University of Minnesota Office of Classroom Management
Office of Undergraduate Education
http://classroom.umn.edu

Using HDMI in OCM Classrooms

laptop(For printable instructions, click here.)

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital connection capable of transmitting high-definition video and audio through a single cable. For a list of classrooms that have HDMI source options, click here.

How do I use HDMI?

  • Connect the HDMI cable in the tech pocket at the instructor station to the HDMI port in your laptop (or use the Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter connected to the HDMI cable).
  • Select the “HDMI Laptop” source button on the control panel.
  • When the button stops blinking, start the laptop. Note: If the HDMI source produces inadequate display, use the VGA connection. Using the VGA connection may require a user-provided adapter.

Control panel, with

iPads and other devices not using the Mini DisplayPort adapter:
  • Connect HDMI cable in the tech pocket at the instructor station to the user-supplied adapter. Connect the adapter to your laptop.
  • Select the “HDMI Laptop” source button on the control panel.
  • When the button stops blinking, start the laptop.
    Note: If the HDMI source produces inadequate display or no audio, use the VGA connection. Using the VGA connection may require a user-provided adapter.

Why should I use HDMI?

  • Better overall quality digital display, especially useful for high-resolution images or video
  • Only need to connect a single cable for transmitting both audio and video
  • Uses an easier cable, less prone to damage than a VGA cable
  • Little or no user adjustments are needed after connection, as devices using HDMI typically sense other devices and automatically adjust to the proper resolution. However, rooms with multiple projectors will not currently distribute video from Apple devices using HDMI
  • As HDMI becomes more standardized, more content and devices are created for this type of compact and simple display connection.

An HDMI cable

Which classrooms currently have an HDMI source option?

  • Akerman Hall: 209 and 319
  • Amundson Hall: All classrooms except B75
  • Anderson Hall: 250, 270, 310, 350, and 370
  • Biological Sciences: 12
  • Blegen Hall: All classrooms
  • Burton Hall: All classrooms
  • Carlson School of Management: L-114, L-118, 1-123, 1-127, 1-132, 1-135, 1-136, 1-142, 1-143, 1-147, 1-149, 2-213, 2-215, 2-219, 2-224, 2-228, and 2-233
  • Cooke Hall: Rooms 206, 214, and 215
  • Folwell Hall: All classrooms
  • Food Science and Nutrition: 15
  • Ford Hall: B60 and 170
  • Hodson Hall: 495
  • Humphrey Center: 15, 20*, 25*, 30, 35, and 60
  • Kaufert Lab: 302
  • Kolthoff Hall: All classrooms
  • Lind Hall: All classrooms except 215
  • McNeal Hall: 10, 144, 146, and 395
  • Magrath Library: All classrooms
  • Mechanical Engineering: 102, 108, 212, and 221
  • Murphy Hall: 214 and 228
  • Peik Hall: 215 and 225
  • Ruttan Hall: B25, B26, B35, B36, and B45
  • Smith Hall: 100*
  • Tate Lab of Physics: 150*

 

cable

*The success of connecting Apple laptops and iPads via HDMI varies with classroom infrastructure. Rooms with multiple projectors will not currently distribute HDMI video from Apple devices. Use the VGA connection when the HDMI source selection does not produce adequate results.

Will HDMI connections be deployed to all classrooms?

No. While the goal is to equip as many classrooms as possible with HDMI, not all buildings or rooms have the technical infrastructure to support high-definition output. Many other factors (such as user demand, budget, and technology evolution) will also determine whether HDMI connections are capable of being installed during technology upgrades. OCM will review each room for possible HDMI capability during the room’s scheduled technology lifecycle review.

Will VGA display connections be discontinued from classrooms?

OCM Projection-Capable Classroom systems use VGA connections as their standard computer video interface. As the computer industry transitions to digital connections such as HDMI, OCM has begun to offer HDMI connections in classroom technology systems alongside the current standard VGA connections. OCM will continue to evaluate computer connection standards as the industry evolves.

Windows PC laptops have traditionally used the VGA connection for video signals to monitors and projectors. As the computer industry transitions to all-digital connections, HDMI ports are becoming more common on Windows laptop computers. While some laptops continue to offer the legacy VGA connection along with the newer HDMI connection, we anticipate that VGA connections will be discontinued in the near future. OCM has not found satisfactory methods of converting HDMI to VGA on most PC laptop computers.

If you have questions about using HDMI in general purpose classrooms, please contact the Classroom Support Hotline at 612-625-1086 or ocmhelp@umn.edu.