Video Conference Mode
The video conference mode can be used in various ways such as to teach a class, hold a meeting, or view live procedures. It is meant to connect two or more distant locations in the same building, across town, or across the world.
Video Conferencing can be a very interactive tool by introducing students to various cultures, customs and ideas. The outcome and use of the equipment is solely up to the presenter as to whether they wish to use it as an extension of a lecture hall or to incorporate some interactivity into the conference.
There are, however, some limitations to the use of the equipment including full motion videos (watching a DVD). This is caused by the frame rate in which the equipment is able to send and receive the images (DVD). Another limitation is the movement of the speaker due to the camera not following the speaker when they move around. In most cases the speaker is stationary and gives the lecture within the frame shot of the camera.
Video Conference Home Screen
This is the main screen you will find all of the basic video conference controls. The room master volume is located in the bottom left corner on any screen within video conference controls.
Projector Displays
This screen lets you decide what is displayed on the projectors in the room. The “left” and “right” are based on the students’ perspective, and have arrows to indicate as well.
Projector Screen Displays
If you want to project an image on only one of the screens, use the “BLANK” function to completely black out the other screen. If needed you can manually raise and lower the screens, but note that the projector screens automatically raise up when you shut down the equipment.
Podium Preview Display
This lets you choose what is displayed on the built-in podium monitor screen.
DVD Controls
These control the DVD player inside the podium. The DVD can only be used in “Presentation Mode”.
Note: The DVD image cannot be sent during a video conference.
Lights
This controls the lights in the room in the same way as the panel on the wall in the back of the room. There are 3 presets, each with a different amount of light.
Microphone Volume
This controls the microphones in the room. The different microphones present are:
- The microphone is permanently located at the bottom of the podium
- The wireless lapel microphone that can be worn by the presenter
- The microphones located on top of the desks for student use
Note: These only control volume on YOUR end of the conference
Muted Microphones
When the microphones are muted, the “mute” button will show up bright red, and the red bar typically indicates the volume will disappear.
Note: Muting microphones here during a conference does not mute outgoing audio and remote sites will be able to hear you.
Projector Screen Layouts
These presets determine how the projector screens will be organized. Auto is the default layout and will be set up by Technicians prior to the conference. These do not affect the video conference in any way, but merely change the layout of the screen.
Note: These only control the layout on your end of the conference.
Video Conference Source Control
This section of the panel controls what is sent through the video conference feed. The top 3 options control which camera is being used in the lecture hall. "Start Presentation" sends the connected PC/laptop to the connected sites and projectors.
Teacher Camera
Student Left Camera
Student Right Camera
Camera Presets
Other than the screen layouts, you have some camera presets that can be used
Camera Controls
After selecting the preferred camera, press the "Near" button and you will be able to move the camera up, down, right, left, zoom in (closer to you), and zoom out (farther away from you). You will also be able to select several camera presets.
