Help!
We are available - Monday to Friday, 8:30-4:30 - to provide audio/visual assistance.
If you experience A/V problems during your class, contact 721-8292 and an assistant will be dispatched as soon as possible. For your convenience, this contact phone number is posted on every overhead projector. We try to arrive within 1-10 minutes, depending on our call-out volume. The assistant will enter the class while you are teaching and will work to correct the problem.
If you experience a problem after business hours, please contact us the following day and we will work with you to solve the issue.
Demonstrations (free for UVic users)
You are encouraged to arrange a demo with us if you do not know how to use the classroom equipment, if you have experienced problems or if you would like a quick refresher. By calling 721-8292, you can arrange for us to meet you 10-minutes prior to your class time (if your class falls within business hours). Other times can be booked through room bookings - first call 721-8128 to book the room (indicate the booking is for an A/V demo) and then call 721-8292 to let us know when and where (again, within business hours). If you are not a UVic user, you will instead need to call 721-7587 to book a room (a charge will be applied) and then contact 721-8292.
Troubleshooting
Overhead Projector
Video Data Projector - Video
Video Data Projector - PC Laptop
Video Data Projector - Mac Laptop
Please note: When connecting a laptop to the VDP, please make sure that you follow the order of connection:
- turn on the VDP
- plug in the VGA and AC power to the laptop
- and THEN turn on the laptop.
Although people often report to us that their "laptop has worked before without using this order", there is always a chance that the order of connection will matter. Following this order will help avoid that one time it is the problem. If you have not followed these steps in sequence, you may have to restart your computer in order to display an image.
Overhead Projector
Problem |
Solution |
Light won't turn on |
If you do not hear the fan it means the OHP is not getting power. Change wall outlets - power could be out for one outlet but not another. Also, check to make sure the OHP is both plugged into the cart AND plugged into the wall - sometimes the OHP is unplugged from the cart. |
| If you do hear the fan it means that the bulb might be burnt out. All of our OHPs have two bulbs - use the bulb changer to select the next bulb using the slider bar (make sure the slider is moved all the way across) or dial, depending on which model OHP you are using. Please call 8292, so that we can change the burnt bulb asap. |
| The lid may be open on the projector - make sure the lid is firmly closed. Depending on the model this means the surface of the projector and/or the small dial cover. |
 
example of a dial and slider bar (models vary) |
Video Data Projector - Video
Note: these suggestions are for the VDP and VCR/DVD - not videos played via laptops.
Problem |
Solution |
Image, no sound |
Adjust the volume on the desktop/touch panel. Check to see if there is more than one volume source (ie in rooms with cabinet racks, the amplifier may be turned off). Reselect the video option on the touch panel or small box with buttons inside the cabinet (depending on room type). |
Sound, no image |
Reselect the video option on the touch panel or the small box with buttons inside the cabinet (depending on room type). |
Video Data Projector - PC Laptop
Problem |
Solution |
Blue screen |
Especially if you see a " No Signal" message:
- select the 'Data' button or the 'laptop' icon again - selector type depends on style of room.
- make sure the laptop is plugged in using AC power
- make sure the VGA is attached snuggly to the laptop
- check the display settings (found under properties or graphic properties when you right click on the desktop) - display needs to be set to 'dual display' (clone, not extended)
Especially if you see an "Out of Range" message:
- check the laptop resolution level - UVic supports nothing higher than 1024 x 768
|
Image disappears |
- make sure the laptop is plugged in using AC power - batteries cannot support the signal for long periods of time, regardless of charge levels
- if the image is on the screen for a moment and then disappears, check the display settings (found under properties or graphic properties when you right click on the desktop) - display needs to be set to 'dual display' (clone, not extended)
|
No sound |
In order to use the speaker system in the room, the mini jack needs to be plugged into the headphone jack on the laptop. Make sure that the volume on the laptop is at full, and then start to adjust the room volume level. |
Video Data Projector - Mac Laptop
Problem |
Solution |
DARK or BAD IMAGE |
Especially if the image looks fine on your laptop:
1. Click on the 'apple' icon in the upper left corner
2. Select 'system preferences'
3. Select 'displays'
4. Under the colour tab - make sure the box that says 'show profiles for this display only' is NOT checked
5. Select any from the list - each one changes the projected image, not the laptop's image, so look at the screen and find the one that works best for you
|
Blue screen |
Especially if you see a " No Signal" message:
- select the 'Data' button or the 'laptop' icon again - selector type depends on style of room.
- make sure the laptop is plugged in using AC power
- make sure the VGA is attached snuggly to the DVI cable
- check the display settings (found under system preferences when you click on the apple icon) - if there is a tab option labeled 'Arrangement', ensure that mirror image is selected on that page. If there is not an ‘Arrangement’ option, this means that the laptop is not recognizing that there is a VDP connected. In this case, turn off the laptop and start again.
Especially if you see an "Out of Range" message:
- check the laptop resolution level - UVic supports nothing higher than 1024 x 768
|
No port for VGA cable on laptop |
You need a connector in order to connect the VGA to the laptop. This is a small white cable that converts the Mac monitor port to a VGA port. This cable at one time was included in the purchase of the laptop, but now needs to be bought separately. You can purchase this connector at UVic's Computer Store. |
No sound |
In order to use the speaker system in the room, the mini jack needs to be plugged into the headphone jack on the laptop. Make sure that the volume on the laptop is at full, and then start to adjust the room volume level. |
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