Projector Problems

Rick Bray wrote on 2/26/2004, 1:55 PM

I have created several videos for my boss who uses them in his MS PowerPoint presentation. The problem is he uses a projector and while the video plays fine on the laptop, it displays a black screen for the video via the projector. There are ways around this, such as disabling the laptops screen or setting the projector as the primary monitor. These are not acceptable solutions to him.

We usually use MPG or AVI files and they don't work. I created a MOV file, and then used Quicktime to convert it to an AVI and this worked. However MOV and AVI files are much larger than MPG files and this process is a pain in the neck.

We did get one AVI to work using the Cinepac compression, but the file is very large.

So, does anyone know if it's possible to get an MPG to work? If so, what are all the settings needed to do this?

Comments

BE0RN wrote on 2/26/2004, 2:31 PM

Your problem might be hardware based, and without listing the hardware (projector), you won't get very comprehensive answers.

Rick Bray wrote on 2/27/2004, 5:13 AM

We have several different projectors and it occurs on all of them. The problem is my boss does not bring a projector with him. When he gives his presentations, he uses whatever projector is at the facility.

Like I said, there are ways around it by changing the settings on the computer or using different video formats, but we're looking for someone who knows what the problem is with MPG files on a projector.

If it helps, I do not think this is a projector problem. I think it's a problem trying to get the image on two monitors at the same time. As I said yesterday, we can get it on one screen or the other, but not at the same time. We can use an AVI with Cinepac compression but that's undesirable.

Has anyone had this problem and found a way to alter the MPG file when rendering so that it can be displayed on the multiple screens at the same time.

richard-courtney wrote on 2/27/2004, 6:21 AM

Does your laptop have a S-Video or composite output or are you using
the video monitor jack?

Composite outputs use a special chip to get video sync added. It is possible
you need to upgrade the drivers for the video. Make sure you are using
screen resolution that is standard for 60Hz screen refresh.

Does WinDVD or some other video player work correctly?

stormstereo wrote on 2/27/2004, 6:41 AM

I use wmv's with power point and have had no problems. So far, I've only tried to connect to a projector through the serial port.
Best/Tommy

Rick Bray wrote on 2/27/2004, 10:01 AM

We do not use S-Video or component. We use the monitor cable.

It does not work in PowerPoint, WMP, Elecard, or any other player.

Rick Bray wrote on 2/27/2004, 10:02 AM

We have tried WMV and it does not work, but perhaps you are using a different compression than us. Maybe you have different settings than us in other locations.

Catwell wrote on 2/27/2004, 12:59 PM

I have seen this problem and it is machine specific. When we run into this we will usually transfer the ppt file to our Theatre computer and it will run fine from there. It happens with some laptops and not others. It only occurs with video files. I hadn't tried shutting down the laptop screen but that would work well for us because we can have an external monitor as well as the projector. I think it may be related to the video card (processor).

Rick Bray wrote on 2/27/2004, 1:29 PM

It may be an issue with the laptop, but right now we're focusing on finding a video format that will be small and will play on the laptop and projector at the same time. Certain AVI files will do this, but they are huge...

Cheesehole wrote on 2/27/2004, 2:00 PM