Date: Wed, 04 Feb 2004 16:18:38 -0500
Subject: Re: PUPT: Slide Sound Show
From: "Christopher Hudert" <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com>


>I am interested in doing all the audio editing on my computer and playing it off a 
>a cd, but need to use slides because I will be projecting 8 different changing 
>images that need to be sync to 8 sound tracks ...and certainly to have 8 digital 
>projectors and let alone 8 computers is costly (and not possible in this case)...
>
 Let me see if I have this straight, you are going to project 8 different
images at the same time from 8 different sources? And you want all of those
to be synced to a single cd player (be it on computer or independent)
playing 8 different soundtracks at the same time? And you want to do it on a
tight budget? You want the moon and stars with that order? <bg> 8 projectors
playing off of a single soundtrack of 8 songs is quite a bit of a different
situation. 8 images from one or two projectors (with disolves, fades, etc.)
running off of one soundtrack of 8 songs is quite do-able. So which is it?
 I am aware of some museum instalations that have used projectors synced to
a soundtrack that used multiple projectors, though I don't know if it had
more than 2 or 3 projectors. It did have multiple disolves and at time
several images on the screen, though there may have been multiple images on
one slide. You might look into talking with some people at your local
museums and see if they are currently using or have used a set up like that.
Your local visitor's center may also have a multi-media presentation that
might give you some clues to how to accomplish what you are trying to do.
But then if you are located in some small town, you might not have a museum
or visitor's center of the size that would warrent a multi-media
presentation like that. 
>...so the problem remains... anyone out there know how I get the slide projector 
>to change to the sound of a beep from my cd? Any Mac software or even any 
>info on how the old projectors worked... was it the sound that moved the slide? 
>or was it infrared light? 
 I think that it was clear from some previous posts that the cues were
audible (sound) that was on a track only the cuing device picked up. Again,
8 different soundtracks at the same time? I am no sound expert, but that is
a lot to ask. I could see with a 16 or 32 track recording how you might be
able to lay down 8 different cueing tracks seperate from your music tracks,
but I am not sure how you would set the player not to broadcast those cues
over the sound system. Or more importantly how to tell each projector to cue
only from a certian track. 
 That being said, I know there is a sound and light system available that
works with the Mac (not sure if it works with PCs or not) that might do for
you but it is expensive. You might try talking to someone in your area that
works with some of the rock shows that tour to your city, or the largest
theater/stage equipment provider in your area, especially if that provider
rents equipment. They might be able to tell you if what you want is do-able
in anything approaching your budget. Renting rather than buying might also
be an option.
 You might need to keep in mind the addage: "You can get what ever you want,
and you can get it fast, good, and cheap. But you only get to pick two of
the three." This is one addage that can be applied to most situations,
products and services. It basicly means that you are going to have to
sacrifice somewhere to get what you want. You need good and you need it
fast? Then most likely it ain't going to be cheap. You need fast and cheap?
Well, it might not be exactly the quality you were looking for. I don't mean
to rain on your parade, but at some point you will need to get realistic
about this project and see where you have to sacrifice. Perhaps your
original vision cannot be attained on your current budget or in the allotted
time frame. Perhaps you can find additional funding to make your vision
work. Perhaps budget and quality are constricted only by the time allowed to
find the equipment needed before the scheduled opening. 
 If you are on Mac, I would also suggest that you take your dillema/problem
to a MUG. I am sure there is one in your area, or at least your
cyber-neighborhood and they might be able to help. You might even be able to
find some tech head to track down or even write the software you need at
little or no cost to you.
 And last but not least, have you concidered having a human working the
projectors? This might be your most cost effective alternative. A warm body
pressing the right button at the right time? Woah, what a concept. 

Semi-sarcastically yours,
Christopher


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