APEX Classroom

Programming Overview for a Classroom

Classroom System Equipment List RTI KX3 (using built-in processor)

Epson Pro “Z” Series Business Venue Projector

DBX Zone PRO 640M Digital Zone Processor

Key-Digital 4x1 HDMI Switcher with Audio De-Embedding

Sony Multi-region DVD & Media Player

SMART Board 7000-series interactive Display Board

Extron WPB-109 One-Gang Podium Connection Plate

TOA M9000MK Commercial Amplifier with rotary volume control

Lutron Caseta Lighting

Lutron Serena Shades

Venstar Explorer Flat Stat Commercial Thermostat

Welcome Screen A welcome screen is essential for any system as it marks a starting point the user can relate to. In our example we have customized a welcome page that resembles a classroom chalk board. The user is instructed to press the screen to begin.

The Home Screen The home screen, or main menu allows the user to easily select a task. Since this is an activity based remote, the user doesn’t need to turn on the system. Simply selecting what he or she wants to do will turn on all applicable equipment and switch them to the interface for that task.

Notice how the icons are placed strategically on the interface, with the automation tasks for lighting and shades together. The buttons have icons and titles for that activity so there is no question what they do. The toolbar on the bottom allows easy navigation.

DVD Activity Interface

The room macro on the DVD button is displayed above. Each step is commented to show what role it plays in the process.

Other ActivitiesWe give the instructor the ability to plug in accessory devices into an HDMI port or wall plate adding versatility to the system.

The smart board allows the teacher to invoke a Smart Board mode, which will turn on the projector and switch inputs as well.

Although both activities offer limited control with the controller, they set up the classroom for very important tasks that are commonly used.

Directions indicate precisely how to invoke each activity, making it easy for any staff members.

The Lecture Activity

The lecture activity uses a microphone, which utilizes a separate volume control on the interface. Although the classroom is equipped with volume controls, when the user presses the volume up/down on the remote, they are brought to a DBX Zone Pro interface for mic gain control

DBX Zone Pro The DBX Zone Pro is a commercial mixer and audio distribution system designed to work with line level sources and microphones. Since the microphone is needed for the lecture activity, the volume control is different than the regular inputs.

If the instructor wishes to adjust the source or microphone levels he may do so by simply pressing any of the volume controls on the remote.

It is easy for the client to jump back to what they were doing by pressing the “RETURN” button.

Lighting ControlLighting control in the room is essential for providing a conducive level for instruction. As you can see, we provide the client with individual dimmer control as well as preset scenes for each activity and essential functions within the classroom.

When providing scenes, always provide feedback for which scene is selected so the instructor can correlate the room light to the scene.

ShadesMore Lighting ControlShades are lighting control in another form. They determine how much natural sun light is let in, or blocked out. In a classroom they can contribute greatly to ambient light so we provide individual and scene control of the shades.

In this example, the instructor can easily open, close or stop any of the three classroom window shades. The scenes are simple, yet effective because not many scenarios are anticipated.

Functionality& Convenience We give the client a “Please Wait” page during any activity transition to serve as an optional way to let them know the system is not ready for interaction. We try to insure the please wait duration is in sync with the activity so that it runs no more or less when the system is ready.

A weather page is another optional touch, and can be a good way for the client to interact with the remote for convenience and useful information such as the weather.

Power Off Giving the client the ability to confirm a power off selection is critical in a projector environment, particularly a classroom. An accidental push of a button could create a significant delay, so the power off confirmation is necessary.

Instead of giving the client a “Yes” or “No” selection, always indicate what that confirmation will do to make it less confusing and straightforward. A “Room Off” is easily understood as opposed to a “Yes” which can be misinterpreted.

The power off confirmation will shut the system down and bring the controller back to the welcome page, signifying the end of a session, or start of a new one.