Switcher or Scaler?

[sterob]

Hello,

This is truly a great site. Our church is finally moving into its own facility next month after 3 years of being a portable church. And like every small church we have a limited budget. We have a projector that we have been using and now want to permanetly installed it.

Here is the question. We want to be able to connector a VCR and DVD player to the projector. They will be about 60 feet from the projector using a laptop.

What do I need: A scaler or video swicter or both? I am looking at the used market place such as Ebay to buy some of the equipment.

There is alot of used Extron equipment on Ebay and I don't know what to buy. Any recommendations or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Our budget is about $800.00. We do not use cameras.

Thanks,
Steve

[[Admin] PHugger]

In short you will want both. If we assume your projector does 1024x768 (important - find out what the optimum resolution is) you will need to set your laptop to display this resolution as well. The video inputs will need to be scaled up to this higher resolution. This is where an Extron scaler comes in. Make sure the scaler can scale to this resolution. You'll need the scaler to scale your video sources (svideo, composite or component - check connections) up to your projector's resolution. Probably different cables now too (VGA). You'll need some way to switch all three sources. The cheapest way is to buy a two way VGA switch and a 2 way video switch. Check all connections and cables needed. Please excuse the crappy artwork. Maybe some of the others can give you more detailed advice.

Best regards,
PCH

[[Admin] PHugger]

As an alternative to needing a video switch you may be able to play the DVD player throught the VCR or use the VCRs line in. You'll need to check. A video switch is cheap (radio shack) and may be easier than the 'play through' option. It can be disastrous if you hit the wrong button or forget to turn something on correctly.

You may want to try to connect a tv to your video sources to act as a preview monitor so you can que your tapes/DVDs up before they are played without anyone needing to see what you are doing on the big screen.

You said you are not using cameras yet. If you start to record all of this stuff you need to split off the signals with DAs (Distribution Amp - splitter) and you'll need another scaler to scale down the Laptop's VGA output to video. Your fun is just starting.......


PCH

[dljordaneku]

Originally posted by Phugger
As an alternative to needing a video switch you may be able to play the DVD player throught the VCR or use the VCRs line in. You'll need to check.

One problem you will have here is the copy protection build in to the videos. If the dvd does have the copy protection and you run it through the vcr, you will get the fading in and out of the video. I tried this when I bought my dvd player and had to run out and get a dvd modulator switch since my tv didn't have s-video inputs.

dj

[[Admin] PHugger]

Good catch DJ -

Go for the switch. Macrovision will bite you in the hinder!


PCH

We just installed a projector in our church and could not afford to "do it right" this time. What I did is connected a VCR/DVD combo player to the video input on the projector and connected the laptop's monitor output to the RGB input on the projector. both cables are 75' long and when we need to switch from PowerPoint to a DVD or video, we use the remote control that came with the projector to switch inputs. (it is amazing how far away those remotes will work) This works fine for now. To avoid the "blue screen" I plan the service where the switch can be made during the welcome or during a prayer. If alot of switching is required then I simply prerecord everything onto a VCR tape and let the operator "play and pause" -- a converter is used to record the PowerPoint. One day I hope to get a switcher, but until then -- this works!

[sterob]

Thanks for the quick replys and advise it is very apprecaited. We definitely want to do it right. Are there any recommendation to the particular Extron part number or another manufacturer's product.

You may want to look at all the past threads on this topic before you rush off into something. Pay special attention to replies from similar style churches as yours, and the advice of some of the expert's on the forum...

If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a scaler first - really improves the video signals, and most will do basic cuts and cross dissolves (fades) between sources - including the VGA pass through - which is your computer signal.

Tim sells a few different models in his store. So check that out too!

[[Admin] PHugger]

I didn't mean to give the impression that Extron is the way to go. I think Dave's advice to look at what Tim sells is good. You may be able to find something that combines some of the seperate bits. You'll also have the advantage of excellent customer and community support. On an $800 budget your choices are more limited. Maybe Tim can advise you if he's finished talking to Ralph on the big white telephone.

Dave - If you had to make a choice between going low tech (low budget) immediately or waiting to spend more money on a scaler/switcher than you can currently afford/justify what would you do? We had almost 4 years of practice with a setup like I described above (suboptimal) before we got our Folsom Presentation Pro Scaler/Switcher (heavenly). I'm glad we didn't wait 4 years. I didn't have any say in the original setup, but we did use it to touch many people's hearts. I would say yes, listen to what the experts say, but don't feel that you need a load of pro level gear to get your mnistry started. That being said - a good switch will make the service much, much more bullet proof.


Best regards,
PCH

[Charlie Brown]

Phugger

I think Tone has got your artwork beat.

[[Admin] PHugger]

Thanks Shane,

but his wasn't original......... (c8

[sterob]

Tone,

Thanks. The way I read this and the most effective inexpensive way is to use a scaler only, like the Extron DVS 204 or a used DVS 150.

Is this correct and then I won't need a switcher. We are not looking for a perfect seemless solution but something that is pratical and affordable.

You guys are great!