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Opinion
Aux Out
8/21/2006
Assistive listening audio output (line level; XLR-3M, RCA, ¼” mono): If you don’t have a dedicated transmitter in each room, this allows for a portable transmitter to be connected to the sound reinforcement system.
Composite video (RCA or BNC): The switched feed from the room’s cameras, VCR/DVD, document camera, or other presentation sources can be routed to a video encoder/archiving device. This can potentially be used in conjunction with the composite video auxiliary input in terms of adding a live open captioning capability using a portable captioning station.
VGA (HD-15): The computer graphics output can be routed to recording or encoding/archival devices. Also, this can be useful if positioned appropriately for providing an output for a large-monitor cart, in order to provide accommodation for the visually impaired.
Control port (various connectors): Allow for connection of a wired touch screen controller, to supplement the room’s existing controller, or to provide a technician with an appropriate interface that they would bring with them from room to room. Leading manufacturers offer proprietary control protocols, such as CresNet and AXLink.
Codec audio output (RCA): This is the output side of the portable codec connection. Your room mixer will need at least 2 buses/output channels: one (or more) for local sound reinforcement, and one for codec output, which d'es not include the input from the codec in the mix. Alternately, you could use a multiple-mixer arrangement.
Having the necessary input/output jacks is only the first step. Deciding where in the room the jacks should be located is the next challenge. Every situation has to be handled on a case-by-case basis, so here are some questions to consider:
What types of devices will the instructor need to connect right at the podium, versus items that might be connected by an assistant or a technician somewhere else in the room?
If cart-based portable equipment is to be used, where is there physical space for the cart to be positioned, both when in use and when it is stored?
Is there a secure but accessible (yes, I am aware this is somewhat contradictory) place where the connection cables can be stored?
Next, pick out the connection panel itself. Tens of thousands of blank rack panels have been drilled, punched, cut, and engraved to good effect to create customized connector panels. Another approach is to use a modular system, like Middle Atlantic’s UCP system) or Raxxess’ Modular Panel system. Either way, the benefit is that you can swap out individual connector modules without having to replace the entire panel. If rack-mounted is not necessary or feasible, gang-style wall plates can also be used inside furniture or in floor boxes.
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