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HOW TO ORDER A/V EQUIPMENT
Note: Before purchasing A/V equipment, check to see if equipment is available on loan from the library or other departments. A/V equipment is expensive and subject to
theft. Be certain you have a secure place to store this equipment prior to purchase.
Discouraged purchases: Consumer-grade electronics, personal CD/cassette players. We do not recommend purchasing from retail chains (Circuit City, Good Guys).
Projectors
There are a variety of projectors on the market. Be sure you know where the projector will be used before selecting a product. CCSF recommends Eiki, Sharp, and Panasonic.
There are three ways to project images: an overhead, a multi-media/LCD projector and a projector with LCD panel combination. The overhead is commonly used in the classroom. The instructor displays clear transparencies on a screen. Average cost: $199-$900 Overheads(p). The multi-media LCD/projector is newer technology and allows you to send computer or VCR images to a screen. You must match the resolution of the projection device with the computer. They are far more expensive than an overhead, with an average cost $2,199-$10,000. The LCD panel is more dated technology and requires an overhead projector. The panel sits on top of an overhead and sends computer images onto a screen. This is the least preferred. LCD panels work fine for smaller audiences and when projecting the image 10 feet or less. They should be used with a quality overhead of at least 4000 lumens and a triplet lens. Anything less will not be bright enough and will be dim and out of focus on the sides. The average cost: $1,999 to $6,000.
How to Select
Self-contained projectors have their own light source and offer brighter, higher quality images than LCD panels which require unusually bright (4000 lumens) overhead projectors. On overhead
projectors, don't buy a super bright projector for normal faculty use-it will blind the instructor. Lens: There are singlet, doublet and triplet lenses. Select an overhead with a triplet lens, whenever possible. This will avoid "hot spots" and warping of image on screen. Multi-media projectors may have a fixed or zoom lens. If the device is positioned more than 7 feet away from the screen, consider a zoom lens.
Image brightness: the LCD type combined with the light source used determines Image brightness. Brighter is better for well-lit rooms or rooms with poor window shades (that allow in light).
Metal halide lamp projectors are brighter than halogen lamp types.
Computer resolution: The user or software being used determines the resolution required. Resolutions are VGA, SVGA and XGA. The resolution of the projector must match the computer. Notebook computers that use an internal LCD display of 800 x 600 may use a device that is 800 x 600 or 640 x 480. You may need to adjust the drivers in the computer.
Understanding resolution: A projector's glass is manufactured with a specific pixel count, also known as native resolution. If you connect a computer with a higher resolution video card to a projector, you'll see only a portion of the image. If you connect a lower resolution card, you'll see a black, unused area around your image. Manufacturers are able to address incompatibility between video cards and projectors by using several electronic processing tricks. However, such "work-arounds" can cause fuzzy text and repeated lines. For the best images, choose a projector with a native resolution closest to your application.
Bulbs: Don't forget bulbs when selecting a projector. Overhead bulbs burn out frequently. Purchase extra bulbs when you buy the projector- average cost $25-$35. Multi-media bulbs are more expensive: $200 to $600 each.
Don't forget accessories: spare bulbs, adapters, cables, screens, transparencies, transparency pens, laser pointers.
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are quite popular and are great for creating web sites and presentations. In selecting a camera, be sure it is compatible with your software and will have enough storage capacity to
collect your images. USB ports are a great feature. Suggested brands: Sony Mavica, Kodak, Minolta. City College gets special pricing on most digital cameras. Contact Camera Boutique, 665 Third
Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. 415-278-9617. Prices range from $480 to $2,400. Troxell also carries cameras.
Preferred A/V vendors:
Troxell 415-330-0250, 100 North Hill Drive, #10, Brisbane, CA 94005-1010. Mike.Rayburn@trox.com : Overheads, Recorders/Boom boxes, Sound systems, Screens, Digital Cameras/Camcorders, DVDs, LCD Projector Systems, Eiki Projectors, Panasonic Projectors, Sharp Projectors, LCD Mounts/Access., ADA Devices, TV/VCR, Price List
Snader, 101 Glacier Point Road, Suite A, San Rafael, CA 94901 Contact: Greg Goddard. 415 257-8480 or fax to 415 257-8990 www.snader.com
(p): price lists/catalogs linked
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