How to Use Your Projector

Using Multimedia Projector Remote Controls Today many multimedia projector companies have developed projector remotes that allow you to integrate all of your audiovisual controls into one remote control. Whether it's running a corporate video, highlighting a key point in a PowerPoint presentation or turning up the sound volume, you may very well need only one remote control. Below are typical features you may find in today's multimedia projector remote controls. Source This feature allows you to switch input sources on the fly. For example, if you were giving a PowerPoint presentation and wanted to show a video clip to highlight a main point, you would need to "switch the source". Using a new remote control, you could simply push the source button on your remote to switch from the computer source to the video source automatically. Special Effects Most projectors, such as the Epson Powerlite Series, allow you to use special effects in PowerPoint presentations. For example, you can highlight a main point on the fly with a simple click of a button. You can pre-program your remote control with the desired special effects you want to use. It's that easy! Mouse There is no need to stand next to your computer and use your mouse to click through slides in a presentation. Most remote controls come with a built-in mouse that allows you to control your computer from anywhere in the room. Projector Controls All remote controls should allow you to make some adjustments to the projector. Whether it's changing the volume, correcting the focus, or adjusting the sync, you probably don't have to go to the front of the room and fiddle with the projector. Bonus Tip! Always carry at least one set of extra batteries for your remote control in your projector carrying case.

from Presenters University

Dennis' News and Views

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks and I thought it was time to fill everyone in on what's been going on. Last weekend, I took my son Tom down to Salem to move him back into the dorm. It's amazing how fast time flies. Tom is entering his sophomore year. He will have a packed year starting with being editor of the school paper this fall and culminating in study abroad in Ireland this spring. We had an uneventful trip down with the car packed with his stuff. That afternoon we went over to visit a few of his friends at their house off campus. Jess and Allison do a great public service project...kitten foster care. They have signed up with a local shelter to take kittens from 6 to 10 weeks old. There job is to house train the cats and play with them so they get used to being around people. When they get to be 10 weeks old, they get moved to another house where they await adoption. This is quite a treat...always to have kittens but never to have to have cats!
We got Tom settled into his room the following day with minimal effort. A couple of his friends showed up (after we offered them free breakfast at the Sassy Onion), unloaded the car, unpacked and set up his room. Tom had requisitioned a couch last spring and hid it away in the newspaper office. We got that moved over and it was the crowning point for his dorm room. What a great school and friendly people.
That afternoon we took off back to Seattle to watch a Mariner's game. It's amazing that the crowds are as good as they are for a team that has done just about everything wrong this year. We left the game in the 9th inning with the Mariners behind. They tied it up and went on to win in the 11th inning. Since then, the team has been on a tear. I guess there is still hope for next year.
This past week had the Democratic Convention taking center stage. After watching the Olympics the previous 2 weeks it was hard to watch any more live programing. The conventions are filled with self-serving diatribes that don't seem to hold my attention for more than a few minutes at a time. I'm forced to remember that I had never heard of Barak Obama 4 years ago before he spoke at the convention. After that, his star rose on such a sharp projectory I thought it would poke the sky out. From what I watched this year, I didn't see anyone who rose to the top.
It's good to know that we are transitioning to winter at a rapid pace. The temp this morning was in the mid-40's. We should have frost any day now. Where is the best weather? I need to know.

How to Use Your Projector

Using a Presentation Assistant

Just when you think you are done . . . you have finished writing your presentation, you have created fabulous slides and handouts, you have analyzed room conditions and more . . . What could possibly be left to do? In some cases, it may be time to ask yourself if your presentation would be helped by a "presentation assistant". The more complicated a presentation, the more likely a presentation may prove helpful.

When we speak about an assistant, we speak of someone who can provide an extra set of hands, who knows how to juggle the balls you don't have time to . . . A presentation assistant can pass out handouts, advance slides, or assist with group exercises.

Tips for using a presentation assistant

• Select an assistant with whom you can work: someone you know and trust.
• Select an assistant who is familiar with your presentation or who can get that way. Set up a meeting and walk through your entire presentation, several times. Identify points at which the assistant should go to the next slide, turn up lights, or pass out appropriate handouts.
• Work out unobtrusive signals for communication.
• And most importantly, when you deliver the presentation, make sure to introduce your assistant.

from Presenters University