SETTING
UP MULTI-MEDIA
PROJECTION EQUIPMENT
Slide-cassette and filmstrip-cassette programs are audio-visual
presentations that show a series of still pictures. They
change in a certain order to go along with an audio cassette
tape. As the narrative on the tape progresses, the visuals
go from picture to picture at a pace determined by the
tape. Usually, this is controlled by an inaudible tone
on the tape.
The visuals may also be changed manually. The viewer hears
a loud, audible tone and pushes a button to advance the
next picture.
SOFTWARE CLASSIFICATION
Any LRC software package that is marked "SLCT" includes
a tray of 35mm slides and an audio cassette. The audio
cassette provides signals to change the slides.
A special type of cassette player is hooked up to a Kodak
Carousel slide projector. As the cassette tape progresses,
the slides change automatically. The pictures may be viewed
on a large screen by a large audience.
When only a small number of people view a slide-cassette
program, a Kodak Caramate projector can be used. A Caramate
is a self-contained unit which includes a slide projector,
an audio cassette player, and a built-in screen.
Do not confuse the "SLCT" software with the software labeled
"FSCT." FSCT materials are played back on a Dukane filmstrip
projector. Like the slide-cassette program, the filmstrip-cassette
software includes pictures which are advanced by an audio
cassette tape. An audio cassette player is normally built
into the filmstrip projector. Both desk-top and large-room
units are available.
Instead of a tray of individual slides, the filmstrip-cassette
program includes a number of still pictures which are
joined together into a single, compact strip of film.
The filmstrips are each stored inside a small, plastic,
cylinder-shaped case. Several cases of filmstrips, and
the tapes that go with them, may be stored in a single
box.
SETTING
UP SLCT AND FSCT PROGRAMS
You should pay attention to how a program is organized.
Most programs have identical narration on both sides of
the audio cassette. One side automatically advances the
visuals, using an inaudible tone. The other side contains
an audible tone which signals the listener to manually
advance the picture. Therefore, if you want the program
to advance automatically be sure to use only the side
of the tape which is marked AUTOMATIC or INAUDIBLE.
Before starting the program, be sure that the proper side
of the cassette is facing you in the machine. Then, press
the cassette unit REWIND button and allow all of the tape
to wind onto one side of the cassette.
Set the tray of slides or filmstrip at the point where
the program begins. Normally, a tray of slides is set
for slide no. "O;" the point where a filmstrip starts
is usually indicated by instructions on the filmstrip
itself.
To repeat, whenever an audio cassette has both an AUTOMATIC
or INAUDIBLE side and a MANUAL or AUDIBLE side, play the
AUTOMATIC or INAUDIBLE side to achieve automatic visual
advance.
However, there are some programs which have both their
audible and inaudible tones on the same side of the cassette.
With the proper equipment, the visuals advance automatically,
but an audible tone allows the option of manual advance.
This frees the other side of the cassette for other uses.
The second side may contain additional narrative for the
same slides or filmstrip. It may provide the audio for
a second program. It may be a separate audio-only program,
not directly connected to the visuals. It may also be
left completely blank.
As you can see, you have to look carefully at each program
to avoid confusion. It is good practice to conduct a trial
run of a program, paying attention to how the audio and
visual media are organized. It is also a good idea to
study the manual for the particular equipment that you
will be using.
The Vasthead is the professional web site of
Grady
McAllister of Houston, Texas.
http://vasthead.com
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