The Office of Information Technology (OIT) offers the following tips to help instructors prepare for using in-classroom AV equipment. To learn more about AV at PSU, please reference AV Technology Resources.
Table of Contents
What to Do When You First Enter the Classroom
From the Extron control panel, turn on the system.
if the system is already on, but the projector is off, turn the system off and back on.
Select your source (PC, DOC CAM, BLU-RAY, HDMI, LAPTOP, VIDEO).
Adjust the volume as desired.
Tips for Using Different Sources
PC Source
The PC volume can be adjusted in addition to the in room system. For audio from the PC to be heard, this volume must be up.
The volume knob on the podium panel serves as the primary control for the volume levels of input sources.
Document Camera Source
Before using a document camera (doc cam) for the first time, take a moment to examine:
Where the power button is.
How to open it up (put the arm up).
How to turn on the light.
How to put it away (put the arm down).
Blu-Ray Source
When you select Blu-Ray as a source, you must use the attached (tethered) remote.
It’s necessary to aim the remote at the Blu-Ray machine, not at the display or projected image.
The volume control for Blu-Ray is on the credenza. (Also make sure that you have the volume turned up on your device.)
Blu-Ray players are being phased out and are not be available in all classrooms. Inclusive Access Classrooms do not have Blu-Ray players.
Blu-Ray content cannot be shared through Zoom due to High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP).
Best Practices for Using Classroom AV
Start Up 5 Minutes in Advance, or Expect a Small Prep Time
If possible, show up early at the start of term to get a sense of the room and how things work.
When you turn the projector on, the display button will flash at first. While the display button flashes, the display takes a moment to come fully into the ON state. During this time, you can’t select your source. Once the flashing is over and the projector is warmed up, then you can select another source such as the doc cam.
In Base General Pool Classrooms, Don’t Walk Away from the Podium When Using Zoom
There is a microphone mounted on the top of the podium. If you want to be heard, you need to be near the podium.
Choose a Whiteboard Alternative When Using Zoom
When you are using Zoom, your remote students will not be able to view or reference the whiteboard well. We recommend that you use the document camera (doc cam) or Zoom Whiteboard (IACs only) instead.
Ensure You Have the Right Accessories
As necessary, bring your own accessories such as a USB-C adapter(s), remote presenter (to advance slides), or charging cables.
If you plan to use your laptop, ensure you have the right adapters and remember to take home any adapter you bring with you.
Pick the Right Resolution
If you are using your own laptop, take some time to select a resolution that works not only for your laptop, but also for the projector and monitor on the podium. A particular resolution may work for some but not all. If you are using a newer Mac model with SmartDisplay checked, it will adjust the resolution for you.
What to Do before You Leave the Classroom
When you’re done, please turn the projector off. If you’ve muted it, that’s not enough. Turning the projector off saves energy and extends the service life of the equipment.
If you choose to use the PC as a source, you will have to sign in with your credentials.
If you log into the podium PC, be sure to log out for security before you leave the classroom in order to prevent other people from accessing your shared network files.