Projectors -
Page TwoThe third
and most popular kind of systems are projector units. They use the
same technology
as the overhead panels except that the light source is built into the unit. This light is projected through a small built-in LCD unit or reflected
off a small DLP module. These systems generally range between $900
and $20,000. It is possible, however, to spend over $100,000 for
powerful units like those used in large auditoriums. Such large units
are not discussed in this article.
The most modern units can be used under nearly full lighting conditions.
Other types
of systems include the PC to TV converters (sometimes called scan converters).
Consumer grade units typically cost $100 and up and operate by
converting the  computer's
VGA output into a video signal capable of being used by your TV or VCR.
Other systems include multimonitor displays and CRT projectors. Such
systems are not reviewed in this article. Multimonitor display and
CRT projector systems tend to be more expensive than the typical church
can afford.
For several years I
wanted to get one of the electronic color overhead projection panels to
display my computer's image on the big screen. The high price kept
me using standard overhead transparencies. I had known of the PC
to TV converters but had always heard that the screen image wasn't good. I was surprised to find that I could use them effectively in the small
Bible class. The fact of the matter is that while you wouldn't want
to use a PC to TV converter for
   
BIBLE CLASS MEGA PACK: 2100+slides, images and atlas pages
 everyday
word processing the image is often fine for class use. The reason
for this is that when you use a large TV in a class setting you change
to a large font size of 36 points or larger according to the application. For class members a few feet from the screen the image looks bright and
colorful.
The PC to TV converter won’t work in all class situations. If you have a really large classroom then the PC to TV converter may not
work for you. Typically, I have found that a 27 inch TV will work
in a 30 x 30 foot classroom if I use large enough fonts. Larger TV’s
can be used in larger rooms.
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