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How to use the PODS?

  • Book a POD

    1. Book one of the PODS - there are a choice of 7 spread across the University.
    Site Location Link
    Brampton 2013

    https://uoclibrarystudyrooms.simplybook.it/v2/#book 

       
    Fusehill LG
    Fusehill Blencathra - Room 118
    Lancaster Humanities
    Lancaster The Keep
    Lancaster Library
    Ambleside Charlotte Mason

         

         2. The key for the POD will be available from the campus library

  • Headset

    1. We advise that you bring your own headset to listen back to any recordings that you make as the PODS don't have a high-quality speaker system included.
    2. The monitor speakers are enabled however they make all the recorded content sound tin like so any audio you hear back from them won't be a true reflection of what you have actually recorded.

  • Clothing

    Due to there being a green screen in the background there are a couple of colours which become transparent which we would advise that you don't wear when you come to use the POD.

     

    1. Green
    2. Yellow
    3. Turquoise 
    4. Aqua

  • On Arrival

    1. On Arrival to the POD change the door sign from Bookings Only to Do Not Disturb.

           2. Press the white switch on the wall of the POD, this will turn on all of the lights and devices within. 

           3. Should the Wacom tablet not turn on automatically when you press the white switch then you will need to press the little on/off button                       located on the top bezel of the Wacom.

           DO NOT change any of the lighting or amend the Canon Camera as this will critically affect the scenes that have been created within OBS.

  • The Microphone

    1. The microphone is quite sensitive so can be placed out of camera shot and isn't required to be close to your mouth to pick up your voice.
    2. Adjusting the microphone is a mixture of rotating and bending to ensure you have it at a comfortable level.

  • Logging in

    1. Login using firstname.lastname@cumbria.ac.uk
    2. If someone else has previously used the POD it may look like they are still signed in when you come to login however this is isn't the case. All you have to do is choose the option to login as another user and you will be given the login prompt to enter your details.

  • Program startups

    1. When the PC starts up you will be met with a Wacom configuration screen, at the moment we have been unsuccessful in trying to get rid of this by default and this seems to be a problem in general and not just something University related. To close the configuration box just click the x in the top corner.

  • Stream Deck

    For a general overview on how to use the Stream Deck then follow this link: 

  • Starting OBS

    1. Once you are logged in open OBS Studio.

          2. Across the top of OBS select Scene Collection and then select PODS.

  • Teams settings (if you want to present using Teams)

    1. Within OBS you will need to click Start Virtual Camera - located to the bottom right of OBS

    The PODS (Start Virtual Camera),

    2. When it's time to choose your audio and video settings for your meeting click the cog icon under your camera feed.

    The PODS (Camera Cog),

    3. You will need to ensure the following are set correctly

    The PODS (Device Settings),

    The headset option will change depending on your brand of headphones.

    4. You can now select join now.

  • The following guidance is to be followed if you wish to use any of the optional devices or scenes.

  • How to pre-record content using OBS?

    1. If you wish to pre-record material, then press the record button on the stream deck.
    2. To stop recording press the record button on the stream deck again
    3. The video will be saved to the following area - C:\OBS Videos
    4. Move your video to a more appropriate location and then delete the file from the PC for housekeeping purposes

  • How to use the Lightboard

    1. Open the Whiteboard app - https://whiteboard.office.com/
    2. Select a new whiteboard or an existing whiteboard
    3. Click the cog in the top right of the whiteboard app
    4. Select Format background
    5. Choose the light green background - this creates a green screen which becomes transparent through OBS
    6. Your camera will now be displayed in the background with the ability to draw over it.

  • How to use the Visualizer

    1. Ensure OBS is open
    2. Click OBS on the Stream Deck
    3. Depending on your preference either click Visualizer Half Screen or Visualizer Full Screen
    4. The Visualizer will now be displayed in OBS
    5. You will now be able to use any of the functions on the visualizer or even physically move the visaulizer if required.

  • How to use the Internet

    1. Ensure OBS is open
    2. Open Google Chrome
    3. Click OBS on the Stream Deck
    4. Depending on your preference either click Internet Half Screen or Internet Full Screen
    5. OBS will let you know that Google Chrome is being captured as it will show a yellow outline around the open browser window
    6. To stop capturing either close Google Chrome or select another scene using the Stream Deck.

  • On Leaving the PODS

    1. Ensure you change the sign on the door, so it displays Bookings Only
    2. Lock the PODS door and return the key from the location you received it
    3. Tell us how good the PODS are by filling out this quick questionnaire 
    4. Tell your fellow students how good the PODS are :)

  • Troubleshooting

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​https://unicumbriaac.sharepoint.com/sites/Guidance/SitePages/Troubleshooting.aspx

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