@The Arts Unit Creative Teachers
Video and projection equipment
Teacher resource developed by The Arts Unit
The video equipment required to support a basic event includes:
filming device (iPad, smartphone, video camera)
processor (switcher, mixer or software)
microphones
screens
projectors
cables
adapters and converters.
Most classroom teachers are using a multiple input display device in the form of a data projector, SMART Board or Interactive Display Panel with a computer in their classrooms on a daily basis. Transferring this knowledge and understanding into a different setting is the first step in working with video and projection for events.
When deciding what equipment your school needs for an event, consider what you already have at school. Laptops, tablets, projectors, screens and televisions are common in all schools and no additional purchasing may be required for your set up. When processing multiple video or data inputs a data projector or television may have multiple inputs with no further equipment being required. A basic switcher or splitter should be considered for your context before a more complex mixer is purchased.
Considerations prior to purchasing equipment
When purchasing video equipment it is essential to be clear on the reason or purpose you have for buying the equipment, the specific features you require and the budget specifications you have.
Some useful questions to ask before purchasing equipment include:
What does the school require the equipment for?
Does the school already have equipment that can be used? (For example: iPads or smartphones)
Will you be video streaming or prerecording video and editing together?
What are the specifications of the space the equipment is being used in?
What equipment is specifically needed?
Who will be using the equipment and what knowledge or skills do they have?
What specific features of each piece of equipment are required? (For example; What input or output connections needed?
Does the new equipment need to pair with existing equipment?
Is the equipment being permanently installed or portable?
Is the budget allowing for equipment at entry level, mid range or higher quality?
When purchasing equipment for your school it is essential to follow all the Department of Education policies and procedures.
Support resources and training for using EDBuy is available on the DoE procurement webpage.
Disclaimer: The following lighting equipment examples are only suggestions and not recommendations or endorsements of any particular product. Your individual school circumstances and budget need to be considered when purchasing any equipment so they work best for your school context.
Video and projection equipment
Video and data sources
Video cameras - used for pre-recorded and live camera feeds.
Playback devices - USB, DVD or video player.
Computer or laptop - capable of capturing and editing video, audio or data, as well as playback.
Tablet or phone - capable of capturing and editing video, audio or data, as well as playback.
Laptop or computer
Entry level equipment option examples
Smart phone or tablet
DVD or video player
Video and data display devices
Projectors - data and video, front, rear, floor and ceiling projection positioning options, various size and quality.
Screens - tripod, TV, plasma, LCD, LED, manual, electric, cyclorama, scrims.
Monitors - multiple screens to preview video or data input from cameras or playback during production.
Projector
Projector screens
Screens for concerts
Screens used for live productions
Vision monitors
Screens, MLD's and projectors are all available from EDBuy
Cables
There are a few different cables used in vision systems, analogue and digital, and each are used for various pieces of equipment.
The video 'Component and composite cables' defines their differences.
Component and Composite Cables
Duration: 02:49Composite cable
3 video signals through 1 cable
colour, brightness and sync information in the one signal wire
analogue signal
with all signals down 1 cable bleeding can occur
Component cable
3 video signals in 3 separate cables
one signal for brightness and two for color information
high analogue video quality
HDMI cable
High-Definition Multimedia Interface
video and digital audio signal
high digital quality
The video 'What is HDMI?' explains this cable type.
What is HDMI?
Duration: 03:27SDI and HD-SDI cables
Serial Digital Interface
digital signal - high definition and 4k
professional video production cable
uses BNC connector.
Watch the video 'What is SDI and HD SDI digital cable?' to learn more about this cable type.
What is SDI and HD SDI digital cable?
Duration: 03:06Video, audio and data connectors
There are many different connectors used in vision systems for video, audio and data connections. You will find the equipment you use may have one or a combination of connections.
Having various types of leads and connections is useful to ensure no matter what equipment you are using you can connect it.
RCA
Analogue video or audio connection commonly used with DVD players, older video cameras.
BNC
Professional video analogue connection used for broadcasting, has a lock feature.
Coaxial
Analogue connection that transmits radio frequencies, used for television aerials.
S-video
Analogue video connection transmitting colour and brightness separate to synchronisation.
VGA
Data connection common on computers and laptops.
DVI
Data digital connection commonly used in professional broadcasting.
HDMI (micro, mini, standard)
High definition digital connection transmitting both video and audio.
CAT-5
Twisted pair Ethernet cable for data networks and the transmission of a video signal.
Lightning
Apple connection transmitting data and power, used for charging, syncing and audio.
USB-C
Standard connection transmitting data and power, used on technology devices.
Mini Jack (3.5mm
Audio connection for headphones, laptops, ipads, video cameras, mixers, etc.
XLR
Audio connection used for speakers, microphones, mixers.
Converting signal and adapters
There are times when a signal needs to be changed or a connector needs to be adapted so specific sources or equipment can be used.
Scan conversion is when a high resolution is changed to a lower resolution. This may involve data to video signal conversion. This will mean a loss in quality of the signal and can be done through a video mixer.
Scaling is taking a low resolution to a higher resolution. This includes a video signal to a data quality signal. There will be no improvement in the video signal but it will be at data quality of output. This could include converting component to HDMI.
Adapters are used to change the connector type when they have the same signal characteristic and can also change the gender of a connector when required. Having a variety of adapters is useful, especially if visiting presenters bring equipment with different connections to your school equipment.
The video 'Component to HDMI converter' below, explores the equipment used to convert analogue video and audio to digital HDMI.
Component to HDMI converter
Duration: 01:10
DVI to HDMI adapter
VGA to HDMI adapter
HDMI to mini HDMI adaptor
Accessories option examples
Portable green screen
Vision mixing equipment
Switchers - Switches video or data signal when there is more than 1 source.
Distribution amplifiers (splitters) - Splits video or data signal when there is more than 1 display device.
Mixers - Switches video and data signal with effects and transitions, digital processes camera signal with preview capabilities.
Recorders - separate or built into the mixer to record main screen vision or multiple camera feeds.
Entry level equipment option examples
Semi professional level equipment option examples
