Troubleshooting Elluminate
From WikEd
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Feedback Problems
This is almost always caused by having more than one microphone and/or set of speakers operating at the same time. This can happen if more than one computer in the same room is logged in to Elluminate (such as in a lab or classroom setting). Elluminate automatically mutes the speakers on the computer with the active microphone, but can't mute the speakers on the other computers (otherwise no one logged in on a remote computer could hear). Active microphone on one computer + speakers on another = feedback.
Here are some ways to avoid feedback problems:
- If possible, make sure that everyone who's logged in to Elluminate in the same physical room is using a headset.
- If you need to use external speakers rather than a headset (e.g. you're presenting to a face-to-face class or conference, and want people who aren't logged in to Elluminate to hear the conversation), you MUST mute the microphone and speakers (or turn down the volume all the way) on ALL the other computers. You can do that either using the normal Windows/Mac volume controls, or by using the audio sliders in Elluminate itself (this is the recommended procedure). If you're using any kind of external speaker system, all presenters should speak into the microphone connected to the computer with the speakers. Any other configuration is likely to cause trouble.
- If everyone is using a headset but you're still getting feedback or poor audio quality (particularly low volume), Elluminate may be using a different microphone from the one you think it is. Most of CTER's video cameras, including the Apple iSight and the Logitech "ball on a stick" camera, have built-in microphones. In addition, most current Macintosh computers (including CTER's iMacs and iBooks) have yet another built-in microphone. To change the audio source, first go to Tools, then Audio Setup:
Next, make sure that the headset mic is selected rather than one of the others:
Using Advanced Sound Devices
When using multichannel audio interfaces be sure to check interface both in the operating systems set up and and in Elluminate. Some interfaces work in the operating system and other applications but will not work in Elluminate even when selected. For example on the a Mac using a M-Audio ProjectMix firewire interface audio was present and working in SYSTEM PREFERENCES - SOUND. Once in Elluminate performing the Audio Setup, the input audio was not present. This is a serious limitation especially when multiple people could be at one site, but there's only computer on the internet. Multiple mics should be able to be mixed down with the multichannel interface to allow for optimum mic placement. This doesn't seem to be the case. More testing and research need to be done, I'll keep this updated.
Video problems
If Elluminate won't let you turn on the video, make sure that the camera shutter is open. Many computer cameras (including the iSight) have some sort of shutter mechanism which can be closed for privacy. The iSight shutter is white; if you see white when you look into the camera, rather than a glass lens, the shutter is closed. Turn the shutter control ring on the front of the camera clockwise to open the shutter, or counterclockwise to close it.
