Classroom AV Equipment

Allan Schau (Allan.Schau@kirkwood.edu or phone x-5620).

As you visit classrooms around campus, you quickly realize the scope of AV equipment used throughout Kirkwood. The variety and proliferation of equipment enables faculty and other users to enhance their presentations with a rich variety of visual and audio media. But when you have this kind of variety, not every setting is going to be furnished with the same equipment nor is the equipment going to function in exactly the same way. To the user, this means that knowing how equipment operates in one room doesn’t necessarily mean knowing how it works in another room.

For instance, we currently have fifteen different models of computer/video projectors at Kirkwood. Though their primary function (to project computer output or video output onto a screen for group viewing) is consistent, they each have their own unique characteristics. They each have different menus and different remote controls. Some are capable of remote mouse control for the PC through the projector; some are not. Some have four buttons for selecting input sources; some have one button for multiple sources. Some are capable of two or even three different computer inputs; some have only one. Some have good speakers for audio; some we don’t even run audio to because the speakers are so poor.

Aside from individual differences between pieces of equipment, there are differences in how that equipment is connected and operated. There are simple classrooms with just a PC and a ceiling-mounted projector. And there are complex classrooms that have complete sound systems and include microphones, VCR’s, DVD’s, document presenters, touch panel control systems and more. Why all the variations? Because different environments require different equipment. Different courses have different needs. Different departments have different priorities. And because technology changes so rapidly, equipment models are on the market for months rather than for years.

There are, however, similarities among the more common classroom environments. The vast majority of Kirkwood classrooms are now equipped with an instructor’s PC table and a ceiling-mounted projection system for both computer projection and video projection. The PC is connected to the Kirkwood network and can be used to present files from disc, network resources or the Internet. Many classrooms also have powered speakers, VCR’s, DVD players or DVD drives in the PC, video presenters/document cameras or a variety of other peripheral devices.

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Seeing how a classroom is wired often helps users understand how the equipment works. The diagram below gives you an idea of how the “typical” classroom is wired. It helps you see the “signal path” for computer, video and audio outputs. Please be aware that this varies from room to room, but all are designed around this basic template:

There are also some very specialized AV equipment applications around campus. The Culinary Arts program is using a three-camera presentation system with touch panel control system for food preparation demonstrations. The video feed from that system can be fed into the projection systems in their two adjacent classrooms. It can also be recorded on a VCR for later viewing. The Sign Language program is using a two-camera system with a digital video switcher to record signing exercises that show two student participants. There are many other unique applications of AV equipment throughout Kirkwood, all serving one central purpose: to improve and enhance classroom instruction.

These AV tools create the potential for powerful classroom presentations, but the purchasing, installation and use of the equipment can be a challenge. Our role is to provide you with equipment that serves your needs and then support you in the usage of this equipment. Our responsibilities can be broken down into four basic categories:

User & Space Needs Assessment --- We discuss and determine your presentation needs, take a look at physical room considerations and budget, then develop a plan to effectively meet your needs within the room and financial parameters that we have to work with.

Purchasing & Installation --- We handle the complete purchasing process for all AV equipment perform minor installations. For more complex installations, we serve as project coordinators and work closely with Telecommunications Services, Facilities and outside vendors to complete the installation. 

Training & User Support --- We provide written instructions for permanent installations and provide individualized and group training. 

Problem Resolution --- We respond to all trouble calls and work hard to resolve problems in a timely and effective manner.

Like any other specialized field, a common problem with understanding AV equipment is the “jargon”. The following terminology guide helps clarify some of the more confusing terms you may hear regarding AV equipment and classrooms here at Kirkwood. Terms are grouped into product groups.

Smart Classroom - Term used at Kirkwood to describe classrooms permanently equipped with an instructor’s PC and a ceiling-mounted projector; may also include peripheral equipment; actually grew out of a name-branded touch panel/software control system that we have never used at Kirkwood.

Local Monitor - Refers to the standard PC monitor or the built-in screen on a laptop, as opposed to a secondary display device such as a projector or remote screen.

Proxima - Actually a name-brand of computer/video projector (and other display products), but since Kirkwood uses almost exclusively Proxima projectors, has become commonly used to refer to any computer/video projector (would be like all TV’s being referred to as Sony’s). Data or Computer or PC Projector - Generic name for a projector that can display output from a computer onto a screen or wall; there are many types of these projectors and many manufacturers (including Proxima). Video Projector - Generic name for a projector that can display output from a video device onto a screen or wall, although commonly used to also describe computer projectors; the projectors Kirkwood purchases handle both computer projection and video projection.

A/B Switch - A switch that allows changing between PC output and a laptop output to the projector; actually, these switches can be used to switch between any two devices with 15-pin PC outputs, but primarily used in our classrooms as laptop switches; we have both manual and automatic versions. Laptop Switch - Same as A/B switch.

VGA Splitter - A device that takes 15-pin PC output and splits it into two outputs, allowing simultaneous display on both a local monitor and projector at the same time; the splitters that we use also include signal amplification (due to longer cable run) for the signal being fed to the projector.

Instructor’s Table - The table, usually at the front of the classroom, that houses the PC and other equipment used by the instructor for presentation and connected to the ceiling-mounted projector. Nova Table - Actually a name-brand of the Instructor’s table, but since Kirkwood uses almost exclusively Nova tables, has become commonly used to refer to any instructor’s PC table (like referring to all facial tissues as Kleenex).

Video Presenter - Generic name for a device that uses a video camera to output display of print or other documents or objects to a TV monitor or projector; these devices cannot be used alone, they must have a display device; most have zoom/focus/iris controls; most incorporate a “stage” for placing objects and small fluorescent lights to illuminate the object for better picture; some include an illuminated stage for 35mm slides; some have no stage and are designed for table top use. Video Visualizer - Generic name for same device as Video Presenter. Digital Presenter or Digital Overhead - Generic name for same device as Video Presenter, but refers to a unit designed for PC-compatible output for display through a PC monitor or for input from a PC. Document Camera - Generic name for same device as Video Presenter or Digital Presenter. Elmo - Actually a name-brand for a whole line of video presenters / document cameras (and other products), but since they were the first manufacturer, their name has become a common name for all video presenters (like all copiers being called Xerox’s).

Overhead Projector (OHP) - The traditional projector used in classrooms for decades, displaying individual transparency sheets or roll transparency images onto a wall screen; transparency sheets or rolls can either be pre-produced or simply blank and used to “write on” with special markers. Transparency Projector - Same as Overhead Projector (OHP)