Use Esch 204: distance learning classroom

Esch 204 is a distance learning classroom that is is outfitted with an 86” touchscreen BenQ display at the front of the room, a 65” display at the rear of the room (typically for viewing remote class participants), a Smart Camera that tracks the front area of the classroom, and an array microphone in the ceiling that is tuned to pick up classroom conversations.

The system may be turned on and off at the wall panel near the front podium. This panel allows on/off, volume control, and input selection. Below are details about the room setup and input selection.

Room Setup

Assuming the room connections have not been disturbed, you can walk into the room and connect the USB-C cable into your laptop (arrow points to connection end of the USB-C cable in image below). An adapter may be needed depending on your laptop (these are not provided). 

Depicts port replicator with USB-C to plug into laptop
If the room does not work as expected, and the port replicator cables have been disconnected

The image below depicts how the port replicator looks when all cables are connected correctly. HDMI connections from both wall plates and USB-C cable should be connected to the rear of the Port Replicator, as shown. The other end of the USB-C cable is what users connect to their laptops. This connection will allow them to access the Microphone Array, Camera, both displays, and have touch functionality on the BenQ.

Depicts port replicator

Wallplates (these connections should not be disturbed):

Front Display/Cam/Mic

  • HDMI for BenQ
  • USB for Microphone Array & Camera

Rear Display

  • HDMI for Rear TV
Depicts wallplates
Display configuration options

Using the BenQ as whiteboard

  1. Power up the BenQ.  Press the home button (house icon) on the lower right side of the BenQ.
  2. Three windows will pop up. The middle one is the whiteboard. Tap the window and the whiteboard will appear (the screen will go completely white).
  3. The pen will allow you to write on the BenQ. The default color is black. To change the color, tap the pen icon on the lower part of the screen.  A color palette will pop up. Tap the color you wish. To change back to black or another color repeat the same thing.
  4. To change panels, go to the far left icon on the left hand side. It looks like a page with an arrow on it. Tap that and it will ask to save or don’t save. Tap don’t save and you go back to the whiteboard window. Tap it to start all over.
  5. To go back to the laptop, press the settings icon (sunburst) on the lower right panel. You will see a menu show up on the screen. The Android icon will be lit. Press the HDMI1 icon and it will revert back to your computer screen (it may take a few seconds).
  6. To exit, follow the same instructions as above.
Windows

You can:

  • Select Duplicate to duplicate to both screens.
  • Select Extended to extend across both, or extend with some of the screens duplicated.
  • A common configuration would be to have your laptop screen duplicated to the 86” BenQ and then have the 65” rear display and extended display to which you can drag the window of remote class participants.
MacOS
  • You may either Duplicate or Extend the displays.
  • When configured as extended your laptop, the 86” BenQ, and the 65” display act as one large widescreen where you can drag windows.

When using audio and/or video (Google Meet, for example) you will need to make sure the Microphone Array (Audio) and Camera (Video) are selected in order to make use of them during your session. They will appear as Shure P300 Echo Canceling Speakerphone and PTZ310 (Camera).

M1 and newer Apple computers do not allow the extended display functionality. The only option available is "Duplicated/Mirrored" display for the room displays.

Input 1 - BenQ Android

This selection activates the native operating system of the BenQ where you can make use of the built-in features such as web browser and digital whiteboard.

Input 2 - PC

This selection allows you to connect your laptop. On the podium is a Lenovo port replicator with a USB-C cable connected. This USB-C cable will need to be plugged into your laptop. That cable carries the video, audio, camera control, microphone connectivity, and the required Touch-USB connection to allow you to do touch control of what you share to the 86” BenQ. (If your computer does not have a USB-C port, you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter).

  1. Plug your laptop into the port replicator using USB-C cable. 
  2. Go to the BenQ. On the lower right you will see a set of buttons. The left most button will probably be lit red. Press it and it will turn green and the BenQ will power up. Wait a bit for it to fully power up.
  3. On the wall panel by the laptop console press the BenQ Android button. Your computer screen should now be mirrored on the BenQ.
  4. The BenQ has a touch screen. You should be able to move slides on your screen with two fingers on the BenQ screen.
  5. When done, disconnect your laptop and push the power button on the BenQ. It will power off.