Introduction to Visualizers
Visualizers allow you to display a physical item on your PC/Laptop or projector screen, these devices can come in a variety of shapes but often look like the below example:
Fig 1. Example visualizer.
Connecting to your Visualizer
Visualizers will use some variation of USB cable to connect to your PC/Laptop or docking station. Usually this will have already been connected by your IT team, however if you find you need to plug it in manually you will be using a standard USB cable in your laptop and either a USB-B or a Mini USB for the Visualizer end (see image below.) Simply plug it into a free USB port and you are good to go!
Fig 2. USB to USB Mini cable.
Software for your Visualizer
The simplest and easiest way to use your visualizer on your computer is to use the built in "Camera" app as this functions as an easy to use display for your visualizer. You can find this either in your start menu or by searching "camera" in the search box within it.
Fig 3. Camera app through Windows 11 search.
With the app open, it may default to any of the cameras connected to your device which include the built-in webcam on most laptops. To change this, simply use the "change camera" button in the top right as detailed in the screenshot below.
Fig 4. Visualizer output through camera app.
All you need to do now is display this window on your projector screen for your class to see whatever you put underneath the visualizer.
FAQ
Q: I do not see the change camera button?
A: The button does not appear if there is not more than 1 camera connected to it. Please check the cable and ensure that the visualizer is connected to the PC.
Q: The image is very dark.
A: Some visualizers will come with a light to help illuminate the document shown. Please look for an "LED" button on your visualizer to enable or disable this.
Q: What is Sphere2?
A: Sphere2 is a software that comes with some Aver visualizer models, whilst this software does work it has known compatibility issues with Windows 11, and we would recommend you use the built-in camera app where possible.
If you have any problems please contact the IT support team.
Email – [email protected].uk
Phone – 0121 8177000