Connectivity
To find the right connectivity solution for your device, use the images shown below to identify the connector(s) available to be used by your device.
Most Centrally Timetabled Rooms come with HDMI, VGA and 3.5mm audio jack connectivity. If you do not have any of these connections on your device then you will need an adapter for your device.
We are also passionate about providing innovative solutions and easy ways for users to connect to AV systems through Solstice, our wireless connectivity offering.
Please check the list of Centrally Timetabled Rooms to see what the exact connection types exist within each space.
Apple MacBooks can be connected to the inbuilt AV systems used in our lecture theatres and small group teaching spaces.
Adapters
We have produced the following guidance in relation to the wide range of adapters that can be used to link your laptop or portable device to our lecterns.
Enhancements
There have been several improvements to the way we connect and display devices over the last decade. Developments in wireless capabilities have seen the successful implementation of Solstice Wireless Casting across campus to display portable devices such as phones, tablets and laptops on in-room displays without the use of cables.
AV Services are now looking to trial the installation of a multi adapter ring in all Oculus spaces to see if this implementation would be helpful to users connecting external devices. As more devices are now using USB Type-C as a primary connectivity method, we feel this solution provides a transitional method of connectivity until existing standards of HDMI connectivity are superseded. Ultimately, we hope to eventually reduce the requirement for individuals and departments to purchase and bring their own adapters from a convenience, cost, and environmental standpoint.
Proposals aim to trial the addition of the Kramer AD-Ring-5 onto the existing HDMI cable as a method to widen connectivity options within centrally timetable spaces. The addition of the adapter ring provides connectivity offerings within the Oculus for devices with:
Should this enhancement prove successful then a wider rollout across more areas will be suggested to the Teaching and Learning Space Development Group.
Centrally Timetabled Room Connectivity
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) sends picture & audio down one cable and can deliver higher resolution ‘High Definition’ signal to a HD display. Typically, wired HDMI signal are limited to 15 metres.
Using this connection in a centrally timetabled room will connect both audio and video with the inbuilt system.
A Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector is a 15-pin video only connector that is mainly used for computer video output to transmit graphics or media from source to display like monitor, TV, projector. VGA utilizes analog signals, which means it's only capable of lower resolutions and a lower quality display on screens. This offering is designed to be combined with the 3.5mm Jack connection to connect audio as well.
Using this connection in a centrally timetabled room will connect only video with the inbuilt system.
A small round connector for accepting the pin-shaped plug from a standard pair of headphones. This connection size typically supports stereo sound and/or a microphone, depending on the number of separate connector rings on the plug or jack. This offering is designed to be combined with the VGA connection to connect video as well.
Using this connection in a centrally timetabled room will connect only audio with the inbuilt system.
This is primarily used for the connectivity of storage devices or peripherals such as webcams, keyboard or mouse.
Please be aware, currently the University is reviewing its policy of allowing the USB connection type to access storage devices on University managed devices, including within Centrally Timetabled Rooms. Please see the latest updates here.
Other types of connection (Not provided in Centrally Timetabled Rooms)
USB-C is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. USB Type-C can be used to input high-definition video into multiple monitors. It also used within adapters to many portable devices to interface between existing connections.
If your device uses this connection you will need an adapter.
DisplayPort (DP) is a digital audio and video interface. Its connections come in two varieties: standard, and the smaller Mini DisplayPort. DisplayPort cables are very similar to HDMI but DisplayPort is more common in high-end devices that require higher resolutions or refresh rates.
If your device uses this connection you will need an adapter.
Mini DisplayPort uses a smaller plug and socket than the full-size DisplayPort. The Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP) was the foundation for the Thunderbolt interface on Apple devices. Mini DisplayPort devices will work with a Thunderbolt-enabled computer, but Thunderbolt devices will not work with a DisplayPort computer.
If your device uses this connection you will need an adapter.
The main function of an Ethernet port is to create an Ethernet connection so that your device can communicate within a network. Ethernet connections can be created between computers, servers, switches, hubs, routers, modems, gaming consoles, printers and much more.
Typically these ports operate at speeds between 100MBIT and 1000MBIT (1GBIT) and will offer a faster and more stable network connection when compared to WiFi.
This is not an offering in a Centrally Timetabled Teaching Room but is a useful feature to have on your device to create fast and reliable speeds in the office or at home.
