Standard Classroom User Guide

The standard classroom configuration includes projection and multimedia playback equipment but not computers. The following instructions describe how to use these classrooms for audio/video display or computer applications. For information on the configurations of all technology equipped classrooms, see the Classroom Configuration page. ETRC strongly advises you to test your equipment in your classroom before the first class to ensure that everything is working. For further assistance or to schedule a demonstration, contact your local ETRC office. The fastest way to get help if you encounter any problems in the classroom is to call or visit your local ETRC office.

Powering up

1. A black wall-mounted cabinet contains equipment and control systems. Make sure the cabinet power is on. The red light on the power conditioner switch should be glowing. If not, press the switch.

   

2. A separate set of controls manages the projector. To turn the projector on press the On button under Power on the control plate. Push and hold it for 2 or 3 seconds. There will be a delay while the projector reaches maximum brightness.

   

To play a tape or DVD on the VHS/DVD player

3. To play a DVD or videotape in the player (no computer required) you will need to select the correct projector input. Push the Video button under Source on the control plate. Video In will display on the upper right side of the screen.

4. To play a tape, insert it, select VCR by pressing the VCR/DVD button on the front of the player. Press Play. To stop the playback, press Stop and then Eject to eject the tape. You can also use the remote control to perform these functions.

5. To play a DVD, select DVD by pressing the VCR/DVD button on the front of the player. Press the Open/Close button to eject the tray. Insert the DVD into the tray print side up. Press the Open/Close button again to retract the tray. Press Play. You can also use the remote control to perform these functions.

6. Adjust your sound level by pressing the up (increase) or down (decrease) buttons under Volume on the control plate.

To use your laptop

7. Push the Comp button under Source on the control plate. Computer In will display on the upper right side of the screen.

8. Plug your laptop power cord into the AC outlet on the cabinet.

9. A combination audio-video cable is provided in each standard classroom (contact ETRC if you need one). One end of the VGA (15 pin) video cable is connected to the Computer socket in the wall plate. Connect the other end to the VGA Out or monitor jack on your laptop. Macintosh users may need an adaptor to connect the VGA cable to the DVI jack on their machines.

   

10. Activate the external video port on your laptop computer so that the image displays on the projection screen (normally it's off by default). To turn this port on use the keyboard command appropriate for your computer (typically a Fn+function key combination). On most laptops this keyboard command operates a three-way toggle switch: laptop display only, external display only, or both.

11. If you require a network connection, before turning on your laptop connect the supplied network cable to the network jack on your laptop. The other end is connected to the Data jack in the wall plate.

12. If your application requires audio, connect the audio (1/8” stereo) plug from the supplied cable to the headphone or audio out jack on your laptop. The other end is connected to the Audio jack in the wall plate.

13. If you're using sound, adjust your sound level by pressing the up (increase) or down (decrease) buttons under Volume on the control plate. If the sound is not loud enough, you may need to turn up the volume on your laptop using the keyboard or software volume controls. If you hear no sound at all, make sure the laptop audio output has not been set to mute.

Powering Down

14. Turn off the projector by pushing the Off button under Power on the control plate. On the screen, you will be asked if you really want to shut off the projector. Press Off again to turn off the projector. Press Video or Comp if you don’t want to turn it off.