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Building library tech inventories?

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 8:31 pm
by mprusse
As a high councilor over technology in our stake I'm attempting to assist in establishing building libraries equipped with the necessary technology items that will allow members easy access to showing videos, still images and playing audio. I need to present a list of these tech items to the stake so we can facilitate equipping our libraries.

What tech hardware items have you found necessary in your building libraries? We seem to do well in one building library with multiple size TVs, HDMI cables, device adapters (Android & iOS), and external powered speakers. What am I missing?

Thank you.

Re: Building library tech inventories?

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 12:06 am
by sbradshaw
Some wards try to set up complicated systems to connect to the TV wirelessly or even set up content systems over wifi, but I think having a set of cords is a simpler approach and easier to train on – it usually "just works."

In our building, we have 2 HDMI cables, 2 VGA+Audio cables, and a regular VGA cable. We also have a VGA to Mini DisplayPort adapter for older Macs that don't have HDMI. Mostly people in our building connect from their computer, but I could see cords to connect to Android and iOS being useful.

Re: Building library tech inventories?

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 9:06 am
by drepouille
When our FM first replaced CRT TVs with LCD TVs, I bought HDMI, VGA+Audio, and Component A/V cables for the new TVs in the library. I was afraid those cables would be "lost" so I used plastic tie straps to attached the cables to the TV cart.
When visiting authorities began bringing iPads, and wanted to connect them to a projector or TV, I bought a variety of adapters for future use.

Re: Building library tech inventories?

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:55 am
by johnshaw
One of the most important cables, to me, is the Headphone to RCA (connect computer, phone, etc.. to podium, also connect the same to the cultural hall inputs) 3.5mm to RCA cables is the staple of life.

Also, as the High Councilor, you should be working with your Stake Technology Specialist on this item (unless that is also your role as well) but that person by nature of their calling will have access to training and information available at https://clerksupport.lds.org.

Re: Building library tech inventories?

Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 4:00 pm
by michaelcox
Every Ward and Stake is different but I have found in mine that Apple TV and Miracast devices (we use the Microsoft Wireless Display adapter) are very handy and are well used. We do have some who people who would prefer to use cables but most like being able to connect wirelessly. If you want to support iPhone and iPad for example, to buy 2 adapters (1 40-pin for older devices and 1 lightening for new devices) you have spent more than you would for one Apple TV and you don't have to worry about the adapters going missing or getting broken. You also don't have people plugging and unplugging for the HDMI ports as I've seen HDMI ports damaged from too much plugging and unplugging.

Re: Building library tech inventories?

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 8:57 pm
by carsonm
As a STS, I have been looking for 1 inexpensive device that can handle Windows (phones included), Android and iOS, and Mac and all the standards and is reliable that do screen mirroring (not needing access to the building Wi-Fi (in the case of Webcasting) Unfortunately, not many devices/dongles that handle Apple products, besides Apple TV (without additional software/app to install) I am starting to find a few devices coming out from Asia that seem promising. Even though we use the Roku device some, we do have to watch out for the ads that show up on the side on the main screen)

I am considering something like the following dongle (especially since it currently cost $15)

EasyCast TV Stick Full HD 1080P WiFi Wireless Display Receiver Dongle
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Anyone have experience with this type of screen mirroring device?

Another item I am looking into is the 2016 version of the Intel Compute stick (in Kiosk mode) for each building. (with Windows 10 on it and 2 USB ports now)

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Compute-BOX ... stick+2016
along with a keyboard/touchpad combo like this
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/w ... us?crid=27

Re: Building library tech inventories?

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 9:09 pm
by michaelcox
On the EasyCast I wonder if you can lock down what they are able to access and do. With the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV you can lock everything basically all the apps and rental/purchase ads and put it in "Conference Room Display". To me having ads like you said on the Roku is not ok in a Church environment. I would have done Amazon Fire TV sticks as they support Miracast and there is an AirPlay app but I couldn't disable ads and built in apps.