In my travels, I have seen many approaches to getting various computer and video signals to a projector. A lot of what I have seen involves running all the different signals to the projector and using the remote to switch between the inputs. I’ve also seen cheap consumer-grade AV switchers where the computer signal is down-converted to a composite or S-Video signal, then run through the AV switcher, then up to the projector.
I’m here to tell you there is a better, cleaner, and more professional way of accomplishing this.
Scalers are amazing devices that allow you to take a wide variety of inputs (most have at least composite video, S-Video, Component, and VGA) and “scale” them to one output format. For example, if you have a VCR (Composite), DVD Player (Component), Computer (VGA) and an HD satellite receiver (HDMI), you could take all of those signals and scale them to 1920×1080 and output over HDMI. Or, you could take all those signals and scale them to 1024×768 and output over the VGA output.
The idea is that processors inside the machine take the incoming signals, apply pretty complicated algorithms to those signals, and either up-convert (taking a smaller image and making it larger) or down-convert (taking a larger image and making it smaller) those signals to match the output resolution. Most of the scalers are also “switching scalers,” meaning they have the ability to switch between the inputs. Now you have the ability to run one cable to your projector and switch sources much like you would at home with your home theater receiver. It’s the same premise and it does make things a lot easier on the tech crew!
A couple of notes: regardless of how good a scaler’s processing is, there is a limit to how good it can make a lower resolution image look at a larger scale. Contrary to popular belief or CSI shows, you can’t zoom in much on a digital image before it begins to pixellate beyond recognition. However, the processing is always getting better, so I would always recommend up-converting your lower resolution content into a higher resolution. Secondly, you will want to pay attention to scalers with “Fade Thru Black.” This allows for a nice fade between sources rather than a cut, which can be quite jarring at times. They cost more, but in my opinion it’s worth it.
Finally, let’s talk pricing. It’s always good to shop around, but one advantage of working through a consultant or system integrator is they can often get pricing lower than what you can find on the Internet. If the price is too good to be true, in my experience, then there’s something wrong in the equation. It could be a disreputable reseller, the equipment could be broken and is being sold for parts, or it’s a piece of junk, knock-off product. Know what you’re buying and don’t compromise. Scalers are not cheap; they usually start out in the hundreds of dollars and go up from there, depending on how many inputs and outputs you need. There are some alternatives, but the popular one of using a video switcher usually requires you to convert any signals you have that don’t match the video switcher’s inputs. Sometimes this is more cost effective, but just know about that up front.
In the end, scalers can be a lifesaver, no doubt, and I highly encourage you to look into getting one if your worship service demands a lot from your projector! What is your experience with using different inputs to your projector? Do you have any other recommendations for church techies?
jdc866 says
Scalers are great! We use one in our ministry.
Important to note: if you plan on having any HDMI inputs, you MUST have HDMI out. You cannot change HDMI to any other source (well. Easily or aff…legally) HDCP (signal protection on HDMI) will only pass thru, not convert.
Just a heads up on that 🙂