Summary
Step-by-Step Guide to connecting laptop to classroom technology (PTZ camera, classroom mic, speaker, etc.) and required software needed to connect to the docking station successfully.
Body
All PLNU podiums are equipped with a number of ways and inputs to display content from a device to the projector or TV.
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Podium computer - Depending on the room, a Windows or macOS computer is locally available to mirror content to the room projector. Please note, using these computers require a PLNU username and password. If you are not an active PLNU student, staff, or faculty, this option will not be available to you.
- Apple TV - Apple TV's allow Apple AirPlay to wireless cast content to the projector. This method is only a native functionality of Apple devices (Apple computers, iPhones, or iPads). On PLNU-provided Windows computer, there is an app to available to you to utilize AirPlay - AirParrot.
- USB Connection - A Dell docking station is available to physically connect a laptop or device to the projector. On the same USB-C cable, there is a converter available for USB-A connection. Please note that any computer using the docking station requires additional software. PLNU provided computers have this software pre-installed. See the instructions below on how to download this software and how to ensure functionality.
Figure 1. USB-C connector Figure 2. USB-C to USB-A connector
Download and install DisplayLink Manager Software
To use the USB docking station within a PLNU classroom podium, DisplayLink Manager is required to be installed. Download the operating specific software from the link provided below and follow the installation process.
After installing DisplayLink Manager and configuring the appropriate permissions listed below, connect the USB cable to your computer based on the available connections you have.
- USB-C: Connect USB-C cable to laptop (recommended)
- USB-A adapter: Use only if no USB-C port is on your laptop. Connect USB-C to its USB-A adapter and then connect the USB-A to your laptop. USB-A connection will not provide laptop power or pass video to projector.
- HDMI adapter: If your laptop doesn’t have a USB-C connect but does have HDMI, you will need a female USB-C to male HDMI adapter. Please note this PLNU does not provide this adapter. This will only allow for display of video, all other USB devices for Zoom, audio and power normally available when connected to USB-C will not be available.
DisplayLink Manager for macOS
Apple provides specific requirements to ensure you are aware of what applications have the ability to view your screen. Follow the instructions below to enable "Screen Recording" for DisplayLink Manager after it has been installed and launched for the first time.
- Open the System Settings/Preferences app, available by clicking on the Apple menu in the top left corner
- Navigate to Security & Privacy,
- macOS 14 or below: select the Privacy tab, and scroll down to Screen Recording
- macOS 15 or above: select "Screen & System Audio Recording"
- Check the box next to DisplayLink Manager
If audio is not coming out of the classroom speakers, you may need to change the sound output settings to the new connection.
DisplayLink Manager for Windows
For a Windows laptop, click on the speaker icon in the lower right corner. The selected playback device must be “Dell USB Audio”. Your laptop volume settings will now, exclusively, be controlled via the volume control on your laptop. The volume bar on the podium control panel will not affect computer volume. This means you can now play video with volume.