Pole Vault Systems What do I need to know?

Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about Pole Vault systems: 1.What is a Pole Vault? 2.Why is it called a Pole Vault? 3.How does a Pole Vault system really work? 4.Why do I need a Pole Vault system? 5.What kind of devices can I use with my Pole Vault system? 6.How do I attach devices to my Pole Vault system?

What is a Pole Vault? A Pole Vault is a system to hang your projector for use in the classroom. The system is designed to make it easier for you to switch devices, as well as to help limit the number of cables running across the floor. Pole Vault systems also come with a sound system allowing you to play videos and other media on a grander scale.

Why is it called a Pole Vault? It is named after the two major components, a pole that hangs from the ceiling and a vault that holds the system’s electronics.

The Pole The pole has the dual purpose of hiding the cables from view as well as providing the location to hang the projector itself.

The Vault The vault holds the controlling device (called a switcher). It also holds the power supply for the system.

How does a Pole Vault system really work ? A Pole Vault system is composed of several different components:  Control Panel  Audio/Video Inputs  Cabling  Switcher  Projector  Speakers

Control Panel The control panel is used to control the projector, and system from the wall. With it you can turn the projector on and off, switch inputs, and control the volume of the system.

Audio/Video Inputs There are three audio/video inputs. There are two VGA inputs and one RCA input. The VGA inputs can be used for a computer, laptop or a document camera, while the RCA inputs are used for a VCR or a DVD player.

Cabling There are four different types of cabling used with the Pole Vault system:  VGA A video cable used to connect a computer, or a document cameraA video cable used to connect a computer, or a document camera A VGA Splitter is also used when connecting a computerA VGA Splitter is also used when connecting a computer  Stereo Mini-Jack Cable Audio cable used when connecting a computerAudio cable used when connecting a computer  RCA Video and audio cables used when connecting a VCR or a DVD playerVideo and audio cables used when connecting a VCR or a DVD player  Ethernet Used to transfer data from the control panel to the switcherUsed to transfer data from the control panel to the switcher

Cables cont. If you need replacement cables please contact the technology department so that we can ensure that you receive replacements that are district standard. This will ensure the high quality of the video and audio output.

VGA Cables The VGA cables are used to connect both the document camera as well as the computer to the wall inputs. A VGA cable also runs from the switcher unit, through the pole, to the projector.

VGA Splitter A VGA splitter is used to split the video signal so it will go to both the monitor as well as the VGA wall input. The monitor and VGA cable (for the wall input) are plugged into the splitter which is then plugged into the back of the computer.

Stereo Mini-Jack Cable These audio cables carry sound from the computer to the Pole Vault system. They are plugged into the green sound jack in the back of the computer.

RCA Cables The RCA cables are used to connect a VCR or a DVD player to the wall inputs. The cables include separate connections for video (yellow) and audio (red and white). A RCA video cable also runs from the switcher unit, through the pole, to the projector.

Ethernet Cables The video input controls convert the data to transfer over ethernet cables. You won’t actually see the cables as they run through the walls to the switcher unit.

Switcher The switcher is a device that is housed in the vault. This device controls the system, handling the switching between devices, converting the signals, and splitting out the audio to go to the speakers.

Projector The projector hangs from the ceiling and projects your videos and images on to the screen. The distance is calibrated to give you the largest viewing area possible.

Speakers High power speakers are placed in the corners of the room on either side of your screen. These speakers ensure that everyone will be able to follow along.

Why do I need a Pole Vault system? Pole Vaults offer a number of advantages over a table top projection system, including:  Minimization of cables/trip hazards  Ease of use  Higher quality video projection  Higher quality audio output  Minimization of shadows by teachers and students

Minimization of Wiring/Trip Hazards Because all cables are plugged into the control panel on the wall there is not a need to run cables across the floor to a projector on a cart/desk. From the control panel the wiring goes through the wall, across the ceiling, and then down through the pole to the projector.

Ease of Use With the Pole Vault system you can turn the system on and off, change the volume, and change the input device all from one central location. Switch to PC Switch to Doc Cam Switch to VCR/DVD Turn On/Off Change Volume

Higher Quality Video Projection The system converts the video signal to run across standard network cables, allowing it to travel farther without suffering signal degradation. This allows the control panel to be placed in a location that is convenient to the room set-up, not what is convenient for the projector.

Higher Quality Audio Output All of our Pole Vault systems include a sound system. This includes two large, wall mounted, speakers and a volume adjustment that is located on the control panel. This allows you to incorporate sound with your computer presentations and streaming videos, and is loud enough to be heard throughout the classroom. An MP3 player can also be attached to the system to provide background music.

Minimization of Shadows By hanging the projector from the ceiling we can reduce the shadows produced on screen when some one is standing in front of the screen. This is particularly useful when using a Smart Board™, as it makes it much easier to see where you are touching, or writing.

What kind of devices can I use with my Pole Vault system? There are a large number of devices that can be attached to a Pole Vault system. The most common configurations involve:  Computer  Document Camera  VCR or DVD player

Computer Attaching the computer to the Pole Vault system allows you to project what you are doing on your computer to the whole class. It also allows you to use interactive applications with your Smart Board™.

Attaching a Computer When attaching a computer you will need to use a VGA splitter. You can then attach a VGA cable as well as re-attach the monitor. You will also need a stereo audio cable. VGA Splitter To Monitor Stereo Audio Cable VGA Cable

Document Camera Attaching the document camera allows you to project anything that is put under the document camera lens. Because the Pole Vault system has two VGA inputs it allows you to hook up the document camera directly, without further splitting signal from the computer. This makes it easier to switch devices and improves video quality. Simply plug the VGA cable into the VGA out port on the document camera and then attach it to one of the VGA ports on the wall.

Attaching a Document Camera To attach a document camera simply plug in a VGA cable to the document camera, and attach it to the VGA input on the wall. VGA Cable

VCR or DVD Player RCA video/audio inputs allow you to attach a VCR, or a DVD player to the Pole Vault system. This allows you to project movies on to your viewing surface rather than having to rely on the TV.

Attaching a DVD or VCR A VCR or DVD player can be attached by plugging in the three-colored RCA cables into the back of the player and then plugging them into the wall panel. RCA Cables

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