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Audio/Visual Services provides projectors, screens,ÌýBlu-rayÌýplayback, and program audio in most indoor areas. Some smaller rooms may use flat panel video displays rather than projectors. Most rooms have both VGA and HDMI computer inputsÌýbut the newest systems have HDMI only.ÌýÌýPlease let us know which you will need in your particular space. Due to the low power of their video outputs, portable devices (iPads and other tablets) may not work in all locations. Please contact AV in advance to arrange a test.

Microphones are availableÌýonlyÌýin a number ofÌýlargerÌýspaces on campus where there are built-in sound systems or where audiences of more than 50 are expectedÌýwhere a portable PA may be providedÌýat theÌýdiscretion of Audio Visual. With the exception of large auditoriums or advanced technology classrooms, voice amplification is NOT generally available in classrooms except in cases of illness or special need. Please contact us for information about locations where voice amplification is available.

Most classrooms and many event spaces on campus include installed cameraÌýand microphone with USB output for self-service recording using your laptop and a streaming app such as ZoomÌýor Kaltura.ÌýAudio Visual canÌýalsoÌýprovide digital audio recording equipment for a class, meeting, or event.ÌýUnless otherwise requested,ÌýAVÌýwill provideÌýaudio recordings in the MP3 file format.ÌýNote: In most cases, AV staff members are unable to stay to operate recording equipment and AV does not provide editing and post-production services.ÌýCustomers areÌýrequiredÌýto have all recordings captioned before posting online. Audio Visual does not provide captioning services. Kaltura will automatically captionÌývideosÌýbut the captions will require user editing for accuracy.

1. Sound: AV provides amplification for outdoor events. However, the person or group making the request is responsible for some mandatory additional arrangements: Any outdoor request for amplification MUST be approved in advance by  – without sound approval, AV will be unable to provide equipment. In addition, arrangements must be made with  (x.2-FIX or x.2349) to provide power for any equipment. AV does not provide battery-powered equipmentÌýand does not run power cords from university buildings.Ìý

2. Video: A³Õ does not provide video support for outdoor events. Ambient light on campus, day or night, renders our equipment useless for outdoorÌýpurposes. AV recommends that anyone planning an outdoor video event rent equipment from an appropriate vendor. Past groups have used local companies such as Ìý

3. Inclement Weather: ´¡³Õ will not provide outdoor equipment in inclement weather. If possible, arrange an indoor rain site and make arrangements with AV to support your event there.Ìý

In addition to the equipment built into most classrooms and event spaces,ÌýAV can provideÌýportableÌýwebcams, USB document camerasÌýand USB microphones for use with web based conferencing (eg.ÌýZoom,TeamsÌýetc.) or lecture capture (eg.ÌýKaltura) applications. Users must make sure that they have downloaded the applicable software and set up their personal accounts and sessions in advance and must provide their own laptops.Ìý

American University provides Zoom and Teams accounts for web-based videoconferencing. AV generally recommends conducting video conferences entirely online for the best interactive experience.Ìý

For telephones and teleconferencing, please contact the Telecom department at x.1111 (202-885-1111).Ìý

In most classrooms and event spaces, video streaming can be accomplished using the built-in streaming camera and micÌýby hooking up the rooms system via USB cable to the user’s laptopÌýand an app such as Zoom.ÌýFor certainÌýlargeÌýevents,ÌýAV may be able to provide streaming servicesÌýusing IBMÌýVideoÌýStreaming.ÌýThis is an internet-accessible video feed that remote users can watch and listen to, either on theÌýIBM Video StreamingÌýsite or as an embedded video within a webpage. AV will provide the links for sharing or embedding the streaming video, but is not responsible for embedding the video.Ìý

Please make your request forÌýaÌýIBM Video StreamingÌýsession at leastÌýtwoÌýweeksÌýin advance of your event. Live streamingÌýisÌýnot beÌýavailable in all locations and theÌýAudio VisualÌýDepartment may not be able to provide streaming services with short lead time or if insufficient staff are available. Please contact Eric Gordon (egordon@american.edu)Ìýfor streaming reservations and information.Ìý

Please Note:ÌýCustomers must arrangeÌýclosed captioningÌýfor all streams.ÌýÌýStreaming without captionsÌýcould expose the university to serious risk, and will be perceived as proceeding in a manner that is contrary to the inclusion ideals of American University. AV recommends using Ìý

Audio Visual technicians can provide a variety of consultation services including:Ìý

• General Consultation including all of our audio visual services, training opportunities, best practices, and recommended solutionsÌý
• Event Consultation to assure that you are fully aware of the services available and the best options to make your event a successÌý

AV Systems Design & Installation: If your department wishes to update or add AV to an existing space under your control, we may be able to help in the following areas:Ìý

• Meet with you to identify your best-case scenarios, wish list, and budget for your spaceÌý
• Recommend certain equipment for your space based on our vast institutional knowledgeÌý
• Arrange quotes to be made by our preferred AV integrators, with whom we have previously contracted, for equipment and installation;Ìý
• Inform you of what other cost factors and coordination issues (electrical work, OIT,Ìýetc) may be involved so that you can resolve them.Ìý
• If the project goes forward, we will test the installed equipment to make sure everything works properly, assisting in troubleshooting and assessing any performance issues where possible. We will also assist in training your staff to use the equipment.Ìý
• PLEASE NOTE: AV will not provide budget assistance for these projects and cannot be responsible for future routine maintenance (bulbs, filters, cables, etc.), repair, or upgrade of the systems. We will not be involved in the budget or payment process; your office will have to work directly with Purchasing to arrange the work and equipment payment.Ìý