Other Devices

General

Transport controls

There are three ways to control a disc or tape player:

1. Selecting a device on the touchpanel main page automatically summons a virtual control panel for that device. Only the most common functions are available.

2. Remote controls are provided and stored in the equipment rack drawer. These are ideal for standing away from the equipment rack. Allow for adequate line-of-site to point the remote at the device.

3. The device's own front panel buttons.

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Audio playback

Volume for all media sources including DVD and VCR is controlled from Program Volume on the touchpanel main page.

Occasionally, a DVD disc or VHS tape requires a specific audio setting by the player for accurate audio playback. In the event of missing dialogue, music, or other anomalies, try checking the audio settings of the playback device and/or the DVD on screen.

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Subtitles, closed-captioning

Both subtitles and closed-captioning (CC) are on-screen text overlays that manifest the dialogue and other sounds of the actual broadcast or film.

DVD subtitles provide language translation where an alternate language audio track in the desired language is unavailable. Closed-captioning is used for the hearing impaired or when the audio is muted.

To turn subtitles on/off, with your disc loaded, navigate to the MENU. If the disc has subtitle options, they should be under a heading called "settings" or "options," etc. depending on how the disc is set up.

Closed-captioning requires a hardware decoder present to generate the text on-screen.

Consult with Media Services about the availability of CC in this location.

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Aspect ratios

The aspect ratio describes what kind of rectangular shape is used to display a video or film.

The ratio itself is a measure of width:height, usually expressed as the simplest pair of numbers that maintains the dimensions. Generally speaking, though, every aspect ratio can be described as being normal or widescreen.

While it is ideal to experience a video/film in its intended aspect ratio, any aspect mismatch, such as with the TV monitor/projector or media formatting, leads to a slight compromise in either size or proportion of the original.

The in-room data projector has a native aspect ratio of 4:3. Use the aspect compensation buttons to manually choose the best adaptation for the current signal that minimizes stretching/squashing artifacts.

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DVD

How to use

Ensure that the DVD player is turned on and your disc is loaded. The disc should begin playing automatically.

On the touchpanel main page, press DVD.

This will select the DVD input and also turn on the data projector and lower the screen if this hasn't happened yet. It may take a full minute for the projector to warm up.

Once the data projector is fully on, see if your DVD is projecting on the screen and also coming through the sound system.

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DVD Disc types supported

For successful playback of a video or movie on a DVD player using a home-burned disc, ensure that the disc is -R media only, formatted to the DVD-Video standard, and "finalized" in the burning process.

Consult with Media Services about dubbing/conversion options.

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International DVD playback

Successful viewing of an international DVD usually necessitates all of the following: a multi-standard DVD player, an all-region or "unlocked" DVD player, a multi-standard projector or TV.

Consult with Media Services about international DVD playback options.

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35mm slides

How to use

The 35mm slide projector is located in the projection booth. Load your slides and turn the slide projector all the way on (you should see the lamp turn on inside the projector).

On the touchpanel main page, press 35mm Slides.

If the data projector was already on, this will mute the image so it doesn't interfere with the 35mm slide projection.

Using the touchpanel virtual controls, forward to the first slide and focus as needed.

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Cable TV

How to use

On the touchpanel main page, press Cable TV.

This will select the Cable TV input and also turn on the data projector and lower the screen if this hasn't yet happened. It may take a full minute for the projector to warm up.

Once the data projector is fully on, see if a Cable TV channel is projecting on the screen and through the sound system. If not, try changing channels. Typically, signal is received only on the first 60 channels.

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Cable TV controls

The primary way to change channels is using the touchpanel on-screen controls. No remote control is provided for the cable TV tuner.

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VCR

How to use

Ensure that the VCR is turned on and your tape is loaded. The tape should begin to play automatically.

On the touchpanel main page, press VCR. This will select the VCR input and also turn on the data projector and lower the screen if this hasn't happened yet. It may take a full minute for the projector to warm up.

Once the data projector is fully on, see if your tape projects on the screen and comes through the sound system.

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16mm Projector

How to use

The 16mm film projector is located in the projection booth. Load your film and turn the film projector all the way on (you should see the lamp turn on inside the projector).

If the film contains sound, ensure that the designated 16mm audio cable is plugged in the output jack. Turn the volume knob to the on position.

On the touchpanel main page, press 16mm Audio. If the data projector was already on, this will mute the image so it doesn't interfere with the 16mm slide projection. This will also switch to the 16mm audio input on the sound system.

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How to load film onto SSL slot-load style projector

Be sure the projector is plugged in and the function knob is set to Stop.

Attach film supply reel to the front arm.

Be sure film spools off in a clockwise direction with sprockets facing you.

Beginning at the first roller, pull the film along entire length of slot, following the arrows. Be sure to leave some slack at the highest turn to create a necessary arc with the film.

Attach the end of the film to the take-up reel on the rear arm and wind a few turns clockwise to tighten.

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How to load film onto SNT auto-load style projector

Be sure the projector is plugged in and the function knob is set to Stop.

Attach film supply reel to the front arm.

Be sure film spools off in a clockwise direction with sprockets facing you.

Trim a clean end on the film using the on-board trimmer.

Push Self-Thread leaver down until it locks.

Insert tip of film between upper rollers (arrows). Turn function knob to Forward to feed film in.

Attach the end of the film to the take-up reel on the rear arm and wind a few turns clockwise to tighten.

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16mm audio playback

Refer to How to Project the In-room Computer.

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Mini DV

How to use

Ensure that the Mini DV deck is turned on and your tape is loaded. Press Play.

On the touchpanel main page, press DV. This will select the VCR input and also turn on the data projector and lower the screen if this hasn't happened yet. It may take a full minute for the projector to warm up.

Once the data projector is fully on, see if your tape projects on the screen and comes through the sound system.

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Mini DV tape formats

Consult with Media Services about dubbing/conversion options.

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Transparency Projector

How to use

Plug the projector in and turn on.

If it has a "flip-style" mirror lid, open the mirror lid at the top.

Place your transparency sheet on the glass platen.

Focus is the large knob halfway up the post.

For a blown bulb, see if the unit has a spare bulb feature. It will have a horizontal lever at the bottom of the panel:

Raise the lamp change safety lock up.

Switch the horizontal lamp change lever to the opposite side.

Release the safety lock.

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