Scan Converters: From Computer to Video

[Charlie Brown]

I know this is the worship SOFTWARE section, but I am just wondering if there are others out there who use scan convertors for presenting their text support on screen.

For those of you who don't know what a scan convertor is, it is a box that converts the computer RGB signal into a video signal. This allows you to treat as a video source if you are using a video mixer etc. Also, the biggest benefit of using the one that we have is the freeze function. We are simply running PowerPoint, no dual monitors, so this is invaluable. You simply freeze the screen on the computer, and that is what is sent to the projector, and you can do whatever you want without the congregation seeing it. You can get the next slide ready, jump to a different song, or even continue your game of solitare during worship (Just kidding about the solitare thing).

We use an Avermedia AverKey 300Gold. It is around $300 American. One of the very few that have that freeze option from what I've found.

[Nathan J]

Some projectors have the freeze function too. I agree - it is really nice without dual monitors!

The NEC MT-850 we bought last year has that feature and it was hard going from that to what we are currently using.

I have a Dell Inspiron 4100. Nice little laptop. I occasionally put together powerpoint picture shows for assemblies and then asked to put them on videotapes. I do this using the S-Video jack on the laptop, plugging the S cord into a small Radio Shack RCA plug adaptor and then plugging the RCA cord into my VCR. The resulting videotape is OK, but certainly not my idea of a clear picture.

My question....would a scan converter (PC to TV) help? Thanks!

David
Posted by David on Jun 18, 2002.

[chercarlop]

We are adding 2 Sony 27 inch T.V.'s for the worship team to see the projected songs. I use a Dell Inspiron laptop 8000. From what I have read, we need to buy a scan converter, I understand this. However, I've been talking to a guy specializing in electronics, and he says I don't need a scan converter because the laptop has it already. However, wouldn't the signal be very poor, just using the internal laptop s-video out to tv s-video in?

Cheryl

[Nathan J]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

FYI, I'm in no way an expert, but I'll tell you what I have learned from research.

The scan converter built into your laptop is probably not going to give you the same results as a professional scan convertor. I would try it first - if you already have the equipment, it doesn't hurt to try. If the quality suits you, you're all set! If it doesn't, you will need an external scan convertor.

I hope this helps!

[Charlie Brown]

Another benefit of a scan converter is that you can get one with a freeze function. This is a great benefit when using for a live projection because it almost gives you a cheat way of doing dual monitors.

We use an Avermedia AverKey 300 Gold, and it works great for us.

How far is the distance from the laptop to the projector in terms of cable length??

If the cable length from the laptop is under 10-15 feet, you should be okay. It probably isn't though. Some high end scan converters also double as a signal booster (D.A.)

[chercarlop]

The laptop is about 3 feet from the projecter right now.

Cheryl Carlson

[adowen]

We are doing something similar to what you are asking, although on song lyrics are sent to the projector without a scan convertor, we convert the signal and send it to a choir monitor TV at the front of the stage. They can see what is essentially behind them (on the projector screen) using this setup.

OK. I've been reading on this site for a while now. I have a question I can't figure out.

Here's our setup: The components we use are Powerpoint, DVD, VCR, and sometimes Satellite (Church Communication Network). No live video. We have a 2 projector setup. Currently the computer is plugged into the Computer In slots of the projectors. When we want to use one of the components, we have to do the dreaded switching from Computer to Video mode manually on the projectors. We don't have the budget for a high-res video mixer at this time, so I'm thinking a scaler/switcher would be best for now. So if I'm right, just with the projectors alone, I would plug the components into the scaler/switcher then send that straight out to the projectors.

My primary question though, is this. We also send this signal (the same that we play on the projectors during worship) to 3 praise band TV monitors for lyrics, 1 TV monitor inside the entrance, and 2 TV monitors in our nurseries. The way it's wired now, we take the RCA out of each of our components and plug them into (literally) a Wal-Mart switcher then out to a 1x in 4x out Radio Shack amplifier. Very cheap and temporary. Can I get a scan converter, put it downstream from the scaler/switcher, and get a good image that way?

If anyone understands what I'm saying and can help that would be great. A diagram would be fantastic! Thanks.

[Doug Jennings]

One thing I've learned about trying to use the S-video or Composite video jacks that are built into many laptops is that they're resolution specific. What this means is that if you're trying to run XGA resolution or higher they often will not output video.

I've routinely had to take the laptop resolution down to at least 800x600 or even VGA sometimes, to make the video jacks active.

Just something to think about if you're trying to output XGA to a switcher or projector but want to use the video jack to feed stage monitors or some other display or recording device.

Just thought I'd throw that in to muddy the waters just a bit more....

[[Director] Joseph B]

I'm running everything out as composite video to a switchbox now farthest out I've gone is 100 ft from the projector (with coax).

I'd really like to get a small scaler/switcher unit and run everything out vga

My current setup is two dell laptops, 1 vcr/dvd deck going into an rca video switch box which outputs to a portable video projector via coax cable with rca jacks on the ends.

what I'd really like is everything going into the scaler and output through a 100ft vga cable.

Since I work for donations and don't charge I don't usually have a lot of funds in my ministry account to buy the really high end toys (unless I pay for them myself, like my laptops). But God seems to provide stuff that gets the job done when it's needed.