Classrooms get new projectors and mics for Fall 2018

The quality and reliability of audiovisual equipment can make the difference between an enjoyable class and a frustrating one for both instructors and students. The Teaching and Learning Spaces Working Group (TLSWG), is a collaboration between members from McGill IT Services, Teaching and Learning Services, Libraries, Enrolment Services, University Services, all Faculties, students and others, which meets regularly to assess classroom technology and plan improvements each year.

This summer, the TLSWG funded two major initiatives that promise to significantly enhance the quality of your audiovisual experience: 125 new digital wireless microphones, and over 90 high-tech projectors.

Replacement of wireless microphones

In 125 classrooms across campus, old analog wireless microphones were replaced with modern Shure QLX-D digital wireless microphones.

They offer several benefits:

• Greatly improved sound quality, compared to previous generation mics;
• More transmission channels means less interference from nearby classrooms;
• User-friendly channel selection;
• Longer battery life, with remaining battery life indicator;
• Kits come with spare battery and charger that can be used in an electrical outlet or USB.

The new mics are also compatible with the new radio frequency bands supported by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

"The microphone worked very well for me. It was every easy to use. I think I had to change the batteries once during the semester."

Professor Junko Shimoyama,
Associate Professor, Dept. of Linguistics

Instructors: pick up your mic kit today
If your classroom uses wireless microphones (verify the equipment supported in your classroom), pick up your new wireless mic kit from the AV Loans counter. No appointment is needed.

Downtown location:
688 Sherbrooke, room 285
Telephone: 514-398-8833
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 4:45 pm

Macdonald campus:
Laird Hall, Room LH-199A
Telephone: 514-398-7896
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

94 new Panasonic data projectors

Students and instructors will surely notice the improved quality of projected images in classrooms, thanks to the 94 brand new Panasonic model PT-MZ570 LCD projectors that were installed this summer.

Beyond the technical specifications, listed in the table below, these new projectors will provide:

• Brighter and sharper images regardless of room lighting;
• Intelligent light-source control (reduces power output in dim rooms);
• Faster power up / power down;
• Improved reliability (fewer issues, lower maintenance);
• Environmentally friendly "Eco" filter, which traps dust particles, has longer replacement life (20,000 hours) and can be washed and reused

Comparison between new and old projectors:

We would like to extend a big thank you to Teaching and Learning Services for being a key champion for this initiative, from approval to funding.