SamanthaD

Got to 26 before my boss came back in!

None of our interactive screens have remote controls - they're controlled by RS232 panels so when you turn the system on they select HDMI 1 and that's as much as we use the screen for - all other functions are done by other kit. Not bulletproof but simple.

The only thing I don't like about any of these so far is only 1 input - so if you want to change device you have to start unplugging things! Which is why I'd have a look at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012T1D0IG?linkCode=g12&tag=ezvid-21 - 1 digital and 1 analogue input at least, so no need to go unplugging cables all the time.

I'd bypass the Headteacher and go to whoever is actually teaching the unit (though keep the Headteacher in the loop). Macs - not needed. As it's a new venture I'd steer them down a Windows route as there's no precedent set yet. Green screen - although painting a wall would be cheap unless the wall is perfectly flat and smooth there'll be shadows on the bumps. I'd go for a wool serge cloth curtain on a track that can be stretched and weighted correctly to give a flat, matte finish (and can be kept clean by putting away when not in use) Camera - what's the end goal? Do you need UHD resolution or are you making YouTube clips? Ascertain what the need is first (and budget) then you can look at cameras. Pointless buying a 4k camera if you're only kicking out 1080p. Also consider storage and data transfer if you're working in a 4k environment. Tripod - buy something that will exceed what you need now. You can't go wrong with Manfrotto or Silk - if the budget's there now spend it on quality parts - cameras will be updated in time but hardware is unlikely....

I would definitely stop and start talking to whoever is running this competition - if they're performing Greatest Showman tracks they should have a performance license and may have a license to provide music to rehearse to. However I think hosting this on a publicly accessible website is going to be a big no!

We've recently started using EV EVID-S5.2 in our smaller spaces, might be a good shout for anyone looking for high quality audio (music department etc).

Crestron programming is pure code. Even here where we do our own programming in-house for Extron, AMX, ProCon etc we still leave the Crestron systems alone. I'm not sure you're going to be successful in finding anything out either - Crestron are quite protective over this sort of stuff, hence why their training regime is a lot harder than other manufacturers and those who go through it are naturally not going to give much away! I see 2 options for you - bite the bullet and pay for the programming or bite a different bullet and pay for a new panel you can program.

You'll need to download Dante controller to make the associations - it's not difficult. Dante even offer training to show you how to use the software, all free.

You need to be looking at Dante. Their AVIO adapters cost around £150 each and will sit on a network quite happily....

Hi there, I'm not familiar with Crestron other than I know to get qualified as a Crestron programmer takes a long time, and a lot of money. This is why Crestron programmers can charge stupid day rates to do exactly what you're trying to do. Is the Crestron interface a deal-breaker? There's other options out there that will do the same job where the training and software is a lot cheaper / free....

Are you on Windows 10? Microsoft Ink and the Whiteboard app work quite well!

The official HDMI spec doesn't have a max length, though it's widely accepted that 5m is the max you can use a passive cable, and 15m for active. This doesn't really apply to you though if you're adapting it straight out of the machine. Are you having problems with one specific brand of projector? I'm wondering if the PC's are outputting a resolution too high for the projectors to accept?

XLR is easy to extend, just buy another small cable and daisy chain it on. What sort of control do you want to give to the end user, and at what budget? It would be very easy to install a DSP with a seperate touchscreen giving basic EQ control to the whole system while retaining presets for quick recalls?

That's less of a rule these days with VR technology, but a 50mm prime isn't going to have that! Let us know how you get on.

Go to the lamp hours in the menu, ensure it's highlighted, press Enter for 3 seconds to bring up the reset confirmation dialogue, then press OK. Done!

Unless your camera is on a tripod you want a shutter speed faster than 1/50. 1/125 is my go-to for studio work, but manual mode is the only way to go when using off camera strobes. Good luck!

Setting your camera to Aperture priority means it will be exposing for the room as it is when you half press the shutter release, not when the flash fires and the shutter opens. You need to be using Manual for anything involving strobes. Check the flash sync speed of your camera (get it wrong and you'll have shutter curtain issues). Set your ISO to around 200 to start, I'd recommend 1/125 shutter speed (guess but check your sync speed) and then manually change the aperture until you get a nice exposure. Or buy a lightmeter which will tell you what settings you need!

Our goto to S4B - IMO don't bother. People see Skype then try and connect to personal Skype accounts, which doesn't work! Major flaw in the Surface Hub business model (which is basically a S4B interface with a little more functionality built in). Zoom looks promising, though we also use BlueJeans here. Hardware we either have Surface Hubs (don't bother - not even SH2) or Logitech Meetup. The Meetup is pricey but for an all in one unit (speaker, microphone and camera) gives the best quality in our testing and is easy to use, and just works without awkward installs. Also has the option for a neat mounting arm which attaches to a VESA bracket, so if you want to mount it below a screen it's dead easy!

Blocked filter?

Can you check with a composite or USB source? It may be the VGA connector on the projector has an issue, rather than a cable. Also do the menus look discoloured? If composite or USB still gives no red, 99% sure it's the LCD.

GV Multimedia have an office in Hounslow, we use them through the Exeter office and are pretty reliable.

My last role was IT, AV and lighting tech - about 80% stage work and 20% IT when there wasn't much to do on the stage. I ran an after school club training students on how to run desks, lighting setups etc. They operated for shows so I could fix issues. I also had to do all the rigging and power, but used their ideas. Seemed to work quite well!

Last time I went was about 5 years ago - but still there then!

Random thought - can you just give away Macs to students? Not sure this would comply with WEEE regulations?

Just had a quick look at my badge and noticed the side that is printed on the left has a bit of the QR code (and therefore bar code) missing due to printer margins, maybe this is the issue? You'd think as something that is primarily an IT event this would be sorted!