BennyG

We are in Birmingham and have used HTS https://hts-av.com/ for a number of years, they have also supplied and fitted CTOUCH for us. They're based in Pershore so relatively local, ask for Matt or Andy.

Hi, We have a few older MX panels. Our PCs are connected to HDMI1 and the USB1, not aware of any issues. However we did have a similar issue with a ViewSonic which would only work on input 2. Not sure if there is a way to pass the audio through without the screen being on - would be useful! In rooms where this was required (MFL, music) we have left amps and speakers in place. There should be an option in System settings > System where the default HDMI input can be selected. There is also an option there to turn off the Smart IQ system as well.

We moved from an old Strand desk as well. Generally happy with the QuickQ 20 - relatively easy to set up, decent touch screen as well as conventional faders and regular firmware updates. There's a iPad app for wireless control of the desk and PC app for offline show set up/testing etc. They also have a setup and training videos online.

We recently upgraded our dimmers to Vari-lite/Zero 88 Betapack 4. These provide both 'hot power' for LEDs and dimmable power using the existing cabling/lanterns - assuming the cabling is all good/depending on what's been condemned? This also included DMX to each bar via a DMX splitter/buffer. For control we went with a Chamsys QuickQ 20. This has given us a hybrid mix of older (but still in good condition tungsten) and LEDs.

Hi, Just a thought and I am probably wrong - Is there any video content in the PowerPoint presentation? Could it be some sort of over keen HDCP protection in ZoomIn? Also, is the Smartboard and GX series?

We've got similar problems with projectors and panels (although mainly panels) defaulting back to PC screen only from Duplicate when a user logs in/switches user or exits a PowerPoint slide show. I spoke to Ctouch and apparently the PowerPoint slideshow issue is an Windows issue affecting several manufacturers? We also found an Windows Update in July that was interfering with the AMD drivers, just to help matters. In the meantime we are putting HDMI splitters in so the pc monitor and panel are sharing the same output - so far, so good but not ideal for anyone who wants to use extended desktop.

Not sure if this is any help, we had similar connection issues with other brands of panel - although we don't use Ilyama. In a few cases we needed to change the EDID or HDMI setting (depending on the menu options) on the panel from either Auto or 2 down to 1.4 - not sure if there's a similar setting on the Ilyama? We also found some makes of panel are very particular with HDMI cable type - generally settled with premium high speed between faceplate and panel.

We use Vision Techconnect face plates/modules that clip along with right angle connectors. If a cable gets pulled, snagged or snapped more often than not the module will take the impact - usually a five minute job to swap over the module.

Hi, This popup problem just started happening for us after installing the latest version. Previous versions seemed to be ok...

I would check out Epson LCD UST projectors, reliable and the lamps really aren't that expensive (£60 approx) when out of warranty. Personally I would avoid DLP, we had a few DLP projectors and they all needed to replaced at some point within the warranty period - mainly failing chips. As a side note we have a few panels but our staff seem to prefer to have a larger screen/projection area and IWB combo. The cost of a 80" inch panel compared to a new UST with decent warranty is still too high.

Update - after some testing our IT department have narrowed this down to the a group policy linked to latest 4Matrix release... Very strange!

Hi! We've checked the Smart Ink settings and Windows Ink has already been disabled in Group Policy. We're still working with our IT department (we're audio visual) to look at any other Group Policy changes that may have been recently added/changed.

Hi - We have a problem where the Smart Ink PowerPoint plugin isn't loading when switching to slideshow in PowerPoint 2016 on Windows 10. This seem to be affecting all classroom PC's on a variety of Smartboards. We have downloaded the latest version and driver from Smart (Driver 12.10, Ink 5.3 September 11 2018) and Windows looks to be up to date. The Smart Ink Add-In is enabled and is loading successfully in PowerPoint (this had been a problem in the past). Smart Ink also works perfectly on the desktop and within Smart Notebook just doesn't switch to the Powerpoint plugin when in a full slideshow. Hope that makes sense? Has anyone else come across this?

Hi, Not sure if this is any help but we recently moved to the Audio Technica System 10 digital wireless units. So far so good - pretty easy to use, no drop outs or licenses to worry about. Previously had problems with drop outs and interference on both licensed and license free units.

Hi - Worth looking at Turning Leaf. Might be a bit pricey but good quality.

Hi, We had several of these older height adjustable Promethean +2 systems/Sanyo Xe40s, our installers managed to remount the board and speakers without the height adjustable set up and added a Epson ultrashort throw. I think RA Technology also make retrofit mounts for these Promethean systems. One thing I would add is that when converting from standard to ultra short throw on to an older Promethean boards we have found a slight curve at the bottom of image - almost like the bottom of the board has warped/isn't flat.

More info can be found here - https://www.yardleys-vle.com/course/view.php?id=8

I would also recommend Ezdrummer 2. It's also worth looking at Addictive Drums 2. The demo version runs with no time limit but on a reduced kit with only kick, snare, hi-hat and crash.

E-Learning Technician

The biggest factor for us was the screen size - we needed something to replace older 79 inch boards, Benq do a 79 inch whereas Vividtouch went from either 65 to 85 (which was a bit too big and expensive). Couldn't really tell much difference in terms of quality - the numbers of point of touch seems to vary (still enough either way), connectivity was good on both, the Benq 79 is 4K which is nice but not essential. Would most likely go for a Smart branded panel next time as some staff do miss the Smart Ink tools. We did look at Sahara, again these looked like good panels but we didn't want to add another piece of software to the existing Smart and Promethean we currently have.

Hi, We have a Smart E70 here, works great apart from the volume is very weak. We ended up adding a sound bar to ours. Since then we looked at Benq and Vividtouch as these come with Smart Notebook. One thing to note is that Smart Ink may not work on non Smart manufactured panels as it requires Smart hardware connected.

Hi, Worth giving these guys a call Central Theatre Supplies

Hi, What make and model is the desk? Have you tried connecting each output from your stereo source to a mono channel and panning these Left and Right? Hope that makes sense!?

Might be a bit late to the thread but from what I remember Pro-Tools SE is the older, very basic bundled version of Pro-Tools, not sure if you can upgrade from this. Pro-Tools 11 is the all singing all, dancing version and is a great piece of software but may not be the cheapest depending on the number of licenses. I guess it all depends on what the students are looking to produce (basic midi sequencing or multiple audio tracks etc)? In my experience ASIO4ALL is good at making on board audio usable to but does have its limitations once you start adding multiple audio tracks, virtual instruments and effects, hence the eventual need for external audio on both PC and Macs.

Hi, Not sure if this will help but we had a similar problem where presets and sounds were missing. The solution we found was during install there is an option to 'customize', within this there is tick box for 'Install for anyone who uses this computer (all users)'. Selecting this sorted the problem.