Input and Control Panel Operation

Pearson Hall 220 and each of the Tuttleman Computer Center’s breakout rooms have input and control panels in them. The panels allow users to have their device of choice (PC, laptop, etc) routeits audio and/or video through the room’s A/V system. They also allow you to manipulate a few audio/video settings. The next couple of sections will summarize how they work. I expect you to internalize this information so that you do not have to refer to it when a problem arises.

Input Panel

An input panel works by receiving a device’s audio and/orvideo signaland sending them to the room’s A/V system. This is achieved by running one or more cables from a device’s output(s) to the panel’s input(s). Many devices have the ability to connect to an input panel including laptops, VCRs, DVD players, digital cameras, and document cameras. If you ever receive a request to connect a device to an input panel, it will most likely be a laptop.

You’ll notice that the above panel also has an outlet for powering devices and an ethernet jack for transmitting data.

Note: A computer cannot utilize PH 220’s or the TCC’s ethernet jacks unless

  1. it’s owned by the University
  2. Computer Services has registered its network card so that it can achieve network connectivity in student/teaching facilities.

Control Panel

A control panel’s main function is to provide an interface thatallows users to adjust speaker and display settings. Such settings include volume control, input device selection, and turning the display on/off. Some panels are decidedly low tech and only offer these options. Others have graphical interfaces and may offer some additional options such as additional volume controls, aspect ratio modification, etc.

Pearson Hall 220 has an older panel with a basic interface & fairly self-explanatory controls.

Each of the Tuttleman Computer Center’s breakout rooms has a panel with a graphical interface. This panel requires you to enter a passcode in order to activate it.

TCC & PH 220 Staff: The older panel can be found in PH 220 and controls the room’s LCD projector and external speakers. Please be patient when adjusting certain settings. For instance, it may take up to 20 seconds for the projector to reflect your choice to have a different device displayed through it.

The newer panel can be found in each of the TCC’s breakout rooms. The ‘Laptop 2’ button does not work because the rooms are not equipped to receive wireless A/V signals. Also, the ‘Help’ button does not work because the consultant PCs cannot receive the alert. You are required to enable its security when it’s not in use. Simply press the “End Session” button, choose to shut it down with a password and enter the passcode.

Tips

  • Have patience when adjusting certain settings on PH 220’s control panel. For instance, it may take up to 20 seconds for the projector to reflect your choice to have a different device displayed through it.
  • Displays are not meant to be powered on/off frequently. Look at the control panel to determine when it is OK to power on/off a display.
  • Familiarize yourself with the devices commonly used in your area(s). This includes familiarizing yourself with the location & appearance of their output connections.
  • It is best to connect a device to an input panel prior to turning it on. Some devices will only make one attempt to send their signal(s) to the input panel and will only do so when powering up.
  • Some devices will need you to instruct them to send their signal(s) through certain output connections. For instance, some laptops will not send their video signal through theirVGA output unless the user presses the function key that has the ‘ / ‘ symbol, ‘CRT/LCD’ label, or something similar. Others may require the user to adjust the operating system’s video settings. Familiarize yourself with the various ways a user can direct a signal to the input panel.
  • Make sure the cable running between the device and input panel is securely connected at both ends.
  • Make sure that you have turned on the displayprior to turning on the device.
  • Make sure you have selected the correct device on the control panel.