PP4 Output Function

[Hagiazo]

Probably a really dumb question but I am using PP4, second week of evaluation, and I have yet to figure out how to prevent the output from showing my desktop when I am working on other programs. I am using Lion on an 15" MBP.

What I want to be able to do is keep a slide showing, like a church logo, or a looped presentation timeline, while I am working on an audio program (adjusting recording levels and mixing, or checking emails, etc). I want the output to be independent of other actions apart from PP4 while working on other things (not working on another PP4 presentation at the same time though).

Does that make sense? Is it doable?

Thanks

[petereit]

I don't recommend ever using your main projection computer for anything other than projection during a church service. As I like to tell my folks in the studio with me, "Hey! Listen up! This message is for YOU."

That said, there are times when it is necessary to pop over to another program temporarily and take care of some vital business. I haven't found it to be a problem on our PP system because we only use it for PP and we NEVER use windows on the second screen. (And there is where I'm guessing your problem lies.)

Let me make a few wild assumptions here and you tell me if I'm correct:

1. You unplug your MacBook from the projector after service and use it during the week for lots of other stuff
2. During the week you use it with an external monitor
3. You open apps and drag windows to that external monitor

If my assumptions are correct, the solution is actually pretty simple, and what I would consider a "best practice" anyway. Create a ProPresenter account on your MacBook and never use it for anything other than ProPresenter. If you DO pull up another program while in that account, make sure you never use the external monitor with that program.

[JoshGuerette]

What he said.

PP outputs on external displays at close to desktop level, meaning any application will show up over top of it. Even if it wasn't, then an application would show up underneath and you'd be unable to access it. I totally agree with just using your machine for presentation and not for anything else (no matter how lightweight or unnoticeable you might think it is). This is where the majority of accidents happen (like windows/mouse pointers/etc being shown on screen, or jumping slides), and it's super easy to avoid.

If you really feel you must or if you can't afford another computer to record/check email on, just open all the applications you're going to need before service and stick them on your main display and minimize. Then when you pop them back up, they should stay there.

[ministrytech]

The only time your display would be interrupted is if you minimize ProPresenter or if you use expose to move to a different window. If you just click on the program icon in the dock to switch to another program, it should just overlay the program you're switching to over Pro.

Are you seeing something different?

[Hagiazo]

All good advice and very helpful. Much appreciated.

[TomandPen]

Maybe it depends on your setup too. I've never had anything pop out over PP during a service unless I wanted it to. I've often gone to Google to search for a specific image to display during a service if I've felt that it would enhance the message. As long as PP is not minimized, it shouldn't be an issue.

That being said, I agree with those above who said that it shouldn't be done. While I've never had it happen to ME, it has happened to others during a service who either minimized PP or accidentally dragged something over to the 2nd monitor.