Q. The desk top PC I use for presentations only has one monitor output and I wish to connect the monitor and the projector at the same time

There are two ways of achieving this:

If the cable run from the PC to the projector is short, purchase a VGA distribution amplifier like the
Kramer Tools VP-200N and a short link lead. You will need an extra mains point for the plug top power adaptor supplied with the distribution amplifier. You can order a mains distribution board from us to add an extra 13A socket if necessary.

Buy a new video card for your PC with two outputs and Dual screen functionality. This option will enable you to take full advantage of the Presenter View facility within PowerPoint 2003/2007
Recommended video cards include nVidia and Matrox 
The card is probably best fitted and configured by a technician. If your PC is covered by a contract your IT supplier will undertake this work, alternatively we will be pleased to quote you to install the card and any associated equipment and cabling.  

Q. We have a PA system installed in our meeting hall and wish to connect the sound from a laptop into the system. The only connections available are microphone sockets. Can you supply a cable to enable us to make the connection?

Not so simple as that, I am afraid. Microphone signals are low level signals and the amplifier input is very sensitive. The output from a laptop sound card is high level and if you did make the connection, it would be badly distorted and probably damage the amplifier.
We would recommend a DI box which attenuates the signal from the laptop to a level that is acceptable to the microphone channel on the amplifier.
Our laptop interface kit contains the DI box, a colour coded microphone lead and the laptop to DI box lead.

 

Q: We use a projector at church to show the song words and PowerPoint presentations during sermons. We have observed horizontal banding across the image, the intensity of which follows the volume of the music. What is causing this?

 

A:  Almost certainly the induction loop system. You will probably find that the loop cable runs in close proximity and parallel to the computer graphics feed cable to the projector. To prove if this is the cause, play a music source through the induction loop at a fairly high level while the projector is showing images from your usual source PC.

 

There is a temporary work round and two solutions:

 

1.       Switch off the induction loop amplifier during any music but please explain why you are doing this to any member of the congregation who uses a hearing aid. Do not adjust the induction loop amplifier.

2.       Moving the cables at least a metre apart should also solve the problem but may not be practical due to the layout of your building

3.       If the only cable route available is adjacent to the induction loop, buy one our fibre optic cable kits. This method uses light to transmit the signal from one end to the other and this is not affected by the electro-magnetic waves generated by a loop system.

 

If the induction loop is not the cause of the problem, please contact us.

 

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