Projection Equipment
Many people who are not familiar with audiovisual projection equipment think that it is very complicated and difficult to manage. On the contrary, practically anyone can operate it. You only need to have someone explain it to you carefully or follow the steps indicated in the instruction booklet. It is always useful to keep the instruction booklet handy in case doubts or problems arise during the projection. The fundamental thing to be kept in mind in planning a showing is that you must have the appropriate equipment for the type of material you want to show.
Slideshows
To project a slideshow, you need a slide projector, a cassette player (with good amplification) and a screen. Some projectors have a mechanism which makes it possible to change the slides automatically, triggered by an inaudible signal recorded on the cassette. Otherwise, the slides must be changed manually, following the written indications or an audible signal.
Slideshows with Two Projectors
To avoid the interruption of the images caused by the change from one slide to another, it is possible to use two projectors which are coordinated by an apparatus called a dissolve control.
Filmstrips
A filmstrip is a strip of 35 mm film upon which has been reproduced a sequence of slides in the exact order of the story. A filmstrip projector is needed to project these. Some of these projectors have incorporated into them a cassette player and an automatic change system for the images, triggered by an audible or inaudible signal.
Films
Films come in different formats (35, 16, 8 and Super 8 mm). Each of these requires a specific type of projector.
Video Cassettes
To show a video, you must have a video cassette player and a monitor. When using video, you must remember that there are different types of standards (PAL, SECAM, NTSC) and formats (1/2", VHS, 1/2" Betamax, 3/4 U-Matic, etc.). You must have the specific type of video cassette player corresponding to the standard and format of the video you are using. There does exist, however, a multistandard video cassette player which is compatible with the different standards.
