1. Video wall training for teaching
How to get the best out of the Digital Humanities Lab big screen
Emma Sherriff Digital Humanities Technical Manager

2. Why install a bespoke video wall?
The Digital Humanities Lab is a £1.2m investment to create labs and research space for the examination and preservation of important historical, literary and visual artefacts;
A spectacular digital showcase for our research and teaching;
Examining sources under a digital magnifying glass;
Reputational benefits and facilities equipped with advanced technologies.

3. Digital Humanities Seminar 1 facilities
Custom built high-specification PC and technology unit;
Connectivity via the lectern and laptop connections and access to power;
Multiple room layouts available;
Audio-Visual equipment for loan;
Devices available to support teaching;
Remote controlled blinds.

4. Video wall technical specifications
Nine NEC MultiSync X554UN-2 commercial grade narrow bezel LED backlit screens;
Crestron 16x16 Digital Media Matrix Switcher;
Crestron MPC-M25 AV control panel;
A 100V line speaker system with six speakers positioned to provide best coverage to the audience;
3 rows and 3 columns resulting in a total screen size of 3.646m width x 2.058m height, total 16:9 pixel count 5760 x 3240.

5. Achieve maximum impact for display
• Use interactive maps;
• Manipulate 3D models;
• Showcase high resolution images from cultural heritage collections - Jpeg or TIFF images captured using DSLR cameras;
• Play 4K video;
• Enable engagement in virtual stories by using games consoles including XBOX one and Play Station 4, please contact us to check compatibility for older models;
Blu-ray discs.

6. There are some things the video wall doesn’t do well:
Black and white PowerPoint presentations, without interesting images, borders or video;
Low resolution Jpegs or images downloaded from the web or taken on a camera phone;
Webinars or Conference calls, our Recap installation is pending;
Lapel microphone input.

7. Example 1: low resolution Jpeg image

8. Example 2: low resolution Jpeg image

9. Lab equipment and connectivity
Wireless keyboard;
Remote controlled clicker;
USB memory sticks;
Professional quality Audio-Visual equipment;
Games consoles.

10. Video wall basics: practical tasks
Power the Video wall PC;
Login to your staff account;
Connect a memory stick;
Use the wireless keyboard;
Open the web browser using the mouse pad;
Select an image and use the zoom function;
Play a youtube video.

11. Practical task: connect and display your devices
Connect the Seminar room laptops;
Share multiple displays in custom layouts;
Connect a Video camera;
Set up the Video wall with a games console, and play a game;
Adjust the Audio setting;
Log in to your staff account and enlarge the text size.

12. Multi-screen custom layouts and group work
Useful for modules that apply digital methods to traditional texts, e.g. the English department’s Re-thinking Shakespeare module;
Relevant for industry-specific experience such as Publishing Seminars, Film Business and media training;
Advantageous for teaching around social media and writing;
Analyse text and visual material with ease;
Palaeographic study of handwriting can be enhanced with the zoom feature.

13. Practical task: setting up and delivering your PowerPoint presentation
Connect your laptop at the lectern;
Adjust the display settings, to extend the display to the Video wall;
Adjust PowerPoint settings to display presenter view;
Scroll through the presentation using the clicker;
Play a video from a PowerPoint slide.

14. Demonstration: embedding and playing your video

15. Video wall top tips
• The screen is 16:9 widescreen - select the right template when saving your slides in PowerPoint;
• Images that fill the screen have maximum impact;
• Remember that poor quality images will look worse on screen;
• In PowerPoint, keep the content to the upper part of the screen, especially if teaching in theatre-layout;
• You are able to stream video content and use our blu-ray player from the PC unit located in the Seminar room – our team can assist you with set up.

16. Next steps
Contact the Digital Humanities Lab to request help or to arrange a test in advance;
Arrange time to practice, to prepare;
Read our ‘Guide to facilities’ and make your booking.
Questions?