Laptops now have access to the room camera and microphones via USB C
The following instructions are automatically generated, based on the list of equipment in the room
As such, we've kept them simple to account for any variations between rooms. For help on specifics, contact AV Support.
If you're in one of the learning spaces, contact AV Support by pressing the AVSupp button on the phone or x4221.
ECD Helpdesk button for ventilation and IT Helpdesk for login queries
Control Panel
New Crestron Touch Panel
Tap the touch screen to display/select buttons for the equipment.
You can then select the source you wish to use from input selection
You also have a sub-menu for additional facilities like Microphones, Camera and Phone
To switch off, tap the 
,button in the bottom right of the screen and then confirm with Yes.
To see more of the new touch panel click here.
Computer
Tips
- We recommend that the projector is switched on after you login to the PC.
- Drag/copy presentation documents from your USB stick onto the desktop.
- Any change/s and added files are auto-deleted on Restart.
Aston Teaching PC
All standard ‘pool room image’ teaching PCs are Windows10 with Office365 Professional Plus including PowerPoint, Excel, Word & Teams.
After login the PC automatically launches AstonApps Cloudpaging portal for all the latest pool room managed software. Panopto recorder, web browsers & important teaching software and links like Blackboard have ALL moved to AstonApps. Shared/network drives are dependent on your Aston login.
If your login or the network fails username .\teach & password T34chT34ch will allow you to present locally (e.g. USB drive), but without any network or internet access. Most rooms with Lenovo PCs installed will allow change to ‘Extended desktop’ for Powerpoint notes view [Windows+P].
The PC will shut down after 30 minutes of inactivity
This will remove any changes you have made, any work you have open will be lost, and any files on the desktop will be deleted. Unfinished Panopto uploads will also be suspended until Panopto is re-connected in that room.
Bear this in mind if, for example, you are running an event and want to get the PC set up early or you are breaking for lunch.
The PC is set up to record to Aston Replay and upload to Blackboard. There is option in Panopto Settings: Basic: ‘Highlight mouse cursor…‘ to make the pointer more prominent for recordings, and please check the mic levels are OK before starting to RECORD.
There are usually 2-4 extra USB ports on the lectern PC monitor.
We recommend that the projector is switched ON after you login to the PC. If you don’t need the computer to be displayed on the screen, you can use it without the projector on in most rooms. However, computer audio requires the projector to be ON, and all three control panel, computer and application volumes should be up (and unmuted).
Laptop (HDMI)
A flying HDMI cable (including audio) is usually connected to the lectern faceplate.
If there is no cable look for a USB C cable or use the Wireless connection.
HDMI cables are available on request by calling Ext 4221
Wireless Presentation
Wireless presentation uses a WiFi network to present or mirror photos, PDF, and Microsoft Office files etc. on the room display/s from your wireless devices, instead of by HDMI or similar cable.
- iOS and Android mobile devices, and/or your Windows/macOS wifi laptops.
When Wireless is selected, it displays the room’s IP address and a unique or QR [code] to present the content on the screen/s. You can have multiple WiFi devices concurrently displayed in each corner of the picture.
On an AirServer use the Windows10 shortcut and press Windows+K keys. For any other OS join the WiFi network being advertised on screen.
AirMedia and Via devices will direct you to download an app if you put the device’s IP addess into a web browser. Just the number not the http part.
Note Functionality varies between rooms and devices – iOS Panopto app cannot record ‘Presentations’ as well as ‘present’ like the Mac/Windows versions can, the Android app does even less.
- AirMedia (Crestron AM-100) Gt.Hall, MB603, MB653, NW805, NW807.
- VIA Connect/VIA ConnectPro(Kramer) ABS6.4/5, ABS2.10(L4), MB304, SLT(MB651)
- VIA Campus: 2018/19 refurbs(MB41x, MB470, SW309, VSG03)
- AirServer: 2020/23 refurbs(MB108,550, MMS, MB7agile, MB241, Adrian, Susan, MB406, MB408, MB204, MB206, MB370, MB372)
Microphones
Perform a variety of tasks in the rooms, depending on the type of room and microphone.
They can be used to feed audio to the induction loop, make sure people at the back of the room can hear the speaker clearly (voice enhancement), or be recorded in Aston Replay. Always check the RECORD levels.
NB. some new rooms have a mic [Mute] button on the touch panel, otherwise the voice enhancement volume is fixed.
Catchbox Mics
Rechargeable microphone/s which automatically unmute/mute when removed from/replaced correctly in the charger.
There are a maximum of two mics/channels per room, ~100m range, and freedom to interact with the audience while recording to Replay. Always check record levels.
Lectern mic
To switch on/off, push the button at the base of the flexible gooseneck.
The LED will be lit when the microphone is on, and the level is preset.
There is no switch or LED on the white Beyer flat models(right)
Voice Enhancement
Generic Voice Enhancement
Uses a clip on or handheld microphone to ensure equal distribution of the presenter’s voice across the whole space, and freedom to interact with the audience while recording to Replay.
The presenter should not be aware of any amplification at the front of the room, unlike a traditional PA system.
Note Microphone audio is separate from Computer audio, and usually fixed level.
Visualiser
A document camera that can display and zoom in on papers, books, and other 3D objects. There is usually a separate source selection button to display on the room screen/s.
A desktop application called ImageMate[IM] allows Elmo images to be recorded in Panopto.
The newer Wolfvision visualisers can be selected as separate video recording device in Panopto.
AVer Visualiser
These new AVer visualisers can be used as both visualisers and webcams
Press the power button circled in green below to turn it ON/OFF
The auto focus is labelled ‘AF’ and is circled in red below
The camera can also be turned using the knob up to a 90 degree angle
Panopto Camera
Use the camera to include video in an Aston Replay recording.
The Panopto recorder will default to including video where a camera is present. If you don’t want this to be included in your session, you will need to switch the camera off. You may also borrow a mobile alternative.
- In the Panopto recorder, click the dropdown next to video
- Click None
See the Replay TLC site for more information on how to make a recording.
PTZ camera
This room features a remote ceiling camera connected to the PC for lecture capture.
In general you can only have the camera available in one application.
e.g. If you are using Teams you won’t be able to use the camera in Panopto.
Equipment