Owl Pro 360 Camera

Overview

The Meeting Owl Pro is a smart 360° video conferencing camera designed to create an immerse, face-to-face experience for hybrid meetings. It automatically focuses on whoever is speaking, making it ideal for F&M classrooms and conference spaces.

Before you get started

  • Ensure your laptop has an available USB-A or USB-C port (or an appropriate adapter).
  • You must have a video conferencing application installed, such as Zoom or Google Meet.
  • This hardware is intended for use in F&M-supported meeting spaces and classrooms.

Jump to a topic in this knowledge article

How to

Follow these steps to integrate the Meeting Owl Pro with your laptop and the room's display system.

Connecting the Owl to your Laptop

  1. Plug both the power cable and the USB cable provided into the ports located on the underside of the Meeting Owl.
  2. Plug the power cable into a standard wall outlet.
  3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to your laptop.

Note: Depending on your laptop model, you may need a USB-C to USB-A adapter to complete the connection.

Connecting your Laptop to a Projector or TV

  1. Connect an HDMI cable from your laptop to the room's projector or TV system.
  2. Power on the projector or TV and select the correct input Source (e.g., HDMI 1).
  3. On your laptop, ensure your display settings are set to Mirror or Duplicate so the audience in the room can see what you see.

Configuring Speaker Settings

To ensure you can hear remote participants through the room's audio system:

  1. Open your video conferencing software (Zoom or Google Meet).
  2. Navigate to Audio Settings.
  3. In the Speaker dropdown menu, select the option that corresponds to your display (e.g., Epson Projector, HDMI, or Same as System).
  4. Click Test Speaker to verify audio levels.

Configuring Microphone and Camera Settings

  1. In your conferencing software, locate the Microphone settings and select Meeting Owl Pro.
  2. Locate the Video or Camera settings and select Meeting Owl Pro.
  3. Click Apply or Save if prompted.

Note: Laptops often default to their internal webcam and mic; you must manually toggle these to the Owl for the 360° experience.

Using Hardware Controls

  • Physical Buttons: Use the Mute, Volume +, and Volume - buttons located at the base of the Owl for quick adjustments.
  • Visual Interface: A 360° panoramic strip will appear at the top of your video feed. The Owl will automatically create "stages" (split views) to highlight active speakers in the room.

Powering Off

  1. Once your meeting is finished, exit the conferencing software.
  2. Disconnect the USB and power cables from your laptop and the wall outlet.

Important Notes

  • Placement: Position the Owl in the center of the table for the best 360° coverage.
  • Tracking: The Owl uses sound and motion to track speakers; avoid placing noisy items (like fans or loud laptops) directly next to the device.
  • Urgent Support: For immediate assistance during a live meeting, contact the Help Desk at 717-358-6789.

Tags: Meeting Owl Pro, Video Conferencing, Hybrid Meetings, Zoom, Google Meet, Classroom Technology, Hardware Setup, 360 Camera, Audio Settings, ITS Support

Summary: This article provides comprehensive instructions for setting up and configuring the Meeting Owl Pro smart camera for hybrid meetings at F&M. It covers hardware connections, software configuration for Zoom and Google Meet, and tips for using the 360° tracking features.

Next Step: Would you like me to draft a quick "Troubleshooting Guide" specifically for common Owl audio-sync issues to accompany this article?