Visualisers
What used to be the overhead projector is now the Visualizer or document camera. Of course, OHPs are still used today, but the use with a Visualizer and projector is much more flexible. With them, you can show much more than just content written on transparencies - books, objects, even the display of a smartphone or tablet can be displayed. Printouts or slides are the easiest exercise with a Visualizer / document camera.
The resolution of a projector is the maximum number of image points (pixels) that a projector can display based on its naturally existing technology, i.e. without conversion or cropping of the image. The native resolution is the number of pixels that a projector physically has to display the image. A projector usually interpolates a resolution when it receives an image signal with a higher resolution than the native one. If this is the case, there may be a lack of image detail or general blurring in the displayed image. If a projector receives an image signal with a lower resolution than the native, it also interpolates, it scales the image up to the native resolution, calculates corresponding additional pixels, if possible without changing the image information. The disadvantage here is that although the image is displayed larger than fed, the original individual pixels may become much more visible as they are multiplied by the conversion.
4K:
4K refers to the resolution of 3840 x 2160 or Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV). This resolution corresponds to 4 times the resolution of Full HD. To record films with this resolution, special cameras are needed that can record at around 8 megapixels (4K).
Full HD:
The term Full HD is used to describe devices that can physically display or output HDTV signals in full (1920 x 1080 pixels).
1080p:
1080p is the specification of the vertical picture lines. Among other things, it refers to the resolution 1920 x 1080. The "p" in this case means full frames, so all picture lines are displayed simultaneously.
1080i:
1080i is the specification of the vertical picture lines. The "i" in this case means fields. This signal is usually displayed interpolated (e.g. by devices with a 1280 x 720 HDready resolution). The interpolation digitally adds pixels, but also offers a slight blurring. In contrast, 1080p playback uses full frames.
Many projectors are equipped with a focus, which ensures that the image on the screen is in focus. There are three different types of focus. There is the manual focus, which is set by hand using a rotary wheel. On the other hand, there is a motorised focus, which can be adjusted precisely at the touch of a button. The motorised focus has the advantage for ceiling installations that the adjustment can be made very comfortably via the remote control. Last but not least, there is the autofocus, which automatically takes over the focusing by means of a camera.
Digital connection for the transmission of picture & sound. Necessary for high-resolution picture quality (HDTV). Since HDMI 1.4 (High Speed) suitable for transmission of 3D content in Full HD. For high-resolution picture quality in UHD, 4K or HDR, the connection via HDMI 2.0a and higher is suitable. HDMI 2.1 or higher should be used from 120Hz refresh rate in 4K.
VGA:
The VGA connector is a 15-pin connector for analogue image transmission. It is also called DSub15 and is often found on notebooks and PCs. Compared to the other analogue connections, it offers good picture quality. It can be screwed to the input or output device and can be adapted to YUV with a suitable configuration.
DisplayPort:
The DisplayPort connection is a VESA-standardised connection for the transmission of image and sound data. In addition to HDCP encryption, DPCP is also supported. Due to its compact size, the connection is most commonly used in notebooks. An extra small variant is the MiniDisplayPort, which is used especially with Apple devices.
DVI:
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is an interface for the transmission of video data. Only analogue signals can be transmitted via DVi-A, only digital signals via DVI-D and both types of signals via DVI-I.
USB:
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is used to control and manage the projector (USB-B). With some business devices, office files and images can also be presented directly with a USB stick or a mouse can be connected via the USB input (USB-A).
Toslink:
The Toslink connection is an optical signal connection that works on an optical fibre basis. It is used for the digital transmission of audio signals. The optical design offers a lower susceptibility to interference from external magnetic and electrical influences. The connection is mostly used in the area of DVD / Blu-ray players and comparable devices in connection with an AV receiver, if these work with dts or Dolby Digital signals.
YUV:
The YUV connection, also called Y Cb/Pb Cr/Pr or component connection, is an analogue video connection with three channels (light intensity and two colour channels). Qualitatively, it is the best analogue video connection.
Component cable:
The YUV connector transmits analogue signals over three cables (Y=black and white UV=colours). YUV is used to transmit HDTV and is compatible with Cinch, for example.
S-Video:
The S-Video connection is also called S-VHS or Hosiden connection. Compared to the Cinch video connection, it works with two channels (brightness/colour). In terms of quality, it is somewhat better than the Cinch video connection, but there are also limitations. These can be explained by the susceptibility of the signal, which is reflected in picture distortions, for example.
Cinch:
The cinch video connection is also called composite connection. To make it easier to recognise, it is usually sheathed in yellow. Since the transmission is only via one channel, the picture quality is on a low level.
D-Sub15:
The VGA connector is a 15-pin connector for image transmission on an analogue basis. It is also called DSub15 and is often found on notebooks and PCs. Compared to the other analogue connectors, it offers good picture quality. It can be screwed to the input or output device and can be adapted to YUV with a suitable configuration.
RS232:
The RS232 interface can be used to control or manage the projector.
Mini Jack:
With a single-pin Mini Jack, mono audio signals can be transmitted, with a two-pin stereo audio signals and with a three-pin stereo audio signals and image data can be transmitted.
Scart:
Scart is a connector that can be used to transmit analogue audio and video signals. It is compatible with other analogue connections such as RCA or S-Video.
ARC:
The audio return channel, also called ARC or audio return channel, was introduced with HDMI version 1.4 to reduce the amount of cabling between HDMI components. The audio return channel runs via the existing HDMI cable. Therefore, an additional cable for the sound no longer needs to be connected. However, both devices must support ARC. All audio file formats that are also transmitted via the SPDIF interface can be transmitted via the audio return channel. These include Dolby Digital, Digital Theatre Sound and PCM audio. As an example, a connection between a TV (including receiver) and an AV receiver could be made via an HDMI cable. The sound from the TV is fed back via the HDMI cable. Previously, an additional digital cable (coaxial or Tos-Link) was required for the audio signals.
You want to buy a document camera online?
What is a document camera?
A document camera (also called a visualiser) is a video camera attached to an arm. It can be used to photograph, film and present printed texts or objects. Since the camera is located above the projected object, it is functionally similar to the overhead projector. However, the document camera is much smaller and lighter, which makes it easy to transport.
How do I connect a document camera?
Each document camera has different connections. We show you the most common connections to a laptop / PC, projector and display.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of document cameras?
A document camera is far ahead of the classic overhead projector! Besides the size and weight, there are many other advantages that speak for the purchase of a document camera:
Advantages
Our tip
Pay attention to the digital and optical zoom. Digital zoom is sufficient to display text, images, etc. Document cameras with optical zoom can magnify objects to the microscope range. This is very helpful if you want to show petals or technical circuits in detail, for example.
Disadvantages
Here's what you should look for when buying a document camera
What is a document camera suitable for?
Document cameras are mainly used in schools. However, the useful functions can also be optimally used in meeting rooms or other educational institutions.
Which document camera for school?
Our tip
On ELMO's YouTube channel you can find ideas on how to use your document camera in the classroom.
approx. 40 – 220 £
Entry level document cameras
approx. 220 – 440 £
Mid-range document cameras
from 440 £
Upper class document cameras
Our tip
Practical accessories for document cameras
- Bags for safe transport
- Extension cable
- Spare remote control
- Additional objectives (microscope adapters)
- Holders
- Note pads (reusable mini-whiteboard, like the transparencies on overhead projectors)