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Service Description

Digital Services support teaching and learning throughout the University by providing AV/Media Technologies in centrally bookable spaces throughout our four campuses.

Over 80% of the rooms we support have fixed facilities; we can provide portable AV/Media equipment to the remainder ensuring their setup adheres to health and safety regulations.

Learning spaces have, as a minimum:

  • Data Projector or Display Screen
  • Fixed pc with access to teaching technologies including Panopto and Vevox
  • HDMI for connection of laptops
  • Control panel to switch input and control audio playback levels
  • Audio playback  through ceiling speakers or in-built within screens
  • Wireless keyboard and mouse for added flexibility

Please note fixed microphones for audio amplification and secondary microphones for Audio Capture are available as default in larger spaces only.  Please refer to our Fixed IT and audiovisual equipment list to find rooms with Audio amplification microphones and Audio Capture microphones.

Business Process

If you are timetabled in to a centrally supported space which has no fixed equipment, or you think you may need assistance in using the technologies within the space you have been timetabled in, please complete an AV Equipment/Technical Support booking form.

You should refer to the Fixed IT and audiovisual equipment to find what equipment is already in each room before making any request for portable equipment. Please give as much notice as possible to ensure we can accomodate your booking.

The form can be found by logging into the Unidesk Self Service Portal via the link in the blue button below, using your staff email address and network password.

Select "Audio Visual Services" tile, and click on "AV Equipment/Technical Support booking" form.

Sign in to the Unidesk Self Service Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between audio amplification microphones and audio capture microphones?

    Audio amplification microphones are connected to amplifiers and speakers within large teaching spaces to amplify the voice of the speaker within the room. The type of the microphone may be lectern, boundary, wireless lapel . Due to COVID wireless lapels are not currently in use.

    Audio capture microphones are connected to a teaching room pc so that the software in use on the pc can detect audio from the speaker. These microphones do not amplify the level of the speakers voice within the room. The type of microphone in use are USB boundary. Please note there is a huge range of microphones which are suitable for different room sizes, infrastructure, teaching style and therefore there is no ideal solution, however, Digital Services can provide a USB boundary microphone and working in conjunction with ODL can make recommendations for alternatives where required.

    Please note that a laptop has an inbuilt camera and microphone and therefore will only require software installed to allow for audio and video capture over presentation.

Supporting Materials

If you would like to find out more about the av technologies in any of the spaces, or have questions, please contact the Service Desk.

To help you gain confidence in the use of AV technologies, Digital Services offer tailored training which can be arranged for staff on a one-to-one, or group basis, by contacting DigitalSkills@ulster.ac.uk at any time throughout the year. We also offer regular training events which are often promoted via global mail shot and Twitter @UlsterUniDS

For a general overview of the technology within teaching rooms please refer to the guides below.

Teaching room technology guides

How to obtain help

How to contact the Service Desk

You can also Live Chat with a Service Desk team member. When a team member is available you will see a button on the bottom right of this screen. If the button is not visible, you can still contact us via the methods above.

Service Desk Hours

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday – Sunday 1.30pm – 5pm

Extended Closure - Easter and Christmas Holidays

Cost

There is no cost associated with the AV/Media loans service in support of teaching and learning.

If equipment and/or support is required for an external event or conference, charges will be incurred, see separate catalogue entry on Event Support.

Eligibility

All staff of the University

Service Owner

ICT Customer Services