Adapters – Why don’t they come with the laptop?Clients wishing to connect an Apple laptop will need the appropriate adapter. Most recent models use Mini DisplayPort; older models may use any number of others. Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3235. iOS devices require a different specialized adapter.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

RCA – Aka Yellow, Red, WhiteConnect DVD/VCR. Typically color coded for convenience: yellow for composite video, red for right audio channel, white for left or mono audio. This is an analog signal. With HD component video, the video is split into 3 channels and carried on separate wires.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

XLR – Microphones and broadcast audioThey make a satisfying click when fit together securely. When used with a microphone and amplifier these cables carry phantom power and produce a loud hum/buzz if there is a faulty connection or grounding.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Cat5 with RJ45 connector - EthernetPlug it in to connect to the network. Or just connect to 802.11x like everyone else.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Care and Feeding

• Take time to align ends when making connections and avoid bent pins.

• Grasp at the connector when unplugging, not cord. Make sure to activate any mechanical latches.

• Coil in loose loops using the natural lay of the cable. Do NOT wrap around your arm.

• Report and replace damaged cables.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Images on Screens

• Projectors• TVs• Overhead transparency projectors• Document cameras

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Projectors

Permanent Installation Portable

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Projectors

• Connect with VGA, HDMI, or RCA

• Can display common computer resolutions, including 1024x768 and 1280x800, and HD video from a compatible source.

• Portable projectors have speakers that are controlled through the remote control.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Televisions

On a Cart On the Wall

Connect and control from wall plates:

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Overhead Transparency Projector

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Overhead Transparency Projector

• Acetate roll across top• Power switch in front• Focus knob on arm• Spare bulb inside• Top swings up

• Do not touch hot bulbs• Lever in front to swap

to spare bulb

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Document Camera

• Connect using VGA• Can go between laptop

and projector.• Choose to display

camera or laptop image using buttons or remote

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Built-in Control Systems

• Project from computer using VGA or HDMI

• Show movie using DVD, VCR, or Combo Player

• Connect using the wall plate, or auxiliary inputs on the rack.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Built-in Control Systems

• In the Cabinet • In the BUBBA

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Built-in Control Systems

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Power ONPress the Power button on the side of the panel. Press the ON button on the touch display. A progress bar appears while the system warms up.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Select source - LaptopPress the Laptop tactile button to connect a computer using VGA or HDMI. Choose between the inputs on the wall panel or rack. In later models, these are separate choices on the side buttons, not the touch menu.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Laptop - WALLThis nested menu allows the user to select between using HDMI or VGA. Selecting RACK brings up a similar menu.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Laptop – Wall – PC INNotice the arrows on the graphic pointing to the inputs that should be connected. The resolution of the input signal is displayed and verifies a connection.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

DVD/VCRDVD and VCR controls are available through the touch panel. Switching between playing a DVD and VHS can be tricky, it may be necessary to switch the input at the machine.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

VolumeUse the up/down arrows to control the volume. Press mute to silence the system – the button will turn WHITE; press it again to restore sound. Use Return to go back to the previous screen.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Video MuteUse Video Mute to temporarily disable the projector display.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Video MutedPress and hold to restore the picture. Don’t forget.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

The Newer Crestron PanelsMostly the same. Common choices are on the side of the panel instead of nested in menus. Otherwise, the same for all intents and purposes.

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Voice Amplification

• Podium Microphones

• Wireless Microphones

• Lavalier Microphones

• Portable Amplifiers

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Other Equipment

• Slide Projector • 16mm Film Projector

Boston University IT Help Center; Classroom Technology Services

Who You Gonna Call?

• Doug Bartlett• Earle Harmon• Chris Rennie• Stephen Siteman• Damon Carlson• Josh Kaufman• Craig McDonald• Matt Young