VIDEO: Troubleshooting Classroom Video

Audience

Employees

Question

How do I get my video to work in a smart classroom or conference room?

Answer

Check these suggestions if you are having trouble getting a laptop to display in your classroom.

  • Make sure the projector is turned on. There should be a steady green light on the back of the projector if it’s on. If there is a flashing red light, the projector isn’t working.  If you see a projector remote at the instructor station, try using that to turn on the projector. Otherwise, contact the ITS HelpDesk for assistance.
  • Check the connection of your HDMI or USB-C cable. Is the connector firmly seated in the port? Try unplugging and plugging it back in. If a connection is being made, your laptop should indicate a connected display (the room's projector). 
  • If using an adapter (USB-C to HDMI, for example), ensure both connections are being made (at the cable and at the laptop).
  • Is anything showing on the projector screen? If it’s showing just the computer wallpaper but no icons, the laptop is set to Extend Desktop mode and should be changed to Duplicate Desktop mode (Windows key + P) or Mirror Displays MacOS (Systems preferences | Displays | arrangement option checked). 
  • If the room has a touch panel and the screen is showing solid blue, please contact the ITS HelpDesk for assistance.
  • Is the correct input selected on the touch panel?  Choices are typically Room PC, Laptop, DVD/VCR and Doc Camera. Your room may have additional or fewer options.

This image shows a typical classroom touch control panel with inputs for a laptop or document camera.

 

Confirm that the Hide Display option is unselected.

 

This image shows a classroom touch control panel with an option to hide what is being shown on the classroom screen.

 

  • If the room does not have have touch panel, check the Extron switch box — usually inside the instructor’s cabinet — and make sure the correct input is selected. There will be a green light on next to the button for the selected device. If all the lights are green, the box is not working. Usually unplugging it and plugging it back in will reset it and get things working again. 
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