Phoenix College Presents IPLink
The Phoenix College Media Services department has deployed a state of the art, web-controlled media device to allow them to better and more efficiently support technology in the classrooms. The device, IP link, is designed especially to control and troubleshoot projectors, DVD/VCR units, computers and other devices remotely. The unit will network any media device that can be controlled by remote together allowing for all the media devices to be controlled from a single location.
To take fullest advantage of the tool, Phoenix College's Media Services department has also created a web-controlled Graphical User Interface (GUI) for this unit that can be accessed from anywhere. This not only grants the Media Services staff more mobility when troubleshooting, but also empowers the instructors to troubleshoot devices themselves from their computer. Media Services also installs a special remote control panel in the instructor's desk, giving them the ability to operate the room's equipment without the need for many different remotes.
Among the benefits of the system is that the department can solve common equipment problems quickly without leaving their desk, as well as improved security. The system can alert Media Services and Campus Security when a device has been disconnected from the system, using either email or text messages sent to a cell phone or pager.