Projector Connections
• RS-232 (remote control protocol) {1-2 inputs} - this allows for third party control
hardware/software such as Crestron or AMX. Many churches only use the wireless
remote control and never bother using RS-232.
• USB - some projectors allow a USB mouse to be used for controlling the cursor that is
found on many remote controls. Note that the USB connection isn’t used to send video to
the projector.
• Flash Card slot –
- Some portable projectors allow a flash memory card (like the ones used in digital
cameras) to hold a PowerPoint show on the card so that a laptop isn't needed to
do a presentation.
• RJ-45 –
- Some projectors now allow a “CAT-5" connection for networking the projector.
The typical benefits are the ability to check lamp status, projector temperature
(too hot usually means a clogged filter needs cleaning) and on/off controls.
• PCMCIA card slot –
- The ability to use a wireless network card, such as the type used in portable
laptop computers, is beginning to be seen on projectors. This functionality allows
the projector to be tied into a network, and be seen as a device, much like printer
can be seen as a device on the network. The wireless portion also means no
need for any of the cables mentioned above – the PC’s signal is sent through
another PCMCIA wireless network card, too!
- A few projectors use this slot to insert Compact Flash or Microdrives for playing
back images without a laptop.
This is a very basic description about the common input types found on today’s projectors. It
serves as a ‘launching pad’ to help in the education of the technology, and is not intended to be
the final answer. After all, technology changes every minute!