[comp.os.vms] Video Projection Equipment

DHASKIN@CLARKU.BITNET (Denis W. Haskin, Manager, Technical Services) (05/28/87)

Hi gang -

[This isn't *directly* VAX-related, but it seems to be the appropriate list.]

The University is in the process of revamping a lecture hall and wants to
put in all the latest and greatest electronic teaching tools, which of course
means (among other things) --> video projection.

They'd also like to have their cake and eat it too, that is, have one
projection system suffice for 'regular' video projection (e.g. VCR) *and*
for output from a computer terminal (VT200-series) or PC (IBM PC+compatible,
also DEC Rainbow if possible).  They would also like to be able to buy the
cheaper (oops, "more economical") model which has more limited options and
capabilities.

Our audiovisual technician is getting rather frustrated as nobody seems to
really know (a) whether this is possible and (b) if it is, what are the specs?
He was talking about scan speeds and the like, but it's really beyond me.  Our
own department is using two LimeLight projectors (from Vivid Systems
Incorporated, Fremont, CA) but those only work with VDT equipment.

So - if you or the entity with which you are affiliated has had any experience
in this arena, any information/experiences/guidelines/horror stories/etc. you
have would be greatly appreciated.

Please send to me and I will summarize to the net if there is enough interest.

aTdHvAaNnKcSe,

% Denis W. Haskin                             Manager, Technical Services %
% ----------------------------------------------------------------------- %
% DHASKIN@CLARKU.BITNET   Office of Information Systems     (617)793-7193 %
% Clark University               950 Main Street      Worcester MA  01610 %
%                                                                         %
% "Anyone who _moves_ before Most Holy comes back out will spend the rest %
%  of eternity sipping lava through an iron straw."        - Cerebus      %

CC: LIAISON@BITNIC.BITNET

dp@JASPER.PALLADIAN.COM (Jeffrey Del Papa) (05/29/87)

    Date:     Thu, 28 May 87 14:55 EDT
    From:     <DHASKIN%CLARKU.BITNET@wiscvm.wisc.edu> (Denis W. Haskin, Manager, Technical Services)

    Hi gang -

    [This isn't *directly* VAX-related, but it seems to be the appropriate list.]

    The University is in the process of revamping a lecture hall and wants to
    put in all the latest and greatest electronic teaching tools, which of course
    means (among other things) --> video projection.

    They'd also like to have their cake and eat it too, that is, have one
    projection system suffice for 'regular' video projection (e.g. VCR) *and*
    for output from a computer terminal (VT200-series) or PC (IBM PC+compatible,
    also DEC Rainbow if possible).  They would also like to be able to buy the
    cheaper (oops, "more economical") model which has more limited options and
    capabilities.

    Our audiovisual technician is getting rather frustrated as nobody seems to
    really know (a) whether this is possible and (b) if it is, what are the specs?
    He was talking about scan speeds and the like, but it's really beyond me.  Our
    own department is using two LimeLight projectors (from Vivid Systems
    Incorporated, Fremont, CA) but those only work with VDT equipment.

    So - if you or the entity with which you are affiliated has had any experience
    in this arena, any information/experiences/guidelines/horror stories/etc. you
    have would be greatly appreciated.

    Please send to me and I will summarize to the net if there is enough interest.

    aTdHvAaNnKcSe,

    % Denis W. Haskin                             Manager, Technical Services %
    % ----------------------------------------------------------------------- %
    % DHASKIN@CLARKU.BITNET   Office of Information Systems     (617)793-7193 %
    % Clark University               950 Main Street      Worcester MA  01610 %
    %                                                                         %
    % "Anyone who _moves_ before Most Holy comes back out will spend the rest %
    %  of eternity sipping lava through an iron straw."        - Cerebus      %

    CC: LIAISON@BITNIC.BITNET


I personally like the huges LCD lightvalve projectors. they are pricey ($30k+) and
black and white only, but they deliver very crisp, bright results, and can even
project high density screens such as symbolics. (or TI explorer) They are much less
tempermental than the GE oil film monster, tho they do have a fiddly adjustment or
two. (mostly having to do with the bias voltage on the LCD "hockey puck", said
adjustment controlling the contrast. the knob for this is on the back, and it is not
hard to do, I have one it over the phone on more than one occasion.) There is rumored
to be a color version of the thing, but I have never seen one. (there are also armor
plated versions, the thing was originally developed for NORAD.) If your AV type has
further questions, have him give me a call (617) 661-7171 (usual hackers hours)

<dp>