Our Most
Valuable
Resource
Is Seeing
Eye to Eye
OMNI-SERIES
User Guide
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CONTENTS
FAQs ......................................................................................................................... 2
HOW-TO .................................................................................................................. 7
Basics .................................................................................................................... 7
Placing a Call .................................................................................................. 7
Ending a Call ................................................................................................. 15
Extras .................................................................................................................. 15
Conducting a Webinar ................................................................................ 15
Waking a Machine in Sleep Mode ............................................................ 17
Calling Someone as Voice Only ................................................................ 17
Muting the Sound ......................................................................................... 19
Hiding the Top Menu Bar ............................................................................. 20
Adjusting the Volume ................................................................................... 20
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................. 21
CONFIDENTIALITY ................................................................................................. 26
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FAQS
Q. What are Omni-Series machines?
Omni-Series machines are telepresence video-conferencing machines
that allow conference participants to feel as though they are meeting
face to face. Learn more at http://www.buffalopacific.com.
Q. Who makes and sells these machines?
Omni-Series machines are made by TelePresence Technologies, LLC and
sold by Buffalo Pacific, a credit union service organization. They are also
sold by CUSO CU*Answers, an authorized distributor.
Q. How are Omni-Series machines different from other video-conferencing
tools such as Skype?
There are three things that make Omni-Series machines different from
other video-conferencing tools. First, they project a life-size image of
conference participants. Secondly, they can project conference
participants in 3D. But what really sets these machines apart from their
competition is that they provide direct eye contact.
Q. What is an Experience Center?
Equipped with Omni-Series machines and informational materials,
Experience Centers welcome those who would like to learn more about
these machines for tours and demonstrations. Experience Center locations
include:
CU*Answers in Kentwood, MI
CU*NorthWest in Liberty Lake, WA
EPL in Birmingham, AL
MidUSA Credit Union in Middletown, OH
TelePresence Technologies, LLC in Plano, TX
Q. How many Omni-Series machines does CU*Answers have?
CU*Answers has three machines at its headquarters in Grand Rapids,
Michigan: the Omni-Suite, Omni-Bridge, and Omni-Station. Additionally,
CU*Answers has a fourth Omni-Series machine, the Omni-Kiosk, at its 44th
Street location in Kentwood, Michigan. These machines are pictured on
the next page.
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Omni-Bridge
CU*Answers, Grand Rapids, MI
Telepresence Broadcast Studio
Ext. 6101
Omni-Suite
CU*Answers, Grand Rapids, MI
Telepresence Conference Room
Ext. 6102
Omni-Station
CU*Answers, Grand Rapids, MI
Portable Unit
Ext. 6103
Omni-Kiosk
CU*Answers, Kentwood, MI
Showroom
Ext. 6105
CU*Answers Omni-Series Machines
Camera
Omni-Bridge
Q. Which CU*Answers clients and partners have Omni-Series machines?
CU*NorthWest
o Omni-Bridge (ext. 6210)
o Omni-Desk (ext. 6109)
MidUSA Credit Union
o Omni-Bridge (ext. 6212)
o Omni-Kiosk (ext. 6213)
o Omni-Suite (ext. 6214)
Q. How is eye contact achieved by Omni-Series machines?
With conventional video-conferencing technology, users see one another
looking slightly downward since their camera is positioned above eye
level at the top of their computer monitor. With Omni-Series machines,
however, users transmit or project direct eye contact by way of a special
kind of reflective glass positioned on an angle below the camera and in
front of the user. This piece of glass aligns the camera’s view with the
user’s eyes so that the other conference participant sees the user directly
in the eye. Omni-Series machines that transmit direct eye contact include
the Omni-Bridge and the Omni-Station since both are equipped with the
necessary piece of reflective glass. All other Omni-Series machines
provide near eye contact with a camera that is positioned at the most
optimal angle possible.
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5
Arch
Reflection
of arch
Omni-Suite
Q. How do Omni-Series machines provide a 3D image?
Two pieces of equipment are needed for 3D capability: a black backdrop
on the transmitting (projecting) end and an arch on the receiving
(displaying) end. In order to transmit a 3D image, an Omni-Series machine
must have a black backdrop positioned behind the conference
participant. In order to receive a 3D image, an Omni-Series machine must
have an arch positioned above the LCD screen. On the transmitting end,
the black backdrop deletes all color from the background of the
conference participant since cameras don’t recognize black as a color.
This makes it possible for the Omni-Series machine on the receiving end to
superimpose the color of its arch onto the background of the conference
participant’s image on the screen. It is the distance between the
background image of the arch and the foreground image of the
conference participant that makes the conference participant’s image
appear three dimensional to the user on the receiving end. Omni-Series
machines that can transmit a 3D image include the Omni-Bridge and
Omni-Station since each comes with a black backdrop. Omni-Series
machines that can receive a 3D image include the Omni-Suite, OmniKiosk, and Omni-Desk since each is equipped with an arch above the
LCD screen.
Omni-
Suite
OmniBridge
Omni-
Station
Omni-
Kiosk
Omni-
Desk
Can transmit 3D image
Can display 3D image
Can display life-size image
Can display recorded video
Can be equipped with computer
Can be equipped with touchscreen
Screen size
55”
40”
24”
40”
40”
Q. How do the Omni-Series machines differ from one another?
While all Omni-Series machines can make and receive calls, each
machine is designed with unique features that support its intended
purpose and that are dependent upon customer specification. Features
of each machine are outlined below.
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Q. Why are some machines called send units and some are called
receive units?
Although all Omni-Series machines can send and receive calls, some
machines, namely the Omni-Bridge and the Omni-Station, are referred to
as “send” units because they are equipped with 3D and eye-contact
capability to provide the most optimal viewing experience to the person
on the receiving end of the call. These send units are designed for service
professionals, and the receive units are designed for customers. For
example, a credit union’s mortgage expert would use a send unit to call
several different branches to speak to members about mortgages.
Members receiving the call from the mortgage expert would be able to
see the expert in 3D and it would appear as though the mortgage expert
were looking them directly in the eye. In this way, customers are able to
receive a service experience almost identical to one they would receive
in person.
Q. How can I learn more about Omni-Series machine features and settings
not explained in this guide?
If there is a feature or setting you’d like to know more about, please
contact CU*Answers VP of Professional Services Randy Trimm at
800.327.3478, ext. 578 or randy.trimm@cuanswers.com or your Buffalo
Pacific sales representative.
Samsung Remote
Used primarily when
machine is in HDMI
mode
LifeSize Remote
Used to make a call
Used when machine
is in DVI mode
HOW-TO
Basics
Omni-Series machines are operated using two remotes, pictured below.
All steps in this booklet are accomplished using one of these two remotes.
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Placing a Call
GETT ING THE ROO M RE ADY
1. Adjust the lighting to allow conference participants to see you as
clearly as possible.
The Omni-Suite, Omni-Desk, and Omni-Kiosk all require that the
lights be on for the best viewing experience.
The Omni-Bridge is the only machine that requires that the lights be
off as it needs a dark room for the black backdrop, which provides
3D imaging. When the Omni-Station is used with its optional black
backdrop, then the lights must be off with this machine as well.
2. Be sure your colleagues know the room is in use to prevent
surrounding noise from interrupting your conference.
In the Telepresence Broadcast Studio located at CU*Answers
headquarters, you can indicate that the room is in use by turning
on the On Air switch.
GETT ING THE MAC HINE RE ADY
Set the machine to DVI mode by pressing the DVI B button on the
Samsung remote.
You can also press the Source button on the Samsung remote,
select DVI, and then press the Enter button on the Samsung
remote.
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When DVI mode is selected, the Omni-Series screen will display your
image.
When using the Omni-Bridge, which is equipped with a computer,
the computer monitor will display the Windows desktop in DVI
mode.
SELE CTIN G TH E CA LL O PT ION
1. Press the center navigation button on the LifeSize remote to view
the top menu bar that displays your call options.
Use the left/right and up/down navigation buttons on the LifeSize
remote for all other steps in this process.
2. Select the Call option from the top menu bar.
DIAL ING THE NUM BER
To dial a number to call, you have a few different options, which are
outlined below.
Option 1: Directory
This is one of the most popular dialing options as it lists all numbers of
Omni-Series machines belonging to CU*Answers and their partners in the
cuasterisk.com network.
1. Select the Directory option.
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2. Select the machine you’d like to call.
3. Select Dial Now.
Option 2: Favorites
This option is used if the number you’re calling has been entered as a
favorite.
1. Select the Favorites option.
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2. Select the machine you’d like to call.
With the Favorites option, you can search alphabetically among
the numbers by pressing the down navigation button of the LifeSize
remote so a number is highlighted and then pressing the left
navigation button.
3. Select Dial Now.
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Option 3: Recents
This option is used if the number you’re calling was recently dialed.
1. Select the Recents option.
2. Select the machine you’d like to call.
3. Select Dial Now.
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Option 4: Dialer
This option is used if you already know the extension of the machine you’d
like to call.
1. Select the Dialer option.
2. Enter the extension of the Omni-Series machine you’d like to call by
selecting the numbers one at a time.
If you select an incorrect digit, select the Delete option, which
serves as a backspace key.
If you’re not sure what the extension is of the machine you’d like to
call and neither is the callee, contact the callee by phone and ask
the callee to select My Info and the extension of the machine will
be listed beside System Number.
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3. After selecting a number to call, select the Call option.
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This conference participant is sitting
at an Omni-Suite machine. The other
conference participant in the picture
to the right is viewing her from an
Omni-Bridge machine, from which
this picture was taken.
This conference participant is sitting
at an Omni-Bridge machine. The
other conference participant in the
picture to the left is viewing her
from an Omni-Suite machine, from
which this picture was taken.
AFTE R DI ALIN G TH E NU MB ER
No matter which call option you choose, Dialer, Favorites, Recents, or
Directory, the end result is the same. After dialing the number, you’ll see a
message indicating that the machine is dialing, then ringing.
If the machine you called is plugged in, you will then be able to see and
hear the callee.
The callee does not need to do anything to accept your call. As
long as their machine is plugged in, no matter what mode it is in,
you will be able to see and hear the callee, even if they cannot
see you, although they will be able to hear you. If the callee is
having trouble seeing you, refer to Page 21.
Ending a Call
1. Press the center navigation button on the LifeSize remote.
2. Scroll to the left and select End.
Once you select End, you’ll see yourself on the screen again
instead of seeing the other conference participant.
Extras
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Conducting a Webinar
Connected to some of the Omni-Series machines, such as the OmniBridge at CU*Answers in Grand Rapids, MI, is a fully functioning computer
with which you have the ability to conduct WebEx video conferences/
webinars. To start a WebEx session, follow the steps below.
1. Press the Power button on the computer connected to the Omni-
Bridge machine.
At CU*Answers headquarters, the computer is in the back of the
Omni-Bridge machine.
Even if the large Omni-Bridge LCD screen is on, it doesn’t
necessarily mean the computer is on as the two machines have
different power sources.
2. Press the HDMI C button on the Samsung remote.
You can also press Source and then select HDMI.
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After selecting HDMI, the large Omni-Bridge screen functions like a
computer monitor. Essentially, in this mode, you have two
computer monitors.
3. Using the computer keyboard, navigate to the WebEx login page
and enter your login credentials.
4. When you begin your webinar, click the camcorder icon beside
your name in the WebEx Participants panel so that participants can
see you.
5. To look at your audience, look directly into the center of the screen.
6. To provide webinar participants with a full screen of your image,
click the people icon in the top right corner of your picture in
WebEx.
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Waking a Machine in Sleep Mode
When an Omni-Series machine is in sleep mode, the screen appears blank
(black). While you can manually put a machine into sleep mode, it is not
recommended as the machines automatically go into sleep mode after a
period of inactivity. To wake a machine from sleep mode, simply press any
button on the LifeSize remote.
While you cannot see anything when your machine is in sleep
mode, a person calling you will still have the ability to see and hear
you. That’s why it’s so important to keep confidentiality in mind
when using an Omni-Series machine. See Page 26 for details.
When you wake a machine from sleep mode, it takes a few
seconds for the machine to wake up.
When the machine wakes up from sleep mode, it will be in the
mode it was in the last time it was awake (DVI, HDMI, etc.).
When you wake the Omni-Station from sleep mode, it will always
be in DVI mode, as it does not have an HDMI mode.
If you’re not sure what mode the machine is in after waking it, press
the Info i button.
Calling Someone as Voice Only
There are two ways to call another Omni-Series machine as voice only,
meaning that you will be able to hear the callee, but you will not be able
to see them. Instead, you’ll see a blank screen. However, the callee will
be able to both see and hear you. The option you use to call someone as
voice only depends on the call option you select.
FAVO RITE S/RE CEN TS
If you call another machine using the Favorites or Recents option, then the
only option you’ll see when you’re ready to make the call is Dial Now,
which is the option that will automatically dial as video. To dial as voice
only, follow the steps on the next page.
1. Select Advanced Dialing.
2. Select voice.
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3. Select Call.
DIAL ER
If you call another machine using the Dialer option, then the only option
you’ll see when you’re ready to make the call is Call, which is the option
that will automatically dial as video. To dial as voice only, follow the steps
on the next page.
1. Select Advanced dialing options.
2. Select voice.
3. Select Call.
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Muting the Sound
To turn off the sound, press the MUTE button on the Samsung remote.
In the Telepresence Broadcast Studio at CU*Answers headquarters,
you can also press the center button on the speaker unit attached
to the Omni-Bridge.
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Hiding the Top Menu Bar
After you place your call and are no longer using the top menu bar, it will
disappear automatically after a few seconds. But if you would like to hide
it manually, follow the steps below.
The callee cannot see the top menu bar or any other menus on
your screen.
1. Using the LifeSize remote, select View.
2. Press the up button on the LifeSize remote to select Hide.
Adjusting the Volume
There are a few different ways to adjust volume, depending on what
feature needs volume adjustment: the pre-recorded video or the call.
The methods for adjusting volume are explained below.
PRE-REC ORD ED V IDEO VOL UME
To manually adjust the volume of the pre-recorded video (played when
the machine is in HDMI mode), press the VOL button on the Samsung
remote.
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CALL VOL UME
The ring/voice volume on a call should always be within a range of 35-40.
If you find that it is not within that range and has been changed, follow
the steps below to return the volume to the appropriate range.
1. Using the navigation buttons on the LifeSize remote, select Volume.
2. Scroll to the right or left on the green bar to adjust the volume to a
range within 35-40.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem: The conference participants cannot see me, even though I can
see them.
1. If the conference participants’ machine is in sleep mode, they’ll
need to wake it up. See Page 17 for details.
2. If the problem persists, make sure conference participants have
their machine set to DVI mode. See Page 8 for details.
3. If the problem persists, try adjusting your room lighting. See Page 7
for details.
Problem: I can’t see the conference participants, even though they can
see me.
1. If your machine is in sleep mode, wake it up. See Page 17 for details.
2. If the problem persists, ensure your machine is set to DVI mode. See
Page 8 for details.
3. If the problem persists, try having the conference participants adjust
their room lighting. See Page 7 for details.
Problem: The machine won’t turn on.
1. Ensure it’s plugged in.
2. If the problem persists, ensure it’s not in sleep mode. If it is, wake it up.
See Page 17 for details.
3. If the problem persists, ensure the machine is in the correct mode. To set
the machine to DVI mode, which is the mode it needs to be in for
making a call, see Page 8.
Problem: There’s no sound.
Press the Mute button on the Samsung remote in case the volume was
muted by the previous user.
If the problem persists, follow the steps below.
1. Press the Menu button on the Samsung remote.
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2. Using the down arrow on the Samsung remote, select Sound.
3. Select Reset Sound.
4. Press Enter on the Samsung remote.
5. Select Yes.
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6. Press Enter on the Samsung remote again.
7. Select OK.
Problem: The picture is not that good.
You can adjust basic picture light, color, and sharpness settings by
following the steps below.
1. Press the Menu button on the Samsung remote.
2. Select Picture.
3. Adjust settings as needed.
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4. If the picture is still not that good and is hazy/fuzzy, this may be a
network issue.
For those working at CU*Answers, start a help desk ticket with
Network Services.
Problem: The screen is showing something unfamiliar.
If your machine is set to a mode you’re not familiar with or if you’re not
sure how to get the machine to work like you need it to, try pressing the
Off button on the Samsung remote and then the Power button.
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Problem: There’s a “Severe Packet Loss” message on the screen.
For those working at CU*Answers, start a help desk ticket with Network Services.
All others should contact their Omni-Series system administrator.
Problem: There’s a “Total Packet Loss” message on the screen.
This happens when you attempt to call an Omni-Series machine that is
unplugged. Simply contact the callee by phone or other method and ask
them to plug in their machine.
Problem: The call failed.
If you attempt to call another Omni-Series machine and see this message
on your screen, it could mean the other machine is unplugged. In this
case, simply contact the callee by phone or other method and ask them
to plug in their machine.
To see if a machine you’d like to call is unplugged, go to the
Favorites or Recents option and look for the label “Offline” beside
the machine name.
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HDMI
DVI
Caller
Callee
Caller
Callee
Can see conference participant
Can hear conference participant
Can see pre-recorded video
(if applicable)
Can hear pre-recorded video
(if applicable)
CONFIDENTIALITY
As long as your Omni-Series machine is plugged in, no matter what mode
you have set it to (HDMI, sleep, etc.), anyone with another Omni-Series
machine can call your machine and see and hear any people who may
be in front of or near your machine, even if the people cannot see or hear
the caller. That’s why it’s so important to keep confidentiality in mind
when using the space surrounding an Omni-Series machine.
In some modes such as DVI mode, you’ll be able to see the caller, but
when the machine is in HDMI or sleep mode, you will not, even though
they will be able to see and hear you. To view the difference between
HDMI and DVI mode, see the chart below.
Callee Mode
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