One of the things I can’t stand is sitting in a Sunday service watching a projector screen displaying a Windows desktop, and a mouse cursor franticly flying around clicking on things. I was once at a large church of over 800 members and saw this show 3 times; I couldn’t help but wonder how many others were distracted? It doesn’t have to be this way, a simple configuration change or additional piece of hardware can give you a dual screen setup.
Congregation shouldn’t see the Windows Desktop
A dual screen setup is a way of having two monitors connected to one computer with each screen showing a different layout or desktop, in windows this is known as an ‘extended desktop’. You can have one screen for the computer operator which shows all the icons and menus (the standard desktop) and a second screen for the congregation (extended desktop) with no icons or menus, this way the congregation never sees what you are doing on the standard desktop.
You may already have the hardware!
I went into the media booth at another large church that had been using PowerPoint for over two years. I was shocked to see all this video and computer equipment, it seemed like they knew what they were doing; however their dual video card was incorrectly configured. I asked if I could show them something, in a few minutes they were sitting there amazed, using the dual screen setup for PowerPoint. Most churches already have a dual video card; it’s just not configured properly. The dual video card has two outputs- one is used for the computer monitor and the second is connected to the projector.
Already have a dual video card
If you have a video card that has two outputs and the computer monitor and projector screen show the same information, follow the tutorial Extend Desktop Mode to set it up correctly.
Purchasing a dual video card
If you have a video card with a single output then we suggest purchasing a new video card with two outputs. After installing the new video card follow the tutorials Extend Desktop Mode to set it up correctly. (You can also install a second video card in your computer, however there can be compatibility issues when having two video cards installed in one computer, so we don’t recommend this unless you are experienced with computer hardware.)
4 Steps to Using PowerPoint in Church
1. Dual Screen Setup for PowerPoint
2. Entering Song Files in PowerPoint
3. Creating a PowerPoint Worship Schedule
4. How to use a PowerPoint Worship Schedule
Hi…
I just wanted to say thanks so much about the tip on dual screen set up for projecting worship songs…. its really made a big difference for our presentations in church! Thanks … just one thing though – maybe you could mention how to set up the powerpoint program to project the slide show on screen number 2?? I had to do an extra search on the net to find that out….! Thanks.
Good point- here is a great tutorial we have on setting that up:
http://www.imagevine.com/tutorials2/powerpoint-interface/powerpoint-int-03.aspx
Do you have this projector available in the
Philippines? Which store and location, complete address if possible.
God bless your ministry.
Thank you.
I have a Dell Inspiron 1100 and I was wanting to do the dual scree setup for PowerPoint but it has an integrated shared memory processor chip to control the video. It can share up to 64 MB of total system memory. Can I still do the setup? What do I need?
man, you guys rock! bunch of free backgrounds, this great tutorial, just awsome. i knew it was possible to do this with powerpoint but i didnt know it was so easy and user freindly.
Keep it up may God bless you real good as you are doing these free may that free gift of eternal life never elude you in Jesus Name. Amen.
Bye
What’s the best way to accomplish all these techniques while utilizing a laptop, namely-the dual video hardware issues?
Hi,
I have a power point 2003 and i would like to ask if you have all these programs in spanish. i have a congragation spanish speaking and i was viewing your programs that you have here but all of them are in inglish. Also, i need to know what program would be best for me when it comes in using a power point that makes apear all the verses of the bible when I’m preaching.? In addition, i would also like to know which program is best when using it during the worship time, i would like the words to apear while we sing. can you please help.
thanks
Glenda
Bill-
You can use a laptop or a desktop- doesn’t matter, assuming your laptop meets the same hardware requirements. You may need to purchase a dual video card with two outputs and install that.
Good article.
I hadn’t thought about the dual diplay setting. It’s great.
/Basil Anton
in our church (Emmanuel’s) we are using power point for sermon and songs. so please provide us Free images and backgrounds.
Thanking you.
Praise your site for your guidance!
Hi!
When you are talking about dual video card, is that for a normal desktop? A laptop have connectors for an extra display already, so is that enough?
Yours,
Hokki