Equipment Available
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On this page you will find descriptions and photographs of the equipment currently available. If you would like to receive instruction on the use of any of
the equipment we offer, please call or e-mail us to set up an appointment.
Should you know of a type of portable classroom technology that we do not currently own but that you would like to see us acquire, please let us know. We are always open to new ideas!
If you are unsure about whether or not your classroom or venue has Smart technology built-in, please consult this list of Smart Rooms.
Computer Smart Cart
The Computer Smart Carts provide the same functionality found in the campus's Smart classrooms in a portable package. With them you can show DVDs or VHS videos, internet movies, PowerPoint presentations, or anything else that can be viewed on a computer. All of our Computer Smart Carts have an LCD projector, an internet-connected PC, and come equipped with a VCR/DVD player.
If you would like to use your personal laptop computer with our smart carts, you are more than welcome to do so. There is a VGA cable (the one with the blue 15-pin plug) that you may connect to your laptop, provided your model has the appropriate connection.
NOTE: All LCD projectors and laptops are equipped with anti-theft security devices. These devices emit a piercing alarm if the cord securing the equipment to the cart is cut or damaged. If you hear the alarm, please contact us at x5270 or Campus Police at x5220.
TV Cart
Our TV Cart has a 42" plasma TV mounted on a slim, portable stand. We are in the process of replacing the older models we still have with newer, High Definition flat screen TVs. Unfortunately we only have one plasma TV in our fleet so far, so it is available on a first come, first served basis. (When there are two TV requests for the same time period, the request that was submitted earlier takes precedence.) We anticipate having our entire fleet of TVs converted to 42" high definition flat panel models by Fall 2010.
Each TV Cart comes equipped with a VCR/DVD player and can also be connected to a laptop. While we have not yet made the shift to Blu-ray players, please be aware that in the coming years we plan to switch to this High Definition format. At that time, VCRs will be made available to professors on an individual basis. For the sake of convenience and posterity, please plan to start having your educational VHS tapes converted to DVD as soon as possible. (It is inexpensive and prevents deterioration of video quality, which commonly occurs with video tapes.) See our Services Available page for information about video transfer.
Video Camera Cart
A standard Video Camera Cart has a high-quality digital camcorder mounted on a monopod, which is permanently affixed to the cart body. It receives its power from the power strip mounted to the cart and does not need batteries. There is a DVD recorder on the cart's shelf so that videos can be instantly finalized onto a blank DVD. Use either DVD-R or DVD+R discs to record presentations, student speeches, or lectures right onto a DVD! Should you choose not to record to DVD, we can burn the video to a blank disc that you provide, but it will not be instantaneous like recording the disc yourself. The Media Services department has two Video Camera Carts available.
Using the DVD recorder is less intuitive than using our other equipment, so a one-page laminated instruction sheet is included on the Video Camera Carts. If you would like to better familiarize yourself with the process before your class or event, you may stop by our office for a tutorial. It takes five or ten minutes to learn the basics of recording directly to DVD.
Document Camera
The Document Camera transmits a live video signal to an LCD projector or computer monitor. It can be used to display books and magazines as well as three dimensional objects. Please be advised that the Document Camera requires connection to a Smart classroom or a Computer Smart Cart. We have two Document Cameras available. Click here to download a list of potential uses (Word document).
Our document cameras are delivered on carts, but are very portable and can be moved around a room as needed. Be aware that there are two methods of connecting the document camera to a video source: (1) using a VGA cable and connecting to a port on a computer or laptop; and (2) using a standard USB cable. You must have the software installed to use the camera with a personal computer! All the Smart rooms and Computer Smart Carts have the software installed. Please contact us for more information or for instruction.
Smart Sympodium
The Smart Sympodium is a touch screen flat panel monitor that enables real-time anotation over any computer video source. It is just like a tablet PC, only it can be attached to any computer, including laptops and the PCs found on our Computer Smart Carts in Smart classrooms. It is most commonly used for adding notes and diagrams to PowerPoint presentations on the fly.
PA System
For large events we have a full PA System which can be set up with two to four speakers, wired and wireless microphones, an MP3 player, or a 5-disc CD changer. It is perfect for events in the cafeteria or LSF 144, and has also been used for outdoor events like picnics.
In addition to amplifying speeches and playing CDs and MP3s, the system can easily accommodate virtually any type of band or vocal performer, with ten inputs for instruments, microphones, or backing tracks. The board can also be run with one or two of the speakers as monitors so that bands can hear how they are blending while onstage.
For smaller events or for use in classes, we have portable stand-alone speaker units that can be connected to a variety of audio sources, including microphones, keyboards, CD players, and MP3 players.
Miscellaneous Equipment
In addition to the PA system and portable speaker units, we have two CD boomboxes, which are perfect for playing a single CD or cassette tape in a classroom. Keep in mind that Computer Smart Carts and TV carts are equipped with DVD players, which can also play audio CDs.
The Media Services department maintains the overhead projectors found in most classrooms. We usually have one extra projector on-hand if a second projector is needed for a class. If you notice a burned-out bulb in an overhead projector, please let us know so that we can replace it right away.
For locations without projector screens permanently installed, there are portable projection screens available. There are two different models from which to choose: one with tripod legs, and a pop-up model for rooms where space is limited.
We also have flipcharts and markers available for brainstorming sessions and meetings.
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