KSU Math and Computer Science Systems

Polycom: A Quick and Dirty Guide

The Math and Computer Science Building now has a fully-functional video conferencing system available for use in room 243 MSB. The following material will give a brief rundown on how to use the equipment, as well as some troubleshooting tips.

Room 243 MSB is a closed computer lab, equipped with a Polycom teleconference system at the teaching station. The teaching station can be used independently of the Polycom system, but some basic controls will still need to be done on the Crestron wireless remote.

The Remote

Controlling all of the basic commands, the Crestron wireless remote will power up the projector, LCD screen, and drop the projector screen. Please allow 90 seconds for the projector to warm up, and remember to Shutdown the system when done.

Note: There is a stylis on the back of the Crestron wireless remote. Please use this to ensure a longer life of the touch screen, and please return the stylis to where it belongs when finished.

At the first look, you will see a Kent State University screen. Simply touch the screen to begin. After doing this, you will see two buttons on the top left corner, 'Power' and 'Shutdown.' Press the 'Power' button to turn on the cameras, projector, LCD TV, and lower the projector screen.

After the projector is warmed up, select one of the 4 main functions, namely, 'Display', 'Presentation', 'Video', and 'Microphone.'

Display

The Display function gives you display controls. You will see two boxes in the center of the screen, the left one controlling the Projector and the right one controlling the Plasma TV. The projectors Power 'On' by default, but you may have to press the Power 'On' for the LCD TV.

Presentation

Simply press this button and you should see the teaching station's display on the LCD TV, the Projector, and on the Teaching Stations monitor. You may need to select 'Computer' under Devices on the right hand side. This is the module to be used during normal lecture.

Note: The Crestron remote will say "Please set your resolution to 1024 x 768." This is normal, and note that the Teaching Station has already been configured to display, no further action needs to be done. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE RESOLUTION ON THE TEACHING STATION.

Video

This is the "Heart and Soul" of the Polycom Unit. This will control the video cameras as well as the calls coming in/going out. Press the Video button, and you will see the the Polycom menu on the LCD TV and Projector.

Computer

On the Left hand side, you will see Devices. Clicking the Computer will display the Computer at the teaching station. When in a call, the computer will be shown both locally and to remote callers.

Dial/Disconnect

Also under the Devices list, you will see Dial/Disconnect. Selecting this device will give you the buttons needed to place a call or hang up. As said before callers are reached by IP Address, so when calling to someone, make sure you have their phone number correct. You should see your IP Address on the bottom of projector denoted, MY IP: XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX.

When dialing, you should see the IP Address you are entering on the top of the projector screen under 'Place a Call.' You will also hear a voice confirming your entry. To call out, press the Call/Hangup button on the right side of the Crestron Wireless Remote, above the arrows.

You can also use the arrows, and the middle button to navigate the cursor and select menus displayed on the projector.

Near Camera

This is what will control your camera. The term Near will be used to describe local cameras, and the term Far will be used to describe remote cameras.

You will see 4 basic areas for the controls on the Near Camera. Camera 1 is the camera closest to the Teaching station on the projector. Camera 2 is the camera on the opposite side of the room. Selecting these during a call, will change what the Remote Caller will see. When you select your camera, the controls on the Crestron wireless remote will effect that camera only.

There are a few camera controls for users to use. Use the Zoom + to zoom in, and the Zoom - to zoom out. You can also pan or tilt the cameras by using the arrows.

There are 5 basic presets. While presets may make life easier, due to the heavy amount of users using the system, your preset may be erased, or you may erase other users presets. We ask that you do not use the presets, but if you must, use them at your own risk.

Far Camera

These controls will control the Far Camera, if applicable. We have our cameras set to be controlled remotely, but often times people block such control. This really shouldn't be used unless you were told from the Remote caller that you can control their cameras.

Microphones

Use this button to mute your microphone.

Volumes

Use these buttons to raise, lower, or mute incoming sounds.

The System

The Polycom system is set to accept incoming calls automatically. If a remote caller were to call the system you would hear a ring, sounding "beep beep", and the call will be answered. The system is reachable by IP address. To obtain the IP address, switch the Polycom system into 'video' mode, and look at the bottom. If you need help with this, contact systems.

Troubleshooting

In theory, the system shouldn't have any problems, but as we all know, sometimes technology can prove otherwise.

Wireless Connection

You may often times see a pop-up on the Creston wireless remote saying "Connection Status: Intermittent, Disconnected, or Connected." Just confirm the message. What happens is that the remote sends out wireless packets, or bits of data, to the Linksys wireless-G router. When the router gets too hot, it often times drops these packets and does not give confirmation the the Creston remote.

Solution: just let it connect itself automatically. If the unit is still unresponsive after a few seconds, power cycle the wireless router. If you do not know how to do this, contact systems.

Following these instructions should put you on your way. If you have other questions, feel free to contact systems using the 'Contact" link under the Staff Tab.