There was a time when we needed computer-video interfaces to be able to even get a signal from a PC or MAC to a projector so that we could even see it. Back then, these interfaces were the "saving Grace" of the ProAV world and solved a ton of systems compatibility problems. But, today, there aren't very many compatibility problems and the projectors just keep getting better and better and are certainly capable of handling virtually everything you connect to them.

So, why all these boxes?

Kramer version of VGA Splitter/DA

All we really need is a simple splitter (i.e. a distribution amplifier) to take the computer output and split it so we can get our computer's monitor and the projector or plasma simultaneously (Extron's P/2 DA2). Altinex has a creative approach to this built into a wall-plate, but that's all that's really needed. Two year's ago we needed all sorts of sync processing to make sure the signal got to the projector in one piece, but I just spent two months testing every systems integration projector from Sharp, Proxima, Sony, Epson, NEC and Sanyo and I can tell you from personal experience, every single one worked with a P/2 DA2 from 20', 75' and even at 200' of cabling, perfectly. I didn't have to adjust ANYTHING on the projector except use the projector's auto set-up button to lock in the phase. So, why all the fuss?

OK, I will admit there are few esoteric applications where you need all that feature-enriched signal processing available from all the major vendors (Extron, Kramer, Altinex and Inline), but in reality, the P/2 DA2 from Extron worked 100% of the time. And, my assumption would be that VGA splitter from Kramer, Altinex and Inline would work too. But, why burden the cost of all that unused processing when over 95% of the applications don't need it? Simplify.

The customer will love you for it and so will your installation teams.

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Gary Kayye is Principal of Kayye Consulting a firm that specializes in providing marketing consulting, telephony integration and training development to the professional audiovisual industry. He spent 12 years at Extron and AMX as VP of Sales and Marketing before founding his own firm. He can be reached at www.kayye.com or via e-mail at gkayye@kayye.com. He is also the chairman of the ICIA PETC and a member of the ICIA Board of Governors.

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