The following instructions should be followed carefully in order to assure the best quality and most stable use of the audio-visual functionality of Adobe Connect:

• Audio-Visual Icons: After logging in, a row of four graphical icons can be found in the middle of the top row of the interface (see figure below). From left to right they are: speaker (listening), mic (speaking), camera (video), and gestures (raising hands, etc. ). The latter will be discussed later.
• Activating: if the icons are green, they are turned on and activated. If they are grey, they are not. In order to activate or deactivate an icon, you simply click on it. Note in the figure below that the speaker, mic, and camera icons are activated and and my image can be seen in the video pod.

MICROPHONE

• Audio Setup Wizard: Before using the microphone, it is advised to go through the Audio Setup Wizard, located in the Meeting drop down menu (see figure below). The Audio Setup Wizard will ensure that the speaker sound is working properly, the microphone is adjusted for volume level, and background noise will be checked to help with feedback issues. Each participant should follow the Audio Setup Wizard and make sure that everything is working properly before a session.

• Sound Preferences: If the microphone is not working, check the sound configuration in the Mac OS system preferences and be sure that microphone input is set to the built-in mic. The figure below indicates what this should look like in the Mac OS Sound preferences.  Check the input level and be sure the sound does is not too high (all the way to the right). The correct volume is around the middle when speaking normally (see figure below.

• Adjust Microphone Volume: It is also advised to check the microphone level in Adobe Connect (see figure below). This will help to balance the volume levels of all participants, to avoid conversation that is either too loud or too soft.

• Volume Setting: The same rule of thumb applies: be sure the level is approximately in the middle when speaking normally. If it is too high, the sound will be distorted. Again, it is advised to go through this procedure before each class so that all presenters have audio levels that match one another, insuring a quality flow of conversation and presentation.

WEBCAM

• Activating and Previewing: In order to use a webcam, first be sure to activate the camera icon by clicking on it so that it is green, as shown above. A “Preview” window will then appear (see figure below). This previews the camera image before going live. Then click on “Start Sharing” and the camera will begin transmitting an image.

• Flash Settings: Occasionally it may be necessary to adjust the settings of the Flash plugin, the software that provides the underlying structure for Adobe Connect. For example, there may be a prompt to “Allow” the built-in camera or microphone’s use by Adobe Connect. Always say allow. In order to avoid this question, and to troubleshoot potential audio-visual issues, particularly for more advanced users with multiple microphones or cameras, access the Flash plugin by control clicking on most areas of the interface, such as the top dark grey bar (see figure below), where a dropdown menu appears with “Settings” and “Global Settings.”

• Adjusting the Flash Settings: Open up “Settings” and the “Adobe Flash Player Settings” will be displayed for the camera, microphone, etc. Click on the icon in the bottom row, second from the left, which is the “Privacy” settings, where the “Allow” checkbox is located, which allows Adobe Connect to use the built-in camera and microphone. Be sure to check “Allow” and “Remember” (see figure below). Then click on “Close” to put away the menu. It should not be necessary to do this again. However, if ever there are problems with the camera or microphone, and the solution can’t be found in the Connect settings, check the Flash settings and be sure they are set to the specific configuration of your system.