Equipment FAQ
For ordering equipment:
For using the equipment
For specific equipment issues
Ordering Equipment FAQ
Q. How do I contact Media Technology to place an order for AV equipment?
A. You can contact MediaTech to place an order:
- By selecting the appropriate order form on the website
- By e-mail at mediatech@andrew.cmu.edu
- By telephone at 412-268-2430
Q. What information do I need to place an order with MediaTech?
A. The following information is required:
- Your Name
- Department
- Phone Extension
- E-mail address
- Date
- Actual start time
- End time
- Location (Building & Room)
- Equipment or service requested
- Oracle account number
- Do you need an operator -- Yes or No
Q. How soon before the event do I need to place my order?
A. In order to avoid short notice charges, you need to place your order at least 24 hours in advance of the event. You should place your order as far in advance as possible to ensure that your event runs smoothly.
Q. Will the technician be on hand at the event site for the entire event?
A. No. After the equipment is set up and the event has begun the tech will leave. If you would like an operator to stay at the event location during the entire event, you must request an operator when you place your order. There is a $50.00 per hour charge for this service.
Q. When will the equipment be set up?
A. The tech will arrive in plenty of time to complete the setup in time for the start of the event. If you need the set up to be completed at a specific time, you must let us know when you place the order. If a start time is requested and you do not arrive at that time an operator service charge per hour will be charged to your order.
Q. Will I receive confirmation of my order?
A. Yes. After the order is entered into the MediaTech database and e-mail confirmation will be created and sent to you. Please look over the confirmation carefully to make sure all the information is accurate.
Q. I have ordered projection for my laptop. What do I need to bring besides the laptop?
A. MediaTech will provide the appropriate cables for the hook up, if you are using a PC. Please note that some Apple Computers require an adaptor cable which was provided when you purchased your computer. You will need to bring this cable with you along with your laptop, if you are using a Mac.
Q. I’m not sure what the presenter needs for the event. Can we wait until the presenter arrives for the event to figure this out?
A. No. In order to avoid short notice charges and to ensure a successful event, please contact the presenter as soon as possible before the event to discuss his or her equipment needs. If you are unsure what the presenter is requesting, please contact the MediaTech Front office to consult with an MediaTech customer service representative or have the presenter contact us directly to discuss their equipment needs.
Q. I’m not a technical person. How do I know what equipment to order for the event?
A. Please contact the MediaTech Front Office to speak to a customer service representative who will advise you of what equipment to order for your event.
Q. What equipment is needed for a panel discussion?
A. Panel discussions are setup with a microphone for every two panelist (ie: three panelist two microphones). If the room does not support a resident connection to a house system then an additional portable system should be ordered. Other equipment typically ordered is a lectern and microphone for the moderator. MediaTech does not provide tables.
Q. How do I know what size sound system I will need?
A. There are three sizes of sound systems all based on people and room size. Outside spaces are based on crowd size and location.
- Sound I—50 or less
- Sound II—50 to 200
- Sound III—200 or greater depending on space size.
Q. What information is needed for a data projection order?
A. The type of computer platform being used and if the user or MediaTech is to bring a computer. The type of software the presenter is using (ie: powerpoint, word, etc.) The group size also dictates which screen size is needed.
Q. What happens when an order changes the day of the event or after the technician has left for the event site or during setup of the equipment at the site.
A. The technician setting the equipment will accept changes, if possible, in the time allotted before the event start time. If not, the patron must accept delay of the event. Any change 24 hours before an event will incur the same day charges of $100.
Q. Can I hold an event in a classroom without charge?
A. Yes. Access to equipment is free and open for use. Any request for assistance will occur not only equipment use charges but same day order charges as well.
Q. I am holding a weekend event. What kind of support can I expect?
A. All support is scheduled per event for weekend events not in the University Center. The University Center has weekend support for events from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Using the Equipment FAQ
Q. Is there a preferred setting for projecting my laptop?
A. For optimum viewing, set the following preferences on your laptop:
- PC - Screen Size: 1024x768 @ 60Hz
- Mac - Screen Size: 1024x768 @ 60Hz; Color: Adobe RGB (1998)
Q. What software is installed on the desktop computers in the classrooms?
A. Cluster Services maintains the resident desktop computers in the classrooms. They have a list of what equipment is installed on the machines on their website.
Q. I am trying to display my slides from my laptop onto the projection screen, but am only seeing a blue screen. Now what?
A. Typically, this is caused by hooking a laptop up to the unit after the system has already been running. You can try one of two things. First, on your laptop, simultaneously select "function" and the function key with the monitor icon on it (usually either F5, F7 or F8). If this doesn't help, reboot the system
Q. I want to play my MP3 disc, can I do this in your rooms?
A. Yes. You can insert the MP3 disc into the DVD Player, and use the DVD controls to play it. In addition, if you're in a large auditorium, you can play the MP3 disc using the Desktop Computer controls and drive.
Q. Why can't I hear any sound from the equipment?
A. Be sure you selected "sound from <device>" on the touch screen. Also, be sure your device, particularly if using a laptop or the desktop computer, is not set to "mute" or is too low. Once this is in place, the volume controls for the sound are on the bottom of the touch screen. Turn up the volume using these buttons.
Q. The touch panel is black, how can I control the devices?
A. The touch panel screen will turn black when it is in sleep mode. To wake it up, simply touch the screen and wait a few moments. All of the devices can be operated from this panel.
Equipment Specific FAQ
Document Camera FAQ
Q. My document isn't displaying on the screen.
A. First, check to be sure the document camera button is selected on the touch panel, and the power button light on the doc camera is green. Next check the "ext1" and "ext2" lights on the doc camera buttons. If either of these lights are on, press the "INT/EXT" button until they cycle off.
Auxiliary Device FAQ
Q. I brought a VCR/iPod/Xbox to use, how do I hook it up?
A. A step-by-step guide, including video, has been created to walk you thru how to attach and use your devices. Please visit the documentation page for details.
Q. How do I access the internet?
A. The campus is a wireless campus. If your computer is registered with the university, and your computer has a wireless card, you can access the internet from anywhere. If you do not have a wireless card, you will need to bring an ethernet cable to the room with you. You can plug it into the CMU network port on the auxiliary device panel.
DVD/CD Player FAQ
Q. Where can I play my CDs?
A. The DVD/CD player is a combo unit in the new lecterns. You can play your CD by insterting it in the DVD drive and using the CD controls on the touch screen.
Desktop Computer FAQ
Q. How do I get to the touch screen from the Desktop Computer screen?
A. Simply touch the monitor screen with your finger anywhere to return to the touch screen interface.
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