Thread: Gadget to Hold Video/Audio Files for Projection Effects?

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Hey guys-
Haven't been around much- been working on my main prop for the season. It's using video projection. I'm looking for a gizmo that'll hold my video/audio files digitally, and then port it into my video projector. I don't want to go the route of burning to DVD and/or setting a DVD player or laptop out in the yard.

Are there any fairly inexpensive devices out on the market now to do this? Either that, or is there a way to utilize an iPod or something similar? The device needs to be able to loop the video files, etc.
Thanks!

As a matter of fact, there are a lot of wireless WiFi video streaming devices on the market today. I was researching it a few months back because I wanted to start storing my gigantic DVD collection on a hard drive, and then stream them to my TV when I wanted to watch one, rather than dealing with DVDs, which take up physical space. With that said, I'm no expert, but I did learn a bit while researching. What capabilities does your projector have? Is it WiFi capable, or can WiFi be added? In other words, if you were able to connect it to your computer wirelessly, you could store the video files digitally, then stream them to the projector. Even if it's not WiFi capable, you could always just run a long enough wire from your computer to the projector. I really don't have a sense of what you have or specifically need, or I might be able to point you in a certain direction. If you give me more details about your setup, I'll try to help. Where will the projector be located? Where will your video files be stored and located? What make and model is your projector? I bet there's a product out there that fits your needs. Now, talking cost, from what I found, the typical digital media streamer ranges from about $60 to $100 and up and up, depending on what you need and want. You might try searching online for Digital Media Streaming devices. Some you can even get with as much as 1 or more Tb of digital storage, which would hold a lot of audio and video. Others have no storage and you just add an external drive or connect to your computer's hard drive.
Ryan

Ryan-
Thanks for the reply! Actually, I have a standard LCD Projector- but am looking at getting a new/better one for this prop. I've been pricing them- would love LED, but they're out of my budget. Not sure on the wireless capabilities. I know what you mean, as I currently stream my movies from my PC to my PS3 My concern would be lag. I often get lag in my HD movies when streaming, and I don't want to risk messing up the prop. When you only have 1 night to get it right- it has to be right that night, know what I mean? So I'd rather store it digitally on a SDHC or even a USB or HDD if needs be. I'm open on that. I just want it guaranteed to play with no problems.

The projector will be outside in the yard, away from the house. Running cables that long isn't an option- so the entire setup needs to be outside. I do have access to an iPad- if that's an option as well. What can you tell me on all this? I'm really looking forward to hearing back from you!
Thanks!

I have had a similar question. I think I am going to use an iPod, but am not far enough into my project to know the connection between the iPod and and the projector. There has to be an adapter out there.

Great question to ask. I will not be doing a similar set up this year cause of funding, but will pay close attention to this thread to learn what I can for hopefully next year. Also.. would love to know what you are projecting and what are you projecting it onto? Thanks for asking what I am sure many here are interested in knowing about

I'm not sure if something like this would work. It is a play through box for digital media. You basically store your movies on an external hard drive or thumb drive and this box will play it on your tv. I burned all of my dvds onto a hard drive and just play them through this box onto my tv. I've seen them on sale for about $40. I don't see why it wouldn't be able to plug directly into a projector.
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita...7297225&sr=8-2

Spinachetr- THIS IS PERFECT! This is exactly what I am looking for! A self-contained unit, plug and play. Load the media files, plug it in! Let me ask you- will it automatically loop the files, or is there a way to do that? What happens when it reaches the end of the files?

I'll have to find a way to get the HDMI to output to computer speakers- but that shouldn't be too difficult. This is awesome.
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Smiter

Great question to ask. I will not be doing a similar set up this year cause of funding, but will pay close attention to this thread to learn what I can for hopefully next year. Also.. would love to know what you are projecting and what are you projecting it onto? Thanks for asking what I am sure many here are interested in knowing about

I have two uses for this:
1. to project singing pumpkins
2. madame Leota prop

Originally Posted by Specter

Spinachetr- THIS IS PERFECT! This is exactly what I am looking for! A self-contained unit, plug and play. Load the media files, plug it in! Let me ask you- will it automatically loop the files, or is there a way to do that? What happens when it reaches the end of the files?

I'll have to find a way to get the HDMI to output to computer speakers- but that shouldn't be too difficult. This is awesome.
Thanks!

According to the manual it has a repeat setting. I'm pretty sure when it reaches the end of one file it automatically starts playing the next. I have had it finish playing a kids movie and then start playing a rated R movie that followed the kids movie alphabetically. Talk about a scramble for the remote. Here is the user manual: http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/librar...779-705025.pdf

They are going for about $40 on ebay. I have 2 and love them.

Perfect. Ordered #230679787908 on ebay. There's a cheaper one from the same place, but it only did 1080i, and wasn't sure of some of the other specs. I wanted 1080p. I'll report back once I got it up and running. In theory, this is the PERFECT SOLUTION. Thank you!