Networking a Projector with Windows and MAC
I was presented with a task to find something that would take an overhead Projector, and a room full of computers running both MAC OS and Windows XP and network them together. The Projector is HDMI, the room is already on a wired network with Wifi as a possibility.
I have found devices that allow you to connect multiple windows based OS to a projector but nothing that works for Apple. They are looking for a small device that you can plug in an RJ-45 and HDMI and works for both Apple OS and Windows OS.
thanks
I have found devices that allow you to connect multiple windows based OS to a projector but nothing that works for Apple. They are looking for a small device that you can plug in an RJ-45 and HDMI and works for both Apple OS and Windows OS.
thanks
I use my DVI cable to connect to my projector and I use a VGA for the PC/Linux notebook.
What sort of issue have you run into when you state 'cannot find something that works for Apple"? This is why I'm wondering if you may be looking for a KVM type device (although, it wouldn't be a KVM perse.
What sort of issue have you run into when you state 'cannot find something that works for Apple"? This is why I'm wondering if you may be looking for a KVM type device (although, it wouldn't be a KVM perse.
ASKER
Currently people are taking their computer up to the HDMI port and plugging it in for presentations. The problem is that they would like something that works easier and the people who have desktop computers can connect to it.
What I'm looking for is more like this:
Lindy
or this:
EDIMAX Technology
The product you linked to is something similar to what I'm looking for but I don't think it would work because I'm working with about a dozen computers and MAC Desktops to connect to this one projector.
I've also seen some projectors that can be networked as well like this:
ProjectorPeople.com
The only problem with the above solution is I can't seem to find if they are supported with both Windows and Mac, or if they have drivers for both to use in order for them to connect to it.
What I'm looking for is more like this:
Lindy
or this:
EDIMAX Technology
The product you linked to is something similar to what I'm looking for but I don't think it would work because I'm working with about a dozen computers and MAC Desktops to connect to this one projector.
I've also seen some projectors that can be networked as well like this:
ProjectorPeople.com
The only problem with the above solution is I can't seem to find if they are supported with both Windows and Mac, or if they have drivers for both to use in order for them to connect to it.
The product such as ProjectorPeople lists is not driven by the OS, it simply broadcasts the data pumped into it...
The other two I'm going to review right now, but for the last you list, it is both.
Here is an example, with the educstion package they offer, the remote (or Presentation Pilot Pro) lists it works with both MAC and PC
http://www.projectorpeople.com/accessories/proddtls.asp?itemid=20034
Otherwise, the projector takes the feed by whatever means (any of the cables you select to fit) will work.
I'll take a peek at your first two.
The other two I'm going to review right now, but for the last you list, it is both.
Here is an example, with the educstion package they offer, the remote (or Presentation Pilot Pro) lists it works with both MAC and PC
http://www.projectorpeople.com/accessories/proddtls.asp?itemid=20034
Otherwise, the projector takes the feed by whatever means (any of the cables you select to fit) will work.
I'll take a peek at your first two.
One product (both Projection servers listed) at edmax - only works with WIndows in their description:
http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=284&pl1_id=16&pl2_id=77
The Projector Server from Lindy also only lists that it is compatible with Windows:
http://www.lindy-usa.com/80211g-wireless-vga-projector-server-pro-audio/32699.html
Micronet has a case challenge here: Their SP3364F ADSL2+ supports MAC/Linux/Windows and this works together with SP926 Wireless Projector save the user from needed VGA cables as everything is connected via Ethernet.
BlackBox also has a product that supports Windows and MAC
http://www.blackbox.com/resource/files/productdetails/27048.pdf
http://pc.pcconnection.com/1/3/black-box-projectors
Thanks for clarifing. I didn't see why it mattered if you had a MAC or a PC because for the projector I use, I can simply plug in any device and the image is broadcast to the screen.
Now Epson has some projectors too that have a wireless capability and a device sold separately that Supports MAC and PC
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H388020&BV_UseBVCookie=yes#key-features
•Wireless capabilities — via the optional wireless module with either the included software (Mac and PC) or an optional Quick Wireless Connection USB key (PC only) for fast, ad hoc wireless connectivity
This one (or any Epson) I'm looking to see if is designed for multiple connections to 1 projector of it is simply a single source projector, but the source may be changed.
http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=284&pl1_id=16&pl2_id=77
The Projector Server from Lindy also only lists that it is compatible with Windows:
http://www.lindy-usa.com/80211g-wireless-vga-projector-server-pro-audio/32699.html
Micronet has a case challenge here: Their SP3364F ADSL2+ supports MAC/Linux/Windows and this works together with SP926 Wireless Projector save the user from needed VGA cables as everything is connected via Ethernet.
BlackBox also has a product that supports Windows and MAC
http://www.blackbox.com/resource/files/productdetails/27048.pdf
http://pc.pcconnection.com/1/3/black-box-projectors
Thanks for clarifing. I didn't see why it mattered if you had a MAC or a PC because for the projector I use, I can simply plug in any device and the image is broadcast to the screen.
Now Epson has some projectors too that have a wireless capability and a device sold separately that Supports MAC and PC
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H388020&BV_UseBVCookie=yes#key-features
•Wireless capabilities — via the optional wireless module with either the included software (Mac and PC) or an optional Quick Wireless Connection USB key (PC only) for fast, ad hoc wireless connectivity
This one (or any Epson) I'm looking to see if is designed for multiple connections to 1 projector of it is simply a single source projector, but the source may be changed.
ASKER
I will look at the information you have provided. I would like to also thank you for your help in this matter. I was impressed with the speed in the response to this thread.
ASKER
The one thing they really wanted was to have it be HDMI as well. Both products you have shared are VGA.
Do you know of anything that might have that feature?
Do you know of anything that might have that feature?
I'll look for a specific model.
I first wanted to make certain we were in the same place in respect to a possible hardware solution for you. There are many cabling solutions that will assist you with the change from VGA to HDMI
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=vga+to+hdmi+cable&hl=en&prmd=ivns&biw=1142&bih=476&bav=on.2,or.&wrapid=tlif129908062961510&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9458832826542602804&sa=X&ei=gGZuTf-oJ4L48Aa-1cWIDw&ved=0CIgBEPMCMAA#
Projectors with HDMI inputs tend to be a fair bit more costly and I don't wish to imply you shouldn't seek out exactly that item, simply wanted to show you CAN do what you want.
I'll scour the models and look for something more appropriate.
I first wanted to make certain we were in the same place in respect to a possible hardware solution for you. There are many cabling solutions that will assist you with the change from VGA to HDMI
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=vga+to+hdmi+cable&hl=en&prmd=ivns&biw=1142&bih=476&bav=on.2,or.&wrapid=tlif129908062961510&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9458832826542602804&sa=X&ei=gGZuTf-oJ4L48Aa-1cWIDw&ved=0CIgBEPMCMAA#
Projectors with HDMI inputs tend to be a fair bit more costly and I don't wish to imply you shouldn't seek out exactly that item, simply wanted to show you CAN do what you want.
I'll scour the models and look for something more appropriate.
Ok,
the Epson projector listed above does have HDMI
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H388020&BV_UseBVCookie=yes#2
SO, the Blackbox and edimax and Lindy items are the ones where you have concern? I'll dig further on those...
the Epson projector listed above does have HDMI
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H388020&BV_UseBVCookie=yes#2
SO, the Blackbox and edimax and Lindy items are the ones where you have concern? I'll dig further on those...
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On windows if you had something like ab tutor / impero or even a vnc solution you could remote onto the said users desktop and people in the room would see it from your computer if you connected the main computer to the projector.
On the macs you should be able to enable screen sharing as of 10.5 and 10.6 afaik otherwise you will have to use chicken of the vnc or something like that for the mac side of things - again remoting onto the relevant mac.
If all computers in the room were assigned static ip addresses - it would just be a case of using those or having a naming convention that was easy enough to remember and use ie
cmprm01
cmprm02
where cmp is computer
rm is room and the number indicates which computer 01 being computer one, 02 being computer 2 etc
On the macs you should be able to enable screen sharing as of 10.5 and 10.6 afaik otherwise you will have to use chicken of the vnc or something like that for the mac side of things - again remoting onto the relevant mac.
If all computers in the room were assigned static ip addresses - it would just be a case of using those or having a naming convention that was easy enough to remember and use ie
cmprm01
cmprm02
where cmp is computer
rm is room and the number indicates which computer 01 being computer one, 02 being computer 2 etc
ASKER
@gecko_au2003, This is a valid answer however they have a projector in place and I'm dealing with a marketing office so they like big visuals. :P
@Plantwiz: you have provided great information on the products and I wanted to thank you for your help on this. You have shared some pretty amazing little tools.
@Plantwiz: you have provided great information on the products and I wanted to thank you for your help on this. You have shared some pretty amazing little tools.
ASKER
Great help with links and specs.
You are welcome!
Good luck! Post back when you run into other projects!
Good luck! Post back when you run into other projects!
ASKER
Just to add a note to this, I received an email from a Sales at Micronet stating the SP926 media projector server was discontinued. He didn't suggest another model or option either. :(
ASKER
@Plantwiz: Quick Question.
I know the Black Box VPS is all about the wireless connections, and it has an RJ-45 connector to connect to the internet.
Here's the question and it may be dumb but I want to ask just to be clear.
If the computer does not have a wireless card would it still be able to connect to the Black Box VPS via the LAN.
I haven't seen anything that says it can or it can't. All the guides say to make sure the WLAN is enabled on the PC.
I know the Black Box VPS is all about the wireless connections, and it has an RJ-45 connector to connect to the internet.
Here's the question and it may be dumb but I want to ask just to be clear.
If the computer does not have a wireless card would it still be able to connect to the Black Box VPS via the LAN.
I haven't seen anything that says it can or it can't. All the guides say to make sure the WLAN is enabled on the PC.
ASKER
NM about the above question.. Hmm so new question, How do you remove dumb comments that one makes here? I don't see an edit or delete option for me. :(
Unfortunately,I've posted dumb stuff and it is here forever! :)
No worries.
The quick answer if I had a chance to answer would have been at the very least, get a USB wireless card that can be used between your different devices IF they all don't need 802.x at the same time. If they DO, then certainly each would need their own.
I once liked the Linksys cards, but the past 6 months or so have been real pleased with Buffalo FWIW
No worries.
The quick answer if I had a chance to answer would have been at the very least, get a USB wireless card that can be used between your different devices IF they all don't need 802.x at the same time. If they DO, then certainly each would need their own.
I once liked the Linksys cards, but the past 6 months or so have been real pleased with Buffalo FWIW
@pwdells:
>Just to add a note to this, I received an email from a Sales at Micronet stating the SP926 media projector server was discontinued. He didn't suggest another model or option either. :(
That's poor sales!
Well, maybe e-bay or some clearing house has some floating around...OR they weren't great and didn't get used much and were discontinued due to issues??? Don't know.
However, I see you are now looking at BlackBox a little more closely!
>Just to add a note to this, I received an email from a Sales at Micronet stating the SP926 media projector server was discontinued. He didn't suggest another model or option either. :(
That's poor sales!
Well, maybe e-bay or some clearing house has some floating around...OR they weren't great and didn't get used much and were discontinued due to issues??? Don't know.
However, I see you are now looking at BlackBox a little more closely!
ASKER
@Plantwiz: I agree that it is poor sales, I was surprised that they didn't even try to suggest another product. It was like a dead end.
Depending on budget:
http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=3128&sku=29670
http://www.cablestogo.com/product_list.asp?cat_id=3612
Do you need to be able to instantly switch between the Windows and MACOS simlar to a KVM would handle it (button or dial)? Or can you use something that completely detaches from the PC and MAC side?