Bit of a random one for you all

Does anyone know of a unit capable of taking a standard VGA signal in and giving the ability to freeze the output.

This is to enable something to be shown on a projector, whilst the computer is busy doing something else

Many Thanks

Matt

The Kramer scaler that I have will. I think it is a V772 or 722 or similar. I'll be in work later so can check if you don't get a better answer before then.

Andrew

Thanks for the prompt reply

Matt

On your projector remote control, there tends to be a "freeze" button. This will do exactly what you described.


hth
joe

I've got dozens of different types of projectors here, and I can't recall any of them having this feature. That is not to say none of them have, or that Joe's hasn't, but it is certainly not an ubiquitous feature.

Some Hitatchi's have the feature (known as AV Freeze), together with a large OSD 'pause' symbol in the top right corner - not ideal, though very useful when trying to work out why the image has not yet changed.

The Kramer is a VP-720. Others will do it too I'm sure.

I do realise that some projectors have a freeze button, but the ones I am dealing with dont, which is why I asked if there was a way of frezzing it

Matt

Most of the Kramer switcher/Scalers do it, ours is the VP-727 but that's somewhat overkill.

That assumes that this is all the unit will ever do. Add to the freeze function; glitchless switching, multiple sources, up-scaling from composite Y-C and component, PinP, etc.

Well, pretty much all of the projectors in our school have them (and there seems to be a few different makes) so I know that the feature definatly exists! However, I don't know how good these are in terms of 'professionality' so I don't know if this is standard on more professional projectors.

I dont think I've ever seen a projector without a freeze, or still function.

What are you planning to use on the laptop? The extended desktop can be very useful if you just need a holding slide.

One useful tip is to set the laptop so that the projector is using the 'extended desktop' facility, and then make sure that the desktop background is a suitable 'blank' image - we use a deep blue gradient with our church logo - and that's also the 'bail' slide we use between elements in any projection sequence. Makes transitions between projection programs - we mostly use Media Shout, with very infrequent drops into PowerPoint - much easier to do seamlessly.

Sorry, been away from the forum, and now I am back.
The complete list of current Kramer scalers that have graphics in and out, and freeze function, in ascending price order is, VP-719xl, VP-437, VP-720xl, VP-724xl, VP-725DS, VP-725DSA, VP-727, VP-727xl.

Sony DSC-1024 can freeze a vga input.
As can a Folsom Image Pro.
As can almost any seamless switcher (Analogway and Extron do a few popular ones)
Most projectors also have freeze - if your going to use the projector freeze then make sure you use a cabled remote control as IR remotes are not very reliable, most decent projectors have minijack connectors on the projector and the IR remote for connecting via cable rather than IR. You can also freeze via RS232 control on many projectors.

Second the extended desktop. I usually export holding slide (from power point) and set as desktop background, then set power point to display show on 2nd monitor. This way whenever you escape out of presentation you always have holding slide shown - providing of course there is nothing else on the 2nd screen.

As said, every projector/scaler/switcher I have encountered has freeze function, IIRC procon interfaces (simple data switcher) freezes when input button is pressed. This is shown by input led flashing.

I have a similar need to freeze the display but cant do it using the projector option for a number of reasons.

Does any one know if there is any software for mac osx that will allow you to freeze the output to the second display with out the need for a hardware switcher please?

I'd recommend an Extron MGP462 seamless switcher;it allows you run RGB,Component,composite and also freezes both windows.Quite a pretty handy unit!

Hi,

I have been using a small and super affordable unit called a "miniFreeze" for this application. It's a bit of a one trick pony, it simply freezes and seamlessly releases the VGA ouptut signal with the press of a button. Since it just looks at the VGA signal, it doesn't care whether it's Mac or PC. It's a real lifesaver for live events, I keep one in my bag and use it almost daily. There's a bit of info at:

vgafreeze.com

It's great for editing Powerpoint on the fly or launching DVD or Youtube clips or loading new presentaions, etc., while the main screen is safe.

Hope this helps!

Good luck,

Greg

I'm sure it is super-affordable for you, since you are actually the manufacturer! Please have a look at our T&Cs regarding commercial posts - in this particular case it would have been perfectly OK to say "we manufacture a product that does what you want", since it's answering a direct question rather than advertising.

But "stealth advertising" - where a manufacturer or reseller does not state their position, and poses as a "satisfied customer" is not acceptable.

How much does the unit cost?

It lists for $225.00US, but I have sold the first few for $199.00 for early adopters. I truth I use my pesonal miniFreeze on every show I am a part of with excellent results, and I could or wouldn't afford a Presentation Pro for the same thing. I apologize for the stealth adverstising, I thought that illustrating a personal experience example might give it more credibility than an outright plug. You can have a look at this video example for an example of how it functions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7GlwD-8BZU...player_embedded

Thanks for the interest, I do think it is an excellent solution for this type of application.

The Extron GSS100 will do VGA freeze and more, plus you can control and upload to it over IP, and more. Expensive though.
http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=gss100&s=5