Information Services Learning & teaching support for staff

Frequently asked questions -
Installed multimedia & audio visual equipment

All staff are responsible for complying with copyright law when reproducing and communicating third party copyright material in their teaching materials:

What multimedia equipment is available in my allocated shared learning space?

See our room database - it has an equipment profile and user guides for each shared learning space and shared meeting room.

Do any shared learning spaces have 16mm projectors and/or laser disc players installed?

Yes – these are indicated in the equipment profiles in our room database.

Which shared learning spaces are equipped with video conferencing facilities?

A list of shared learning spaces with video conference facilities is available here:

The room database also lists learning spaces with video conference facilities.

I need some help operating the installed multimedia equipment

You can book a consultation - individual or group training sessions are available. User guides are also available via our room database.

How do I gain access to the multimedia equipment cupboards?

Presenters need a LEC key to access cupboards/lecterns containing installed multimedia equipment. LEC locks were upgraded during December 2005. If you need a LEC key, please contact your departmental administration support.

Touch panel control systems

Touch panel control systems enable user control of room lighting and installed multimedia equipment in a shared learning space and shared meeting room. Three types of touch panel control systems are installed within in shared learning spaces. See the touch panel user guides.

The incorrect time is showing on the touch panel control system
A support consultant can adjust time settings on the touch panel control system. A fault can be logged via our online fault report form or contact the service desk.
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SMART Boards

SMART Boards act as a ‘touch screen’ user interface between a computer, a data projector and projection screen. For more information, user guides, and a list of learning spaces with installed SMART Boards see:

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Computers – PC & MAC

Does the shared learning space I am using have a PC or MAC computer installed?
See the room database for the equipment profiles of shared learning spaces and shared meeting rooms on the Parkville Campus.
What is the login password for an installed computer?
All installed computers are log in automatically at start up into a default account which requires NO user name or password. The user name for this account is "lecturer".
I want to access a network drive from a computer in a shared learning space. Can I login with my unimelb account?
Yes – See the user guides for accessing network drives from installed computers in shared learning spaces.
What software is available on the installed computers?
A secure desktop environment is maintained, with a standardised software configuration on all PCs and Macs in shared learning spaces and shared meeting rooms.
I need special software installed
University staff may register their specialist software requirements using our online form.
Can I use the internet on the installed computers?
Yes – web browsers are installed on all networked computers in shared learning spaces.
I can't locate the power button for the installed Mac computer
If you can't locate the power button on the front of the Mac computer, it may be located at the back or side panel, depending on the computer model:
  • Mac Mini computers have a power button located at the rear.
  • iMac computers have a power button at the back, located on the bottom left corner of the computer.
The installed computer has no power
The power to the multimedia system must be ON for the installed multimedia equipment to operate - for example, in rooms with touch panel control systems, the touch panel must be turned on. Check the computer's power button is ON. Power buttons on PC's have been known to jam.
There is no power to the lectern computer monitor
The power to the multimedia system must be ON for the installed multimedia equipment to operate - for example, in rooms with touch panel control systems, the touch panel must be on.
Check the computer monitor power button is ON and not in standby mode. On the touch panel controls, ensure the correct computer is selected to display in preview mode.
The lectern computer monitor is displaying a VGA signal error
Make sure the computer you are using is turned ON and has completed booting up.
On the touch panel controls, ensure the correct computer is selected to display in preview mode.
If possible, check the computer monitor cable is connected securely at the rear of the monitor, as these cables can be dislodged.
The correct computer image is not displaying on the lectern computer monitor
On the touch panel controls, ensure the correct computer is selected to display in preview mode.
The computer image is not displaying through the projection system
A computer image will only display through the projection system when a computer is selected to display via the touch panel controls.
There is no sound from the computer coming through the speakers
Sound will only play through the audio system when the computer is selected on the touch panel control system & the computer's image is displaying via the data projector. Check the audio controls on the computer are not muted and are set to an appropriate level. If there is still no sound the audio cable may be unplugged at the back of the computer - call the service desk (ext. 47064) for assistance.
I am receiving a start up error on the computer
Remove any external media or devices and restart the computer. Allow the computer to complete the start up process before loading any external media or devices – DVD, CD, memory sticks or cameras. PCs will attempt to boot (start up) off the external media device if it is connected before you start the PC.
The computer has frozen and is not responding
Hold in the computer’s power button until it turns off– this may take up to 20 seconds. Allow the computer to fully shut down before trying to turn back on.
I can't locate a USB port to plug in my USB memory stick (flash card)
Location of USB ports differs depending on the model computer you are using - see the user guide for USB memory sticks.
The installed computer is not reading my USB memory stick (flash card)
Make sure the computer has completed its boot up process before plugging in your USB memory stick.
Read the USB memory sticks user guide for more information.
Where is the CD/DVD drive on the installed Mac computer?
The location of CD/DVD drives on Mac computers differs depending on the model of Mac:
  • G5s - ejectable tray on the front of the computer.
  • Mac Mini - slot on the front of the computer.
  • iMac - slot on the right-hand side of the computer.
Inserting a CD/DVD on a G5
  1. With the computer turned on, press the media eject (eject key for Mac computers) key on the keyboard to open the drive.
  2. Place a disc in the tray, with the label facing up, making sure the disc is lying flat.
  3. Gently push the tray in to close it.
  4. When the icon for the disc appears on the screen, the disc is ready to use.
Ejecting a CD/DVD on a Mac computer
You can eject a disc by:
  • dragging the disc icon to the Trash.
  • pressing the media eject (eject key for Mac computers) key on the keyboard.
The Mac computer won't eject my disc
You can force eject a disc by holding down the mouse button while restarting the computer.
Will my movie file play on an installed computer?
Yes - installed computers have several media players installed. See the standardised software configuration of installed computers in shared learning spaces for more information.
I am getting a region error when trying to play a DVD on the installed computer
If you are trying to play a DVD on the installed computer from any zone other than zone 4 (Australia's zone), we can't guarantee it will work - computers have a zone lock system that only allows you to change the default DVD zone a limited number of times. DVD zone locking on computers is done at the hardware level which means we are unable to bypass this system without voiding the computers warranty. Solution? Use the installed DVD player.
Use the installed DVD player to play DVDs in shared learning spaces. Multi zone DVD players are installed in shared learning spaces - DVD players are usually located in a cupboard in the lectern. Contact the service desk (ext.47064) if you can't locate the DVD player.
I can't find the computer mouse/keyboard
If you can't find the mouse or keyboard near the computer monitor, it may be in the lectern's sliding drawer or audio visual cupboard. As these are moveable items they may have dropped to the back of the sliding drawers.
The computer mouse/keyboard is not responding
If possible, check the cables are connected. If it is still not responding, reboot the computer.
Some learning spaces have two installed computers - make sure you are using the right keyboard and mouse.
If the mouse/keyboard is wireless, call the service desk (ext.47064) as batteries and/or computer settings may need to be reset.
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Dual boot iMac & Mac Mini computers

I have never used a dual boot computer. Are there any instructions available?
See the dual boot Mac mini and dual boot iMac user guides. If you require further assistance you can arrange a consultation.
I want to use Windows XP on the Mac mini or iMac
Dual boot computers start up in Windows XP by default.
See the dual boot Mac mini and dual boot iMac user guides
I want to use Mac OS X on the Mac mini or iMac
  1. Hold down the Option key on the keyboard and press the power button on the computer.
  2. Hold the Option key down until the disk icons for the Macintosh HD and Windows appear onscreen.
  3. Double-click the Macintosh HD icon. The computer will then start up in Mac OS X.
See the dual boot Mac mini and dual boot iMac user guides for more information.
Where is the USB port on the Mac mini or iMac computer to plug in my memory stick?
Use one of three ways you to connect your USB device to the installed Mac mini or iMac:
  • A USB cable attached near the computer
  • A USB connection panel located on the lectern’s bench top or side panel
  • The USB port on the side of aluminum keyboards.
The keyboard commands are not responding on the Mac mini or iMac computer
The Apple keyboards are "mapped" differently to PC keyboards. See the user guides for dual boot Mac mini & dual boot iMac for a listing of these keyboard mappings.
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Laptop connectivity

Can I connect my laptop to the multimedia system in the shared learning space I will be using?
See our room database for an equipment profile and user guide for each learning space.
Are cables available to connect my laptop to the projection system in a shared learning space?
Learning spaces with laptop connectivity have VGA cables (see the Wikipedia definition if you don't know what a VGA cable is) and audio cables installed. A network cable is provided where network access is available.
If you are connecting a Mac laptop (depending on the model) you may need to use the DVI-to-VGA adapter supplied with your Mac laptop to the installed VGA cable.
I can't locate the cables to connect my laptop to the multimedia projection system
Depending on the shared learning space's configuration the VGA cable will be located at:
  • presenter's lectern or table
  • wall connection panels
  • drawers in the audio visual cupboard.
If you still can't find the installed VGA cable, contact the service desk (ext. 47064).
I am can't see my laptop image on the learning spaces projection system
Make sure the VGA cable is connected and the correct controls are selected on the touch panel control system.
If your laptop is still not displaying correctly you may need to change the display settings on your laptop. See our laptop user guides for more information.
There is no sound from my laptop playing through the learning spaces audio system
Make sure the installed audio cable is connected to the headphone output on your laptop.
The sound from your laptop will only play through the learning spaces audio system if the laptop is displaying on the learning spaces projection system.
Can I access the internet and University network using my laptop in a shared learning space?
Laptop network connections in shared learning spaces are connected to the Centrally Allocated Teaching Spaces (CATS) network, served by DHCP. The only exception is Richard Berry-213. Instructions on connecting your laptop to the network in a shared learning space.
Can I access a wireless network connection from my laptop in a shared learning space?
Wireless is available in many locations at The University of Melbourne. See the Uniwireless website.
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DVD player

The majority of DVD players in shared learning spaces are multi-zone DVD/VCR combo units. Combo units also play CDs and VCDs. Some shared learning spaces may still have separate players installed for playing a DVD or video. See the DVD/VCR combo unit user guide.

I'm getting a region error when trying to play a DVD through the DVD player
Contact the service desk ( ex. 47064) for assistance. The zone settings on the DVD player may need to be fixed.
The DVD player is not responding to the DVD controls on the touch panel
Check the player is turned ON and DVD is selected on the front panel of the DVD/VCR combo unit.
The DVD image is not displaying on the TV or data projection system
If the DVD player is a stand alone unit installed with a TV monitor:
  • Check the cables are connected to the audio and video outputs on the DVD player and the AV inputs on the TV.
  • Check the corresponding AV channel is selected on the TV the monitor to display the DVD image.
The DVD will only play through the projection system when DVD is selected on the touch panel controls. Ensure the correct DVD control buttons are selected on the touch panel control system. If you are using a DVD/VCR combo unit make sure DVD is selected on the front panel of the combo unit.
There is no DVD sound playing through the audio system
Sound will only play through the audio system when DVD is selected on the touch panel control system.
Check the correct DVD control buttons are selected on the touch panel control system and the sound level on the touch panel controls is set to an appropriate level.
If the multimedia system is controlled with hand held remote controls, check the amplifier is turned ON and the correct input channel selected for the DVD. If you are unable to turn the amplifier ON with the remote control, contact the service desk on (ext. 47064) for further assistance.
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Video (VCR) player

The majority of video players in shared learning spaces are DVD/VCR combo units. Combo units also play CDs and VCDs. Some shared learning spaces may still have separate players installed for playing DVD or video. See the DVD/VCR combo unit user guide.

The video tape is not responding to the video controls on the touch panel control system
Check the VCR player is turned ON and VCR is selected on the front panel of the DVD/VCR combo unit. Check the video tape is cued to the correct position, as it may be at a blank section of tape.
The video image is not displaying on the TV/data projector
If the video player is a stand alone unit installed with a TV monitor:
  • Check the cables are connected to the audio and video outputs on the video player and the AV inputs on the TV.
  • Check the corresponding AV channel is selected on the TV the monitor to display the video image.
The video will only play through the projection system when video is selected on the touch panel controls.
Check the correct video control buttons are selected on the touch panel control system. If you are using a DVD/VCR combo unit make sure VCR is selected on the front panel of the combo unit. Check the video tape is cued to the correct position, as it may be at a blank section of tape.
The video image is not displaying correctly
The video tape may be faulty and causing the tape signal to drop out. This is a common problem with old or worn out tapes.
There is no sound playing through the audio system from the video player
Sound will only play through the audio system when video is selected to display on the touch panel control system.
Check the video control buttons are selected on the touch panel control system and the sound level on the touch control panel is set to an appropriate level.
If the multimedia system is controlled with hand held remote controls, check the amplifier is turned ON and the correct input channel selected for the video. If you are unable to turn the amplifier ON with the remote control, contact the service desk on (ext. 47064) for further assistance.
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Document camera

See the document camera user guide.

The document camera won't turn on
All document cameras installed in shared learning spaces need to be turned on manually. The document camera’s power switch is located on the upper right-hand corner.
Where are the controls for the document camera on the touch panel control system?
You can access document camera controls on the touch panel control system by selecting the DOC CAM button.

I can't see the document camera image on the projection system

Make sure the cable is connected to the back input of the document camera. This cable is shared with the laptop cable in some shared learning spaces.
Check the main monitor output is selected on the document camera's front panel controls.
If dual document cameras and data projectors are installed, check the correct document camera is selected on the touch panel controls in relation to the document camera and data projector being used.
I can't preview the document camera image on the lectern monitor
If the touch panel controls do not have a document camera previewed option, then you can't preview the document image on the lectern monitor. Not all learning space projection systems allow document camera preview on the lectern monitor.
How do I change the light source for the document camera?
Pressing the lamp button on the document camera will cycle through the available options:
  • Upper lamp – use for non-transparent material e.g. paper
  • Base lamp – use for transparencies
  • Lamp off.
See the document camera user guide for more information.
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CD player

Where is the CD player installed?
CD players are installed in the audio visual equipment rack. If you are can't find a CD player in the audio visual equipment rack, you can play a CD through another device, for example: the installed computer, DVD players or VCR/DVD combo units.
I can't find the CD player controls on the touch panel control system
At the bottom of the touch panel equipment menu, select the Next Sources button to access additional devices. Selecting the Previous Sources button will take you back to the previous menu.
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Cassette player

Following client consultation (September – October 2007), the permanent withdrawal of stand alone cassette players from shared learning spaces on Parkville Campus commenced. This project is now complete. Contact TSS-Help@unimelb.edu.au with any queries regarding this project.

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Slide projector

We will continue to support 35mm slide projectors within the parameters of known maintenance constraints, across 34 spaces. Updated information is available:

The operation of slide projectors depends on the control systems installed - either hand held remote controls or a touch panel control system. See the room database for specific room details.

The slide carousel will not sit correctly on top of the slide projector
Check the base of the slide carousel is locked into the zero position. The zero position is set by turning the carousel upside down and spinning the base until it locks.
I can't locate the slide controls on the touch panel controls
At the bottom of the touch panel equipment menu, select the Next Sources button to access additional devices. Selecting the Previous Sources button will take you back to the previous menu.
The slide projector lamp is blown and I need it replaced
Spare slide projector globes are kept near the slide projector and/or in a drawer in the audio visual equipment rack. If you require Immediate assistance to replace the globe contact the service desk (ext. 47064).
The slide projector has no power and/or is not responding to the slide projector controls on the touch panel control system
If the learning space has a touch panel control system, the slide projector must be controlled with the touch panel control system. If there are dual slide projectors installed, ensure the correct slide projector is selected on the touch panel.
Check the power button on the back of the slide projector has not been turned off.
Check the power lead at the back of the slide projector is connected securely and turned on.
Check that the control lead from the back of the slide projector is connected to the wall plate.
There is no slide image displaying on the projection surface
Make sure the globes have not blown – some slide projectors have a globe indicator at the back of the unit.
The slide carousel may not be inserted correctly and obstructing the slides path from dropping into the display window - check the base of the carousel is set to the zero position.
The data projector is turned on and interfering with the projected slide image
Make sure the data projector is turned off (if a touch panel control system is installed, check the computer, document camera, DVD and video pages).
The room lights are too bright when trying to show slides
The touch panel control system automatically adjust room lighting for you when you turn the slide projector on at the touch panel. The Room page on the touch panel controls allows fine tuning of the default light settings. You can adjust room light settings from the wall lighting control panels in learning spaces.
I can't remove the slide carousel from the slide projector
The slide carousel needs to be at the zero position before it can be released and the slide projector must be turned on.
A release button allowing the slide carousel to be freely rotated back to the zero position is available on most models of installed slide projectors.
The middle of the carousel has a plastic lever which clips onto the slide projector. This lever can be lifted to try and release a jammed slide carousel.
The slide projector won't turn off
The slide projector needs to be turned off from the touch panel control system. If you are operating dual slide projectors, make sure both slide projectors are turned off from the touch panel control system.
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Overhead projector (OHP)

Dual overhead projectors are installled in some learning spaces.

No overhead projectors are installed in some learning spaces, in which case document cameras should be used.

There is no power to the OHP
Check the power switch on the OHP is turned on, as previous users may have turned it off.
Make sure the wall power point is turned on.
The wall power points labelled "OHP" must be used for the OHP to operate via touch panel controls.
If the multimedia system is not turned on, power may not be available to all the installed multimedia equipment - in particular if the learning space has touch panel controls.
If the OHP still fails to operate the globe may have blown and needs to be replaced. Contact the service desk (ext. 47064).
I can't locate the OHP controls on the touch panel control system
At the bottom of the touch panel equipment menu, select the Next Sources button to access additional devices. Selecting the Previous Sources button will take you back to the previous menu.
The OHP is not responding from the touch panel control system
Check all the power switches and points are turned on (see There is no power to OHP). If dual OHPs are installed, confirm the correct OHP is selected on the touch panel control system. If the OHP still fails to operate the globe may have blown.
I can't focus the OHP
Use the knob on the outside lens of the OHP to focus the displayed OHP image.
To obtain a sharp image from the OHP the square plastic lens plate that sits inside the lid of the OHP must be inserted correctly in the up position. The up and down sides are labelled on the corners of the square plastic lens plate. 
The OHP globe has blown
OHPs have a globe changing mechanism - use the globe changing switch located on the front of the OHP to change to the spare globe.
The building supervisors check OHP globes and batteries on a daily basis. If you need an OHP globe changed, contact the service desk (ext. 47064).
I can't find the OHP
OHPs in shared learning spaces are not secured, therefore they can be easily moved by users - sometimes to other rooms. If you are unable to locate the OHP in nearby rooms, contact the service desk (ext. 47064). 
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Auxiliary (aux) input

Can I connect my digital camera to the multimedia projection system?
This will depend on the multimedia projection system installed in the shared learning space. You can connect external devices with audio and video connections where an aux Input panel is installed. You may need an RCA to BNC adapter to connect your device. No cables are supplied for aux inputs.
Where are the input points to connect my video camera to the multimedia projection system?
Audio and video inputs are on the aux input panel, which (if an aux input is available in your learning space) will be located at the lectern (near any laptop inputs) or in the audio visual equipment rack.
I can't locate the auxiliary input controls on the touch panel control system
At the bottom of the touch panel equipment menu, select the Next Sources button to access additional devices. Selecting the Previous Sources button will take you back to the previous menu.
My video camera image is not displaying on the data projector
The data projector must be turned on at the Aux Input menu page on the touch panel for the image to be displayed on the data projector.
I can't hear any sound from my external device
The data projector must be turned on at the Aux Input menu page on the touch panel for sound to feed through to the amplifier system. Check the audio cables are connected and the volume level on the touch panel controls is set to an appropriate level.
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Microphones

What microphones are installed in the shared learning space I am using?
The type of microphones installed depends on the type of shared learning space. Lectern and wirelesss lapel microphones are generally installed in all lecture theatres.
Some of the larger shared learning spaces have been equipped with wireless hand held microphones. These are kept by the building supervisor. These are generally only used during question and answer sessions at special events.
Where are the wireless hand held microphones kept?
Building supervisors have the wireless hand held microphones. These microphones are available on request for special events.
When booking your special event through the Timetabling Office, confirm the availability of wireless hand held microphone(s).
I can't find the lapel microphone
As lapel microphones are portable items, they are easily misplaced. Lapel microphones should be kept in the drawer in the audio visual equipment cupboard. If you can't find the lapel mic there, look in and around the lectern as it may have been moved by a previous user.
If the lapel microphone can't be located, contact the service desk (ext. 47064).
The microphone is not working
The multimedia system must be turned on for microphones in shared learning spaces to operate. Check the microphone mute button has not been selected on the touch panel control system - microphone volume controls are located on the Room page of touch panels.
If you are using a lapel microphone make sure the lapel’s power button is on and there is sufficient battery life.
I can't find any spare batteries for the microphone
Spare batteries are usually kept in a drawer in the audio visual equipment cupboard. The building supervisors maintain the supply of batteries and OHP globes on a daily basis. If no spare batteries are available or you require assistance replacing a battery, contact the service desk (ext. 47064).
Microphone volume is too low/high
Adjust microphone volume via the microphone volume control on the touch panel control system. Select Room or Setup on the main menu page on the touch panel to access microphone volume control. If microphone feedback occurs, lower the volume.
Do I need to wear the lapel microphone for my Lectopia recording?
Yes - The lapel microphone must be used for scheduled lectopia recordings. The installed lectern microphones do not guarantee a sufficient recording level and may result in an inaudible recording.
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Room lighting

There are several ways to adjust room lighting in a shared learning space:

Can I override the pre-set room light settings on the touch panel control system?
Yes – The Room menu will allows you to adjust the individual lighting banks. See the touch panel user guides for more information.
The shared learning space has faulty room lights
Log a fault report or contact the service desk (ext. 47064) for immediate assistance.
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