eTouch Tip-012

eTouch for Health is an excellent tool for both the classroom and large-group presentations. The challenge is to be able to present and use eTouch, so that everyone in the group can see the details of the images, concepts and techniques and still be cost effective.

A digital projector is an excellent choice for larger groups but these can be expensive. A lower cost, as well as a quality option, is the use of a large screen TV with digital input as your presentation system.

A large screen computer display will also work, however, in this tip, we will focus on using the large screen TV as the display system since they are generally lower cost than computer displays.

Items Needed:

2. Laptop or other computer with an output option for a second display with mirroring capabilites.

Note: For most laptops, the 2nd monitor output port is a standard option. For desktop systems or towers, not all systems will have this option. For most of these computers, though, you can purchase a second video card and get the needed output.

A 32 inch (805 mm) is a smaller LCD-TV and is being shown in this Tech Note. This display is adequate for a class of 6-10 people. For larger classes, it might be necessary for everyone to move closer, but it will be adequate in most situations. Of course, larger displays will work better in larger groups, but there is a point where a larger display approaches the cost of a digital projector and then the cost advantages are lost.

Mirroring is the ability of a computer to display the same information on multiple displays. If you are seeing something on your computer but not on the external display, check to make sure that Mirroring is set to On on your computer.

With the Macintosh, which is shown at right, the Detect Displays option queries the external display to see which resolutions it can display. These are then shown in the menu as possible options.

The 1024 x 768 Resolution for eTouch for Health was chosen to ensure that it was compatible with the most computers and displays in the world.

NTSC as shown, right, is a standard used in the US and several other countries. PAL and SECAM are other standards around the world.

The most important task is to match resolutions between the computer and TV:

1024 x 768 = 1024 x 768

Millions, right, refers to the number of colors being displayed and is currently the highest standard.

Apple TV is a simple way to present eTouch. It does require that the computer and Apple TV to be active and on the same wireless network.

AirPlay and Mirroring must be turned on when using Apple TV.

When traveling be prepared as both video inputs and outputs are always changing especially on Mac. The computer industry is currently standardizing on HDMI rather than the older VGA, USB and FireWire for video inputs. The challenge is matching video outputs with video inputs.

Basically, you need to know your digital video output and input of the device you are using.

Note: There is a fast migration underway to using BlueTooth wireless technology which eliminates the need for many of these cable adapters. This has a dual effect of making it easier and less expensive for the trainer or presenter, however, it also introduces more radio frequencies into the environment. We still recommend a wired connection which contains the electromagnet radiation to a large degree.

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	eTip-012 Using a large screen TV as Display System for Classes & Presentations
	eTouch for Health is an excellent tool for both the classroom and large-group presentations. The challenge is to be able to present and use eTouch, so that everyone in the group can see the details of the images, concepts and techniques and still be cost effective. A digital projector is an excellent choice for larger groups but these can be expensive. A lower cost, as well as a quality option, is the use of a large screen TV with digital input as your presentation system. A large screen computer display will also work, however, in this tip, we will focus on using the large screen TV as the display system since they are generally lower cost than computer displays. Three Digital Input Options: 1. RGB/VGA Older technology (Wired) 2. HDMI Newer technolgy and the standard (Wired) 3. Apple TV, AirPlay & BlueTooth Newest technology (Wireless) *4. Possibly an Adaptor Items Needed: 1. Large screen TV with a HDMI or a RGB/VGA (PC) input 2. Laptop or other computer with an output option for a second display with mirroring capabilites. 3. A HDMI/RGB/VGA cable to connect the two Note: For most laptops, the 2nd monitor output port is a standard option. For desktop systems or towers, not all systems will have this option. For most of these computers, though, you can purchase a second video card and get the needed output. A 32 inch (805 mm) is a smaller LCD-TV and is being shown in this Tech Note. This display is adequate for a class of 6-10 people. For larger classes, it might be necessary for everyone to move closer, but it will be adequate in most situations. Of course, larger displays will work better in larger groups, but there is a point where a larger display approaches the cost of a digital projector and then the cost advantages are lost. Mirroring** is the ability of a computer to display the same information on multiple displays. If you are seeing something on your computer but not on the external display, check to make sure that Mirroring is set to On on your computer. With the Macintosh, which is shown at right, the Detect Displays option queries the external display to see which resolutions it can display. These are then shown in the menu as possible options. The 1024 x 768 Resolution for eTouch for Health was chosen to ensure that it was compatible with the most computers and displays in the world. NTSC as shown, right, is a standard used in the US and several other countries. PAL and SECAM are other standards around the world. The most important task is to match resolutions between the computer and TV: 1024 x 768 = 1024 x 768 Millions, right, refers to the number of colors being displayed and is currently the highest standard. Option 3 Apple TV and BlueTooth Apple TV is a simple way to present eTouch. It does require that the computer and Apple TV to be active and on the same wireless network. AirPlay and Mirroring must be turned on when using Apple TV. *Traveling Presenters When traveling be prepared as both video inputs and outputs are always changing especially on Mac. The computer industry is currently standardizing on HDMI rather than the older VGA, USB and FireWire for video inputs. The challenge is matching video outputs with video inputs. Basically, you need to know your digital video output and input of the device you are using. Note: There is a fast migration underway to using BlueTooth wireless technology which eliminates the need for many of these cable adapters. This has a dual effect of making it easier and less expensive for the trainer or presenter, however, it also introduces more radio frequencies into the environment. We still recommend a wired connection which contains the electromagnet radiation to a large degree.	Connecting and Configuring the Components for Options 1 & 2 1. Turn TV and Computer off (or put the computer to sleep) 2. Connect the digital RGB/VGA (PC) or HDMI Monitor cable from the Computer to the large screen TV Matching your video output port to the input of your TV only needs to be done once and may include a cable and possibly an adaptor. A standard RGB Monitor Cable has DB-9 connectors. It is called this because the connector is shaped like a D and there are nine pins. Some computers, like the Macintosh, also require an adaptor to connect to one end of this cable, which then plugs into the video output port of the Mac. 3. Turn On the TV and Computer 4. Set the Resolution on the Computer. Choose the resolution on your computer closest to 1024 x 768. 1024 x 768 is the native resolution of eTouch for Health. This is a standard resolution and is commonly supported in nearly all electronic displays. This resolution will fill most of the screen. 5. Select the RGB/VGA Input on the TV (there is usually an Input button on the remote control). Your display may or may not look similar to the image shown below. *6. Now, you should be seeing eTouch for Health* on your remote display. Apple TV and BlueTooth - Newest and wireless technology Below are some of our various cables and adaptors Earl uses when traveling.**