small monitor for preacher

[nallepo]

Our preacher needs to have a small monitor (~7-10 inch screen) mounted on the podium so that he doesn't have to turn around and look at the big projector screen behind him when he advances the slides during his sermon.

It needs to have a resolution of at least 800x600, a VGA input, and has to have a smart way to mount it on the podium so that it can be "tucked away" when not being used ... something that can be twisted allowing the monitor to be folded under the podium with the screen upwards towards the underside of the podium. Or something like the individual video screens that are available in business class on international flights.

Any idea where to find something like this? Or is there another way to solve the problem for our preacher?

Thanks,
Jen

[Steve G.]

Did you say when HE advances the slide, if he does it then either you mean he is using a remote or has a computer on the podium - which one?

[Gracetech]

I have used Monitors that were meant for cars for different applications with a lot of success. You can get them in varying sizes but be ready to pay $180+ for them. The biggest draw back on these monitors are they are low resolution(800X480 or 800X600). There are some newer monitors hitting the mobility space that are getting higher resolutions like 1024X600 but still not high enough for me. I've used 1280X768 in a 7" monitor on a tablet pc and i consider that a great resolution. Of course my UX has the 1024X600 resolution on a 4.5" screen and while it looks good i really need more resolution.

crt

BTW: I'll see if i can find some links.

[nallepo]

sorry ... he has a remote. At one time we had a regular 19 inch flat screen monitor on a chair in the front row so he could see it, but that was quickly broke since it wasn't permanent and needed to be set-up and removed before and after each service.
/Jen

[cbcmary]

We have a computer monitor on the front pew, strapped down so it can't be moved (the cable runs under the pew). not the most fashionable solution but it works for now. We're a traditional Baptist church where no one sits on the front pew, so it's safe!! Also, the pastor does a children's sermon and the kids sit on the steps to the platform & they look at the computer screen when he has slides for them. The music minister also likes it because he knows what's on the screen.

[Carl Godsoe]

A really "cheap" small monitor would be these portable DVD players (some could be had for well under $100). It would take dumbing down the VGA signal to TV, but I've seen it work, and the resolution isn't bad. When you are thru with it, just close the top -- it's gone! I use one of these in my portable set-up.

Originally Posted by Carl Godsoe

A really "cheap" small monitor would be these portable DVD players (some could be had for well under $100). It would take dumbing down the VGA signal to TV, but I've seen it work, and the resolution isn't bad. When you are thru with it, just close the top -- it's gone! I use one of these in my portable set-up.

Yeah -- that's a good idea. I have a portable DVD player with a 7" screen. The DVD player is dead, but the screen works fine and it has a/v inputs. You can have it for free-to-cheap if you're interested. PM me.

[nallepo]

I was told that it needed a VGA input. How do you change VGA to a tv signal? I think the signal from the projector is VGA and then we convert it to ethernet (when it goes through a cable runner under the floor) and then back to VGA at the podium.

Tim, what are the total dimensions of your DVD player? The space on the podium is quite small which is why we thought of mounting a screen on the side and being able to fold it away.

/Jen

[Gracetech]

You will need a scan converter to go from VGA to Composite/SV/Component NTSC.

crt

[nevmoor]

AverMedia has some good cheap ones that may work out for you.
I also assume the lectern doesn't move?

[bpalermini]

To throw out another idea a lot of us use a projector to a screen on the back wall for this need. It may be easier, if not cheaper but depending on your setup a old, less powerful projector might be enough.

[Carl Godsoe]

Originally Posted by bpalermini

To throw out another idea a lot of us use a projector to a screen on the back wall for this need. It may be easier, if not cheaper but depending on your setup a old, less powerful projector might be enough.

We were actually planning on putting monitors on the stage until we tried the "projector on the back wall" idea. We borrowed a projector to test the idea out. It was such a success that we then bought one to put in place permanently and did away with the monitors on stage idea. And yes, you can usually get by with a lot less of a projector than the one for the front of the house. It's usually darker (less ambient light), distances are not as great (no need for long throw lenses), and cable lengths shorter, thereby reducing the cost quite a bit.