Computer question for AAW symposium

[john lucas]

I am putting together my application to be a demonstrator at the AAW symposium. One of the talks I would like to do is on saving wood. It would need to be a slide show and discussion for the most part. As a photographer producing the images would be simple but I don't know how or what I would need to be able to project them.
Can I do that straight from the camera to their projector or would I need a lap top or some device to get the images into the machine. I really don't want to buy something like that. I am thinking about stepping up to a smart phone, would that work?
I'm at your mercy to help me understand how this is done. I know I've been to a lot of demos where they used their own lap tops but almost every time they had to fiddle to get it to work. I don't have the know how to fiddle and don't have a lap top either.
Hellllp. Thanks a bunch for replies. John

 

[billooms]

At the last symposium the technical guys were very well prepared. Basically, they can take any "modern" video output and make it work. Most people used laptop computers with video outputs. Many used tablets with an HDMI output. If you have a recent digital camera that provides an HDMI output, that should work. I wouldn't rely on the old S-video outputs because the picture quality would be poor.

 

[Rob Wallace]

Hi John!

The rotation demonstration I did this year in San Jose (as well as the Special Interest Night Gizmos and Gadgets presentation) were both done in Powerpoint, and it did work OK with the AAW's new camera and video system (because it was essentially bypassed). HOWEVER - don't expect to move back and forth easily between digital image projection from a laptop or other source (tablet?) and using the camera system. The switching unit for the cameras had to be disconnected from the projector video feed cable which was then plugged-in to my laptop for the Powerpoint presentation to be projected. There was not a separate cable from the switcher which would be connected to the laptop so that one could easily select between the system's video sources and the laptop, making integrating any live video at the lathe and using Powerpoint images/slides very easy. There was also a very annoying delay in the system when video sources were switched, which would show several seconds of "nothing" before any image would appear on the system - this was one of the major 'negatives' reported for the new system. (With the "old" analog video, one could switch quickly between camera sources to select the best view; with the delay in the new digital system, it adds an unacceptable interruption to the presentation.) I don't know if the AAW's video folks have resolved these problems for those of us that would like to use both video and laptop; it is not the most optimal configuration for digital image projection if you also want to use the live camera system in the same demo (which would require changing cables back and forth between sources).

I would not expect a smart phone to be a very good device to rely on for bringing your images to the symposium. A tablet or laptop would be much better. It might be possible to borrow a laptop or other device, or perhaps the symposium set-up group might be able to provide one (?). It would still require you to have your images loaded on some compatible memory (e.g. USB drive) as separate images, a Powerpoint presentation, or as a pdf file.

I suggest that you get in touch with Deryl Duer who is the designer and guru of the AAW's new video systems; he should be able to answer any question about the presentation system you might have.

Good luck!

Rob

 

[AlanZ]

There is an inexpensive adaptor for that iPad and iPhone that produces a VGA output (the same as a computer). This might do well for you when hooking up to a standard projector. There are also hdmi adaptors for these apple devices, but I don't know if the projectors have hdmi inputs.

 

[Rob Wallace]

There is an inexpensive adaptor for that iPad and iPhone that produces a VGA output (the same as a computer). This might do well for you when hooking up to a standard projector. There are also hdmi adaptors for these apple devices, but I don't know if the projectors have hdmi inputs.

Alan:

Most (all?) of the digital projectors used in San Jose did not have HDMI capabilities, and required VGA video - at least as it was explained to me.... the AAW cameras and switching units could do HDMI, and a converter was required on each video switching unit, I think.

The AAW rented the projectors from the San Jose Convention Center (we could not even touch them at all, even to adjust position or focus, or disconnect the VGA cable!) and it may be the same thing in Tampa next year.

Rob

 

[AlanZ]

Rob,

When I travel with my iPhone/iPad I carry both the vga and hdmi adapters... you never know what you're going to run into (projectors, large screen tvs, etc), so it pays to be prepared.

Fortunately, the adapters are compact and inexpensive.

 

[john lucas]

Boy do I miss slide film. Not only did it look better there were almost no problems with slide projectors. 🙂
My Nikon D5100 has an AV out and HDMI. sounds like the HDMI won't work but I will contact Deryl since he live relatively close by. I don't know what format the AV out is. I will have to do some research.

 

[AlanZ]

"there were almost no problems with slide projectors"

HAH!

Dust on slides, jammed slides, burned slides, multiple projectors out of sync, the terror of your slide trays not arriving with your luggage... arrrgh.

Slide projectors, may you R. I. P.

 

[AlanZ]

You could get a small netbook computer (10 inch screen) and carry that with you. They are inexpensive, have wireless, and usually have an SD card slot (handy for transfering your photos from your camera). They are very lightweight and have long battery life. Aside from hooking up to the projector, it can keep you connected and online.

 

[AlanZ]

A D5100's AV out would be composite video (typically a yellow RCA plug) and one channel audio (white plug).

 

[hockenbery]

The AAW rents the digital projectors. They all seem to have a bunch of inputs.
I show power points( NOTES) using an IPAD. I have both the pc and RCA cables for the
IPAD. I have found one or the other to work on the TV's or projectors local clubs have and at regional symposiums.
I used the PC cable In San Jose. Trent Bosch shows slides for his iPhone.

 

[john lucas]

Thanks Al I know those systems probably work but I was hoping to get buy without buying new toys that I would not have much use for and have trouble learning to use them.
Alan I've done many many slide show over the years. Very few problems that could not be fixed in a very short order. Oh well, doesn't matter, those days are gone. Maybe we could just sit around the campfire, sing Kumbya and pass around photos. I'd have to grow my afro back for that.

 

[hockenbery]

He john,
You could bring a slide projector.

I have a Kodak projector I could loan you.
It was last used by Al Stirt about 3-4 years ago.

Another option is to borrow a laptop. People do this from time to time.

I'm sure we can solve the problem.

Al

 

[Betty Scarpino]

Thanks Al I know those systems probably work but I was hoping to get buy without buying new toys that I would not have much use for and have trouble learning to use them.

John, there is always someone at the symposium who has a computer you could borrow. No need to buy another gadget. The POP committee has 11 rotations, most of which will have digital presentations. Many demonstrators show images at their presentations. And there are many others who simply bring their computer.

A quick note on the AAW Forum just before the symposium will result in someone willing to coordinate with you for lending a computer. Heck, I might even let you borrow mine. I will have it with me.

Betty Scarpino, editor, AW

 

[Bill Boehme]

I have a Kodak Carrousel slide projector from about 35 years ago that is in pristine condition because it was used so little. I took it to a meeting of the Woodturners of North Texas about six or seven years ago because Clay Foster had a bunch of slides that he wanted to show and this was long before we had a digital projection system or means to digitize his slides in a hurry. As luck would have it, the bulb burned out the instant that it was turned on. Fortunately, one of the members was able to rush out and quickly buy a new projection bulb -- that really surprised me given the age of the projector. I believe that was the last time that it was used which is a pity considering all of the overpriced accessories that I bought for it. I have (or perhaps did have once upon a time) a screen and somebody actually wanted to borrow it last week. My wife and I practically turned the house upside down searching and never found it (or as she would say in her Tennessee dialect, "it turned up missing"). I suspect that I may have loaned to someone else and then promptly forgot about it.

The story of the moral is that the old stuff had as many, if not more problems as the new stuff. The only difference is that many of the problems on old stuff could be repaired by the average person who was able to hold a screwdriver by the proper end. Today, instead of a screwdriver, you need a teenage techno geek.😀

 

[john lucas]

Bill I actually have 2 projectors. Both are not working properly. I used to do camera repair and repaired some projectors as well. I think I may have actually fixed them once.
I still actually have a film camera right now but have been trying to sell it. I'll probably stick to digital just have to learn how to handle it.

 

[davidwalser]

The answer: It depends

John,

Many current video projectors will connect directly to your camera, will run off a USB thumb drive, or will display the pictures on the camera's memory card. The problem is not all projectors can do these things and I doubt anyone now knows which projectors will be used at next year's symposium. (Even if the AAW has some projectors, between now and then there might be a good reason to replace them.)

As part of my professional (non-woodturning) endeavors, I frequently give presentations before large groups. I also organize symposiums. When I am speaking, I ask the people who invited me to speak what electronic format they want my presentation to be in. Usually, they have a list of acceptable formats that will work with their video system. Also usually, I'll send them my presentation a few days before my speaking engagement so that they can load it onto their projector/computer. (As a backup, I bring my presentation on my laptop or iPad.)

When I am the event organizer, I ask the speaker for a copy of the presentation in one of the formats our system can use. If the speaker doesn't have the ability to produce a file in an acceptable format, I ask for a copy of the presentation in "native" format -- on a CD, DVD, or thumb drive, I don't care which -- and I have someone convert it into a format our video system will display. We don't leave this up to the speaker. We invited him or her and we want to ensure that the presentation will be successful, so we make sure the video works.

Here's what I suggest: Apply to be a demonstrator. After you're selected (which any committee with good sense would do), work with the AAW to ensure that your pictures can be displayed on the video screen. That shouldn't be more difficult than sending the AAW a copy of the presentation on a CD or a thumb drive. If it is more complex than that, others have already said they'd loan you the necessary hardware.

 

[john lucas]

Thanks David. After talking to you all I think it's doable. I'll get my butt in gear and send in an application.

 

[hockenbery]

I should point out.
1. The local volunteers at every symposium do an excellent job of supporting the demonstrators.
2. We have an excellent cadre of videographers who know all about the hookups - note we don't have one in rooms where video camera work is required.
3. All demonstrators are encouraged to test out the setups in their rooms on Thursday. This a chance to dry run the projector connection, check the grinder, lathe etc.
4. There is always a wealth of talent in the audience

On the the last. I was doing PowerPoint from a laptop that I had checked out on our club's projector. Got to my presentation- nothing on the screen.
"does anyone know". Two guys are clicking away connecting and resizing the resolution. "how to make this thing work?"

The AAW does a lot of planning and preparation. There are always some detail that gets missed. Finding the detail on Thursday helps a lot.

The AAW symposium Committee will be able to provide almost any support a demonstrator needs.


Al