Re: Video input formats to include
I'm designing an AV system for a community center. The video needs are just simple playback. I plan to use the component outputs on a blu-ray player, and include a VGA jack for connecting computers. Those 2 inputs will get switched and routed to 3 different projectors. I want the system to be user friendly, simple, and idiot proof. Are there any other jacks I should be including to accommodate 90% of the needs the room may see? DVI, HDMI, or Composite?
It depends on the intended use and sources but starting at the beginning of the year the analog outputs on new, and some older if the manufacturer so chose, Blu-Ray players are limited to 480i/576i SD resolution when playing AACS protected media (primarily commercial Blu-Ray releases) and that in three years all new units will have no analog outputs with such media. I've also been finding more and more laptops with no VGA output, using DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort instead and thus requiring an adapter cable or device to obtain a VGA output.
I personally have been designing systems for the past couple of years that try to accommodate some combination of both more current connectivity such as HDMI or DVI as well as common legacy formats such as VGA, component video and composite video or S-video. My thought is that my clients often expect the systems to be able to support laptops and video sources that are several years old as well supporting newer computer and video sources for some years to come. That can be difficult as we're at a bit of a crossroads where we still have to deal with many legacy formats such as VGA, composite video, analog RF, S-video and component video while also having to plan for a future of HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort and whatever is the next thing out of the consumer market. Deciding whether to try to accommodate a variety of these ties directly to the cost and complexity of the system.
As an example, I recently designed a system for a community center that included some classrooms and a multi-function space. In those rooms every wall plate has HDMI, VGA, component video and composite video inputs, all with matching audio. The same for the last corporate multi-purpose room system that I designed. It should be noted that the types of products I typically use for such systems are not generally available through sources like MCM, Markertek or B&H and instead are available through qualified professional contractors.
I was also not clear if the intent was to run whatever source is selected to all three projectors or if the goal was to be able to select the source for each projector individually. That could affect any recommendations.
