Technology Knowledge Base Information Technology Department Kenyon College

Instructions for AV-equipped classrooms:

• To begin troubleshooting an AV problem, it is best to power the system down and start it all up again according to the written instructions for the classroom.
• Then refer to the appropriate sections of this document for more troubleshooting instructions.
• A set of instructions for operating the AV equipment in each classroom has been placed on top of the AV cabinet.  If it is not available, please put in a service request here.

Audio System

• Sound does not work with classroom computer:
  • A quick test to see whether the audio system is working is to login to the network with the classroom computer and play a YouTube video. If you hear the audio, the AV audio system is working. If not, check the volume controls on the computer's task bar on the lower right:
    • Double-click Volume icon in System Tray to make sure volume is not turned down or muted on your computer
    • Click Settings > Control Panel > Sounds & Audio Devices > Sounds tab to see if volume is turned down or muted.
    • Then click the Audio tab, then Advanced button in Sound Playback section to assure that headphones aren't selected.
  • If you checked the computer volume controls and still can't get sound, check the volume controls on other equipment (such as the AV control panel) to be sure the sound isn't turned down or off. These controls must all must be turned ON for the sound system to work. They may also have to be adjusted with one another to get quality sound.
• Sound doesn't work with VCR/DVD player:
  • The volume dials on the equipment in the cabinet (mixer and VCR or DVD) must all be turned ON for the sound system to work. They may also have to be adjusted with one another for the sound to work. Check:
    • Main volume dial on sound "mixer" unit in equipment rack.
    • Volume control on Control Panel.
• The sound is distorted:
  • Using the computer, go to YouTube and play any video, which will help you determine the quality of the sound on the computer as well as the AV sound system.
  • Check that the main power amplifier is turned on.
  • Volume controls mentioned above may be set incorrectly with one another. Adjust dials with each other to see if improvement is achieved.
  • If there is static, make sure other components are turned off, (otherwise, they may cause static in the sound system.
• How to connect AV sound system to a laptop for an audio presentation:
  • Most classrooms have a black HDMI cable with adapters on the AV equipment cabinet. However, some do not. Check classroom's written instructions to find out whether the room has laptop audio capability. The end of the audio cable should be plugged into the line input port (headphone jack) of the laptop to make the audio system work with the laptop. After connecting the cable, follow the written AV instructions for the classroom that describe how to use the audio system with a laptop.

Projector Lamps/Bulbs

• Projector bulb is burned out:
  • Do not touch the bulb glass with fingers or the oil may cause it to explode.
  • Ceiling-mounted video projectors require a technician to change the bulb--Contact Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711.
  • Overhead (transparency) projectors usually have an extra bulb inside the projector cabinet next to the primary bulb. Move latch out of way first to remove burned-out bulb. Then slide second bulb over into the place of the burned-out bulb so that its light will shine through the light portal.
  • Replace the burned-out bulb: Get a new bulb from the department’s administrative assistant, or if not available, from Helpline. ENX bulbs (round pins) are used in overhead projectors. Slide projectors take EXR bulbs (flat pins). Replacement bulbs for data projectors must be ordered through LBIS.  Contact Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711.
  • If a new bulb doesn’t correct the problem, the bulb socket may be bad (it will appear blackened). Contact Helpline for repair.
  • If socket is okay, test projector in another electrical outlet to see if the original outlet is the problem.

Cables

• HDMI (video) cable is missing from AV cabinet:
  • The video cable attached at the back or front of the AV equipment cabinet is used to connect the laptop to the projection system. If missing, look for it on the floor on the sides or on the back of a cabinet since it may have fallen off. If one can't be found, contact Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711.
• Laptop connected to classroom projection system has no network connection:
  • The laptop connection is not set up to connect to the wired network. It simply connects to the projection system in the classroom.  Use the "Kenyon Wifi" or "Kenyon Public" wireless network from your laptop, in this case.
• Classroom computer has no network connection:
  • Check that all cables are connected tightly into computer and the wall and that the network login screen Domain field contains the word "Kenyon."
  • Check that the classroom computer's blue network cable is actually connected to the 1st wall port. Sometimes instructors unplug the cable to connect their laptop to the network using that port (as described above) and then forget to reconnect the PC when finished teaching. 

Computers used with Projectors

• General Information:
  • If classroom computer's monitor is on but screen is black, the computer may be asleep and must be "awakened" by shaking the mouse on the mousepad, or tapping any key on the keyboard.
  • When using a laptop with the projector, the projector should be turned on first, before the laptop is turned on.  HDMI laptop cables have a choice of laptop adapters attached to them (USB-C, Mini-DisplayPort, and full size DisplayPort).  Attached the appropriate adapter for your laptop to the HDMI cable.  The signal will route through the cable and adapter to the classroom projector.
• Image from classroom computer won't display on projector screen:
  • On the Control Panel, be sure that PC/Computer is selected on the touchscreen or button control panel. Check the classroom’s written AV instructions for more details in turning on the projection system.
• Image from the laptop won't display on projector screen:
  • If there is a Control Panel, be sure that Laptop is selected on the touchscreen or button control panel.. Check the classroom’s written AV instructions for more details in turning on the projection system.
  • Most newer Windows and Mac laptops are "plug & play," and are automatically detected by the projector. However, if the image does not appear, some of the computer settings may have to be changed. Here are some suggestions to try:
    • On a Windows laptop:
      • Press the Fn+F8 function keys together one time. If image doesn’t project, press Fn+F8 a second time. If image still doesn’t project, press Fn+F8 a third time. By toggling through these sequences, you should be able to “hit” the setting that displays the laptop image on both the laptop and the projection screen.
      • You may also need to set your laptop display settings to "Duplicate" mode, by pressing the "Windows key and the P key at the same time.
    • On a Mac laptop:
      • Check the resolution and refresh rate:
        • Click System Preferences, then the Displays icon to change the resolution and refresh rate.
      • Turn on "mirroring":
        • If laptop image doesn't project onto screen, press the F7 function key. If image still doesn’t project on screen, do the following to turn on mirroring:
          • Click System Preferences, then the Displays icon.
          • Select the Arrangement tab and checkmark Mirror Displays. (Note: These screens may vary in different models of Mac computers).
          • The monitor and projector will flicker a few times but will end up showing the same picture as the laptop image.
          • Note: If mirroring is not turned on, the Mac will not display the Finder screen correctly 
• Image from a personally-owned laptop won't display on projection screen:
  • Try changing the settings of the Windows or Mac laptop using instructions just above this section.
  • Kenyon cannot guarantee that a personally-owned laptop will work with its projection systems.
  • As a backup plan, the speaker should have a flash drive of the presentation, which can be used in the classroom computer to give the presentation. The sponsoring Kenyon department has been instructed to tell speakers to make backups. 

Equipment racks

• Equipment rack will not turn on:
  • Check that all power cables are inserted tightly in power strip, and the rack it plugged in tightly to the electrical outlet in the wall.
  • Check that the red power switch is on.  Many classroom AV systems have a Rackrider or Whirlwind amplifier with an red button that turns ALL equipment in the rack on. Switch is usually at top right or bottom right of rack.
  • If this doesn’t solve the problem, the entire system may have to be reset as follows:
    • If using a Control Panel, make sure entire equipment rack is turned off by selecting the OFF button.
    • Power off the classroom computer and turn off the power to the local monitor.
    • Turn off and unplug power strip connected to rack and count to 30. Plug in and turn ON power strip. Try starting up the unit again according to written classroom instructions. If the unit will still not turn on, Contact Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711.

Projectors: ceiling-mounted projectors

• General Information:
  • Buttons on touch-screen or button Control Panels or should be held down for 2-3 seconds when turning the system On or Off. The same applies when turning the projection equipment off.
  • When turning on the ceiling projectors with a Control panel or hand-held remote, it may take 30-60 seconds to warm up before you will see the projection lamp turn on. 
• Projector won’t turn ON:
  • Check the small lights on the projector. If one light (red, orange or green) is on during warmup, projector itself is okay. If two lights go on, or if an orange or red light continues blinking after warm-up period, this usually indicates a problem with the projector. Contact Helpline at 1-740-427-5700 or helpline@kenyon.edu.
• Projector displays a blue screen with "No video input" displayed in corner:
  • Check that the correct equipment (computer, laptop, VCR, DVD) has been turned on.
  • Check that the correct equipment (computer, laptop, VCR, DVD) has been selected on the Control Panel or hand-held remote.
• Image on projection screen is distorted:
  • If system has a touch-screen Control Panel with an Autosync option on the touch screen, pressing that option should correct a distorted screen image.
  • If this doesn’t correct the problem or if there is no Autosync option, try selecting another equipment option on the Control Panel, then return to the original equipment option (for example: select from Local/PC/Computer option to VHS and then back to Local/PC/Computer to correct).
  • If the image still isn’t corrected and has fuzzy, distorted lines, the projector needs to be repaired. Contact Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711.
• Error messages on screen: (on both ceiling-mounted and portable data projectors)
  • “Please clean filter” - Contact Classroom Support at 1-740-427-5711, and a technician will come to clean the filter.
  • “Lamp warning light” - bulb needs replacing. Contact Classroom Support at 1-740-427-5711 for ceiling-mounted and data projectors.
  • "No video input" - means that the user hasn’t turned on the correct input device (computer, VCR, DVD) or hasn't selected it correctly on the Control Panel or hand-held remote.

Projectors: portable data projectors

• Portable data projector doesn't work with personally-owned laptop:
  • See previous section on Image from a personally-owned laptop won't display on projection screen.
  • Also see previous instructions for configuring a Windows or Mac laptop to display the screen image through a projector.
• Projector’s fan continues to run after projector lamp is turned off:
  • Always wait for the fan to stop running before unplugging the projector.
  • The purpose of the fan is to cool down the projector before it is turned completely OFF. On some projectors there is a manual switch to FAN to allow this cool-down.

Projectors: overhead (transparency) projectors

• Transparency image is too big for screen or won't focus properly:
  • Try changing the distance of the projector from the screen to resize the image.
• Overhead (transparency) projector won’t turn on:
  • Check that all doors on projector are securely closed. There are 2 safety switches that prevent the projector from turning on if either the door on top of the projector or on the bulb-switching compartment is not securely closed.
  • The on/off switch may be jammed. If jam cannot be released, another projector will have to be substituted until the switch is repaired.
  • The metal rod on the projector that activates the on switch when lid is opened may need straightening. It sometimes gets bent with much use and doesn’t align correctly to activate the on switch. Contact Classroom Support at 1-740-427-5711.
• Projector’s fan continues to run after projector lamp is turned off:
  • Always wait for the fan to stop running before unplugging the projector.
  • The purpose of the fan is to cool down the projector before it is turned completely off. On some projectors there is a manual switch to FAN to allow this cooldown.

Projectors: Elmo/Epson document cameras

• Elmo/Epson document projectors are in several science building classrooms (Hayes 311, 203, and 215, Pierce L09 Roth classroom, Storer 12 and 29, Oden 110, 120, 130). They allow the instructor to project images from transparencies OR opaque paper-based materials.
• To set up an Elmo projector: open the countertop cover where it is housed or turn on the power button, and:
  • If needed, press the Unlock button at top of screen to unlock and position the lamp arms correctly over the screen.
  • There is an AutoFocus button on the document camers to get a clearer image.
  • Turn off all lamps when finished and lower lamp arms. Replace countertop cover, if needed.
• If Elmo turns on but the lamp doesn’t light up:
  • Its fluorescent bulb must be replaced. Contact Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711.

Remote Controls: Control Panels and hand-held remotes

• General Information:
  • Buttons on touch-screen Control Panels or hand-held remote controls should be held down for 2-3 seconds when selecting options before equipment will respond. The same applies when turning the A-V equipment OFF.
  • When turning on the ceiling projectors with a Control Panel or hand-held remote, it may take 30-60 seconds to warm up before you will see the light come on.
  • If the Control Panel doesn't work with the VCR or DVD player, the operational buttons on the provided remote controls can be used and will override the Control Panel.
  • Check to make sure there are fresh batteries in the remote control
• Hand-held remote doesn’t turn on projector or VCR/DVD player:
  • Make sure you are pointing the remote directly at the projector or other equipment you are trying to operate.
  • Make sure you are holding down the remote buttons at least 2-3 seconds to let the selection take effect.
  • Check the written classroom AV instructions to make sure you are selecting the correct buttons on the remote.
  • Some rooms have hand-held VCR, DVD and projector remotes. Make sure you are using the correct remote for the unit you want to operate.
  • The batteries may be dead in the hand-held remote. They are available by contacting classroom support at 1-740-427-5711.
• Wireless PowerPoint remote controls are missing or not functioning:
  • Kenyon classrooms have wireless powerpoint remote controls available in each classroom.
  • If remote is missing, call Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711 to report this. 
  • If remote is not working, try reseating the USB receiver dongle located in a USB port in the front of the classroom computer.
  • Check to see if the power button on the side of the remote is set to ON (green).
  • If batteries are dead, replace with new ones, or call Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711 to report this.

• Ceiling-mounted motorized screen will not retract:
  • If a ceiling-mounted motorized projector screen will not retract, the Maintenance department must repair it. Place a Maintenance Dept. service request, or call Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711 to report this.
• Manual pull down screen will not retract, or will not come down
  • Call Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711 to report this.

Screens: Large TV screen displays

• LED/TV screen will not turn on:
  • Main power switch on TV screen might be turned off. It should be left on at all times. Switch is usually hidden along bottom of screen, along with other display controls.
• LED/TV screen is on but computer’s image will not display:
  • Ensure Laptop button is pressed on the button or touch control panel.
  • If this does not fix it, call Classroom Technology Support at 1-740-427-5711 to report this.

BluRay DVD and DVD Players

• General Information:
  • If a Control Panel stops working with DVD players, you can override the Control Panel by manually selecting the operational buttons on the provided remote controls.
  • Always check that the VCR or DVD player is powered ON before trying to use it. Sometimes a previous user has turned off the unit after using the projection system.
• DVD player in equipment rack will not work:
  • Make sure the DVD player's on/Power button is turned on.
  • On VCR/DVD dual-players, make sure that the correct unit is selected (look for VCR/DVD toggle button or light that indicates which device is selected).
• VCR or DVD Player sound is not working or distorted:
  • Check the Audio System section of this document for troubleshooting suggestions.
  • Note: As a last resort, if you cannot get the DVD player sound to function properly, you can run the DVD in the CD/DVD drive of the classroom computer, using the VLC Media player software, installed on every classroom computer. (Every classroom computer now has a CD/DVD drive).  Alternatively, in a pinch, you may be able to find your video on YouTube.
• DVD image won't display:
  • Projection screen will be blank and blue-colored with "No video input" displayed.
  • Check that DVD unit is turned on.
  • Check that the DVD option on the Control Panel or hand-held has been properly selected.
  • Note: As a last resort, if you cannot get the DVD player image to display, you can run the DVD in the CD/DVD drive of the classroom computer. (Every classroom computer now has a CD/DVD drive).
• VCR or DVD Player image is distorted on projection screen:
  • If the image is distorted, see the Projectors: ceiling-mounted section of this document and sub-section Image on projection screen is distorted for troubleshooting suggestions.
  • Note: As a last resort, if you cannot get the DVD player image to display properly, you can run the DVD in the CD/DVD drive of the classroom computer. (Every classroom computer now has a CD/DVD drive).
• Not able to use Control Panel to move to certain sections or "chapters" on DVD:
  • Some systems don't have a Control Panel with this feature--you must use the hand-held remote in the AV cabinet that can be used to toggle through DVD sections or chapters.