Friday, May 16, 2008

Surviving Your Computer Projector

Find more on computer projectors here:

Below are a few essential items that may make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful presentation using computer projection. These are especially important if you will be presenting in a room without access to audio-visual support services.

  • Floppy Disk with Critical Files- In case you have a file that becomes damaged or unreadable, you will need backup files on floppy that can be reloaded.
  • Spare Bulb - A spare bulb is always good insurance.
  • Interface Cables - You may want spares in case of emergencies.
  • Remote Control - This gives you leader so you can present away from the computer projector and still use the controls.
  • Extension Cord - Rooms sometimes have the power outlets located in the most inconvenient locations. An extension cord may resolve such difficulties.
  • Ungrounded Plug Adapter - Some rooms may not have three-prong grounded outlets. A two-prong adapter will allow you to use these older power outlets without damaging the overhead projector plug. Make sure you know how to change the bulb in case it burns out during your presentation. Do not touch the glass surface of bulbs with your fingers, but handle bulbs by their metal or porcelain bases.

Computers Projectors: Think Before Presenting

Find more on computer projectors here:
  • Where will the presentation be located?
    • How large is the screen?
    • How many people can be seated?
    • How can the lighting/windows be adjusted?
  • What computer projector will be used?
    • What is the resolution of the computer projector?
    • What is the brightness?
    • How large an image can be projected?
    • What is the distance from the computer projector to the screen?
    • Is a remote control available?
    • Is a spare lamp available?
  • What computer will be interfaced to the projector?
    • What is the resolution of the computer display?
    • What cable(s) will be required to hook up to the computer projector?
  • What interface cables will be needed?
    • Between the computer and computer projector
    • To the monitor
    • Between the computer and the network
  • How many people will be in the audience?
  • Do you have alternative plans (e.g. overhead projector and transparencies, slide projector and slides, or audience handouts) in case of equipment problem or failure?

Reasons Not To Use Computer Projectors

Find more on computer projectors here:

Here's more:
  • Projector at back of room away from speaker
  • Not as effective in a fully-lighted room
  • No ability to modify slides and sequence during presentations
  • Short lead time (minutes) for preparing files for presentation
  • Potential connection/interface problems
  • Potential for hardware/software failure

Why Use Computer Projectors?

Find more on computer projectors here:

Here are some reasons:
  • Continuous tone color images possible
    • Audience perceives movement as "very professional"
  • Some animation and movement can be used
  • No cost as compared to outputting slides and transparencies
  • Projectors relatively easy to transport
  • Display network materials from internet
  • Can use audio and video in either analog or digital form

Finding The Right Computer Projector

From Buyer Zone:

Nowadays, visually stimulating multi-media presentations are a must to keep business audiences captivated by your message.

One way to improve your overall presentation is by using an LCD computer projector. LCD projectors combine the functions of an LCD panel and an overhead projector into a single unit. The majority of LCD projectors are both Mac and IBM compatible and come standard with nifty features such as remote control, stereo, and video projection capabilities. Using programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint, computer projectors let you project presentations directly from your PC. The type of LCD projector that you choose will greatly depend on the room settings that you plan to use the projector in. Generally speaking, the brighter the room, the brighter the projector lamp that you will require. Lamp brightness is calculated in ANSI lumens, an industry standard measurement. You'll want a lamp with a minimum of 300 ANSI lumens for presentations that take place in relatively dark rooms. Many projectors can also project higher or lower resolutions by expanding or compressing the picture, but these methods will somewhat degrade the image.

LCD computer projectors currently range from just under eight lbs. to as much as 60 lbs. Expect to pay around $6,000-$8,000 for a portable LCD projector that supports true SVGA resolution.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Advice On Buying Computer Projectors

Buyer Zone says that we expect more these days from computer projectors.
LCD computer projectors tend to be the best, particularly when used with:
programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint, computer projectors let you project presentations directly from your PC. In addition, they are ideal tools for presentations that require live computer screen shots, such as demoing a web site to a group of clients or instructing employees on the uses of a particular computer program.

The type of LCD projector that you choose will greatly depend on the room settings that you plan to use the projector in. Generally speaking, the brighter the room, the brighter the projector lamp that you will require. Lamp brightness is calculated in ANSI lumens, an industry standard measurement. You'll want a lamp with a minimum of 300 ANSI lumens for presentations that take place in relatively dark rooms. However, don't settle for less than 500 ANSI lumens (750 if its a large auditorium) if you need to keep the room well-lit so that the audience can take notes.

Another factor to consider is resolution. This refers to the number of screen pixels that can be displayed by the LCD system. In order to get the sharpest image, you'll need to choose a system that can project the highest resolution that your computer can support. Only a few years ago VGA (640x480 pixels) was the standard. Today, many laptops now feature SVGA (800x600) and XGA (1024x768) as their standard resolutions. Many projectors can also project higher or lower resolutions by expanding or compressing the picture, but these methods will somewhat degrade the image.

Finally, portability should be at the top of your checklist if you plan to take your presentations on the road. LCD computer projectors currently range from just under eight lbs. to as much as 60 lbs. If you're a road warrior, I suggest that you stick to a projector of less than 15 lbs. No one wants to be dragged down by an LCD projector while running to their connecting flight.

LCD projector prices range from $2,000 for lowest-end models to $20,000 plus for the latest and greatest. Expect to pay around $6,000-$8,000 for a portable LCD projector that supports true SVGA resolution.




Computer Projectors From Down Under

I thought they all came from Asia but here's a press release from the old country:
Australian Presentation Systems specialises in audio visual systems and presentation systems. Australian Presentation Systems offers a range of products and services such as, video or computer projectors, interactive and electronic white boards, digital cameras, theatre and boardroom installations, video conferencing and system integration.

Services including, delivery and installation of the presentation systems are undertaken by Australian Presentation Systems. Service and maintenance of these presentation systems are also handled.

The audio visual systems from Australian Presentation Systems are commonly used as a business tool for video training, training on software and home theatre applications. Australian Presentation Systems is known for supplying overhead projectors, plasma displays and screens both portable and wall.

The Epson EMP-1715 wireless multimedia projector is the latest product available from Australian Presentation Systems. These wireless multimedia projectors are lightweight and compact and are much brighter than the other types of projectors.

These wireless multimedia projectors from Australian Presentation Systems are available with 2700 ANSI lumens. The projectors have high speed wireless connectivity and are available with enterprise level security features thus eliminating the need of cables.

Any memory devices containing movies, images or USB ports containing presentation files are connected to the wireless multimedia projectors and the users can present without the computers.

Ultra portable, home cinema, installation projectors and overhead projectors are also available. Casio super slim portable data projectors are lightweight and are available with 2000 ANSI lumens and wireless remote. Gilkon overhead projectors with either lightweight plastic body or metal body are also supplied by Australian Presentation Systems.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Smart Stylus Adds Up

Derek Miller writes:

DUNCAN Duncan High School Algebra I teachers are doing something to help their students. They’re getting out of the way.

Instead of standing by the overhead projector and in front of the projector screen, the teachers will be using projector systems affixed to the ceilings of their classrooms. They will also be using electronic notepads, which work with the projectors through a computer connection. Whatever is written with the stylus on the notepad appears on screen.

The projectors were installed Monday in three Algebra I classrooms and secured in a fourth.

Algebra I teacher Sam Holthe said, “One benefit is I’m out of the way now. Another benefit is I can control the class.

“It’s really an amazing thing.”

The installation of the projectors extended from Holthe’s use of the items in the classroom. After his projector and notebook were purchased with grant money, he gave Superintendent Sherry Labyer and Assistant Superintendent Glenda Cobb a demonstration on how the mechanisms work.

The demonstration led to the purchase of the equipment for the other classrooms.

Projection Industry Players Align to Set New Standard

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leading projector manufacturers
and technology providers united to endorse a new international specification
that will allow users to evaluate the color performance of digital projectors
to ensure their investment delivers the most impact and the greatest effect.
The new specification called "Color Brightness" measures color light output.
With the fast-paced development of vivid color content and the rapid adoption
of high definition video, the quality and impact of the color produced by a
projector has become extremely important. Leading industry players in support
of the movement include 3LCD manufacturers Epson and Sony.
From the classroom to the boardroom to the living room, vivid color
improves communication-enhancing attention, comprehension and learning.
Current industry specification metrics fail to highlight the differences in
color light output among competing products and technologies -- leaving it
virtually unreported. Despite the overwhelming use of color today, the
industry has continued to rely largely on specifications that only measure
black and white performance such as brightness and contrast ratio. There is
growing consensus for the need for an effective, easy-to-use projector
measurement metric -- Color Brightness.
"We are focused on delivering a higher standard of image quality," said
John Kaloukian, director of the Professional Display Group at Sony
Electronics.
"Image quality is a function of high color and high brightness. That is
exactly what the Color Brightness specification communicates. Based on
industry accepted methodologies, Color Brightness makes a lot of sense for
communicating the importance and impact of color."

Toshiba's Wireless Short-Range Projector

From Yahoo:

Our Last Gadget Standing competition will be taking place next Wednesday, and all the finalists duking out it next week have been announced. There will be plenty of wafer-thin and monster LCD and plasma displays at CES, but newer DLP projectors able to produce a comparable image without taking up much space in the living room are quickly becoming a consumer's cheaper alternative.

One of my picks included the Toshiba TDP-EW25U DLP projector, which I've had the pleasure of checking out during my holiday vacation. I say "pleasure," because after spending time with this particular projector, it will be very hard for me to go back to playing Rock Band or watching movies on a regular screen.

One of the features that really impressed me is the "extreme short projection" capability it has to produce a 60-inch image from a mere 2.4 feet away. During my review, I placed the projector about five feet away from the wall, which produced a massive 120-inch image on the wall. Good thing I had plenty of wall space.

Setup was quick and painless, and the image quality was amazing. The TDP-EW25U DLP projector is extremely bright, thanks to its powerful 2,600 ANSI lumens, and the picture is sharp, due to its 1,280 by 800 pixels of resolution and 2,000:1 contrast ratio. The projector has plenty of connections, including a LAN and USB port, two RGB connections, two video inputs for composite and S-Video, and two components (shared with computer inputs).

Hitachi Brings Short Throw Capabilities to Education and Corporate Markets With CP-A100

LAS VEGAS--(Business Wire)--Offering a new level of versatility and performance to the
education and corporate markets, Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous
Platform Systems Division is unveiling the CP-A100 3LCD projector.
This revolutionary new model features a very short throw distance,
eliminating the problem of presenters obstructing the projected image
by standing in front of the screen. Additionally, the CP-A100 offers
networking capability, allowing multiple projectors to be controlled
and monitored from a single location.

The CP-A100 boasts an extremely short throw distance: at 1.6 feet
you can project a 60 inch image. This not only prevents image
obstruction, but also means there are no shadows interfering with the
image and no light in the presenter's face. The versatile CP-A100 can
be placed vertically as well as horizontally, as well as inverted for
ceiling mount applications, making positioning of the projector more
convenient.

Adding to the user's convenience is the network connectivity of
the CP-A100, which allows for simultaneous monitoring and control of
several projectors from a remote location. This is particularly
beneficial in schools and large corporate environments, where
projectors are located throughout a facility and the monitoring of
each projector is a time-consuming ordeal. With the benefits of
networking technology, a technician can monitor details such as lamp
life for each projector from his/her computer. Additionally, the
CP-A100's performance stands alone among competitive models. It offers
a brightness of 2,500 ANSI lumens, XGA resolution and a 500:1 contrast
ratio.

The CP-A100 addresses the issue of security with functions such as
multilevel PIN locks, a security bar and a Kensington slot. Moreover,
the CP-A100 is easy to use, featuring advanced connectivity and
proprietary Hitachi functions including My Buttons, Input Source
Naming and My Text. The CP-A100's E-Shot feature allows users to
transfer up to four still images from a computer to the projector.



Easy maintenance is another attractive function of the CP-A100, as
its lamp door is on top of the model, and the filter is located on the
back, allowing for easy access. The CP-A100 offers additional
versatility with its Whiteboard, Blackboard or Day Time Modes.

"Hitachi's introduction of the CP-A100 marks a major step forward
in providing teachers and presenters an extremely short throw
projector," said Pete Denes, vice president of sales, Hitachi America,
Ltd., Ubiquitous Business Platform Systems Division, Business Group.
"This groundbreaking feature, along with the CP-A100's networking
capability and high performance, allows presenters to fully
concentrate on engaging their audience."


For more information about Hitachi's activities at the 2008
International CES, please visit av.hitachi.com/

Review: Sony VPL-VW200 is the projector to beat

Kevin Miller writes:

(CNET.com) -- Sony's 2007 flagship front projector, the VPL-VW200, uses the company's variant of LCoS, called SXRD, and like most high-end projectors, it features a native resolution of 1080p. Those specs and jargon may well impress your buddies, but the real story is in the picture.

The VPL-VW200 is the most color-accurate front projector we've seen for less than $30,000, and it basically smokes anything at or near its price range in overall image accuracy.

Sony must have listened to our incessant complaining about inaccurate primary and secondary colors, as the company has delivered near perfection in that area.

This unit also adds some really flexible setup features, and it looks great hanging from the ceiling. As of this writing, the Sony VPL-VW200 is the new high-end projector to beat.

Asheville company is manufacturing powerful computers

Anne writes:

Sigler and his wife, Kellie Sigler, started Lumenlab in 2003, when they became interested in supplying do-it-yourself parts for video projectors. The couple started importing projector parts, such as lens and lighting equipment, and selling them online. Then Grayson Sigler designed and built a video projector, the eVo, which he described as an “upgradeable DIY projector.”

The demand for the eVo, which the Siglers advertised only on the Internet, grew to the point that Sigler asked his brother and sister-in-law, Tracy Sigler and Mary Earle-Sigler, to join the business a little more than a year ago. At the same time, the family moved the business from Virginia to Asheville.

The Sigler brothers then set up a production facility in Chingdu, China, to make the video projectors, and they sold more than 2,250 in just a few months. Then the projectors started coming back to Lumenlab for repairs, and the Siglers realized they had a quality control problem. Every penny the business had made from the projectors and more went back into repair and reimbursement for the faulty projectors, Grayson Sigler said.