Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Audiovisual Services

Multi-access classroom AV

Harry Hickman (HHB) 110 and Clearihue (CLE) A127 are UVic's multi-access classrooms. They're designed to allow students to participate both in-person and online. These rooms are ideal for hybrid teaching and interactive lectures with remote guest speakers.

If you want to learn more about a specific classroom, Media Services offers free demonstrations in any classroom on campus.

Find out more about multi-access courses.

View all multi-access rooms

AV equipment

Multi-access classrooms contain:

  • 4 large-screen wall-mounted displays
  • blackboards and dry-erase writing surfaces
  • room speakers
  • built-in Windows classroom computer with two displays
  • HDMI cable to connect your device
  • AirMedia wireless connection
  • DVD drive
  • 2 document cameras
  • 4 ceiling- and wall-mounted cameras
  • a ceiling mic array
  • Crestron touchscreen controls

Accessibility

Our classroom AV configuration includes:

  • fixed height instructor station counter
  • cabinet door without handles or lift assist hinges. The door may fall open if you're unable to hold its weight
  • equipment controlled with a touchscreen fixed in place on the counter top
  • pull-down projector screen

We recognize that these features present accessibility issues and are working to mitigate them.

If you need in-person assistance, please contact the Computer Help Desk.

AV keys

Don't forget your keys!

You'll need an AV key to use classroom AV system and computer. To avoid delays, sign out a key from your department office before your first class and always bring it with you when you're teaching.

Use the classroom computer

To display a PowerPoint slideshow on all 4 displays using the built-in classroom computer:

  1. Unlock the AV cabinet with your key.
  2. Open the AV cabinet and press the unlock button.
  3. Tap the touchscreen panel to turn it on. The 4 displays in the room will remain off until you select an input source for each of them using the panel.
  4. Press a key on the keyboard or move the mouse to wake the classroom computer up.
  5. Sign in to the computer with your NetLink ID and passphrase.
  6. Open PowerPoint on the classroom computer and start your slideshow.
    • The full-screen slide view should be displayed on the right-hand monitor.
  7. For each of the 4 displays: 
    1. Tap the numbered display button to open the source menu.
    2. Select PC (right monitor).
    3. Tap the red X button in the corner to close the source menu.

You can use the wireless mic to reinforce your voice, but you don't need it to record or share your lecture. The mic array in the ceiling will do that.

 Troubleshooting

If you're not using video recording, livestreaming, or meeting software select other user near the lower-left corner of the sign-in screen.

If you are, restart the computer.

Press the mute key () on the keyboard or unmute the computer in Windows' settings.

Make sure that your media player app isn't muted and the volume slider isn't set to 0.

Use your own laptop

Wired connection

To display a PowerPoint slideshow on all 4 displays using your Windows or Mac laptop:

  1. Unlock the AV cabinet with your key.
  2. Open the AV cabinet and press the unlock button.
  3. Tap the touchscreen panel to turn it on. The 4 displays in the room will remain off until you select an input source for each of them using the panel.
  4. Connect the HDMI cable (or the VGA and 3.5mm stereo cable or USB-C cable, if they're available) to your laptop.
    • HDMI and USB-C supply both sound and video. You only need to use the stereo cable if you're using VGA.
    • Some MacBooks and small laptops only have USB-C, Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt ports for video. If you have one of these, bring your own HDMI adapter ("dongle").
  5. Press Windows ​ + P (Windows) or Command ​ + F1 (Mac) on your keyboard to choose whether to duplicate/mirror or extend your desktop. 
    • Not sure? Most instructors want to duplicate (Windows) or mirror (Mac) their display. In this mode, the projector will show exactly the same thing as your laptop screen.
  6. Open PowerPoint on your device and start your slideshow.
  7. For each of the 4 displays: 
    1. Tap the numbered display button to open the source menu.
    2. Select Laptop or AUX (depending on which cable you used to connect your laptop).
    3. Tap the X button in the corner to close the source menu.

You can use the wireless mic to reinforce your voice, but you don't need it to record or share your lecture. The mic array in the ceiling will do that.

Troubleshooting

Make sure your laptop's second display is set to mirror or duplicate. It should not be set to extend.

Windows:

  1. Press Windows ​ + P to open the Project menu.
  2. select Duplicate.

Mac:

  1. Press Command ​ + F1.

Set your laptop display's resolution to 1920 × 1080.

Windows:

  1. Using the Windows search bar, find and select Settings.
  2. Select Display and scroll down to the Scale & layout section.
  3. Set Display resolution to 1920 × 1080.

Mac:

  1. Go to the Apple menu () and select System Settings.
  2. Go to Displays in the sidebar.
  3. Select the Crestron display.
  4. Under Optimize for, select Crestron.
  5. Choose 1920 × 1080.

Make sure your laptop isn't muted. Press the mute key () on your keyboard or unmute it in your operating system's settings.

Make sure that your media player app isn't muted and the volume slider isn't set to 0.

Make sure that your computer is using the AV system as its audio device:

Windows:

  1. Click or tap the speaker icon on the taskbar () or press the Windows ​ + A to open quick settings.
  2. Click or tap the Select a sound output icon to the right of the volume slider.
  3. Under Output device, select Crestron or HDMI. If you're using VGA and stereo connectors, select headphones or external headphones.

Mac:

  1. Go to the Control Center menu (Control Center icon).
  2. Position the mouse cursor above the Sound from card, then select the right-facing pointer () that appears.
  3. For audio playback device, select Crestron or HDMI. If you're using VGA and stereo connectors, select headphones or external headphones.

The exact labels used in your operating system may vary depending on the OS version and system configuration.

 Wireless (AirMedia)

  1. Unlock the AV cabinet.
  2. Open the AV cabinet and press the unlock button.
  3. Tap the touchscreen panel to turn it on. The 4 displays in the room will remain off until you select an input source for each of them using the panel.
  4. Tap to select any one of the displays.
  5. Tap to choose AirMedia from the source menu, then tap the red X in the corner to close the source menu. The display you chose will show connection instructions, a URL, and a 4-digit code.
  6. If you've never used AirMedia in this classroom before:
    1. Open your web browser and go to the URL on the display.
    2. Download the AirMedia client app to your laptop.
  7. Find the AirMedia access code either on the instruction display or the touchscreen panel. 
  8. Run the AirMedia client app.
  9. When prompted, enter the 4-digit access code into the app.

Your laptop will begin wirelessly sharing your screen to the display you selected.

Displays

There are 4 cameras in each multi-access classroom. They are labelled 1 through 4. You can select a different source for each display, such as a classroom computer display, your laptop, a document camera or a room camera.

Displays are controlled with the touchscreen panel on the lectern.

Positioning

Diagram of the locations of the 4 displays.
Displays 1 and 2 are at the front of the room, to the right and left (from the instructor's point of view). Displays 3 and 4 are at the back of the room to the left and right (from the instructor's point of view). The diagram is simplified and not true to the size, scale or exact layout of any actual classroom.

Display controls

Sample multi-access touchscreen controls with display controls highlighted.
The "displays" part of the touchscreen panel has a button to choose the input source for each display with their current sources labelled in smaller text at the bottom.

The display that's the current content source is highlighted. The content source will be used for video recording, livestreaming or meeting software like Echo360 or Zoom.

Tap any display button to choose the source for that display or make it the content source.

You'll need the AirMedia code to connect your device to the room AV system wirelessly. (How do I use AirMedia?)

Sources

Sample multi-access touchscreen controls with input source menu open..
The source menu for one of the displays in a multi-access classrooms with options for the classroom computer, document cameras, and wired and wireless sharing from your device.
  • Off: turns the display off
  • Laptop: HDMI cable for you to connect your device
  • AirMedia: connect your device over the wireless network
  • PC (left monitor) and PC (right monitor): either of the 2 computer monitors at the lectern
  • Document camera 1 and 2: the 2 document cameras at the lectern
  • Camera A, B, C or D: whichever camera is selected
  • AUX 1 or 2: unknown

You can set the source of each display independently. You can set them all to the same source, but you'll have to set them one at a time.

Content delivery follows this device: Select this checkbox to make this display your content source. The content from this display will be used for video recording, livestreaming or meeting software like Echo360 or Zoom.

Wireless mic

There is a wireless lavalier (lav) mic in the multi-access classrooms. You can use it to reinforce your voice in the classroom. However, the audio doesn't go directly into the recording system. The mic array in the ceiling will pick it up indirectly, but the quality will be better if you don't use the wireless mic.

To use the lav mic:

  1. Clip the transmitter belt pack to your belt or waistband, or put it in a pocket.
  2. Clip the lav mic to your shirt or jacket. Try to position it as close as you can to your mouth.
  3. Turn the transmitter belt pack on.
    • The power button or switch might be on the top, back or front of the belt pack.
    • If the pack has a power button, hold it down for three seconds to turn it on.
  4. Adjust the volume using the AV systems buttons or touchscreen controls.
    • We carefully set the volume on the transmitter pack for best performance. If you think there's a problem, contact us and we'll be happy to help.

If you're recording or sharing your lecture on the classroom computer using Echo360 or Zoom, select the mic (or audio input device) called speakerphone, content or Crestron.

You can also follow our video tutorial for using a lav miv.

 Troubleshooting

Replace the batteries in the transmitter or contact us and we can do it. There are spare batteries in the AV cabinet.

Make sure the AV system isn't muted:

  • If the classroom uses mechanical buttons, the lights next to the volume controls will flash if the system is muted. Press the mute button to unmute it.
  • If your classroom uses a touchscreen panel, the label on the mute button near the bottom right of the screen will change to "Muted" and change colour from green to red. Tap it to unmute it.

Check the transmitter to make sure it isn't muted. Most models have a mute switch on top of the pack.

Cameras

There are 4 cameras in each multi-access classroom. They are labelled A through D. You can select 1 camera at a time and use it in video recording, streaming or meeting software on the classroom computer.

Cameras are controlled with the same touchscreen panel as the displays.

Diagram of the locations of the 4 room cameras.
Diagram showing the placements of cameras in an example of a multi-access classroom setup. The diagram is simplified and not true to the size, scale or exact layout of any actual classroom.

Positioning

  • Camera A: 1–2 cameras at the front-centre of the room that track students (or audience members) who are speaking
  • Camera B: tracks the instructor from the back of the classroom
    • most instructors only use camera B for lecture recording
  • Camera C: demo camera located near the front-right corner of the room to demonstrate physical items
  • Camera D: captures a wide shot of the audience in the room from the front-left corner of the room

Camera controls

Sample multi-access touchscreen controls with camera controls highlighted.
Each camera has several preset views available and an option to turn automatic tracking on or off.

Camera presets

Each camera has 3–4 preset orientation and zoom levels. After selecting a camera, you can select a preset orientation and a zoom level.

Automatic tracking

Cameras A and B support auto tracking. They can automatically pan and zoom to try to follow a subject or active speaker in the room.

Select the checkbox to enable auto tracking. Clear the checkbox to stop or pause the tracking and maintain its current static view. 

Lecture recording

Multi-access classrooms are equipped with more sophisticated recording gear than general classrooms. Follow these steps for a basic lecture recording setup using only 1 camera angle.

You can record using the classroom computer or your own laptop.

Use the classroom computer to turn on the AV system. Sign in to the computer and open your presentation.

Using the touchscreen panel:

  1. Tap Display 1. If you've followed the instructions for using the classroom computer, either PC (Left Monitor) or PC (Right Monitor) should be selected and the display should be showing your slideshow.
  2. Select the Content delivery follows this display checkbox.
  3. Tap the X button to close the source menu.
  4. Tap Camera B and select Use auto-tracking.

On the classroom computer:

  1. Open Echo360 Universal Capture, sign in with your NetLink ID and get your recording ready.
  2. Select Display 1 or 2 with System Audio for your first video source.
    • In Echo360, "display 1 and 2" refer to the 2 monitors at the lectern, not the wall-mounted displays behind it.
    • Display 1 is the left monitor and display 2 is the right monitor.
  3. Select Camera for your second video source.
  4. Select Echo Cancelling Speakerphone (2-TesiraFORTE) for your audio source.
  5. When you're ready to start recording, select the Record button.

Use your laptop to turn on the AV system, connect your laptop and open your presentation. Sign in to the classroom computer with your NetLink ID and passphrase as well. You'll present from your laptop and use the classroom computer to record your lecture.

Using the touchscreen panel:

  1. Tap Display 1. If you've followed the instructions for using your laptop, either Laptop or AUX should be selected and the display should be showing your slideshow.
  2. Select the Content delivery follows this display checkbox.
  3. Tap the X button to close the source menu.
  4. Tap Camera B and select Use auto-tracking.

On the classroom computer:

  1. Open Echo360 Universal Capture, sign in with your NetLink ID and get your recording ready.
  2. Select Content for your first video source.
  3. Select Camera for your second video source.
  4. Select Echo Cancelling Speakerphone (2-TesiraFORTE) for your audio source.
  5. When you're ready to start recording, select the Record button.

Multi-access classes

Multi-access (or hybrid) classes allow students to attend in person or online. Our multi-access classrooms are the only ones set up to accommodate this type of teaching at UVic.

Use the classroom computer to turn on the AV system, sign in to the computer and open your presentation.

On the classroom computer:

  1. Open Zoom.
  2. Sign in to Zoom with your NetLink ID.
  3. Start or join your Zoom meeting.
  4. Your meeting should open on the left-hand monitor. If it doesn't open there, move the window there.

Using the touchscreen panel:

  1. For displays 1 and 3: 
    1. Tap the numbered display button to open the source menu.
    2. Select PC (left monitor) to display your Zoom meeting.
    3. Tap the red X button in the corner to close the source selector.
  2. For displays 2 and 4:
    1. Tap the numbered display button to open the source menu.
    2. Select PC (right monitor) to display your slideshow.
    3. For either display 2 or 4 (not both), select the Content delivery follows this display checkbox.
    4. Tap the X button in the corner to close the source selector.
  3. Tap Camera B and select Use auto-tracking.
    • Camera B will track you as you move around the room. Most instructors use it for lectures, but there are 3 other camera views you might find useful.

On the classroom computer again:

  1. In Zoom, select Share.
  2. Select Screen 2 and pick a layout.
  3. Select Share sound if you're going to be sharing audio.
  4. Select optimize for video sharing if you're going to be sharing video content.
  5. Select Share to begin sharing.

Use your laptop to turn on the AV system, sign in to the computer and share your presentation. Sign in to the classroom computer with your NetLink ID and passphrase as well.

On the classroom computer:

  1. Open Zoom.
  2. Sign in to Zoom with your NetLink ID.
  3. Start or join your Zoom meeting.
  4. Your meeting should open on the left-hand monitor. If it doesn't open there, move the window there.

Using the touchscreen panel:

  1. For displays 1 and 3: 
    1. Tap the numbered display button to open the source menu.
    2. Select PC (left monitor) to display your Zoom meeting.
    3. Tap the red X button in the corner to close the source selector.
  2. For displays 2 and 4:
    1. Tap the numbered display button to open the source menu.
    2. Select Laptop or AUX to display the slide show from your laptop.
    3. For either display 2 or 4 (not both), select the Content delivery follows this display checkbox.
    4. Tap the X button in the corner to close the source selector.
  3. Tap Camera B and select Use auto-tracking.
    • Camera B will track you as you move around the room. Most instructors use it for lectures, but there are 3 other camera views you might find useful.

On the classroom computer again:

  1. In Zoom, select Share.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab.
  3. Select Content from a 2nd Camera.
  4. Select Share sound if you're going to be sharing audio.
  5. Select optimize for video sharing if you're going to be sharing video content.
  6. Select Share to begin sharing.

Play a DVD

If you're planning to show a movie or video, we strongly recommend trying to find a way to stream it online or playing it from a download on your computer. If the material is only available as a DVD, most classroom computers have DVD drives you can use.

If your classroom does not have a built-in DVD drive, you can contact us to request a portable USB optical drive.

To play a DVD:

  1. Open the drive tray, place the disc in it and push the drive tray gently to insert it.
  2. On the Windows desktop, open My computer.
  3. Right-click on the DVD drive icon and select play with VLC from the context menu.

Before you go

At the end of your class, please:

  • stop recording in Echo360, or end your meeting in Zoom or Teams
  • remind any students using AirMedia to stop sharing their screens
  • sign out of the classroom computer
  • turn off the lav mic transmitter
  • lock the AV cabinet with your key

Doing these things will protect your privacy and your students' privacy. It will also help other instructors use the classroom without technical problems.

Get help now

Call 250-721-8292 for urgent in-class help.

Contact IT support to report a non-urgent issue.

Get help

Report an issue

If you find damaged or broken equipment, please let us know.

Report broken equipment