turn on the Projector first

Press the ON button on the buttonpad/keypad on the top of the podium. You can hear the projector come on and see a light through the lens.

Projectors in rooms with the older podiums (white buttonpads) take about 30 seconds to warm up.
New podiums and projectors (black convertible keypad) take a little longer, AND the ON button flashes while the projector is warming up. YOU MUST WAIT FOR THE PROJECTOR TO WARM UP BEFORE MOVING ON TO OTHER EQUIPMENT.

To use the computer

Unlock the podium cabinet.
After the projector has warmed up, press the power button on the PC tower located in the cabinet. You may also need to press the power button on the monitor, if it has been turned off.
Login to the network with your username and password and the domain of MERCYHURST.
To see the computer desktop on the classroom screen, select the PC or LECTURN CPU button.
The volume buttons on the control pad will now adjust the volume coming from the PC.
Operate the PC as you normally would. You can use MS Office applications, network drive (H), or the Internet.

To use your own laptop

Connect your laptop to the power, network, video and audio connectors. Mac users may need a special VGA adapter, depending on the laptop model. See the CIT about borrowing an adapter if you do not have one.
Power up your laptop AFTER it is connected.
Login to the network on a Windows laptop, or login to your Mac as you normally do.
To see the laptop desktop on the classroom screen, select the Laptop CPU button.
IF YOU CANNOT SEE YOUR LAPTOP DESKTOP, TRY THE FOLLOWING:

WINDOWS—press the fn and f8 keys together, then wait to see if the image projects. If not, press the keys again to change the view. There are usually 3 views, so one of these key combinations should work. Notes: (1) You may have a model on which the LCD view key is f7. Your laptop should have "LCD" or an image of a monitor on the correct key. (2) Only one view allows you to see the image on BOTH the screen and the laptop.
MACS—In System Preferences (under the Apple menu), choose Displays, then click the Detect Displays button. Once your computer has detected the display in one classroom, it will remember that display. This mirroring may change the resolution of your display, but the laptop will otherwise function normally.

To use the DVD or VCR (you may also use the computer to play a DVD)

Select the appropriate DVD/VCR button/key on the podium.
Press the POWER button on the DVD/VCR to turn it on.
Insert a VHS tape into the VCR, or open the DVD tray and insert a DVD.
Operate the controls as needed on the unit, or use the remote, if provided.
The volume button on the control pad will now adjust the volume coming from the DVD/VCR

You can toggle back and forth between the various media by pressing the buttons on the control pad.

At any time, you may hide the projection of any image using the Black Screen button. This will not turn off the projector; it simply sends no image to the screen until you press another button.

Note Regarding the Use of Personal Tapes in the VCR

The use of home-made tapes in the vcrs has been known to cause the sound to disappear. If you are using a tape and are not hearing any sound, please follow the instructions below before calling the helpdesk.

Place the DVD/VCR in VCR mode
On the remote control, press the MENU button
Use the directional arrows to select VCR SETUP, then press ENTER
Select AUDIO OUT and press ENTER
You will see two options, HIFI and MONO. Make sure that you select MONO and press ENTER
Press the MENU button to exit the menu. Your tape should now be working fine.

Note Regarding the Use of Cable TV

Cable Television can be played through the VCR mode:

Turn the projector on and press the VCR/DVD button on the control panel

§ Press the power button on the VCR/DVD. Make sure the Output button is set for VCR mode.

You will now see the cable channels. Use the remote to input the channel you would like, or press the Channel buttons on the VCR itself.
If you would not like to view these channels, press the Blank Screen button on the control pad. This will keep the channel from interrupting your class.
Another way to clear the screen of any channels is to enter channel 00 on the remote. This will also blank the screen and remove any sound from a cable channel.

Related Podium facts:

Podium Keys

Podium keys are available in the Center for Instructional Technology (CIT), Library 302, M-F 7:45-4:00. One key unlocks all the campus podiums. Please be sure to lock the podium at the end of your class, to protect the equipment. Do not assume that the next class is being held or will be using the podium.

Computer Software

Podium computers use Windows XP Professional (Windows Vista by summer 2008), and carry such basic software as Microsoft Office 2003 (Office 2007 by Feb. 2008) and Internet Explorer. To request that additional software be installed, contact Brenda Howell (x3036), Bernie McGallis (x3301), or Barbara Pittman (x2339).

Reporting Technology Problems

Please report problems as soon as possible to the HelpDesk or the CIT. Someone will come to your classroom, if needed. If the CIT is unable to correct any problem, they will contact the appropriate IT personnel.

Before leaving the classroom, follow these steps

1. Shutdown the PC.

2. Return the wireless mouse to the charger inside the podium.

3. Power down the VCR/DVD.

4. Turn off the projector.

5. Lock the cabinet.

6. Push in the keyboard tray.