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Keith Kyker and Christopher Curchy
Presenting Your Video
One bright spring morning our 9th Grade Administrator swept into my television production classroom with another "Great Idea!" "We should produce a video that we can show to all the middle school students during our orientation seminars at each of our "feeder" schools." I had to admit that it was a good idea, but orientation was only a few weeks away and this project would certainly require a lot of planning, scripting, videotaping, and editing. "I have confidence in your ability to get this done," was his reply. So we (my students and I) began the production process, the 3-week deadline hanging over our head, spurring us on.
After weeks of work, hours of taping, and endless hours of postproduction, the BIG DAY was here! We were on our way to the nearest middle school, tape in hand, ready to orient those overeager eighth-graders! When I walked into the orientation session my mouth fell open, my arms drooped, and the tape nearly fell to the floor. In the cafeteria were hundreds of loud, bouncing, hip-hopping, paper-rustling, yip-yapping, pre-high school teens! And there, almost invisible to the naked eye, was a lone 19" monitor/VCR on an audiovisual cart strategically placed in the front/center of the room. Did anyone see, not to mention hear, my hundreds-of-hours-of-production-work video? NOT!
Finding the right "arena" and equipment to present and view your video is just as important as the production process itself. Why put in hundreds of hours of work to produce something that cannot be watched and enjoyed because of technical and environmental constraints? Some considerations for presentation of your videos should include room size, audience size and seating arrangement, lighting, sound, and availability of video presentation equipment. If I would have known how that orientation video was going to have been shown, I would have offered some suggestions to make viewing the video an effective learning/enriching experience. Here are a few "simple" solutions to solving this problem.
1) Set up a large screen and show the video using a video projector. Most schools have a video projector and it is seldom used! Large screens and video projectors are readily available for checkout in most school districts in the county's District Media Center. You can even check with your nearest high school about borrowing one for a day or two. Today's video projectors are simple to use and require almost no set-up time (aim, focus, and project). Some even come with a built-in VCR. Older models require the use of a separate VCR. To connect the VCR to the video projector use a set of RCA cables (commonly called patch cords). Connect the video/audio outputs of your VCR to the video/audio-input jacks on your video projector.
Although most video projectors have a built-in speaker, this speaker is often inadequate for large presentations. I would suggest connecting the audio output of your VCR or video projector to your cafeteria/auditorium's sound system. This is relatively easy, and only requires one additional cable/adapter. Once again, it is worth the effort, so seek help if you need assistance with this connection. Your District Media Center should be able to assist you with cables or technical support, and if not, the nearest high school drama department might offer to "lend a hand". You could also stop by your local electronics store (Radio Shack) and ask some questions. They will usually try to help you!
Another good way to get adequate volume and good sound quality is to connect the audio output of your VCR/or projector to an amplified speaker system. The Bose Corporation makes a wonderful "portable" sound system that is easy to use and delightful to listen to. Any good amplifier and speaker system will certainly be better than none at all. If you haven't done this before don’t worry. It is really not that difficult and definitely worth the effort!
2) Large audiences can also be accommodated by using multiple monitors connected to a single source VCR. These monitors can be strategically placed so the audience will selectively view the monitor nearest their seated position. Many monitors have not only a video/audio input, but an output as well. You can send your video/audio signals from your single VCR into the closest monitor, and then "daisy-chain" your video/audio signals from one monitor to another. Simply connect the video/audio output from one monitor to video/audio input on another monitor, and so on. Each monitor can facilitate only the number of viewers that can adequately see and hear the video on the monitor nearest to him or her. Obviously, the larger the audience/room, the more monitors needed to view the video.
Older monitors/televisions will not have this "monitor out" feature. You can still accomplish this same function through the use of an RF splitter. This splitter takes the RF signal from your VCR using a single coaxial cable (like the "cable TV" jack in your home) and outputs the signal (both audio and video) to multiple televisions/monitors. RF splitters can accommodate a variety of televisions – simply purchase a splitter with 2, 4, 8 or more outputs. Once again, your District Media Center should be able to supply you with cords, adapters, and splitters, plus some technical assistance if needed. If not, hop in your car and head to the nearest Radio Shack and ask for help.
When utilizing the multiple monitor method for video presentations, some technical considerations must include:
- Cords - Remember, every monitor/television will need electricity, as well as a cable to carry the audio/video signals. Plan on purchasing some long cables and some "grip" tape to tape them down. You need to ensure that the cables are securely taped to the floor/carpet to prevent them from being pulled out or injuring someone who might trip over a loose cable.
- RF versus Video/Audio Outputs - These signals are not compatible! An RF signal carries BOTH audio and video signals in one cable. These jacks are found on most VCR's and all televisions. Video and audio jacks are found on all monitors and most professional VCR's. The video output is for the visual image only, and the audio output is for the sound. Some video jacks require a BNC cable, while almost all audio jacks utilize RCA cables. Most schools have on hand plenty of RF cables because they are used to connect classroom televisions to the school's closed circuit television system. Many district offices will even "make" RF cords of any desired length for use in the school. BNC cables and longer RCA cables usually are purchased from a local/state video dealer or electronics store.
- Placement of Monitors - There are two options that work well. You can place the monitors in the front and middle of the room, or along each side of the room. How do you know which will be the most effective? Sit down and watch your video from several different seats. If you can see and hear, chances are your audience will too!
3) Another good option is using a "large-screen" television. At our school, we are lucky to have a 60" television/monitor that works well for viewing videos, as well as demonstrating computer applications in the multi-media lab for student training. Does your school have one? How about your district? Many local rental companies are willing to rent a large screen television at a reduced rate for educators. Make a few calls, or write a few letters. While I would not suggest using this method as a matter of routine, it can work for a PTA Open House or a once-in-a-while viewing occasion at your school. By the way, we bought our large screen television with some "grant" money!
If you've ever attended a video presentation that utilizes large screens and good sound systems you know how effective and stimulating they can be. Needless to say, if you've sat in the back row craning your neck and cupping your hands to your ears to watch a video presentation, you know how ineffective (and downright irritating) that can be. Planning your video presentation is just as important as planning your video production! With a little bit of technical assistance, purchasing the right cords, cables, and equipment, and some preparation, you can make your video presentations "just like the movies". Popcorn anyone?
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