Using External Disc Players in Creighton Hall

How to Steps

 

Purpose: This guide provides instructions for connecting an external disc drive to a lectern computer and playing a standard DVD or CD using VLC Media Player.

*Note – The players will not play Blu-ray discs*

Please contact Rebecca Murray with inquiries about obtaining a drive. 

Hardware Setup

  1. Connect the Drive: Locate the external USB disc drive. Plug its USB cable firmly into the designated port on the lectern and the back of the disc drive.
  2. Insert Disc: Press the eject button on the front of the drive to open it. Place your disc inside, label-side up, and press the tray to close it.

Software Playback

  1. Open VLC: Double-click the VLC Media Player icon on the computer's desktop.
  2. Navigate to Open Disc Menu: At the top-left of the VLC window, click on the Media menu item. From the dropdown list, select Open Disc.
  3. Select Disc and Play: A new window will appear.
    • Under "Disc Selection," confirm that DVD is the selected option. (If you are playing a music CD, select Audio CD).
    • Click the Play button at the bottom of the window.
  4. Go Fullscreen (Optional): Once the video is playing, move your mouse to the bottom of the screen to show the controls. Click the Fullscreen button ([  ]) in the bottom left to expand the video. You can press the Esc key to exit fullscreen mode.

Troubleshooting

  • The disc doesn't play or an error appears:
    • Check Connections: Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged into both the drive and the lectern. Try a different USB cable if available.
    • Dirty or Scratched Disc: Check the bottom of the disc for fingerprints or scratches. Wipe it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center outwards.
    • Restart VLC: Close VLC completely and re-open it.
  • There is video but no sound:
    • Check Lectern Audio: Make sure the master volume on the lectern's control panel is turned up and not muted.
    • Check VLC Audio: In VLC, check the volume slider in the bottom right corner and make sure it is not muted (an 'x' will appear by the speaker icon).
    • Check Windows PC Audio: In the bottom-right corner of the Windows taskbar (by the clock), click the speaker icon. Ensure the volume is turned up and not muted.
  • Playback is choppy or stuttering:
    • Close any other open applications (e.g., web browsers, PowerPoint) to free up system resources.

 

 

 

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