How to freeze a VGA signal to a projector?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Master Ninja
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Master Ninja

I am trying to setup a video system in a small community theater. I
have VGA coming out of my laptop that is being split to two LCD
projectors that accept VGA input. I want to be able to freeze or pause
the image being sent to the projectors so that the audience will not be
able to see me move the mouse cursor, edit the display, or switch
between display programs. The projectors themselves have freeze
buttons, but they are too far away for me to operate from the control
booth.

I know that many scan converters (or PC-to-TV converters) have an image
freeze button on them to do this. However, I have not found any that
output VGA. They will *pass-through* VGA, but their controlled output
is either S-video or component video.

I could change the cables going into the projectors to S-video, but I
only want to do this if I have no other option. Our system is already
wired with VGA cables going to the projectors, and I'd rather avoid
having to buy super long S-video cables (we don't have much money) and
running them through the 20'-high ceiling to the projectors.

I don't need any of the other features that scan converters offer other
than freeze. So I guess what I'm looking for is a simple device that
takes in VGA, can freeze it at the touch of a button, and outputs VGA.
Are there any VGA splitters or signal boosters that offer this
function? I've been looking all around the 'Net and haven't had any
luck.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!
 
Master said:
I am trying to setup a video system in a small community theater. I
have VGA coming out of my laptop that is being split to two LCD
projectors that accept VGA input. I want to be able to freeze or
pause the image being sent to the projectors so that the audience
will not be able to see me move the mouse cursor, edit the display,
or switch between display programs. The projectors themselves have
freeze buttons, but they are too far away for me to operate from the
control booth.

I know that many scan converters (or PC-to-TV converters) have an
image freeze button on them to do this. However, I have not found
any that output VGA. They will *pass-through* VGA, but their
controlled output is either S-video or component video.

I could change the cables going into the projectors to S-video, but
I
only want to do this if I have no other option. Our system is
already
wired with VGA cables going to the projectors, and I'd rather avoid
having to buy super long S-video cables (we don't have much money)
and
running them through the 20'-high ceiling to the projectors.

I don't need any of the other features that scan converters offer
other than freeze. So I guess what I'm looking for is a simple
device that takes in VGA, can freeze it at the touch of a button,
and
outputs VGA. Are there any VGA splitters or signal boosters that
offer this function? I've been looking all around the 'Net and
haven't had any luck.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!
Click to expand...

How about a KVM (Keyboard, video, mouse) switch. It's meant to switch
one display between two or more PCs. Not a freeze per se, but the
empty PC position (or a second PC with a static picture) would provide
you the use of your laptop display without repeating its screen to the
audience?

The best KVM switch I'd used in the past is Cybex - unpowered, hig
res - now this company
http://www.avocent.com/web/en.nsf/Content/DesktopTable In your case
you'd only be using the VGA connector.

It seems that VGA switches want to switch one PC between two or more
screens. Though you might find the opposite with enough searching.
 
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