Seldom does the projector come out of the box and display the full image properly, as it is received from the computer. The projector or the computer’s video card could be causing this issue. You can align your projector by either using the projector’s remote control or by using the Video card adjustments. It sometimes takes a combination of both these devices to align the screen properly.

Below is a Jpeg or PowerPoint file that will help you align your projector. Click on the image below to download the file. There is a thin white boarder around the edge, and four circles in the corners that quickly identify how much is being clipped. If you cannot see the white edges, then the projected image is being cropped. This can cause things to look off-center and potentially clip text and images.

Free Jpeg Projector Alignment Background

Free PowerPoint Projector Alignment Background

You can save the files above by right clicking on the links and choosing “save target as…” Once you have the screen alignment image on screen use the tips below to align the projector.

DIGITAL ZOOM
Use the remote or projector menu system to make sure the projected image is not being digitally zoomed. If the circles are being clipped a fair amount on one side the projector may be in digital zoom mode. Digital zoom allows you to zoom in on a portion of the projected image.

ZOOM
On the remote control or in the projectors menu system there should be a zoom feature (don’t use the digital zoom as mentioned above). Use the zoom feature on the remote control to fit the image as best you can to the screen.

POSITION
Use the projector remote control to access the menu system, there should be a position setting that will allow you to shift the image right, left, up and down. Use this to center the projector image. Once centered use the zoom feature to best fill the screen, it can take a combination of the zoom and position button to get the best results.

KEYSTONE
If the projector is pointing on a downward angle the projected image will be wider at the top than at the bottom, this is known as keystone. The projector remote control or projector menu system will have a keystone correction feature. Adjust the  keystone until the top and bottom widths are the same.

VIDEO CARD ALIGNMENT
We suggest using the remote control and projector menu system to align the projector. If you cannot fully align the image with these then try using the computer’s video card adjustments.

NOTE:
Make sure you keep the Projector Alignment Template in a place you can find it. If there is a power outage the projector will loose the alignment settings.

I get a different picture when I think of the projector. You know right before Christmas how Home Depot always releases the latest, greatest, multi-tool. Guaranteed to be the perfect combination of strength, durability, flexibility, et all. This year it was pressure sensitive vice-grips cum hammer cum pliers, cum something I don’t know what it is for. This is the tool that I think churches need to tap into.

The multi-tool for church ministry that allows you to create customized worship presentations that truly enhance the worship experience and turn the focus onto God instead of our latest flashy presentation, or God-forbid, the never ending stream of typos and ‘slide-flipping’ that too often happens. The multi-tool that allows us to feature scripture and powerful imagery that relates to the message of the service. The multi-tool that can handle some of those ‘family’ issues such as announcements without taking up valuable ministry time. The multi-tool that can communicate our message in a way that we sometimes can’t or don’t.

Have you settled for whacking the pieces into place, or are you committed to learning how this incredible tool can work for you? It is time for churches to look at the projector for what it really is: an incredible device that can help communicate the gospel to a generation that relates to the digital better than to people.

Overheads vs. Digital Projectors

Overhead transparencies have been notorious for creating distractions during worship. They are easily placed off-center, too high or too low, occasionally placed upside down or moved the wrong way. And don’t forget those big hands on the screen! Transitions from one transparency to another have been awkward at best. The placement of overhead projectors in itself has been responsible for much of the distraction. Typically, they are required to be set up on the floor, near the front of the room, in between the overhead screen and the viewing audience or congregation.

WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)

New technology tends to scare people, and this is especially true in the Christian Church of today. Questions arise regarding the appropriateness of using this new technology in a church. Would Jesus or his disciples have used a projector if it were available in their day? Digital projectors are often viewed as worldly due in large part to their use in the business world, but is this a fair assumption?

If we look at the life and times of Jesus, we see that he was an innovative communicator. When he spoke to people or individuals, he often chose to speak using parables, word pictures or stories. Often he would incorporate props such as seeds, a stick to draw in the dirt or a child held in his arms. He related to people at their level and recognized the increased impact and retention level that visual messages produced. He successfully used the media of the day to communicate his message to the people (including rowing out on the water to clearly speak to the crowd on the shore). Today we have technology at our disposal to further enhance the spread of the gospel.

VISUAL MEDIA

Today, the educational media of choice is almost entirely visual (computer, internet, television, etc). Visual media has affected the way we learn, play and think. It can be found almost everywhere. We have learned to think in much more visual terms than ever before. Projectors provide the ability to reinforce the spoken message with an appropriate image or picture and in recent years churches worldwide have begun to incorporate video projection into their worship services. In fact, studies indicate that while most people cannot remember a sermon even one day after it was preached, a message reinforced with visual media dramatically increases retention.

In many ways, video projection systems are accomplishing visually what sound systems pioneered acoustically many years ago. Just as sound systems in today’s churches allow us to clearly hear the spoken word, video projection systems are conveying or clarifying key points of the message. Video projection is forever changing the method of communication in today’s church. And just as computers (or technology in general) drop in price almost daily, so too does the video projector, making it increasingly affordable for churches of almost any size.

ENHANCING YOUR MESSAGES

Remember that a digital projector is nothing more than a tool. When used effectively it can reinforce, strengthen or even clarify a message or point. Keep in mind that it works most effectively when used to enhance or clarify a message. It should not be used to entertain the congregation. This can actually distract from the message being presented. Ultimately, we attend church for spiritual growth and the projector should be used to enhance or create that environment, not detract from it.

A CHANGING WORLD

Technology is rapidly changing the world around us and is quickly accelerating the spread of the gospel. Used properly, God’s word can be presented in a powerful new way that maximizes people’s ability to learn. However, when incorporating anything new, we must be careful to walk the fine line of living in the world while not becoming part of it.

IN SUMMATION

If you are planning the purchase of a projection system for your church, you are about to begin an exciting journey and you will need to make certain you get off on the right foot. It is important that you assemble a visual media team suited for this ministry which is not unlike any other ministry in your church. It requires much more than a state-of-the-art projector; it requires a dedicated team of people. Also, take special care in choosing the right hardware and software to run this system. A well defined plan will reduce or eliminate problems as well as save you time and money in the future. Be sure to develop a reasonable graphics budget for your system. It is surprising how many churches will spend thousands of dollars on good projector systems and then display poor quality, distracting graphics through them.

At ImageVine we are dedicated to helping you seamlessly introduce this new ministry into your church. We do not sell hardware or software on this site but provide an online shopping mall filled with professionally designed graphics, helpful free articles, tips and resources to help you in your media ministry.

Purchasing a Computer for your Projector System

If you are having someone configure a computer for you, or are putting a computer together yourself, review the recommedations that follow:

		CPU You should purchase a fairly fast CPU. Although the use of stills does not require a fast processor, the use of video certainly will. Also, some of the animated effects will skip or crawl if the processor cannot keep up. A CPU speed of 1.6GHz or higher should be fine. Processor type is a matter of preference, however we highly recommend the AMD CPU mainly because of its lower price.
		Motherboard The use a quality ‘motherboard’ in the computer system is another must. Again, the reliability of your computer is largely dependent on the quality of the motherboard. Avoid using first generation motherboards – a motherboard that has been on the market for 8 to 10 months will have had the kinks worked out of it. Asus has been making quality the mothherboards for many years and we are confident in recommending their motherboards.
		Dual Video Card To run your system in dual video mode, you will require a dual video Card. A dual video card allows you to easily plug your monitor and projector into your computer system. Some dual video cards do not work well when displaying overlay video. The GeForce FX chip set is fairly stable. A video card we have found that works well in video overlay mode is the Asus V9520. Make certain that the video card has a minimum of 128mb of ram if you intend to use video.
		Memory You should have a minimum of 512mb of memory (RAM) installed in your computer. This will allow you to use video and open multiple presentations without slowing down your system. For the few extra dollars it costs to increase the computer’s memory, we recommend installing 1Gig.
		Hard Drive (IDE) Choose a reliable brand name hard drive. You should purchase at least an 80GB drive as graphics will take up a fair amount of space over time. If you have the money, you may elect to invest in a high revolution hard disk such as a SCSI. This will allow you to run live video directly off of your Hard Drive without dropping frames.
		CDROM (Writer) You will need a CD ROM drive in your computer to load or install software. We recommend purchasing a CD Writer which will allow you to efficiently backup your materials. Graphics and Video files can be fairly large and backing up onto a CD is fast and safe. A DVD writer can be used in place of a CD writer and will give you 8 times the backup capacity.
		SoundCard A sound card enables you to run sound from your presentation through your sound system. You will also be able to play music CD’s or mp3’s through your sound system. Sound Blaster, the industry standard in PC audio over the last 3 decades, offers a full range of quality audio cards and accessories. Some motherboards have quality sound boards built into them.
		Monitor A good quality monitor can serve your needs for many years to come. While computers require upgrading or replacement, monitors tend to last for quite a long time. It is best to get a monitor capable of a resolution of 1280×1024 or higher. Larger screens give you more viewing area which is helpful in Projector System applications. 17″ – 21″ monitors are recommended and if you have extra money, flat panels will use up substantially less space.
		Keyboard When using PowerPoint in slideshow mode with a dual screen system, you will be constantly using your keyboard. Invest in a quality keyboard. A keyboard one or two price steps up from the low end keyboard will do. Examine the keyboard and make certain that you can feel when you’ve pressed a key.
		Mouse When using a worship program, you will be using your mouse a fair amount as well. When you are using the mouse, you will often be in a hurry to get something on screen. Purchase a quality mouse. We recommend an optical mouse as their movement is more accurate.

We don’t recommend playing DVD movies with the computer DVD player/writer. It is much cheaper and easier to operate a stand alone multi DVD/VCR player and plug it into your sound board and the video feed on the projector. Although the computer can handle it, the sound board on some computers will not always play the audio properly when connected to a sound system. It also means that someone must understand the computer system to properly play a DVD. Programs such as EasyWorship can control a DVD installed in your computer for playing video clips.

Although it is a good idea to purchase a name brand computer like Compaq or Hewlett-Packard, some of these computers have video cards built into their motherboards. Verify that you can install a Dual Video Card in the system before you purchase. Laptops also have built in Video cards and they cannot be changed.