loped as functional standards
for Yale University learning spaces. Media Services will alter specific equipment
standards based on current technology trends and product availability, however, the
operational outline of the Tiers will remain within established parameters. All systems
are monitored remotely over the university network by Media Services and each clearly
displays contact information in the event that assistance is required. Media Services
provides room specific details, such as necessary screen size for proper viewing,
projector requirements, audio system and signal flow diagrams, using industry accepted
standards to ensure that each learning space is adequately equipped. The following
sections describe the operational features of the four system levels developed by Yale
Media Services.



Tier 1
Display with source interface and control

Tier 1 systems are intended for classrooms in which laptop presentations are primarily
utilized. There is no installed source equipment (computer, DVD, VHS deck) in a Tier 1
system. The system does allow the user to connect a laptop through VGA and mini audio
connectors and/or an AV playback device such as DVD, VHS deck, iPod, or camcorder
through an Auxiliary Input with standard RCA video and audio jacks. Additional
features include an Ethernet cable (for connecting to the university network) and
VGA/audio cable (for laptop connections). A ceiling mounted digital projector with an
electric projection screen and two wall mounted speakers is considered the standard
output configuration for Tier 1 installations. The use of a plasma screen with built in
speakers may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. All Tier 1 systems are
controlled by a convenient, wall mounted interface that easily allows for control of
system power, selection of the source to be projected, video mute control and program
audio volume.

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Tier 2
Display with laptop interface, playback devices and control

Tier 2 systems are the standard installation package for FAS seminar style classrooms.
These systems employ the use of a rolling equipment rack (22W x 23D footprint) with
a 25 x 25 laminate top at a height of 35, to house equipment and provide a work
surface for a laptop or notes. The standard Tier 2 system has a DVD player (multi-
region), laptop input, Auxiliary Computer Input, Auxiliary AV Input (with standard RCA
video and audio jacks) and a control interface. Additional convenience features of an
electrical outlet, Ethernet cable (for connecting to the university network), VGA/audio
cable (for laptop connections) and storage drawer are also installed in the equipment rack
with the capacity for additional computer and/or media playback devices to easily be
added to the standard system. A ceiling mounted digital projector with an electric
projection screen and two wall mounted speakers is considered the standard output
configuration for Tier 2 installations, though the use of a plasma screen with built in
speakers may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. All Tier 2 systems are
controlled by a convenient, easy to use, back lit button panel mounted at a comfortable
viewing angle on the top of the rack. The button panel allows for control of system
power, selection of source for projection, video mute control and program audio volume.


Tier 3
Digital projection and lectern with laptop interface, playback devices and control

Tier 3 systems are the standard installation package for FAS lecture style classrooms.
These systems utilize a custom built lectern (32W x 30D x 45H), finished to match the
paneling or furniture of the specific classroom. A DVD player (multi-region) and
installed desktop computer are mounted in the lectern with the capacity for additional
media playback devices to easily be added to the standard system. One side of the lectern
offers a extended surface height work space from a recessing, fold down shelf while the
other has a pull out shelf at 31 (ADA recommended) with an additional laptop VGA,
audio and network connection point. The top of the lectern is a level surface with
adequate space for a laptop and notes. The dashboard of the lectern includes an LCD
monitor for the installed computer, a pass-through grommet with laptop connections, a
power outlet and a control touch panel interface. In addition to the two laptop
connections, the built in equipment rack also has an Auxiliary Computer Input and an
Auxiliary AV Input (with standard RCA video and audio jacks). A ceiling mounted
digital projector with an electric projection screen and two wall mounted speakers is
considered the standard output configuration for Tier 3 installations. A voice
reinforcement system is utilized with both a lectern mounted goose neck microphone and
a wireless lavaliere microphone through ceiling mounted loudspeakers. All Tier 3
systems are controlled by a touch panel interface mounted within the dashboard of the
lectern. The interface allows for control of system power, selection of source for
projection, video mute control and audio volume.

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Tier 4
Multiple projection system with teaching station, playback devices and control

Tier 4 systems are specialized, larger scale lecture hall and auditorium systems that
utilize multiple projection screens and projectors. Source devices include a DVD player
(multi-region), document camera, installed desktop computer, Auxiliary Computer Input,
Auxiliary AV Input (with standard RCA video and audio jacks) and a laptop interface.
The LCD monitor for the installed computer may optionally be an annotation device to
allow for writing onto computer source material, projected onto the screen in real time.
The teaching station may be a custom lectern or presentation table with equipment
mounted in an equipment rack, the teaching station or both. A voice reinforcement
system is utilized with both a lectern mounted goose neck microphone and a wireless
lavaliere microphone through ceiling mounted loudspeakers. All Tier 4 systems are
controlled through a touch panel display which allows for easy routing of any source to
any or all screens. Standard Tier 4 systems are available in one of three projection
configurations:
Tier 4.A: Two screens, side by side, lowered to standard projection height. These
systems are primarily used for compare and contrast discussions or cause and effect
analysis utilizing two sources.
Tier 4.B: Three screens total, two side by side which are above the writing surface in their
lowered position and mounted behind one large single screen which lowers to standard
projection height. These systems are operated either with the two smaller screens
projecting information to be used with material on the writing surface, or with one large
image that covers the writing surface to become the primary information source.
Tier 4.C: Three screens, side by side with the two side screens generally smaller and
angled slightly in for better sight lines. Ceiling height, writing surface height and slope
of the seating rake dictate whether the center screen covers the writing surface. This
system offers the most flexibility of the standard Tier systems; however, to successfully
accomplish a proper installation, Tier 4.C systems are also the most demanding of room
size, ceiling height and audience seating details.