Projector Based Static Classroom Setup

If you are looking to change your static classroom viewing set up from a TV based to a projector system, consider the following:

  1. By changing to a projector system, you will increase the viewing station from 27" monitors to a 5' x 5' screen.
  2. The projector view will allow for different viewing configurations for your students versus seperate viewing sites on each monitor.
  3. The existing TV monitors can be used within your school. (Note - The audio connection must be reconnected. Also these monitors do not have RGB (red and white -audio, or yellow - video) connections. A VCR with or without RGB capabilities will work with this monitor.
  4. Installation of projector system should reduce maintenance on system.
  5. Outside lighting may impact the projector display. Window coverings should be in place to cut down on the outside light.
  6. To change over the system, it is estimated that the cost will be in the $2,000 range.

Projector Setup

  • Projector setup
    • The projector system provides students a larger viewing area. Estimated cost for putting in a projectors system is:
    • Other optional cost items:
      • An additional consideration is that the instructor no longer has the viewing station and must rely on their computer monitor. Recommended that you upgrade the teacher monitor to a 17 to 19 flat panel monitor. Est cost is $500 to $700. (Monitor options information)

The following is a room diagrahm with setup explanation:

Setup Explanation:

Teacher workstation - The location of the teacher workstation is important as several wires from the camera, audio system, microphone system, and the video projector must connect into the workstation. If the workstation is located against an exterior wall, the wiring can go down the wall and into the side of the workstation. If the workstation is located away from the wall, consideration must be taken to determine how the wires will get to the workstation.

C - There are two cameras - instructor and student camera.

The instructor camera will probably be relocated on a side wall that is in direct line with the computer monitor. This allows the teacher to view students on the computer monitor while still giving the impression that they are looking at the instructor camera. If the teacher station is located in the middle of the room, the camera may be located on the back wall. Two wires from each camera will need to be routed back to the teacher workstation.

The student camera will be located at the front of the room. If you are using a projector system, make sure that the camera is not in line with the projector as the light from the projector will be in conflict with the camera.

Special note on camera and audio speaker stands - As the existing cameras are currently located on the TV rack or setting on top of the TV monitors, you will need camera stands that will attach to the wall. At ESU 10, we used the audio stands to mount our cameras on. We then went to Video Kingdom and purchased some audio speaker stands ($25).

D - The computer monitor will be the viewing station for the instructor. Recommended that you purchase a flat panel monitor to improve student viewing by instructor. For additional information, go to the followng link - http://tvdec.k12.ne.us/0405/ipequip.htm#monitor

E & F - Projector and viewing screen -

For best results, the projector should be mounted to the ceiling. The projector will be located approximately 9 feet from the viewing screen. Be sure and have electrical connection in the ceiling for your projector. Information about projector and ceiling mounts can be found at the following link - http://tvdec.k12.ne.us/0405/ipequip.htm#projector

The viewing station can be a pull down screen approximately 5 ft high by 6 ft wide. If you have a white flat wall, this could work as your viewing area.

Lighting issues - The lumens (brightness) of your projector, outside lighting, and lighting in your classroom all impact the quality of the projected image.

Classroom Images