Introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

Court Room

Document Camera Controls

DVD_VCR Controls

Erie Court Operating the System Components

Pittsburgh Operating the System Components

Preparing for a audio conference call

Preparing for a video conference call

Use of the equipment

 

Introduction

Recently, the United States District Court for the Western of Pennsylvania finished renovating the courthouse.  A portion of this project included the implementation of state-of-the-art courtroom technology in six electronic courtrooms.  This new technology provides counsel with the ability to distribute evidence electronically to all participants in the courtroom.  Electronic evidence presentation systems provide a new medium for the distribution of content during court proceedings.   In order to accomplish a seamless distribution system, each courtroom is equipped with multiple display monitors and a modern sound system easily controlled by a push button touch screen.

In each courtroom, the witness and lectern monitors have the ability to annotate over any video evidence that is displayed via the system.  Noise masking technology has also been installed over the jury box for sidebar and confidential situations.  Each of the courtrooms features an interpreter system for non-English speaking participants.  Infrared wireless headsets are also available for the hearing impaired.

The courtrooms are equipped with video conferencing systems which enable remote testimony to be broadcasted throughout the courtroom on all of the display monitors.  The jury box is equipped with multiple 15” LCD monitors allowing the jurors to view any evidence presentation displayed by the system.  Counsel tables are wired for laptop computer integration into the system.  Laptop computers are easily able to connect directly to our evidence distribution system.  The only requirement is for the laptop to have an external VGA port.  This gives counsel the ability to display any audio evidence, video productions, or PowerPoint presentations stored on their computer directly onto the monitors throughout the courtroom.  Coupling this with the touch screen annotation technology allows for anyone to become instantly interactive with an ongoing presentation. 

 

Video conference calls MUST be scheduled at least one week in advance.  A test video conference MUST be completed prior to the live video call.  In accordance with court policy, the Federal Court does not make the initial outbound call if it is long distance, however, we will accept any inbound video call that you have pre-arranged.

<< Top of Page >>

---

The court encourages you to make arrangements for a demonstration of the courtroom technology with the chamber staff in advance of the court proceedings.  All of the equipment is easily controlled via a touch panel that is located on the podium/cart in each courtroom. 

* Remember a DVD or VCR tape that works correctly in your equipment does not guarantee compatibility on the courtroom equipment.   We ask that you test any media prior to proceedings.  No adjustment will be made to accommodate equipment once a trial has started.

 

<< Top of Page >>