Live Presentation Tips
9/30/2010 < Previous Next >
I recently came across an article in Technologies for Worship Magazine by Jay Delp which describes several tips for live presentation. After reading the article I can say that I agree with all of the tips and think they are worth reading and taking seriously. I particularly call attention to tip #4 in the Techniques section which advocates against ever using disc media within a live presentation.
The full article is here: http://www.tfwm.com/0610live
(BE245)
Comments:
10/1/2010 7:04:14 AM
I've never been clear on how copyright laws view making a copy of a protected DVD like that. I know some argue strongly that just because you have permission to show it, doesn't mean you have permission to copy it.
10/1/2010 7:53:50 AM
It could be argued that by showing a DVD from your computer that you are making copies of it. (Please not I said copies). 1 copy to your RAM, and possibly a copy to your Paging File. I think discretion is advised.
When I'm setting up for events I only ever have computers as sources, NEVER. EVER. EVER. a DVD/ bluray playback device. The transitions are not the same, they are not as cue-able. They often have weird and wonderful power saving modes. It's not worth the risk.
That said, I cannot recall the last time we used a commercial DVD for playback, as all of the media I receive is all custom made and delivered in whatever format I ask for.
If I did have to cue a DVD, I'd do it within SSP, or I'd rip it, depending in the situation.
I've done events where there are 20,000+ people watching your screens, that is NOT the time for you to be playing around with a DVD player that's slipped into a STOP mode because you did not resume playback fast enough.
When I'm setting up for events I only ever have computers as sources, NEVER. EVER. EVER. a DVD/ bluray playback device. The transitions are not the same, they are not as cue-able. They often have weird and wonderful power saving modes. It's not worth the risk.
That said, I cannot recall the last time we used a commercial DVD for playback, as all of the media I receive is all custom made and delivered in whatever format I ask for.
If I did have to cue a DVD, I'd do it within SSP, or I'd rip it, depending in the situation.
I've done events where there are 20,000+ people watching your screens, that is NOT the time for you to be playing around with a DVD player that's slipped into a STOP mode because you did not resume playback fast enough.
10/1/2010 9:24:50 AM
Posted By Joel Osborn on 01 Oct 2010 07:04 AM
I've never been clear on how copyright laws view making a copy of a protected DVD like that. I know some argue strongly that just because you have permission to show it, doesn't mean you have permission to copy it.
Good point Joel. This issue is still gray. A court ruling this summer made things a bit less gray (or perhaps more gray). What is less gray, however, is that the tools needed to rip DVDs are considered illegal in the U.S. The author of the article should have pointed that out. And there is also the "gray" issue of whether it is legal to present the copyrighted content without permission whether from the computer or from the disc directly.
For these reasons, and for the technical ones pointed out in the article, it is worthwhile for churches to consider using sources like WingClips for presenting commericial content or to consider the any number artist who are creating content specifically for church use. Such content can be found at places like ShiftWorship and SermonSpice.
Note: GoFishMedia has a special offer on ShiftWorship subscriptions.
10/1/2010 5:15:46 PM
I like #3, set your desktop to black. This is a simple enough thing and really ups the professional level.
One they forgot is to TURN ALL SYSTEM SOUNDS OFF! Nothing like adding to the embarsement of a computer crash in the middle of a service by hearing the Windows startup sound coming through the sound system. 
10/1/2010 5:42:56 PM
#3 is good, however I'd expand on it a little further. One technique that I use for almost every event that I do any kind of projection for is to create (in Photoshop) a perfectly sized image to set as my desktop background. Something that includes the Logo of the event, and is the same image that is used between items etc.
That way, if you should accidently minimise SSP, or it should crash for whatever reason, you still have something showing on the screen. Showing nothing just seems to scream that a mistake was made.
This technique is also good for switching between SSP/ Desktop/ Powerpoint presentations seamlessly. Just switch apps when you have the same image showing.
That way, if you should accidently minimise SSP, or it should crash for whatever reason, you still have something showing on the screen. Showing nothing just seems to scream that a mistake was made.
This technique is also good for switching between SSP/ Desktop/ Powerpoint presentations seamlessly. Just switch apps when you have the same image showing.
10/1/2010 6:06:15 PM
I have been using the black background for years. The windows sounds disable was a no-brainer, and one of the first things I did.
10/1/2010 10:56:41 PM
Good idea Lucas.
And I agree, sounds should be disabled. I trust that GFM machines ship with these things already set as they should be.
And I agree, sounds should be disabled. I trust that GFM machines ship with these things already set as they should be.
10/2/2010 4:48:34 PM
Disabling sound is a must and I too have a default black background (hehe all these great minds think alike!)
10/19/2010 1:29:40 PM
Sorry.. I could get past the first header without stopping to chuckle:
Technologies for Worship Conferences at LDI, October 22 - 24, 2010 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada!I recall seeing a top10 ways to know you are in the wrong church list some time ago: "The Deacons have an annual retreat in Vegas" has stuck forever in my mind.
10/21/2010 8:11:15 AM
Posted By Doug Reece on 01 Oct 2010 10:56 PM
Good idea Lucas.
And I agree, sounds should be disabled. I trust that GFM machines ship with these things already set as they should be.
I know the machine that we purchased from a GFM predecessor years ago shipped with several of these suggestions pre-configured.. It took me a few weeks to figure out why, as it was never mentioned in any documentation. But I did come to appreciate the icon free, black background on the display monitor.
I too like most of the suggestions. But I am (for now) running anti virus software and I am hesitant to turn it off. I have found some of the operators using myspace, facebook, etc. on the projections system. I am going to church tonight an do plan to look at the configuration to prevent full scans from ever running automatically and disable some of the unneeded stuff (Thanks Gary!)
10/27/2010 2:55:09 AM
Mike, perhaps better education is require for your operators on the perils of using church resources for purposes other then intended. I require the use of Facebook frequently while doing some of the events that I do. Likewise with Twitter (for live feeds) and MySpace etc.
10/29/2010 10:08:13 AM
Mike,
Here is why I think running anti-virus software on projection systems is unnecessary:
1) You should have all users log into a limited-user account (non-admin). Assuming that you already do this, then if a user happens to do something that causes the installation of a virus or malware, the damage will be limited to that account only.
2) In case an infected account cannot be easily cleaned, you merely delete that account then create a new one to replace it. Since the SongShow Plus data files are stored in a public folder, there will be no loss of data.
Here is why I think running anti-virus software on projection systems is unnecessary:
1) You should have all users log into a limited-user account (non-admin). Assuming that you already do this, then if a user happens to do something that causes the installation of a virus or malware, the damage will be limited to that account only.
2) In case an infected account cannot be easily cleaned, you merely delete that account then create a new one to replace it. Since the SongShow Plus data files are stored in a public folder, there will be no loss of data.
10/29/2010 3:52:35 PM
Hmmm. Come to think of it, that is how I had the last system set up. When the last new pastor came and replaced our system, that is not how he set up the new system (the system comes up automatically as admin).. and when he left, I never changed it.
I think I will set it up as you describe, i agree, that should provide enough protection.
I think I will set it up as you describe, i agree, that should provide enough protection.