OVERVIEW
Target audience: McGill faculty, staff, and students who wish to present wirelessly in classrooms and conference rooms equipped with Crestron AirMedia. For more information and instructions on classroom audiovisual equipment, consult the Classroom AV Information.
Crestron AirMedia allows users to share content wirelessly from their computers, tablets, and phones to display screens in classrooms or conference rooms. In addition, two users can share simultaneously to the same screen using AirMedia Canvas.
In this article:
- Starting up the display and selecting Wireless or Screen Sharing
- Downloading the AirMedia Client application on your computer or mobile device
- Connecting your device
- Using the Wireless Presentation controls
- Using AirMedia Canvas
- Extended mode (only available on Mac)
- Disconnecting and Shutting down
- Additional references
Starting up the display and selecting Wireless or Screen Sharing
McGill classroom audiovisual equipment is controlled by a Crestron control panel. Some of these panels are touchscreens, while others have analog push-button panels without a touchscreen interface.
If using a room with a touchscreen Crestron, select Presentation Mode, then Wireless or Screen sharing.
Select Wireless or Screen Sharing.
If using an analog Crestron control panel, press Wireless.
NOTE:
Some rooms, such as in the New Model of Work (NMW) pilot offices, are equipped with Smartboards with integrated Crestrons. In these rooms, activate AirMedia by turning on the Smartboard, selecting Input, then AirMedia.
After a few seconds, you should see the AirMedia Welcome screen on the room’s display screen. The web address and connection code will be displayed either in the top banner or lower left-hand corner.
NOTE:
The address is unique to each screen, and the code is refreshed frequently. Please do not attempt to connect using the addresses or codes seen in these images.
Downloading the AirMedia Client application on your computer or mobile device
To download the AirMedia Client application on your computer:
-
- Connect to McGill's wireless network (wpa.mcgill.ca).
- Open a web browser and, in the browser address bar, type in the address shown on the projection screen/display:
-
- The AirMedia download page will be displayed. Click Start Presenting.
- If you have previously downloaded, installed, and used AirMedia, the application will launch automatically. If not, click the Windows or Mac button to download the application. Once it has downloaded, launch the application.
Connecting your device
Windows computer
To connect your Windows device if the app did not launch automatically:
- Launch the AirMedia app that you have downloaded on your device.
- Enter the IP address of the room, as shown on the projection screen/display, omitting the https:// portion, and press Enter.
Note: If you last used AirMedia in the same room, you may not be prompted to enter the IP address. It is saved in the app.
- Enter the connection Code and click Connect.
Note: This code is refreshed each time you connect.
- You may see a Windows defender firewall notice. If so, click Allow the connection.
Your device’s content should now be playing on the room's projection screen/display, and you should see the AirMedia controls on your device.
Mac computer
To connect your Mac device if this is the first time you have used AirMedia on it:
- Launch the downloaded app.
- Click Agree to the application terms of service.
- You will be prompted to Choose Delegation Options. The recommended setting is Ask Me.
NOTE
In order to avoid these configuration steps the next time you use AirMedia on your Mac, install the application by dragging it from its download location to your Applications folder. If you do not do so, you will need to agree to the terms of service and choose delegation options every time you use the app.
- You will be prompted to open AirPlay to present. If your computer has an AirPlay icon:
, click on it, select the display, and enter the code shown on the display.
Note: If you are using macOS Big Sur or Monterrey, AirPlay is no longer available.
- Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner and select Screen Mirroring.
- Select the display and input the four-digit code as seen on the projection screen.
Your device’s content should now be playing on the room's projection screen/display, and you should see the AirMedia controls on your device.
Android mobile device
To connect your Android mobile device:
- Download the AirMedia app from Google Play and launch the app.
- In the box marked URL, input the address found either in the upper left or lower left-hand corner of the screen, omitting the http://.
- Click Present with AirMedia.
- Input the four-digit code seen on the presentation screen and click OK.
Your device’s content should now be playing on the room’s projection screen/display, and you should see the AirMedia controls on your device.
NOTE:
Audio presentation is not enabled for AirMedia for Android. If you need to play audio content or video content with an audio component, choose a different device to present.
IOS mobile device
To connect your IOS mobile device:
- Download the Airmedia app from the App Store and launch the app.
- In the box marked URL, input the IP address found either in the upper left or lower left-hand corner of the screen, omitting the http://.
- Enter the PIN code. The app will now prompt you to start screen mirroring.
- Open your phone’s Control Center and select the AirMedia device from the drop-down menu.
Your device’s content should now be playing on the room's projection screen/display, and you should see the AirMedia controls on your device.
Alternate methods of connection: AirMedia Sender and Chromebook (2018 or later)
The Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS apps are the preferred methods of presenting wirelessly with AirMedia, but there are two alternate methods that may be useful for Linus or Chromebook users who cannot install any of the recommended apps:
- The AirMedia Sender extension is available in the Chrome Extension store and can be used with all Chromium browsers (including Edge and Firefox).
To install and use AirMedia Sender, download and install the extension in your Chromium browser, and follow the prompts.
- The AirMedia app is available from the Chromebook Play store. Chromebook users with 2018 or later models can use the app to present wirelessly.
Search the Chromebook Play store for AirMedia, follow the instructions to install the app, and follow the prompts to connect and present.
These alternate methods offer limited functionality and are not recommended.
Using the Wireless Presentation Controls
The basic controller settings allow you to play, pause, and adjust audio volume.
NOTE:
Audio presentation is not supported for Android and audio volume cannot be adjusted from iOS devices. It is not recommended to play audio or video content through mobile devices. As audio can sometimes play unexpectedly loudly through AirMedia devices, it is recommended to lower the volume in the AirMedia app before starting or resuming audio or video playback.
Additional settings and options vary depending on the AirMedia version installed in the room.
NOTE:
Video displayed wirelessly may not appear in full resolution or quality. If you will be playing video content, you may prefer to use a wired connection.
Using AirMedia Canvas
AirMedia Canvas mode allows two users to present simultaneously on the same screen. To use Canvas mode, simply connect two devices to the same AirMedia2 screen using any of the procedures above. The two presentations will be displayed side by side. AirMedia automatically optimizes your screen space to accommodate different aspect ratios.
Canvas supports a maximum of two simultaneous presentations. If a third user connects to the same screen, the first presentation will be removed.
Extended mode (only available on Mac)
Mac users may use AirMedia as a second screen by extending their display.
To access Extended Mode:
- Connect to AirMedia using the steps outlined above.
- Open your Control center and select Screen Mirroring.
- Select Extended display from the drop down menu.
You may now drag windows from your computer to the display screen to use as an extended display.
Disconnecting and Shutting down
Click Disconnect in the AirMedia app or close the controller window. Your content will no longer be displayed on the projection screen/display.
iOS users may find that the Disconnect option is not available in the app. If so, simply disconnect by opening Screen mirroring and selecting Stop screen mirroring.
Before leaving the room, be sure to press and hold the Shut Down or Off button on the Crestron unit until the projector turns off.
