Health Sciences Libraries and Information
Center

Reserves -- Audiovisual Equipment Guide

The Learning Commons is where we direct our users to go to watch course lecture tapes and use audiovisual equipment for individual or group use. Audiovisual equipment includes VHS VCRs, slide projectors, x-ray viewers, audio cassette players, headphones, and a laser disc player. VCRs are located in all of the study rooms. Other AV equipment is located on the reserves shelves. Use of the equipment is restricted to use within the library. Videos can be viewed in the library without checking them out.

HOW TO HOOK UP THE TV and VCR

1. Make sure equipment is on a table or cart
2. Plug the VCR and TV powers cords into the wall outlet
3. Connect one end of the cable to the “Video In” connector on the TV
4. Connect the other end of the cable to the “Video Out” connector on the VCR
5. Connect one end of the cable to the “Audio In” connector on the TV
6. Connect the other end of the cable to the “Audio Out” connector on the VCR
7. Turn on the power switches for the VCR and TV to check to see if the connection works

AUDIOVISUAL MAINTENANCE

Basic AV maintenance will be performed once a week during the busy times of the quarter, then twice a month during the slower periods by reserve staff. Tools for cleaning can be found in the department in a box labeled “VCR CLEANING KIT.” For instructions on how to clean the VCR heads manually go to http://www.diyvcrparts.com/clean.html. Regular maintenance includes:

Check TV/VCR equipment to make sure everything is connected and working

Clean TV screens

Gather stray slide projectors, tape players, and other AV from throughout the library and put them back in the reserve area

Check all AV equipment to make sure that it is clean and in good working order

WHEN THE VCR BREAKS

Refer to the troubleshooting guide below or put an out of order sign on malfunctioning equipment and notify reserves staff for follow-up.

Trouble Corrections

Tape will not load	Recycle power by unplugging the power and reconnecting after about two minutes
Problems with de-threading on ejection, Tracking problems	Clean heads and tape path. Use alcohol and Kim wipes, or head cleaning cassette.
Cassette won’t eject	Pull the VCR power plug for about 30 seconds; and then plug it back again. This sends a reset pulse to the CPU. If it was locked up, this procedure will fix it.
Jittery unstable picture; white or black line in picture	Clean heads or service VCR
Blue screen on TV	Check video select button/box, make sure it corresponds with cable to video line
For other problems	Refer to the trouble shooter guide website

VCR and AUDIOVISUAL RESOURCES

University Libraries Media Center

Patrick O’Reilly 543-6051

Support Services Equipment Consultation and Repair

Ray Carlson 543-9924

Copyright&#169 1999 UW Health Sciences Libraries

Comments to: hsl@u.washington.edu

Last Updated: February 24, 2002