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Service Description

Solstice is a technology from Mersive, which allows staff and students to connect wirelessly to Display screens and Projectors using mobile devices.

Some benefits of using Solstice for Teaching & Learning are:

  • Wireless collaboration and presentation
  • Wireless connection means no more cables or adaptors
  • Familiarity of using your own mobile device
  • Enhanced Student Experience due to Interactive lectures
  • Higher engagement due to collaborative sessions
  • Live annotation (device/software dependent)

If you would like to know more about Solstice at Ulster, please contact us at servicedesk@ulster.ac.uk.

Locations of Solstice Pods

Solstice has been adopted by the University as the default for enabling Wireless Display in general meeting and teaching spaces.

At present, Solstice Pods are installed in centrally timetabled spaces in all but the smallest type of learning and meeting spaces in Block BD Belfast Campus.

Digital Services will be upgrading learning spaces on other campuses with this new technology. Check the AV/Media Service web page, to find a list of all general teaching rooms with Solstice installed.

Another indicator as to whether a Solstice Pod is available within a room is that the Data Projector/ Display screen control panel will have a button that says ‘wireless’.

Business Process

Get the Solstice App.

To connect through a Solstice Pod to a Projector or display screen wireless, you must have the Solstice App installed on the device you with to use.

The Solstice App is free to download and is available from the Mersive Solstice website where there are versions for:

  • Android
  • iOS
  • OSX
  • Win 7/8/10

iOS and Android users will be directed to download from either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

Note - Windows Phone Operating Systems and Linux are not supported.

How to connect using the Solstice App

You can connect to Solstice Pods via a Laptop or Tablet/Phone.

Supporting Material

For more information regarding Solstice on campus, please contact the IT Service Desk.

If you are looking for a wireless collaboration product for your meeting rooms or Faculty teaching spaces, we can offer advice on how best to use the Solstice Pods for enhanced teaching.

We can also guide you through the procurement process and installation/integration of the Pods onto the University network.

FAQs

  • Why can’t I stream YouTube using the Solstice from my iOS device?

    This issue with certain apps is usually related to DRM Copy Protection for HDCP compliance on iOS devices.

    Apps like YouTube or Netflix block content streaming from devices that are not connected physically from a device to an HDCP compliant display via a DVI or HDMI cable.

    Since iOS uses AirPlay to stream to the Solstice, this does not meet requirements for HDCP compliance and therefore the application itself blocks streaming.

    Alternative Apps, such as Tube Master or Video Tube, can be used to access and share the same content.

  • I've entered the SDS (solstice.ulster.ac.uk) details into the Solstice Client App / Software, but the room I'm in doesn't appear?

    This can happen if the room you are in:

    • belongs to Faculty and the Faculty do not operate a Solstice Directory or they have a Faculty specific Solstice Directory. Please contact your Faculty technical teams directly for information.
    • Does not have a Solstice device installed. If you believe you are in a centrally supported teaching room and it has a Solstice but is missing from the Solstice Directory Service please contact the IT Service Desk by emailing ServiceDesk@ulster.ac.uk.

How to obtain help

How to contact the Service Desk

You can also Live Chat with a Service Desk team member. When a team member is available you will see a button on the bottom right of this screen. If the button is not visible, you can still contact us via the methods above.

Service Desk Hours

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday – Sunday 1.30pm – 5pm

Extended Closure - Easter and Christmas Holidays

View Extended Closure Service Desk Hours

Cost

There are no costs associated with utilising Solstice.

Eligibility

Any Ulster University Staff or Student connected through Eduroam with the Solstice Client App installed.

Service Owner

ICT Customer Services