Mobile DJ Games: Perfect For Mitzvahs

For Mitzvahs, the games segment is (almost) a prerequisite. I begin with “passive” walk-arounds during cocktail hour. Laminating these 3 will make them permanent repertoire additions.

1. Large rebus puzzles. (Book stores have them.)

Both of these use 8″ x11″ paper:

2. Make a large triangle. Centering, print on 3 lines as follows:
Spread
some butter on the
the BIG sandwich.
As each kid reads it quickly, invariably most say “Spread some butter on the BIG sandwich.” But it doesn’t. It says “Spread some butter on the the BIG sandwich.” Adults get stumped, too!

3. Using a large, thick font, print one color on each line: RED ORANGE YELLOW BLUE GREEN PURPLE BLACK. But color them differently. Ask the kids to quickly tell you the colors. They’ll start by saying “red.” Wrong! It’s blue, etc.

Hand out numbered raffle tickets for every win. At the end, ask the Mitzvah kid his favorite number, then “OK, Josh’s favorite number is 2. If the last number on your ticket is a 2, you’re a winner!” 10% win. It’s fair, luck of the draw and no one complains.

When it comes time for the actual games segment, there’s life beyond “Coke & Pepsi” and “The Limbo.” There are contests which are SO much more creative. With new, interactive games, make your parties STAND OUT from your competitor’s.

YOUR PARTIES ARE ABOUT TO BECOME A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN! Check out MobileDJGames.com and mouse browse over 100 games and DJ “toys.” (800)296-2596

Tweet This Post 

1st Annual “Battle of the DJ’s” Charity DriveIn WV

1st Annual “Battle of the DJ’s” Charity DriveIn WV…

Area Disc Jockeys duke it out to raise money for the local chapters of the American Red Cross
Worthington, WV, April 9, 2010: Several local Disc Jockeys will be coming together to help
raise money for a worthy cause. This winter has proven to stress out many agencies in our area
including the American Red Cross. As a gesture these disc jockeys will donate their time and talent to
an audience in an effort to help raise moneyfor thisworthy cause.
 100% of the proceeds from the entrance cover charge will be donated. ($5.00 per person)
 100% of the proceeds from raffles of prizes donated from local participating businesses will
also be donated. (Donated Prizes from Outback Steakhouse, Wingate Inn,and JC Penny are just to name a few)

The date for this event is scheduled for Friday April 9th2010 from 8PM till 2 AM,and will be held at
the Goal Rush night club in Worthington, WV. A representative from the American Red Cross will be
on hand to receive the donations, and to help make the public aware of all the things that the Red
Cross agencies do to help our local communities.
The deadline for area disc jockeys to enter this event and donate their time is March 6thandthose
interested will need to contact DJ Mojo by then. WV Radio Corporationhasalsoagreed to donate
some airtime to help promote this cause.
For more information contact Mark Williams (DJ MOJO) at (304) 669-8679 , Josh & Missy Veltri at the Goal Rush at (304) 287-9100, or Tim Yoos (DJ TIM) (304) 695-0094tim@poweralleydj.com

Tweet This Post 

Mobile DJ Games: Killer Activity For May Gigs

Looking for a killer activity? I’ve used my my set for, literally, over a decade! It just doesn’t get old. CO-OP A WALKS/BUDDY WALKERS provide competition requiring total teammate cooperation. Partners stand on boards resembling skis, each holding two ropes (secured from the base). The object: walk to the end of the dancefloor with a partner and return, handing off to the next two contestants on your team. (As a relay race, you’d provide 2 pairs.)

Simple it is. Easy it’s not. If one team member is moving his right foot and the other is stepping with his left, they’ll be stalled, going nowhere. Absolute unison is required.

Each team will scream encouragement, often frenzied, as the tide can turn very quickly.

This game is suited for ages 8-Adult and best for groups of 20 to 40. This way you’ll have 10 to 20 members per team and 5 to 10 round trip relays, taking approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Perfect! Fun to participate. Fun to watch.

Each unit is made of hardwood with a cushioned base. It’s suitable for either indoor or outdoor use. There’s nothing to “break” so it’s durable enough to last for years.

For larger groups (and a much harder challenge) CO-OP-A WALK/TEAM WALKERS are designed for 4 people at once, instead of 2. It’s tough!

YOUR PARTIES ARE ABOUT TO BECOME A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN! Check out MobileDJGames.com and mouse browse some insane games and DJ “toys.” (800)296-2596

Tweet This Post 

Mobile DJ Games: LED Sign at Gigs?

I love providing clients with anything unique and customized. Of course, making them feel special adds to my professionalism at the same time. I do it easily with an L.E.D. “Edge Lit” Sign. Underneath my (permanently etched) neon logo, clients fill in personalized messages. As family members add their handwritten thoughts, I have the photographer capture the moment. It makes a perfect page in the album!

I use a blue sign for Mitzvahs. It’s also available in red and green, illuminated using high intensity 10-year LED lights on acrylic. I decided how much of the sign I wanted dedicated to my logo. After I received a proof, there was no problem making changes to the spacing.

I hang my sign vertically over the black background of my DJ facade with the supplied chains. A knob allows ON, OFF or variable speed FLASHING modes.

I use the same 12″ x 18″ sign at every performance. But, as an upsell: since the neon pen is smudge-proof (you “erase” it with glass cleaner), instead of MY name etched into the acrylic, I offer my client’s THEIR name etched on the top of either a 18″ x 24″ or 24″ x 36″ sign. What an amazing sign-in board for their guests! If they’re going to buy one anyway, why not buy it from me? You can do the same.

YOUR PARTIES ARE ABOUT TO BECOME A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN! Check out MobileDJGames.com and mouse browse a ton of games and DJ “toys.” (800)296-2596

Tweet This Post 

High End DJs Need This From Shure

Shure Incorporated today reaffirmed its position as a worldwide leader in professional audio electronics by bringing personal monitor audio quality to a new level. The groundbreaking new PSM® 900 Wireless Personal Monitor System sets a new category standard by delivering an unprecedented combination of audio quality and RF performance to the most demanding professional events, installations, and tours.

“For well over a decade, Shure has been at the center of live performance with innovative wireless products that have allowed artists and performers to hear every nuance of their efforts while moving freely around the stage,” said Mark Humrichouser, General Manager of the Americas Business Unit for Shure. “With the PSM 900, we’ve built upon these innovations to create a new class of personal monitor, precision-engineered to deliver superior audio within a system that’s effortless to set up and unmatched in reliability. It’s an exceptional product with all of the hallmarks of Shure’s sound, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring it to market.”

At the heart of the PSM 900 system are a rugged, all-metal, ultra-thin wireless bodypack receiver (P9R) and a half-rack single wireless transmitter (P9T). The PSM 900 also will be available with Shure’s newly-introduced SE425 Sound Isolating^TM Earphones, which feature enhanced sound signatures and premium dual speaker technology in a small, lightweight design. Unlike earlier SE models, the SE425 features a unique, detachable cable and formable wire at the earpiece giving performers accurate sound and a secure fit.

The new PSM 900 Personal Monitor System combines the very best in features and performance including:

Superior, Accurate Audio Quality. Using Shure’s patented Audio Reference Companding - a more efficient process for compressing audio signals prior to transmission - and advanced digital stereo encoding, the PSM 900 delivers a more natural sound with less noise and greater dynamic range than competitive wireless audio systems. The result is a lower noise floor and crisp, clear sound at all audio levels. The PSM 900 provides tight, controlled bass response and unparalleled stereo separation.

Exceptional RF Performance. The PSM 900 takes Shure’s reputation for RF performance and reliability to a new level. Advanced technologies provide robust performance in difficult RF environments. The PSM 900 receiver features the same front-end filter as Shure’s UHF-R® Wireless System, as well as Active RF Gain Control that automatically reduces receiver sensitivity when an overload of RF signal is detected. The PSM 900 provides the most stable RF performance of any monitoring system on the market.

Compact, Ultra-thin Bodypack. The P9R is the thinnest personal monitor bodypack available, yet it doesn’t compromise features for form. For maximum flexibility, the PSM 900 includes CueMode, a patent-pending feature that allows users to audition up to 20 different monitor mixes on a single bodypack at the touch of a button. Any P9R can be used in CueMode so that monitor engineers can quickly hear each performer’s mix, without the need for any additional equipment. The all-metal P9R is also rugged enough to withstand the abuse of nightly performances but packs advanced features like MixMode® technology, which allows performers to easily set their own levels and create the mix they want without affecting others on stage.

Simple User Interface. Even the most demanding professional applications requiring multiple RF channels witness vastly improved efficiencies through a near effortless set-up. Utilizing Scan and Sync technology, audio engineers can easily analyze the RF environment for interference and identify available compatible frequencies within seconds. In addition, the dedicated RF Mute feature gives users the ability to set up audio and RF parameters without transmitting.

With the PSM 900 personal monitor, audio has never sounded so good and required so little effort. “The audio quality of the PSM 900 system is remarkable!” raved Earl Neal, monitor engineer for country superstar Toby Keith. “The use of colors in the LEDs makes the system easy to read at-a-glance, and I really like the construction of the transmitter and pack. I can’t wait to use a rack of these on tour.”

Pricing and Availability

Priced at $1,650USD (without earphones) or $1,800 (with SE425 earphones), the PSM 900 will ship in early to mid 2010. The systems will be available with and without premium Sound Isolating Earphones. The P9R wireless bodypack receiver and P9T wireless transmitter are available as separate components priced at $676USD and $974 respectively. All pricing listed is MSRP.

The PSM 900 carries a two-year limited warranty and can be purchased at select retail partners. Visit www.shure.com for a list of authorized dealers.

PSM900 Feature Summary

Robust RF Performance
Highly efficient 36 MHz tuning bandwidth with optimized frequency ranges allows more channels on-air
Precision front-end RF filtering significantly reduces RF interference for a cleaner, stronger RF signal, fewer dropouts, and less audible artifacts
Up to 20 compatible frequencies per frequency range for up to 20 different mixes
Up to 1,440 user-selectable frequencies
Unprecedented audio quality with patented Audio Reference Companding
Scan and Sync for simplified setup with no need for additional accessories
MixMode® Technology to balance the level of two separate channels while simultaneously listening to both signals in both ears
Cue Mode^TM allows storing and monitoring of up to 20 different stage mixes on one bodypack for quick and easy reference
Low profile, all-metal bodypack is the thinnest available, rugged and loaded with innovative features
LCD menu with grouped menu items for easier user interface
About Shure Incorporated
Founded in 1925, Shure Incorporated (www.shure.com) is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading manufacturer of microphones and audio electronics. Over the years, the Company has designed and produced many high-quality professional and consumer audio products that have become legendary for performance, reliability, and value. Shure’s diverse product line includes world-class wired microphones and wireless microphone systems for performers and presenters, award-winning earphones and headsets for MP3 players and smartphones, and top-rated phonograph cartridges for professional DJs. Today, Shure products are the first choice whenever audio performance is a top priority.

Shure Incorporated corporate headquarters is located in Niles, Illinois, in the United States. The Company has additional manufacturing facilities and regional sales offices in China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, The United Kingdom, and the United States.

# # #

Tweet This Post 

Understanding SR by QSC

QSC Audio, NAMM booth 6750, proudly introduces “Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner’s Guide” DVD.

Understanding the fundamentals of audio, acoustics and sound reinforcement can be challenging to the first-time learner. In this self-paced course, this knowledge is presented through narration, images and animation in a concise and easy-to-follow manner.

Whether the learner is an individual Sound Engineer, Musician, or DJ, or a member of a:
House of Worship, School, Public Facility, Community Organization or Private Enterprise, everyone will be able to comprehend, absorb and apply this wealth of sound reinforcement knowledge.

Learning applications included in the “Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner’s Guide”:
Sound & Hearing
Signal Path & Gain Structure
Mixing Consoles
Equalization
Acoustics
Microphones
Signal Processors
Power Amplifiers
Loudspeakers
Cables, Connectors & Impedance

“Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner’s Guide” also includes chapter quizzes available online, free with product registration. Language formats are English and Spanish. No region encoding.

“Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner’s Guide” is $99 US Suggested List.

QSC Audio Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of power amplifiers, loudspeakers, signal processing, digital signal transport, and computer control systems for professional audio markets worldwide. For more information, contact QSC Audio Products, Inc., 1675 MacArthur Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 USA. Phone: 800-854-4079 (USA only) or 714-754-6175. Fax: 714-754-6174. E-mail: info@qscaudio.com, or visit www.qscaudio.com.

Tweet This Post 

New 1U and 2U Wireless Mic Soft Cases from SKB

New 1U and 2U Wireless Mic Soft Cases

ORANGE, CA - SKB Corporation has added two (2) new rack cases to their line of audio soft cases. Primarily designed for wireless microphone systems, the 1SKB-SC191U, a 1U rack size and the SKB-SC192U, a 2U rack size, are constructed of a wood core covered by 600 Denier Nylon. The cases could also be used for pre-amps, effects, etc. Both rack soft cases have been developed with the focus on portability and include an adjustable shoulder strap and loop handle for easy transport.

The 14.8″ depth (front rail to back flap) provides plenty of room for the most popular wireless systems. The padded front and back lids have heavy-duty zippers that allow for the flaps to open fully and fold underneath. There is a zippered pouch on the inside front flap that provides excellent storage of wireless mic antennae. An ample sized exterior zippered pouch is ideal for cables and/or body packs. Threaded steel rack rails are recessed to provide protection for equipment controls without inhibiting proper antennae placement. These cases are covered by SKB’s one year Soft Product warranty.

The 1SKB-SC191U has an estimated street price of $49.99 (US) while the 1SKB-SC192U has an estimated street price of $59.99 (US) from authorized SKB dealers.

For additional information contact: SKB, 1607 N. O’Donnell Way, Orange, CA 92867 Tel: 714.637.1252 Fax: 714.283.0425 Web: www.skbcases.com.
About SKB
Established in 1977 by company founders Dave Sanderson and Steve Kottman, SKB Corporation manufactured its first guitar case in a small Anaheim, California, garage. Today, SKB is recognized globally as an industry leader in the design and manufacture of molded polymer transport cases. Vacuum, rotational or injection molded, these cases are engineered to provide ultimate protection for equipment utilized by hundreds of companies involved in diverse industries from music and pro-audio products to military, industrial and medical applications. SKB even supplies maximum travel protection for consumer sports and electronics equipment. The familiar SKB logo has symbolized uncompromising quality and unsurpassed durability for three decades.
Other brand and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Tweet This Post 

More Interactive Stuff from Mobile DJ Games

Imagine providing your clients with an item customized for their function, presented as an L.E.D. “EDGE LIT” SIGN (Red, Green or Blue). Underneath your permanently etched logo, they fill the blank space with a color-coordinated neon pen. You’ll personalize every gig as they add their handwritten message. Photographers love it too. Each guests “signing in” makes a great shot a perfect first page in any album.

The sign is illuminated using high intensity LED lights on the acrylic, providing a neon effect without the neon cost. You decide how much of the sign is dedicated to your logo and exact specs. You’ll receive a detailed proof prior to production. (Also available with your choice of 15,000 stock logos or completely blank.)

Choose from 3 sizes:
12″ x 18″
18″ x 24″
24″ x 36″

Features:
USA Made
Use vertically or horizontally
Choose ON, OFF or ADJUSTABLE FLASHING SPEED
10+ Year L.E.D. lights!
Quantity discounts

Since the neon pen is smudge proof (you “erase” it with glass cleaner) some DJ’s have their CLIENT’S names etched on the top. What an amazing sign-in board for their guests! What an upsell!

All signs carry a one-year warranty. But remember, these are 10+ year L.E.D.’s. Use it at EVERY gig. This sign’s gonna last!

ADJA and NAME members receive FREE SHIPPING.

YOUR PARTIES ARE ABOUT TO BECOME A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN! Check out MobileDJGames.com (a subsidiary of Take-It-From-Us.com) and mouse browse a ton of of games and DJ “toys.”

(800)296-2596

Tweet This Post 

Powered Portable Systems Pack 1,000 Watts of Class D Amplification

January 27, 2010 - COSTA MESA, CA - With the launch of its new K Series product group, QSC (2010 NAMM Booth 6750) has redefined the standard in compact, lightweight, high-performance powered loudspeakers.

The combination of a professional-looking molded ABS enclosure, uniformly matched drivers, advanced DSP, and QSC’s legendary touring spec amplification has resulted in an unprecedented package. K Series is demonstrably able to outperform other molded enclosure systems due in part to one fundamental principle: the same 1,000-watt Class D amplifier module powers all four models - whether the K8, K10, K12 - or KSub (dual-12″ subwoofer).

QSC Director of Entertainer Solutions Ray van Straten states, “The K Series has been designed entirely without compromise, from the ground up. QSC has departed from convention and at the same time exploded a myth that smaller woofers must equate to lower performance.

“Competitors will typically use the highest power amplifier and the best quality drivers in the largest format model, while designing their smaller format models with lower power amplification and lesser performing components. This allows them to reduce the price of the smaller models, further propagating the myth that a smaller woofer enclosure necessitates lower performance.”

He continues, “Apart from using the same amp module across the line, we are also using the same quality woofer motor in all four models, and the same 1.75″ HF device in the three 2-way enclosures. The primary differentiator is the resulting output dispersion - the K8 being the widest at 105° and the K12 the narrowest at 75°. The choice for the customer then is not ‘good, better, best’, but ‘best, best, best’ - and ‘How wide a box do I need?’”

This radical approach is achievable due to a process called Directivity Matched Transition DMT^TM. DMT allows QSC to take advantage of a fundamental law of acoustics - smaller diameter woofers have wider coverage patterns than larger ones. QSC has simply matched the HF device to the LF dispersion, allowing for the smoothest and flattest frequency response possible across the entire sound field.

Add to this advanced DSP processing and an enclosure molded from ABS - a material far more rugged and sonically pleasing than conventional plastics - and the K Series delivers a completely new standard of performance in this category of loudspeakers.

Several proprietary QSC DSP technologies are incorporated into the K Series. One such technology is Digital Extension and Excursion Processing (DEEP^TM). DEEP allows each of the K Series models to deliver levels of low-frequency extension, hitherto impossible in enclosures of this size. Intrinsic Correction^TM, first featured in QSC line-array technology, utilizes dozens of spatially-averaged measurements, mapped to the processor to deliver smooth and accurate reproduction across the entire sound field.

Preventing amplifier clipping or overload is QSC’s proprietary GuardRail^TM technology, also present in their popular GX amplifier line. GuardRail^TM closely monitors the input voltage and controls the amplifier output stage before the onset of clipping. Unlike typical clip limiters, when GuardRail is activated, the results are all but undetectable - there’s none of the typical ‘pumping’ associated with other methods. In addition, user EQ controls are provided to select between application settings (EXT SUB, VOCAL, or FLAT response).

K Series boasts other user-friendly features. For example, when speakers are pole-mounted, the Tilt-Direct^TM pole socket converts to a 7.5° down-tilt with a simple 180° rotation of the dial. A locking IEC power cord is included, preventing accidental disconnect during a performance. For installed applications, connecting a commonly available potentiometer to the unit allows the operator to obtain gain control from a remote location. Multiple K Series units can also be daisy-chained together to one centralized control. Additionally, the K Series enters standby mode after five minutes of inactivity, both conserving power and enhancing ease of use.

The entire package is housed in rugged and sonically-friendly ABS (the sub in birch plywood) with steel grilles (2-way models) and carry-friendly ergonomic aluminum handles. The KSub also features low-noise casters for easy transport.

The Products
Three two-way models are available, with 8″, 10″ and 12″ woofer diameters, built around an advanced switch-mode power supply and Class D output section, the subwoofer power module also delivering 1,000 watts from an efficient and lightweight design.

K12
The K12 is a 12″ two-way system with 75° horizontal and vertical coverage. Low frequencies extend to 48 Hz (-10 dB high acoustic output, 131 dB peak). This low-frequency extension makes the K12 the ideal choice for music playback and live reinforcement of instruments, especially in venues where a more directional speaker is needed. Equally at home in the stage monitor role, the K12 enclosure has an angled side for use as a low-profile, horizontal wedge and a flat side for proper side-fill use.

K10
The K10 is unlike other 10″ powered loudspeaker systems, sharing the same amplification, HF device and low-frequency driver of the same high quality as its big brother, and offering 90° (conical) coverage and 129 dB peak output (low frequencies extending to 56 Hz. The K10 offers unprecedented power and performance from an extremely compact system, which can also be used as an ultra low-profile, horizontal wedge or sidefill.

K8
The extremely compact size of this 8″ powered loudspeaker won’t intrude on audience sightlines. Its 105° wide dispersion is a major advantage when the audience is up close to the loudspeaker. Low frequencies extend to 61 Hz (-10 dB) and the unit outputs an amazing 127 dB.

KSub
For live reinforcement of bass instruments and drums, or higher level playback of recorded music, the KSub is the ideal supplement to the K Series two-way models - an M20 threaded pole socket (pole included) provides a secure, wobble-free method of elevating a mid-high speaker over the subwoofer. The compact footprint won’t take over the stage, dance floor or seating area of smaller venues. A pair of high-power 12″ speakers in an optimized bandpass enclosure will handle everything the 1,000 watt power module can give them. Compact in size, and ergonomically designed, thoughtfully placed handles, noise-free casters along with an available accessory cover ease load-in and load-out.

Processing, Connectivity & Monitoring
While the DSP functions are optimized using Intrinsic Correction^TM, DEEP^TM, DMT^TM and GuardRail^TM technologies (with the high-pass filter included for use with subwoofer systems), two XLR-combo inputs, each with its own level control, are also provided. Both accommodate line-level inputs and one may be switched to microphone level sensitivity. Phono (RCA) input jacks are also included for connection of consumer electronics sources (2-way models only). Dual XLR outputs are provided for dual ‘loop-thru’ XLR/M connectors and a single XLR jack is available as a summed output. All three input sources may be utilized at once and mixed via the two gain control knobs (2-way boxes only).

Input Panel LED indicators are provided for power, signal present, mic level sensitivity and limit annunciation. A front-mounted power LED may be disabled by means of a rear panel switch when desired, or set so it indicates when the limit circuitry has been engaged.

Waveguide
Each K model incorporates a conical waveguide that maintains pattern control all the way down to the crossover frequency. The coverage angles of the waveguides are tailored for a smooth transition from woofer to compression driver with far less ‘waist-banding’ or other directivity related anomalies than other products in this class.

Suspension and Mounting
The K Series two-way models may be pole-mounted, suspended or yoke mounted. The K8, K10 and K12 yoke accessory kits allow for either horizontal or vertical yoke mounting, providing a flexible means of attaching K Series loudspeakers to a building structure or truss. When suspended deployment is required, M10 threaded inserts support vertical or horizontal suspension, while the integral pole mount socket accommodates 35mm speaker poles for use on a speaker stand or over a sub. The pole socket is designed so that the speaker may be angled down 7.5° in order to cover the audience while keeping acoustic energy off reflective walls and ceilings.

Accompanied by a complete range of accessories, padded carrying bags and various mounting accessories, K Series products provide a consummate package for the AV rental, installation, MI and DJ markets.

Principle Product Features
1,000 watt, efficient and lightweight class D power module
Light Weight (27 lbs. - 41 lbs. 2-way, 74 lbs. KSub)
Professional appearance and rugged construction
Directivity Matched Transition (DMT^TM) and Intrinsic Correction^TM DSP tuning for accurate, undistorted performance across the entire sound field
GuardRail^TM technology discreetly protects the system from damaging overload
DEEP^TM mode for enhanced low-frequency extension without a subwoofer
Locking IEC power cable
XLR and 1/4″ connectors
Phone mic/line and line inputs with loop-thru connectors and independent level controls.
Phono (RCA) inputs (2-way units)
Three 2-way models - each with coverage pattern optimized to match the LF driver
Front-mounted LED may be switched off or to indicate LIMIT or AC Power On
Dual angle, 35 mm pole socket with Tilt-Direct^TM allows the speaker to be angled down to put the energy on the audience instead of the back wall
Suspension and yoke mounting accessories available
4″ voice-coil woofer design for high output
1.75″ voice-coil compression driver
High Pass Filter for use with subwoofers
Subwoofer 1,000 watt, efficient and lightweight Class D power module
Dual 12″ band-pass for compact size, efficiency and high-power handling
Threaded pole socket for solid, secure pole mounting (KSub, includes pole)
3″ Casters (KSub)

For more information about K Series, please visit qscaudio.com - QSC Audio Products, LLC is a leading manufacturer of power amplifiers, loudspeakers, signal processing, digital signal transport, and computer control systems for professional audio markets worldwide.

For further information contact Christopher Buttner, contact info above, or publicity@qscaudio.com
QSC Audio Products, LLC
1675 MacArthur Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 USA.
Telephone (800) 854-4079 (USA only) or (714) 754-6175
Fax (714) 754-6174
E-mail publicity@qscaudio.com
Web www.qscaudio.com

Tweet This Post 

Photo Slide Shows Made Easy by Mark Evans

Photo Slide Shows Made Easy

By Mark Evans

We have all been to events where people show videos and photos of the couple or the birthday person and we think, “I could have done better.” Well with the right tools and a little knowledge you can. I’ve put together shows from very simple photo fades to very elaborate video and photo montages and clients love them. So where do you start? Let’s begin with the basics.

SCANNING, SAVING

Scanners are widely available and you need a pretty good one to make some nice crisp photos of older photos. When you scan a photo in you want to make sure you have the settings right. Most software programs will give you options to change DPI (dots per inch) or resolution. When scanning in small photos such as 3″x5″ or 4″X6″, you want to scan the photos in at 300 to 600 DPI. The reason for this is that you will want to have a digital version of the photo that is larger than what the output will be. This will give you some room to pan and zoom images. Knowing what the output will be is also very important. The slide show will look different if you are showing it on an HD TV than it will on a projector and screen. Keep this in mind when you start your project.

There are many formats available to save the photos in, but the industry standard and best format for this is JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). This format losses very little quality even though it keeps the file size smaller. JPEGs work well when you put the photos into video.

ORGANIZING

One of the key things I learned when I first started doing slide shows was the importance of a regular scheme for naming the photos. First, knowing how many photos you will have to put together is critical to how you name them. Let’s say you have 150 photos to work with and you start naming them photo1, photo2, etc. If you are doing these chronologically then the numbers will be off. The program you use will put photo10, photo11 before photo2. It is best to start naming them photo001, photo002 and so forth. If you have less than 100 photos then you can start with photo01, phtoto02.

PROCESSING, ADJUSTING

Once you have your photos scanned or brought in from another digital source, it’s time to clean them up. The industry standard and best program for this is Adobe Photoshop. Most people are not willing to shell out the $700 for the full-blown program but there are some great alternatives. Photoshop Elements is the best-selling package at under $90; it does a lot of what its big brother does and is perfect for what we need to do. Other great software programs for editing include Corel’s Paint Shop Pro, Ulead Photo Impact or ACDSee Photo Editor. For Mac users there is iPhoto (pre-installed on all new Macs) and Aperture from Apple. I recommend you download the trial versions and see which one works best for you. The main things you will want to look for are color adjustments, photo restoration, red eye removal and photo sizing. Preparing the photos is typically the most time consuming part of the project, so you want to find a program that will do the job as quickly and efficiently as possible, while fitting with your way of working.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Here is where you’ll have the most fun, in putting the photos together. Again, there are many tools to choose from and some will have steeper learning curves than others-and may not give you the flexibility to get the job done. In most cases you will not need a full video editor, but these do give you the most creative options. These programs include Adobe Premiere and Avid for Windows or Mac platforms. For Mac only Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express are the standards. Because of the cost and learning curve to these programs you may want to consider one of the following programs at a fraction of the cost. For PC users, Cyberlink PowerDirector, Corel Video Studio, Adobe Premiere Elements, Sony Vegas Movie Studio, and Pinnacle Studio are the top programs and all under $100. For Mac users, try iMovie, another pre-installed option. Each of these programs gives you a full timeline option to work with, and some give you an easy-to-use storyboard option that allows for drag and drop placement of photos and videos.

These programs may still be a little to much for what you want to do, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular programs for creating slide shows. My number one pick for the PC is Photodex’s ProShow Gold. For under $70 it gives you incredible flexibility and power over the photos. With just a few keystrokes you can drag all the photos into the timeline, adjust the time of the photos, change the transitions and put the photos into motion. One of my favorite things to do is pan and zoom photos. This is also known as the “Ken Burns effect, after the documentary director’s technique of slowing moving still photos to create more dramatic energy.

If done right you can highlight and zoom in on a person or draw attention to something extra in the photo. The program also comes with a simple yet effective photo editor for simple things such as red-eye removal. One of the neat features of this program is that when you add music to the show you can automatically time the music to the photos. Let’s say you have 50 photos and a 3-minute song for the soundtrack.. Click a button and all the photos will change time from say 5 seconds per photo to 3.7 seconds so that they all fit into the timeframe of the music. You can also manually adjust photos to make some stay on the screen longer and others shorter.

On the Mac I found a program called FotoMagico which works very similarly to ProShow. This is also a drag and drop type of program and is very easy to use. It literally takes a few minutes to put all the photos in and make a few adjustments to put together a very nice show. Both programs give you options for outputting the final project onto disc or onto file. You can even upload directly to YouTube or Facebook to have your client see the show and make corrections before the event. This is quite a time saver and clients love that they can see the final project as soon as you are done. Remember, most of these programs have free trial versions, so go ahead and try them out to see what works best for you.

Tweet This Post 

Next Page »