Wireless HDMI/VGA presenting tool

TedLasso

TedLasso

Executive Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Messages
5,155
Reaction score
2,845
Hi,

So we seem to be having a big struggle with some meeting rooms at our offices which have a combination of HDMI/ VGA projectors built in.

Something with the HDMI projectors is not kosher. Over the last few months, either the HDMI input ports on the projector get fried or the laptop connecting to the HDMI projectors has it's HDMI port fried.

The first time it happened, we just changed the projector input from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 until HDMI 2 popped. That's when we realised it wasn't just a one-off and it's got progressively worse in three meeting rooms.

Projectors are expensive Panasonics so quite reliable except for the port blowing on them or the dell laptops we use. So far, we have had to get Dell in to replace at least 8 laptop motherboards but I lost count.

Speaking to our AV guys, they recommend that we switch to wireless presentation solution in all our meeting rooms solution such as this

http://www.barco.com/en/Products/Presentation-collaboration/ClickShare-wireless-presentation-system

which looks like it costs a pretty penny. At nearly a $1000 each for the entry level solution- we will be bankrupt.

We are looking for a simple Wireless display presentation solution that allows Laptops Mac/Windows with HDMI or VGA interfaces or Apple iPads to remotely present to the projector. I can't seem to find any products in SA or my google kung-fu is ****.

Can anybody recommend some good reliable solutions?

Tx in advance :)
 
Last edited:
InternetLuddite said:
Hi,

So we seem to be having a big struggle with some meeting rooms at our offices which have a combination of HDMI/ VGA projectors built in.

Something with the HDMI projectors is not kosher. Over the last few months, either the HDMI input ports on the projector get fried or the laptop connecting to the HDMI projectors has it's HDMI port fried.

The first time it happened, we just changed the projector input from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 until HDMI 2 popped. That's when we realised it wasn't just a one-off and it's got progressively worse in three meeting rooms.

Projectors are expensive Panasonics so quite reliable except for the port blowing on them or the dell laptops we use. So far, we have had to get Dell in to replace at least 8 laptop motherboards but I lost count.

Speaking to our AV guys, they recommend that we switch to wireless presentation solution in all our meeting rooms solution such as this

http://www.barco.com/en/Products/Presentation-collaboration/ClickShare-wireless-presentation-system

which looks like it costs a pretty penny. At nearly a $1000 each for the entry level solution- we will be bankrupt.

We are looking for a simple Wireless display presentation solution that allows Laptops Mac/Windows with HDMI or VGA interfaces or Apple iPads to remotely present to the projector. I can't seem to find any products in SA or my google kung-fu is ****.

Can anybody recommend some good reliable solutions?

Tx in advance :)
Click to expand...

HDMI connections should be made from switched off mode, the connector is small and easy to fry ports with pluggin while hot.
 
WalkWithMe said:
HDMI connections should be made from switched off mode, the connector is small and easy to fry ports with pluggin while hot.
Click to expand...

That's what our AV guys said ... and despite repeated requests to users since we became aware of this problems to desist from doing so they continue :( ... we need to find a wireless display solution - just cheaper than the barco solution presented to us.

Also it's difficult when multiple people need to present and switch between laptops. Turning everything off and on would disrupt the flow of the meeting. Of course, this wasn't problem with VGA projectors hence they think it's normal.
 
RoganDawes said:
Provide active HDMI to VGA adapters, plugged into the VGA port of the projector?

Alternatively, consider something like an Apple TV (ipads and Macs can then use AirPlay, dunno about PC's though).

Apparently AirServer is one possible option, supports AirPlay Mirroring (OS X, iOS) and ChromeCast protocols.

https://www.lifewire.com/where-to-get-airplay-for-windows-2000736
Click to expand...

A bit difficult since most of our projectors are now HDMI only ... we have another vendor now coming in to present some solutions. Will share here if they are good.
 
InternetLuddite said:
A bit difficult since most of our projectors are now HDMI only ... we have another vendor now coming in to present some solutions. Will share here if they are good.
Click to expand...

Feck. Just been made aware of another laptop hdmi that's been fried. One of my techies forwarded me a quote for repair . 9K to replace motherboard as it is now just gone out of warranty. Those barco presenters starting to look cheap...
 
This is ridiculous, though. There is something else wrong, that HDMI ports are being destroyed.

The voltages on an HDMI port should be low enough that hotplugging should not damage it.

In fact:

The HPD (Hot-Plug-Detect) feature is a communication mechanism between a source and a sink device that makes the source device aware that it has been connected/disconnected to/from the sink device. When an HDMI cable is inserted between the two devices, the resulting hot-plug detection instantiates a start-up communication sequence.

It is explicitly designed to be hot-plugged.

Perhaps there is something wrong with the cabling? I'm guessing it is a long cable to reach the projector, perhaps going through a switchbox/amplifier? That might be your problem . . .
 
I've installed a box called We Present at 2 of my clients, it connects with HDMI to the projector, and then to wifi or with LAN, and then jou browse to the IP of the box and install a presentation program on the user machine, then they connect wifi or cable to the LAN, and "cast" to that box/projector.

Much cheaper than $5k
 
RoganDawes said:
This is ridiculous, though. There is something else wrong, that HDMI ports are being destroyed.

The voltages on an HDMI port should be low enough that hotplugging should not damage it.

In fact:

The HPD (Hot-Plug-Detect) feature is a communication mechanism between a source and a sink device that makes the source device aware that it has been connected/disconnected to/from the sink device. When an HDMI cable is inserted between the two devices, the resulting hot-plug detection instantiates a start-up communication sequence.

It is explicitly designed to be hot-plugged.

Perhaps there is something wrong with the cabling? I'm guessing it is a long cable to reach the projector, perhaps going through a switchbox/amplifier? That might be your problem . . .
Click to expand...

There are long cable lengths. It's something I forgot about. There are some extenders or boosters that were installed. Maybe that's the cause. Thx for the tip!
 
gfmalan said:
I've installed a box called We Present at 2 of my clients, it connects with HDMI to the projector, and then to wifi or with LAN, and then jou browse to the IP of the box and install a presentation program on the user machine, then they connect wifi or cable to the LAN, and "cast" to that box/projector.

Much cheaper than $5k
Click to expand...

Thx. Will check this out too. Though if we need to install software then it's probably a non starter due to corporate policies.
 
InternetLuddite said:
Also it's difficult when multiple people need to present and switch between laptops. Turning everything off and on would disrupt the flow of the meeting. Of course, this wasn't problem with VGA projectors hence they think it's normal.
Click to expand...

Would a powered HDMI switch work better? No need to ever disconnect the HDMI cable between switch and projector. If you need to connect devices, the switch can be turned off without powering down the projector. You can also switch between multiple inputs by pressing the input button on the switch or by using the infra-red remote

See here -> https://avsupply.co.za/product_info.php/switches-splitters-powered-5x1-hdmi-switch-p-711
 
AVSupply said:
Would a powered HDMI switch work better? No need to ever disconnect the HDMI cable between switch and projector. If you need to connect devices, the switch can be turned off without powering down the projector. You can also switch between multiple inputs by pressing the input button on the switch or by using the infra-red remote

See here -> https://avsupply.co.za/product_info.php/switches-splitters-powered-5x1-hdmi-switch-p-711
Click to expand...

Thanks. I will definitely consider this. A tool like this makes it more a conscious process for users. Just need to see how it would work / be place in meeting rooms
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X