If you have instructed or presented in an LSA classroom, you are familiar with the color-coded cables used to connect a laptop to the projection system. The color-coded cables were originally designed to give multiple options for connections (HDMI, USB-C, PC DisplayPort, or Mini DisplayPort), regardless of what type of laptop instructors and presenters were using. This initial design had users use matching colored cables to connect: If you plug the purple USB-C cable into your laptop, you simply plug the purple HDMI cable into the podium to connect to the projection system.
However, as more instructors started using newer laptops, the color-coded cables posed unique challenges. Most instructors use the HDMI or USB-C cables, and the four bulky color-coded cables started taking up unnecessary space and causing stress for those wanting to use the projection system. In addition, LSA Technology Services noticed more calls for help from instructors that use newer Apple MacBooks. Some of the newer Macbooks will not let an image through to the projector using the USB-C to HDMI cable or the image will come through distorted. As a result, these instructors had to get expensive converters to ensure their laptop would connect properly to the projection system.
With all of this in mind, LSA Technology Services has designed and started implementing a new cable bundle. The new bundle still gives the popular HDMI or USB-C options, but in just one cable. Instructors can simply plug in the HDMI to their laptop or use the tethered converter to use the USB-C option.
The new cable is smaller, higher-quality, and less expensive. Only three feet in length and slimmer, the new system takes up significantly less podium space. The new cable is designed for upgraded 8K processing speed, enabling a higher-quality connection to the projection system. In addition, when the color-coded cables need to be replaced, it will be less expensive to replace them with just one three-foot HDMI cable and one converter instead of buying multiple cables and converters as more instructors transition to newer laptops.
If you are an instructor who still uses the PC DisplayPort (blue) or Mini DisplayPort (orange) cables and are teaching in a room with the new cable system, you can contact LSA Technology Services for help. We will provide whatever cable you need to take with you to classrooms.
LSA Technology Services has currently implemented the new cable system in 10 classrooms, and so far has received positive feedback that it reduces clutter on the podium and resolves the issue with newer Apple MacBooks. We are working on implementing the new cable system in classrooms during the summer with plans to complete the project by the beginning of the fall semester. We are excited to see this new system of connection improve the ease and experience of technology in the classroom! If you have questions or feedback, reach out to [email protected].
