Getting your classroom technology ready for a lesson shouldn't be a hurdle. This guide provides universal instructions for connecting your laptop to the classroom projector and using a Document Camera (Doc Cam) to share physical materials with your students.
1. Connecting Your Laptop to the Projector
Until our wireless solution is launched, all classrooms utilize a physical HDMI connection for video and audio.
Locate the Cables: Most classrooms feature an AV Faceplate on the wall. You will find an HDMI cable plugged into this plate.
Plug In: Connect the HDMI cable to your laptop’s HDMI port.
Note: If your laptop only has USB-C ports, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (dongle).
Power On: Turn on your projector using the Epson remote or the wall control panel.
Select the Source: If the image doesn't appear automatically, press the Source Search button on the projector remote. The projector will cycle through inputs until it finds your laptop.
Adjust Display Settings:
Mac: Go to System Settings > Displays. Choose "Mirror" to show exactly what is on your screen.
Windows: Press Windows Key + P and select "Duplicate."
2. Using Your Document Camera (Doc Cam)
We currently utilize two types of Document Cameras across our campuses. Identify which one is in your room and follow the steps below:
A. Ceiling-Mounted Document Cameras
These are fixed to the ceiling, usually directly above your teaching station.
Switch the Source: On your AV wall plate or the projector remote, you may need to switch the input to VGA or a secondary HDMI port labeled "Doc Cam."
Position Your Work: Place your paper or book on the designated spot on your desk (often marked with a sticker or tape).
Zoom & Focus: Use the dedicated Doc Cam remote to adjust the zoom levels. Most units have an "Auto-Focus" button to sharpen the image instantly.
B. Table-Top (USB/HDMI) Document Cameras
These sit directly on your desk and connect either to the wall or directly to your laptop.
If connected via HDMI: Switch the projector source to the corresponding HDMI input.
If connected via USB: Open your laptop's camera app (e.g., "Camera" on Windows or "Photo Booth/QuickTime" on Mac). Change the camera source within the app settings from "Front Camera" to the "Document Camera" name. This allows you to project the Doc Cam image while your laptop is still connected to the projector.
3. Audio & Volume Control
When you connect via HDMI, your audio should automatically "handshake" with the classroom speakers.
Select Output: Ensure your laptop’s sound output is set to "Epson Projector" (or "Extron" at CPHS).
Adjust Volume: Use the projector remote or the Soundbar remote (if applicable) to adjust the room volume.
Check for Mute: If there is no sound, ensure neither your laptop nor the Soundbar/Projector is set to "Mute."
Pro-Tip: If using a Soundbar, ensure it is set to the 'Aux' or 'HDMI' source.
4. Quick Troubleshooting Tips
No Image on Projector: Ensure the HDMI cable is firmly seated in both your laptop and the wall plate. Cables can sometimes wiggle loose from the wall.
Image is "Cut Off": Check your laptop resolution. Setting your display to 1920 x 1080 usually provides the best fit for our classroom projectors.
The "Magic" Fix: If the system is acting strangely, Restart your laptop. A fresh reboot resolves about 90% of connection "handshake" issues.
AV Best Practices
Cables: Please do not remove the HDMI/USB cables from the wall plates. If a cable appears damaged, submit a ticket.
Remotes: Keep remotes in a designated "home" (like a velcro dock or desk tray). If your remote batteries are low, the Tech Team can provide replacements.
End of Day: Please power off your projector at the end of every school day to preserve the bulb life!
Need Help? If your A/V setup isn't responding or you have a specialized hardware issue, please reach out to TechSupport@kippnyc.org. We’re happy to come by for a quick tutorial or fix!
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