General Pool Base Classroom AV Guide

Owned by Mark Walker
Last updated: Oct 23, 2024 by bromley2-high
4 min read

General Pool Base Classrooms feature a comprehensive array of essential AV equipment to enhance instruction. They conclude a podium PC, two monitors, a projector, and a document camera.

One of the monitors is equipped with an integrated capture camera, and there is a built-in microphone on the podium to facilitate seamless Zoom integration. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the setup ensures easy operation and straightforward functionality.

Table of Contents

Hardware in the Classroom

  • Extron control panel to control AV in the classroom

    Extron Control Panel

  • Podium PC

  • Two Monitors, one for the podium PC and one that follows the selected input

  • Document Camera

    • There is a light switch on the head of the document camera to illuminate the desired surface.

  • Podium capture camera integrated into the bezel of one of the podium monitors

computer monitor with integrated bezel webcam
Podium monitor with integrated bezel webcam

  • Installed microphone to capture audio near the podium

When using the Zoom technology, be sure to stay at the podium. The camera and microphone installed on the podium will not pick you up if you move too far away from it.

Basic AV Operations

  • To use AV in a General Pool classroom, select the Display ON button located on the Extron control panel.

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.

  • Select the desired Projector Input (PC, DOC CAM, HDMI, LAPTOP, VIDEO). 

  • If using the Podium PC, you will have to sign in with your PSU credentials. At the end of class, remember to sign out for security.

  • To mute all AV in the room system, select the AV Mute button. 

  • Always remember to select the Display “Off” button when finished using the system. Turning the projector off saves energy and extends the service life of the equipment

  • Use the volume knob on the Extron Control Panel to raise or lower the volume of content in the classroom

The volume adjustments of the PC and applications being used (ie a media player, Zoom, or YouTube) will also affect the volume in the classroom.

Using Zoom in the Classroom

Getting Started

  • Select Display “On” from the Extron Control Panel, select PC as the source, launch the Zoom application on the podium PC and login via SSO.

Select the Correct Camera, Microphone and Speaker Settings

  • Select the caret next to the microphone icon on the lower left to change audio devices

    • Select Shure MVi for the microphone

      • This will select the installed podium microphone as the audio capture device

    • Select ExtronScalerD for the speakers

      • This will select the installed room speakers as the audio output device. Remote students will be heard through the speakers in the classroom when they talk.

  • Select the caret next to the camera icon on the lower left to change the video device

    • Under Select a Camera, select AV Bridge Matrix PRO.

Using the Document Camera with Zoom

  • There are two models of document cameras that are found in PSU classrooms. The instructions to share the document camera with Zoom varies slightly with each.

  • Epson Document Camera (newer)

    • Turn on the Document Camera (It will take a moment to turn on)

    • In Zoom, select “Share Content”, select the “Advanced” tab, choose “Second Camera”, and select “Share”.

  • AVer Document Camera (older)

    • Turn on the Document Camera (It will take a moment to turn on)

    • Double click the Sphere2 icon on the PC desktop to open the application. Once open, it should recognize the camera and the camera’s image will be seen in the application.

    • In Zoom, select “Share Content” and either share the screen or specific application window with Sphere2.

AV FAQ/Troubleshooting

  • 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.

Sources Are Not Coming Through the Projector

  • If your source is not coming through the projector, make sure the input on the front of the Extron rack mount unit at the front of the podium is set to the source you wish to use:

    • Laptop = 1

    • Video = 2

    • PC = 3

    • Doc Cam = 4

    • Blu-Ray = 5

    • HDMI = 6

  • If input is not showing, confirm that your desired device is powered on, and press the corresponding source button on the Extron control panel. 

  • Confirm that the AV Mute button is not on.

ON Button Flashes Then Goes Back to OFF

If you turn on the projector using the Extron control panel and the "ON" button flashes then goes back to "OFF", the switcher is likely to be out of sync with the projector. Power cycle the switcher by unplugging it for a few seconds, and then replugging.

Audio Feedback in the Room

Make sure there is only one device in the physical room that is connected to Zoom audio. Note: This includes student devices. Any microphones or speakers in the room other than the room system can cause audio feedback. If other computers in the room are connected to audio, their volume should be turned all the way down and microphone muted. 

Additional Support Resources