Intricate Images

     

Recently we did an event in central New Jersey.  It was in a very large room that was separated into three spaces.  The center space needed two 6 by 8 screens and the spaces to the left and right of it required screens as well.  A great amount of planning and preparation was involved to ensure that the images looked great on each screen.  The most time was spent on projector placement.  Due to all of the spaces being tightly packed with tables we could not place the projectors in front of the screens.  This meant we had to project the images approximately 50ft across the room.  6.500 lumen projectors with long throw lenses were used to accomplish this task.  Once this method was decided on the next factor was making sure the projectors cleared the tops of peoples’ heads.  Their shadow going across the screen would be both distracting and look very unprofessional.  To do this we had to build the carts our projectors would sit on as high as possible.  We even ordered extra long poles just to be on the safe side.  The screens also needed to be on stages to accommodate the height of the projectors. 

    
Some of the projectors were placed at strange angles to avoid casting shadows of chandeliers and centerpieces on the screen.  This is where the lens shift came in handy.  It allowed us to both avoid these obtrusive objects and attain a great image by adjusting the vertical and horizontal angle of the lens.  While the projectors were being set up another technician was making sure they would receive the right signal.  Three laptops and a video camera were connected to a VGA scaler/switcher.  This device allows different inputs to be linked to one output.  The inputs (also called sources) can be switched with the push of a button.  A distribution amplifier was used to split the output from one to four and also boost the signal.  This allowed each screen to receive the same signal without a loss in image quality. 

   
Once a quality image is attained the presentation needs to be perfected.  For this event one tech controlled the mixing board and the switcher, another controlled two laptops, and one more tech was operating the video camera.  We all ran through the presentation with the client a few times prior to the event.  This is very important because it allows everyone to be prepared.  We also made sure the laptops were prepared to display the various slideshows by loading both of them with everything.  This gave us flexibility in case the order of the presentations changed or one of the laptops happened to freeze.  Being prepared isn’t something that just happens.  It takes a lot of pre-planning and hard work, but it is worth the effort.

Here's a link where you can learn more about our Event Services http://iavnj.com/corporateservices.php

Helpful Tips: Computer Slide-Show Presentations

     

I have done many events over the past years and seen countless computer slide-show presentations.   This has allowed me to understand what works best.  The most important factor is font size.  32 is the ideal size for large screen presentations.  This will give everyone an opportunity to read the presentation.  Using a small font size is a bad idea because even though it may be projected onto a large screen it’ll still look small to everyone in the back or even the middle of the room.  Creating an orderly, easy to understand layout is also important because it will allow the information to be effortlessly read and understood. 

 
The layout or overall design of the presentation can be successful by following a few helpful tips.  There should never be too much information crammed onto each slide.  Their purpose is to reiterate key points of what the speaker is saying using text, pictures, and/or graphs.  They should not be the speech copied word for word.  Also, spaces should be used to separate the title from the body of the slide and each point from each other. 

 
The text needs to be separated from the background.  The most obvious way to do this is to avoid similar colors.  But when picking colors it is very important not to let the background overpower the text.  For this reason the background should always be lighter than the text.  This will make the text pop and be easy to read.  In general it is also a good idea to avoid ultra bright colors because they can strain the audiences’ eyes.  The audience should always be considered each step of the way when making a presentation so they will understand it from beginning to end.  Following these tips and putting yourself in their shoes can aid towards making it a success.

Here's a link where you can learn more about our services http://iavnj.com

The Benefits of a Video Conference System

    

Video Conferencing has come a long way.  It has advanced in both the professional and consumer markets.  This could lead many people to ask if there is still a need for dedicated Video Conference Systems.  The short answer is yes, there definitely is, but please allow me to elaborate.  At IAV the two most common uses of our video conference rooms are legal depositions and job interviews.  These are both formal situations that require optimal video and audio quality.  Consumer equipment does not match the performance of dedicated systems.  Professional systems such as ours use large television monitors with a camera that can easily pan, tilt, and zoom.  This means it can be adjusted and capture a large group or just one person.  A large monitor also allows for a more immersive experience than a small computer screen. 

 
Audio is just as important as video.  Our systems have microphones attached through a long wire which allows them to be placed at an optimal position.  They are also very sensitive and designed for use on a conference table.   This means they will capture sound very well from one person or a large group.  The microphones on computers and webcams do not match this because they are designed for one person sitting close to their computer.   

 
Staring at a computer does not replicate the feeling of a real face-to-face meeting.  Dedicated video conference systems are necessary because they do replicate that feeling.  At IAV we can also find a video conference room for the far-site through our world-wide network of affiliates.  Using our full services an attendee or group of people can come to our office, go into one of our comfortable video conference rooms, and be connected to someone across the country or even around the world.   We handle all the details and test the connection so the meeting will be as natural, productive, and professional as possible.

Here's a link where you can learn more about our Video Conference Services  
http://iavnj.com/videoconferencing.php