Adventure Science Center uses Core2 Mac Mini's w/ 2GB of RAM running quick time and keynote in its new Space Chase Exhibit wing for HD digital signage. Mac mini's were chosen for the following reasons:
1.) Price - even with a 3 year apple care warranty, < $900. 2.) Video - 1080p output through DVI port. 3.) Size - Fits comfortably behind LCD or in reader rail. 4.) Scripting - For the quicktime applications, I wrote a simple script placed in the startup items for each unit that launches a full-screen HD quick time presentation which work in conjunction with automated system startup/shutdown. For the keynote applications, I simply placed the keynote file into the startup items. 5.) Remote management - Built in Wifi with screen sharing. No need to run network cables. Simply connect to building wifi. Recommendations: Disable everything in system preferences that you don't need. Install the latest quicktime, system, and wifi updates. Also, don't count on keynote for more than a few minutes of HD video. Stick to quicktime natively for larger presentations/videos. I'd be happy to share the script I mention or provide a picture or two. So far we have run the machines for almost six months with no problems. I've also had good luck with Dell Precision workstations with large processor cache (4 MB or better), plenty of memory, RAID-1 7200 RPM hard drives, and professional NVIDIA video cards. Stick to Windows XP! Regards, Matt - Matthew Stevens Adventure Science Center 800 Fort Negley Blvd Nashville TN 37203 Direct: 615-401-5064 Fax: 615-862-5178 http://www.adventuresci.com -----Original Message----- From: mcn-l-bounces at mcn.edu [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jason Bondy Sent: Friday, November 07, 2008 2:59 PM To: mcn-l at mcn.edu Subject: [MCN-L] HD video in the galleries? Hello all, We have recently begun moving toward High-Definition video for all of our interviews, documentaries and other footage to be used in exhibits. We are using internally produced video as well as video shot by outside producers. However, we are running into some obstacles determining the best solution for playback in the galleries. We will be playing the HD video files from Windows-based computers connected to plasma monitors. Currently we are trying it with H.264 encoded QuickTime files, but they are very "jumpy" on video clips with a lot of motion. We have upgraded the RAM and video cards in the computers, but with very little improvement. Also, we using Cat5 DVI/HDMI extenders as there is quite a bit of distance from the computer to the monitor. Who else out there is using HD video in your exhibits? How are you doing it? We would welcome any suggestions or input you may have. Thank you so much, Jason _______________________________________________________ Jason Bondy Exhibit AV/IT Systems Oklahoma History Center 2401 N. Laird Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-522-0783 - Office 405-522-5402 - Fax www.okhistory.org _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l
