The large screens and displays that show vivid images at events need a source. Most often the source is a laptop. This is why it’s integral to make sure the
laptop is optimized for this purpose.
Like any other computer these laptops have countless settings and
programs. In this post we will focus on
important settings and practical tips that will aid towards a smooth
presentation.
Getting the
image to the screen is the first step towards a smooth presentation. Your laptop may be a PC or a MAC. If it is a PC, it should have a VGA or HDMI
connection or both. Make sure what it
has matches the input of your projector or display. Once you have the right cable some further
adjustments may be necessary. These are
covered in our video which can be found at the following link: Link to "How to Use a LCD Projector with a Laptop" Video. If the laptop is a MAC, make sure you have
the necessary adaptor (VGA or HDMI).
There are a
few things to keep in mind to get the best image. It helps to learn how to go “full-screen” in
whatever program you may be using. This
allows the image to fill the screen and eliminates any distracting icons or
menu bars. If the laptop is being used
for a formal event we highly recommend another laptop and a switcher. If it is more of a casual meeting, and the
computer desktop will be seen, it helps to clean it up. Pictures and documents can be organized into
folders to clear space. It also helps to
make sure that unnecessary programs are not running. If an internet browser is being used, be
careful of having too many open tabs.
This can help avoid the computer from freezing up. Computers are designed to multi-task but they
all have a limit. We also recommend a hardwired connection for internet access, not wireless.
Once the image
is on your display you have crossed the first hurdle. We have some tips that can help avoid any
more obstacles. The most practical tip
is to bring a power cord and plug the laptop into an electric wall outlet. Even if the battery is charged, the event may
run over its scheduled time or the battery may drain quicker than
anticipated. Plugging the laptop in
eliminates these concerns. Another
possible concern is the computer screensaver coming on or the computer going to
sleep mode. A solution is to set the screen
saver and sleep mode to “never activate”.
These settings can always be changed back when the event is over. During the event though, you do not want the
screen to go to black in the middle of a presentation.
If there is
sound in the presentation make sure the volume on the computer is up. We usually bring it to 75%. Keep in mind that there are two volumes in
the computer to check. One would be the
volume in the program and the other would be the volume of the computer
itself. This can usually be found on the
taskbar at the bottom right of the desktop.
Clicking on the small speaker symbol should allow you to adjust the
volume level. Also, if you are
outputting the sound with a 3.5mm mini cable make sure it is plugged into the
headphone jack of the laptop and not the microphone jack. The volume of the sound system you are
outputting to would also need to be checked in addition to the two computer
volumes.
Laptops are
tremendous tools designed for a variety of applications. Following these tips will help it run
optimally for your event, creating a dynamic focal point for your
audience. If you have an event in the
Northern/Central NJ area and need AV support feel free to visit our website www.iavnj.com and give us a call.
One Last Thing: Always bring a flash drive containing back-up
copies of your media.
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