Features
- Tracks active speakers in the room with up to 3 participants to be displayed via split-screen at once.
- The Owl uses its directional microphone(s) in conjunction with face recognition to keep the presenter in shot
- Enabled by default. to disable this mode, press the button on the rear of the Owl
|
- Camera
- 360° camera (1080p 30fps)
- The best distance for the speaker is 4-12 feet from the Owl
- Automatically tracks the presenter as they speak and move around the room
- Microphone
- 18-foot radius audio pickup
- Mics equalize speaking volume automatically
- Speaker
- Ignore Focus
- Block areas of the cameras surroundings to keep from capturing screens or doorways
- Keeps focus on the presenter by giving the Owl less to look at
- Owl Nesting
- Link 2 Owls together for more coverage
Use of the Nesting and/or Ignore Focus features require coordination with SOA Tech Desk. |
Accessories
- 10Ft USB-C to Micro-USB cable
- 8Ft Power cable
- Tripod (optional/recommended)
Setting Up
- Turn the Owl over → plug in the two included cables.
- Connect the power cable to an outlet → Connect the USB to your host computer.
- Position the Owl in the center of your presentation
- For optimal quality, position the Owl within 4-12ft from the main speaker.
- Tripods for the Owl are available at the Tech Desk which will make positioning the Owl more flexible.
Configuring Audio
- Start your meeting on the host computer
- Press the ^ arrow next to "Audio"
- Select "Meeting Owl" for both the Microphone & Speaker (within the red boxes in screenshot)
- The Owl is equipped with 360° speakers
- Room audio may be more practical in some cases
- In this case, you should leave the "Select a Speaker" option on default
Configuring Video
- Press the ^ arrow next to "Video"
- Select "Meeting Owl"
- Turn off any virtual backgrounds or background blurring
On-screen Icons
Standalone Owl
Indicates your Owl is on and broadcasting. Paired with Physical illuminating lights on the Owl device itself.
Enhanced Presenter
The Meeting Owl automatically tracks a presenter as they speak and move around the room and keep them displayed on the stage. For best performance, stand 4-10 feet from the Owl.
Mute
When shown; this indicates your audio is muted. Check the Owl for a red light and press the mute/unmute button on the side of the device.
Nesting Connection X2
When shown; this indicates you are connected to two Owls. When Nesting is enabled both Owls will illuminate their eyes.
Nesting Connection X1
When shown; this indicates you are only connected to one of the two Owls. When Nesting is enabled both Owls will illuminate their eyes.
Buttons
- Mute buttons on either side of the Owl (2)
- You will also see the mute icon on the top corner of your video
- Volume +/- buttons on the front
- Controls computer volume by 2-steps each press
- Hold button to quickly raise and lower the volume
- Toggle Enhanced Presenter mode
- You will see a group/circle icon when the multi-presenter mode is enabled
- The icon will go away when disabled
Ignore Focus
Draws a box around an area for the owl to ignore.
This feature requires additional setup via the app. For use please coordinate with SOA Tech Desk Staff or TA's |
Example of Zones
Small Ignore Zone | Best for blocking screens and other distractions the Owl may focus on.
Large Ignore Zone | Best for blocking portions of the audience, screens or to outline a stage for the presenter. |
Instructions for setting up Ignore Focus Zones
- Use the Owl Labs app on smart device to connect to the owl
- Phone & Tablets can be found at SOA Tech Desk and may ONLY be used by SOA Tech Desk Staff or TA's
- Press 'Camera Controls'
- Press 'Ignore Focus'
- Press 'Next' to proceed with setup
- Use the slider to reduce/enlarge the ignore zone box
- Small Ignore Zone
- Slide the blue box to the area you wish to ignore
- Press back arrow to save
|
Nesting
Nesting multiple Owls connects their mics & cameras to be used together to expand coverage throughout a room.
We recommend Nesting when additional coverage is required.
This feature requires additional setup via the app. For use please coordinate with SOA Tech Desk Staff or TA's |
Example of Nesting feature to obtain a wider coverage with two Owls.
Instructions to setup Nesting
- Power on both Owls through AC outlet and allow 2 minutes to boot
- Instructions via Setup
- Connect one Owl to your computer running Zoom/Teams
- Leave the other Owl disconnected from USB but still powered on
- Use the Owl Labs app on smart device to connect to the main Owl
- Phone & Tablets can be found at SOA Tech Desk and may ONLY be used by SOA Tech Desk Staff or TA's
- Press 'Owl Connect' to start pairing
- Select an Owl to add to the Nest
- Press 'Pair'
- This page will verify for you which Owls are currently in the Nest
|
Troubleshooting
Network issues
Owls only use the network to perform updates and use the Nesting feature Network SSID: utexas-iot Network Pass: Located in Stache, for SOA Technologies Desk Staff & TA's use only - Use one of the dedicated devices (phone/tablet) to connect via bluetooth to the Owl and open the app
- Press 'About' option
- Press 'Wi-Fi' option under connectivity
- enter the SSID and password for the specific Owl
- information located in Stache
|