Prospective Presenters, and Club Members -- Please Read!

SGMS has significantly changed the way slides and videos are shown as a result of new equipment having been purchased or received in donation in recent years. Presenters need to be aware what equipment we have (so they can bring what they need if we don't have it), and club members need to be prepared to set the equipment up, in the event our electronics guru is not present. Also Preston Bingham needs to be aware beforehand whether projection equipment is needed so he can arrange with the Recreation Center to have a projector stand and screen in the room.

Projection Equipment

(1) Projector: The club uses an InFocus IN24 DLP electronic media projector for pictures and videos (so if you have film slides, please bring your own slide projector and carousels or make prior arrangements with the Program Chairperson). The IN24 accepts inputs via 15 pin analog VESA, 4-pin DIN S-video, and composite video ports. The projector box contains a VGA (computer end) to VESA cord; there is also a DVI to VGA adapter to support connection to Apple laptops. The DVD player box contains a composite video cord with integrated L/R audio (yellow/white/red plugs) which can be used to input DVD video or CD pictures. (Note that it is also possible to input pictures directly from a digital camera to the projector using the composite port.) The IN24 has a built-in mono speaker, which is adequate when showing DVDs though the sound quality is mediocre.

(2) DVD player: Peter Adams donated a CyberHome DVD player to the club, which saw its first use at the Oct 2008 meeting. This player is connected to the projector using the composite video cords (though S-video connection could be used if a cord is brought to the meeting). In addition to videos, the player has been confirmed to do a good job with jpg picture files burned onto a CD. Be aware though that when projecting jpg pictures from a CD, the presenter will want to 'pause' the player after each picture has loaded, then hit 'play' again when they are ready to move on.

(3) Power Supply: A long heavy-duty extension cord with a 3-way socket end is stored with the projectors and DVD player. The length should be adequate for most set-ups.

Note! The club does not own a computer, but individual members do have laptops and are willing to bring these to meetings if asked in advance. If a presenter wants the club to provide a laptop, the Program Chair should be informed of this at least a week in advance (specify any preference for Apple or PC, and any specific software which might be needed, such as PowerPoint) so s/he can arrange for this.

Set-Up and Operation

Setting up the IN24 and operating it are extremely easy, so no-one in the club should feel they lack the necessary technological prowess. Simple, easy-to read step-by-step instructions are included in the box with the projector. The most crucial thing to remember is: don't unplug the projector after use until the fan has turned itself off; failing to allow adequate cool-down could result in destruction of a very expensive lamp.

The IN24 is placed pretty close to the projection screen; figure about 15 feet, then fine-tune. Be sure to set everything up so the projector is in the general vicinity of a wall outlet, and so the extension cord won't present a tripping hazard. The video file source (laptop or DVD player) will need to be within about 6 feet of the projector.

As noted above, when showing pictures on a CD using the DVD player, the presenter will want to pause the player after advancing to each slide; otherwise the player continues in a timed slideshow mode.

Storage

When done, simple repack the equipment in the boxes the same way you found them, and return them to the library cabinet.

Last updated March 19, 2010