Equipment for Visual Displays
- VGA Cable:
A Video Graphics Array Cable (VGA) is the oldest type of standard computer cable connection that most PCs conform to.
The Process:
Shortcut - Function F5/F6 button.
Click on the following Link to watch how to connect a PC to a smartboard, which can be the process for any other output devices (eg. television).
- VGA Mac Adapter:
The Apple DVI to VGA display adapter allow you to connect your DVI-equipped Mac to an external monitor, projector, or LCD that uses a VGA connector or cable. The DVI to VGA adapter plugs into the DVI port built into the Mac.
The Process:
1. After connecting the Mac adaptor and VGA cables.
2. Open 'Systems Preferences'
3. Click on Displays which is under the subheading 'Hardware'.
4. Click the 'Arrangement' Icon at the top of the window.
5. There should be a button at the bottom left hand corner 'Mirror Displays'.
Make sure that is Ticked.
6. Click Detect Displays.
7. Finished.
Key Terms and Concepts
Audiovisual technician: A person with the knowledge, skill and expertise to set up and operate audiovisual equipment.
Cables: All electrical components in audiovisual (AV) system are interconnected with cables - wiring which has been temporarily rigged to carry electrical current.
Common problems and solutions: These would include the consideration of workplace requirements and decisions to ensure correct cabling, correct connectors, correct data transfer protocols, key stoning, focusing, operating distances and screen sizes.
Electrical measurements: This relates to the use of equipment with corresponding or appropriate voltages, current, resistance and other electrical features. (In Australia we use 240 volt AC power and most domestic fuses are 10 to 15 amps)
Features, purpose and basic operating procedures for vision system equipment: This relates to the appropriate selection of vision system equipment as needed for each situation. For example, it would not be appropriate to use a film projector and a two metre square screen for a presentation to 300 people using a computer as the source. Also, operating a projector at a distance from the unit would require a remote control.
Legal issues: These may include display of material that does not breach copyright or break privacy laws, display in appropriate venues, and use of equipment as intended by the manufacturer or supervisor.
Power: Power types include three phase industrial power, standard 240volt domestic power or DC battery power, and should be appropriate to the venue or equipment.
Production plans: This relates to the understanding and interpreting of technical notes, vision system plans, stage plans, rigging, audio and lighting plots, production schedules, ground plans etc.
Rigging and positioning points: Rigging (hanging) or positioning of projectors, screens, source devices and cables must be appropriate to the audience size, position, angle of head lift and rotation, and must take all safety issues into account.
Safe work practices: There are a number of safe work practices which should be considered when using vision systems. These include following all OHS procedures for the use of appropriate personal protection equipment and taking care when lifting and working at height.
Safety issues: These may include electrical hazards, heights, weight, lifting, cabling and trip hazards, extreme light exposure hazards and operating hazards such as excessive head rotation or lift angle.
Set-up sequences/procedures: It is essential to follow schematics, signal flow diagrams and production plans to ensure correct set up and operating sequences for each particular item of equipment.
System checks: This entails testing all of the equipment pre and post set-up. Each device should be tested both separately and as part of a system once interconnected.
Vision system plans/instructions: This refers to things such as schematics, signal flow diagrams and production plans which enable the vision system to be used for the optimal effect.
Vision systems: Often called ‘A/V (audio-visual) systems’ in the past, now more often known as ‘vision systems’, this term refers to groups of devices which are interconnected to provide visuals, including data, still photos, graphs or other still images, animations or video. From the simplest VCR and TV monitor combination to a camera, computer, DVD, vision mixer, data projector, video projector, monitor and screen combination, each group of interconnected devices is called a vision system.
