Help Please. Need to play DVDs in a Classroom...

I have a dilema.

My wife needs the capability to play DVDs in a Classroom setting. The equipment MUST be portable

I already have a laptop w/DVD and an Epson PowerLite S5 LCD portable projector.

The real problem is LACK of Audio. The laptop just does NOT have a large enough amplifier to fill the classroom.

What are my options here ????

 

Well, you can get a pair of cheap speakers, which plug into the laptop headphone port.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000370060+1090608148&name=2.0

Do you have the vga cable which can connect the laptop to the projector?
Cause you will need one of those too.

K-TRON

 

Yea, I tried that route already, but the speakers just don't have enough volume.

I've seen amplified speaker sets around. They go for around $70+ a set. That's more hardware for my wife to lug around though.

She's an independent consultant that does presentations in classroom settings.

The problem I'm running into is finding a complete MOBILE setup for her to carry around.

Yes, I've got the DVD to play thru the laptop/LCD projector already. I am having a separate issue with the multiple screens. 1/2 the Windows Media player plays on each screen! I'll post up this issue a bit later.

I'm trying to solve the hardware end right now.

 

Does the classroom itself have a built in speaker system? Your only choice on projecting clear audio is bigger speakers...

 

Katmandu, just to clear things up, I may be off but K-Tron's link is for amplified speakers. Even the $3.99 set is. Notice the 120v power supply? Now I have a $15 8 year old set of HK and I will not brag but they can fill up a 2 BR apt more than normal listening. I think they are 15w. I mean unless I am missing something these are what you are looking for and of course maybe the $3.99 ones aren't the ones you want, but portable I don't see anything other than these (link) for your need (portable).

 

It's not one particular classroom. She travels around and gives presentations in different classrooms.

Roger that on the bigger (amplified) speakers.

 

Yes. I used a set of 120v supplied speakers already. They weren't very loud at all.

Maybe I just need to try a different set. Might as well get a higher wattage set while I'm at it.

Would a portable DVD player work ok in this set up ????

 

Could it be possible that this is a software issue rather than a hardware issue? Open up the Master Volume window and make sure that all the sliders are maxed.

 

I don't normally suggest Bose (generally overpriced), but they have a pair of portable speakers called 'Companion' that are impressively loud for their size. Circuit City or Best Buy probably have them. Go have a listen.

 

There are some portable speakers that are so loud for there size, it still has tiny speaker syndrome at loud volumes for most tho. Just make sure you go for the kind that require an AC adapter and are not powered thru the USB port.

If you want BIG speakers and you do not have a setting that has built in PA systems like my hotels meeting rooms you can emulate that.

Just get a home stereo receiver and what ever speakers you want and plug it into that. You can do it on the cheap and probably walk out of a pawn shop with a used stereo receiver and a pair of good quality bookshelf speakers for less than 50$ or you can run to best buy and get brand new stuff for about 200$ then you have the option to use BIG speakers full blown floor model speakers too

You can be high tech and use a car amp which takes up less space but requires some creativity with powering it, or you can just get a home stereo amplifier but they cost way more than a receiver when a receiver already has an amp in it.

 

The equipment MUST be portable!

 

what I said is definitely portable in a backpack, but I was just stating the obvious when it comes to speakers if you want louder & better, once you hit a certain quality point the only way to get more is to get a bigger size. If you want ultra portable then your best off with just a good set of klipsch pc speakers, they are loud, very good quality, and dont distort at high volumes.

 

I would head down to an electronics / CD / DVD shop and see what is available as external powered speakers for MP3 players. Quantity is more important then quality for this application. If the speakers have a 5V external power source then you might be able to use USB power, but mains power might be necessary for maximum volume.

JBL On Tour are compact, good quality and loud, but expensive. Creative do a range of portable speakers, as do Logitech. However, I would start by looking at cheaper options.

John

 

IMO get a pair of NXT flat panel speakers, thin, light and loud, though they lack deep bass without the sub, but you don't want a heavy sub nor need that much bass for this type of situation.