Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit 2020 Virtual Black Tie & Tails Gala
Zoom link will be open from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Live program from 7:00 to 8:30, with fun video content before and after

Zoom Instructions

We are sure many of you have participated in a video call by now to connect with family or friends.  Hopefully, you are comfortable with the basics of connecting for a video call via your laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone.  We will be using the Zoom platform and to give you some help, we are providing instructions for first time users, tips on joining the event even if you have some experience and an idea for enhancing your experience by using your TV as your viewing screen.

If you have any concerns about using Zoom or would like to practice using your TV, please let us know and we will arrange to give you some help and/or schedule a practice session.  Please contact Andrea Kuentz at AKuentz@MetroDetroitAnimals.org or 313-943-2697 ext 1018 to request help prior to the night of the BT&T event and she will arrange someone to help you.

First Time Users:

• Device choice – although you can join from a mobile device (smart phone or tablet), the video experience is much better using a desktop, or laptop computer.
• You will need to download the Zoom app before the event on whatever device you plan to use. You will want to do this well before the event to avoid frustration, because you will be prompted to download the app as you join
  • To download the app, go to: https://zoom.us/download
• Once you have downloaded the app, to join the meeting, all you need to do is tap on the URL that will be provided the day before the event
• If you need help, “YouTube” has many videos and tutorials that explain how to join a Zoom virtual meeting. An example of how to get started is shown here: Your first zoom meeting
• If you need help, or would just like to practice, please let us know by contacting Andrea Kuentz at AKuentz@MetroDetroitAnimals.org or 313-943-2697 ext 1018 and we will arrange some help prior to the night of the BT&T event.

Joining the Event:

• We will begin the program promptly at 7:00 PM, so please join ahead of time so you do not miss anything – we will be running a video loop beginning at 6:30 PM that you can enjoy
• If you are joining with a mobile device, please put it in a “landscape” orientation on something solid to enhance the experience for those of us looking at you
• We will have all microphones muted upon entry. We ask that you stay on mute to avoid any background noise disruptions. The mute button location is different depending upon the device  you are using – laptops and desktops are typically in the lower left, while a tablet may be on the top of the screen or accessed by touch (or mouse cursor) over your window image.
• During the event, you will want to manage your view of the other participants:
  • In the upper right of your PC screen is a button to toggle between Gallery view and Speaker view
  • For tablets the toggle between gallery/speaker view is located on the left side of screen (iOS)
  • The Gallery view shows all participants and will have multiple windows to scroll through to see everyone
  • The Speaker view shows only who is speaking (this is based upon the loudest input, which is why we ask that you stay on mute)
  • We will be having entertainment during the event, so we recommend that you stay on Speaker view, unless you are looking for others you may know

TV as Your Viewing Screen

If you are having several people attend with you or are just interested in getting a larger view of the participants and activities, you may want to consider using your TV as your viewing screen.  This is referred to as “casting” or “screen mirroring”.  This option is easy to do if you have a smart TV that has embedded software that can execute AirPlay, screen mirroring, or screen cast (sometimes called mirror cast).  The name is dependent on if you are using an apple or android device. The other device that makes this easy is if you have an apple TV peripheral device along with an apple source (phone, tablet, Mac).

We recommend that you do a Google search for “mirroring or casting a Zoom meeting to my TV using enter your setup”.

 Keep in mind that your TV will not have a camera.  So, if you pursue this idea, you will need to have either a remote camera, or have the device you used to login for the Zoom meeting in the room with you – an iPad between you and the TV as an example.  You will also need to have a high-speed internet/WiFi connection.

Some examples of “how to links” from a Google search:

• Android devices: Android Streaming
• For a Mac: Mac Streaming
• iOS devices pp iPhone or iPad: iOS Streaming

Should you need additional assistance or want to try this out, please contact Andrea Kuentz at AKuentz@MetroDetroitAnimals.org or 313-943-2697 ext 1018 to request help prior to the night of the BT&T event and she will arrange someone to help you.