For additional information, contact CTS at 974-2380.
CTS Helpline
Q: What do I do if I run into problems operating equipment in the Technology Classrooms?
A: Contact the CTS Helpline at 974-2382, or by using the Help Button on our Teaching Stations. Our staff will initially determine if they can walk you through the solution. If more than verbal instructions are needed, we’ll immediately deploy someone to your classroom.
Q: How can my department have audiovisual equipment installed in our conference room or classroom?
A: In order for a department to install equipment into their own dedicated space, they must initiate a Space Impact Request Form (available from USF Facilities & Planning). Once there’s an approved Space Impact Request Form, Facilities will assign a Project Manager, to ensure that all necessary work is done by licensed subcontractors (for example, electrical and data upgrades) and that all work meets code. The PM will generally ask CTS for a price quote to perform the equipment installation, or find an off-campus audiovisual vendor. All work and equipment is paid for by the requesting department.
Q: Who makes up the CTS Helpline Team?
A: Each Helpline staff member is an InfoComm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS® designations are internationally recognized certifications within the Audiovisual Industry).
AV Equipment Tutorial
Q: What are the computer passwords for teaching stations?
A: Your NetID account - the same login used for myUSF/Blackboard.
Q: What do I do when the laptop display will not display through the projector?
A: There are three steps to test and correct this problem:
1) Ensure that the correct input/source has been selected in the projector.
2) Ensure that the laptop is properly connected to the teaching station and powered on. The multi pin VGA cable is prone to bent pins or wiggling loose.
3) Ensure the laptop's display settings are set to "external monitor out". Laptop manufacturers use different "function keys" to toggle between the multiple switch positions, usually the Fn + F8 or F5 keys. A three-position switch on a laptop may toggle between the LCD only (the laptop screen), an external monitor only, and the LCD and external monitor both displayed simultaneously. Consult your owner's manual for the correct key combination to use.
Q: What do I do when the LCD Projector is ON and nothing is displayed on the room screen except RGB1?
A: The document camera is not powered on. Power ON the document camera. The switch is located at the right rear of the document camera stage.
Q: What do I do when the software controls (Desktop AV Controls) will:
a. not work;
b. not switch between source devices (inputs) (the projector is on);
c. not turn off the projector?
A: Reset software controls by EXITING the program and reopening it. Rapidly clicking on a "select source" button twice or more causes the software to freeze.
To exit the program, click on the word "Exit" located in the upper left corner of the control panel; or click on the X in the upper right corner of the control panel. Reopen the application by double clicking on the "AV Control" icon located on the computer desktop. Then, select a source device, such as "Laptop" by clicking (ONLY ONCE) on the desired source button.
Q: The wireless microphone went dead - how can I determine if the battery is ok?
A: CTS is currently using two models of wireless microphones of Vega and Sennheiser brands.
1) To check battery strength on the Vega microphone, insert the battery and place power and audio switches in the ON position. The red LED light flashes ON then OFF when the battery is GOOD. If the red light stays ON, the batter is DEAD.
2) To check battery strength on the Sennheiser microphone, insert the battery and place the power switch in the ON position. The red LED light appears and remains on when the batteries are GOOD. If the batteries become weak during use, the LED red light will blink. If the batteries are too weak to broadcast a signal, the LED light will not light up.
Q: While playing at VHS tape, the VCR switches from a projected picture to a blue screen - what do I do?
A: Please report this condition to the CTS Helpline at 974-2382. Most often the source tape has become worn. The digital projection system will cut off a poor or weak video signal. If a usable version of the tape is not available, it may be possible to digitize the old tape onto a DVD. Contact CTS at 974-2380 regarding this service.
Q: Where are the instructions for the classroom equipment located?
A: Laminated instructions are affixed to the top of the teaching station near the monitor. Quick Start instructions and more extensive instructions are contained in the AV Equipment Tutorial.
Q: What should I do when projector displays the message "Bulb Replacement Warning"?
A: Please call the CTS Helpline at 974-2382. The technicians will coordinate with the USF Central Space Office to determine the first available time to replace the projector bulb.
AV Services
Q: What types of equipment are available for delivery and/or check-out?
A: Our circulating inventory includes such items as Laptops (both Mac & PC), Data Projectors, Digital Camcorders, Document Cameras, Podiums/Microphones, Assistive Listening Devices, Portable IP Videoconferencing Units, and other standard multimedia.
Q: Can students check out equipment?
A: Yes, faculty can authorize individual students to check out equipment for classroom projects.
Q: Can departments check out equipment?
A: Yes. Though we primarily support academically accredited coursework, our equipment is also available on a rental basis to USF departments.
Q: What hours is the Audiovisual Services Department open?
A: During the term, our offices are open 8am-10pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm Fridays.
USF Netcast
Q: Who can use Netcast?
A: Netcast streaming services are available to all USF departments, though some non-academically accredited services may be chargeable.
Q: What platforms are supported?
A: Netcast streams can be played on most computers (Windows, Apple, and even most Linux-based computers).
Q: What about copyrighted materials?
A: Copyrights must be upheld in all cases. We will not post any video or audio file without proper permissions granted from the copyright holder. The USF Library staff is available to determine the legality of video use in classrooms, and will assist in acquiring the permission from copyright holders when possible.
Q: What kind of quality can Netcast provide?
A: Video at Netcast can be encoded at bitrates that play back from 43 to 548 kilobits per second. Video size is held at the internet standard resolution of 320x240 pixels, and is set at 30 frames per second for full-motion video. (Please note, Netcast cannot improve the quality of your original video)
Videoconferencing
Q: Are there videoconference facilities available on the Tampa Campus?
A: Yes. Those locations are CIS 1044, CWY 107 & CWY 108.
Q: Can a laptop be used to connect to videoconferencing equipment?
A: Yes, as long as the laptop is equipped with the proper software (for example, Phone Dialer) and the proper hardware (Webcam & Microphone).
Q: Will both sites be able to see and hear one another?
A: Yes. Videoconferencing provides true two-way audio and video.
Q: Can both sites view a PowerPoint presentation and/or other media?
A: Yes. Videoconferencing allows for the transmission of multi-media such as PowerPoint, as well as images from a Document Camera.
Video Production
Q: How much does video production cost?
A: Services are very specific to each event, and so can vary widely. But in general, video production services associated with a simple hour long lecture may cost approximately $300-$400.
Q: How do I go about scheduling these services?
A: Contact Ken Sparks, at 974-8491. We’ll discuss the details of your event, and may even include a site visit, to ensure that your estimate is accurate and that your department is happy with the end result.
Q: How far in advance does an event need to be scheduled?
A: One week or more is recommended, so that any necessary pre-production meetings and/or site visits can be scheduled.
Audio Production
Q: Can you provide a range of sound systems?
A: Yes, we can provide simple to complex sound systems, depending on the needs and location of the particular event.
Q: Can you provide both video and audio support?
A: Yes, we can provide data projectors, laptops, etc, in addition to sound equipment.
Q: Is there a fee for audio production?
A: Yes, there is a fee for this type of service.
Instruction & Training
Q: How many Technology Classrooms are on the Tampa Campus?
A: There are approximately 165 Technology Classrooms on our campus.
Q: What types of equipment are in these classrooms?
A: There’s a variety of installed equipment in our Technology Classrooms. Some rooms have a Data Projector, PC, and DVD/VCR Combo Unit. Others have a Data Projector, PC, DVD/VCR Combo Unit, Document Camera, Annotative Monitor, Media Control System, and Sound System complete with a wireless microphone.
Q: How do I arrange to teach in one of these Technology Classrooms?
A: Technology Classrooms are scheduled by contacting the USF Central Space Office at 974-8416 or CentralSpaceOffice@acad.usf.edu.
Q: Are any classrooms designed with ADA features?
A: Yes, several Technology Classrooms feature Teaching Stations which are compliant with ADA Standards.