Using the Hulings Video Network
The Hulings Hall video network allows video signals to be routed
between any combination of video input and output connected to the
"AV" jacks that are located throughout the building. Any video source
(video camera, video tape, microscope output) can be sent to one or
more video outputs (monitors, TV's, video recorders) simultaneously.
Up to 32 different video inputs can be in use at any one time. There
are three steps to getting a working video connection.
- Hook both input and output sources up to appropriate AV jacks.
Because there are a variety of video standards and
cabling/connector types we will need to locate appropriate cables
and adapters for the particular devices. Presumably, once a device
has been hooked to the network once this step is trivial as long
as the cables and adaptors are kept with the device. Devices that
will remain in a single location (mounted wall mounted video
monitors, electron microscopes, etc..) can be hooked to the
network once and simply be left hooked up.
- Make sure the line for the AV Jack being used is attached to
the video router. Since there are hundreds of video ports in
Hulings and a much smaller number of connections on the box that
actually controls the flow of video signals between locations not
all AV Jacks are hooked into the video router at any one time.
Using the web interface you can check whether a given AV jack is
already attached to the router. Each AV Jack has a unique code
(usually the room number and the compass direction of the wall
it's on). The web routing interface should list this information
for any jack that is connected to the router. If the jack you'd
like to use is not yet connected to the router, you'll need to
contact me about getting it attached. Again, for permanently
attached devices, or AV Jacks that are used regularly this won't
be an issue because once connected a particular AV Jack will
remain connected indefinitly.
- Route the input device you want to the output devices you
want. This is done through
a web interface. Connect to the page
and click the "View Current Network Status" button. You'll get a
list of the connected input devices (listed by AV Jack number, and
by name if the input device is fixed.) and which output devices
they are currently connected to. If your input and output are
already connected there's nothing more you need to do. If the
connections are not to your liking return to the main network
interface page. Enter the secret password in the box (no need to
hit return) and click on the "Change Network Connections" button.
Pick the output device you want and click on the white box to its
right. Select the input device you want from the pop-up list. When
you've made the changes you want, click the "Make it So" button.
After a brief wait (a few seconds) you can return to the main page
and check that the desired change has taken place by clicking the
"View Current Network Status" button.
That's all there is to it. The first two steps only need to be
done the first time a device/AV Jack is used. Most of the time, it
will be as simple as going to the web page, and selecting the device
routing you want.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
Maintained by Sean
Fox, sfox@carleton.edu
Last updated: Thursday, 31-Aug-2000 12:26:12 CDT