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

Use of the Nesting and/or Ignore Focus features require coordination with SOA Tech Desk.


Accessories


Setting Up

  1. Turn the Owl over → plug in the two included cables.
  2. Connect the power cable to an outlet → Connect the USB to your host computer.
  3. Position the Owl in the center of your presentation
    1. For optimal quality, position the Owl within 4-12ft from the main speaker.
    2. Tripods for the Owl are available at the Tech Desk which will make positioning the Owl more flexible.

Configuring Audio

  1. Start your meeting on the host computer
  2. Press the ^ arrow next to "Audio"
  3. Select "Meeting Owl" for both the Microphone & Speaker (within the red boxes in screenshot)
    1. The Owl is equipped with 360° speakers
    2. Room audio may be more practical in some cases
      1. In this case, you should leave the "Select a Speaker" option on default

Configuring Video

  1. Press the ^ arrow next to "Video"
  2. Select "Meeting Owl"
  3. 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



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

  1. Use the Owl Labs app on smart device to connect to the owl
    1. Phone & Tablets can be found at SOA Tech Desk and may ONLY be used by SOA Tech Desk Staff or TA's
  2. Press 'Camera Controls'
  3. Press 'Ignore Focus'
  4. Press 'Next' to proceed with setup
  5. Use the slider to reduce/enlarge the ignore zone box
    1. Small Ignore Zone
  6. Slide the blue box to the area you wish to ignore
  7. 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

  1. Power on both Owls through AC outlet and allow 2 minutes to boot
    1. Instructions via Setup
  2. Connect one Owl to your computer running Zoom/Teams
  3. Leave the other Owl disconnected from USB but still powered on
  4. Use the Owl Labs app on smart device to connect to the main Owl
    1. Phone & Tablets can be found at SOA Tech Desk and may ONLY be used by SOA Tech Desk Staff or TA's
  5. Press 'Owl Connect' to start pairing
  6. Select an Owl to add to the Nest
  7. Press 'Pair'
  8. 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

  1. Use one of the dedicated devices (phone/tablet) to connect via bluetooth to the Owl and open the app
  2. Press 'About' option
  3. Press 'Wi-Fi' option under connectivity
  4. enter the SSID and password for the specific Owl
    1. information located in Stache