Using the Seminar Rooms - A First Time Guide
The Clinical School Seminar Rooms use touchscreen controls, making their operation simple and intuitive.
Getting Started
All Audio-Visual (AV) equipment is powered on and controlled via touchscreens (or button panels in the internal meeting rooms SR6, SR7, SR8). Powering on the system at the touchscreen will power on all display and audio equipment and lower projection screens as required. Please don't use the buttons on the screens themselves.
You only need to make sure your intended source, be it a PC, laptop or visualizer - is powered on as well. The University PCs (which are the default input) power on automatically each morning.
When you tap Power On, you will briefly see a boot screen - everything should be ready for use in under 10 seconds.
Selecting a Computer Input
Once the AV system is powered on, you will be presented with a list of sources on the left of the screen. Tap one to switch to it. Your options will depend on the room. Teaching Rooms offer both NHS and University PCs - Meeting Rooms have University PCs only. Laptops can be used in all rooms.
University PC
All Teaching rooms and Meeting rooms have a University PC available. These are provided and supported by CSCS. These computers run Windows 7. Office 2016 and Turning-Point software are installed.
Logging on
You can log on using either the Guest Account - details are room specific and are shown on the Log On screen. PLEASE NOTE: Before you can use the Guest Account, it must be activated by reception. See below for contact details.
Alternatively, if you are a member of the Clinical School and have a Medschl account, you can choose to log on with your own account. This will take slightly longer as it loads your profile, but will give you access to your files, bookmarks, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: If you prefer to access your email without opening Outlook, you can use webmail: https://webmail.medschl.cam.ac.uk.
NHS PC
All Teaching rooms have an NHS PC. These are provided and managed by the NHS / HP, however be forewarned they can rarely provide immediate on-site support. If there is a problem with an NHS PC please alert us so that we can arrange a repair.
Logging on
You can use your NHS credentials to log on as usual. There are several NHS domains, e,g, HillsRd, A04, so be sure to select the correct one for your account.
Using a USB memory stick
Teaching stations have a USB port on the desktop for easy access, labelled for University or NHS PC. Alternatively all computers have accessible USB ports on the front.
Laptops
AV connections for laptops, and Wi-Fi are available in all rooms.
Standard AV connections
We provide HDMI (used on most PC laptops since 2011) and VGA (for older PCs). Some laptops have both - we recommend using the HDMI if you have it, as it will give a sharper image.
MacBooks and devices with DisplayPort
Some devices (such as MacBooks from 2011 - 2017) use a different connector to HDMI, called DisplayPort or mini-DisplayPort. We provide adapters for these in all teaching rooms connected to the HDMI cable as shown below.
MacBooks 2017+
MacBooks from 2017 use a USB-C connection for video output. Unfortunately we cannot provide adaptors for these at this time, you will need to provide your own - Apple sell a "USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter" for £70.
Internet access for laptops and mobile devices
There are 3 wireless networks available.
- 'MINTS' wireless is available for Clinical School staff / CSCS customers. This network allows you to access you to access your files. Contact our Service Desk to arrange access.
- 'UniofCam' is available for University Staff and our guests - visit reception to get an access code.
- 'Eduroam' is available for academic staff that already have it configured. Details on configuring it are available on the UIS website.
If you require wired internet access, please contact the CSCS at least 3 days in advance to arrange it. We will need details of the laptop, see How to find a computer's MAC address
Audio and Volume Control
All rooms have speakers for audio playback (e,g, from videos). Volume for these is controlled from the touchscreens. Audio volumes are reset automatically when systems are powered on, to avoid loud surprises.
Microphones and Voice Amplification
Larger rooms - The two Lecture Theatres, and the three central Linked Rooms - have microphones for voice amplification via ceiling speakers. Additional lapel and handheld microphones are available from Reception.
Microphone volume is controlled automatically, so a normal speaking volume should be sufficient.
When you are finished
- Log out of the University or NHS PC if used.
- On the touchscreen, select Power Off System.
- Remember to take your adaptors and memory sticks with you, and to leave ours behind!
What to do if you need Help
Contacting Technical Support
For support for AV or IT equipment, contact CSCS. The quickest way is to call us is from the touchscreen itself - these can be used as intercoms. Simply press Help, then Call AV Support. This will call through to our priority AV number. Alternatively call us from your mobile on 01223 3 36261 and press option #2 . We are available 08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Support outside of these hours is provided by the Custodians.
Contacting Custodian Team at Reception
If you need to activate the Guest account, or are having problems with the facilities or room setup then contact the Custodians on 01223 3 36700
Contacting NHS Support
If you have a problem with an NHS computer, then let us know and we will arrange for it to be fixed. If you have problems with your NHS Account, then you should contact the NHS IT Service Desk yourself, on 01223 257257.
Supplied Room Equipment
Teaching Rooms
- Comfort screens (monitors to your front to allow you to view your presentation)
- Display adaptors for laptops
- Wireless presentation remote with laser pointer
Meeting Rooms
- Wireless Keyboards with touchpad to allow control of the University PC from the meeting room table
- Display adaptors for laptops
