new paper on derby A/V

papers/derby-av.mdwn

@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+title: Running Audio/Visual for a Roller Derby Bout
+
+If you are a small team getting ready to bout, you are probably
+worried about the audio and video requirements. 
+[LADD](http://losalamosderbydames.com/) worried about this too. 
+Here's what we currently use:
+
+Audio: $310 new, under $200 used
+================================
+
+There are good reasons to hire a DJ:  it's one less thing to worry
+about, and you don't need to drop a lot of money on a sound system. 
+But after a few bouts you might realize you can save money by doing it
+yourself.
+
+* One speaker: Harbinger APS-15 ($250 new)
+* Two wireless mics: Nady DKW Duo ($60 new)
+
+The important thing about sound at a bout is the announcer, *not* the
+music.  I think a small team would do just fine with a single powered
+speaker, two wireless mics, and somebody's MP3 playlist.  The
+Harbinger APS-15 provides a built-in amp *and* mixer, so you really
+only need these two items.
+
+You do not really need to hire a DJ if you can provide a powered speaker
+and mics.  I have been to a number of bouts, each time with a keen ear
+on the music.  I've talked to as many DJs as I could, and with the
+notable exception of the 2011 Nationals in Denver, they have all told
+me their job was to set up equipment and play a mix CD provided by the
+team, or a playlist on some team member's MP3 player.  They've all been
+sort of bored.
+
+If you want to go for a full mobile DJ setup, I have a [separate DJ
+article](dj.html) you might enjoy.  Total cost is $650 for that.
+
+
+Video: $350 new, under $300 used
+================================
+
+Your scoreboard should show period time *and* jam time.  Because most
+hockey/basketball/etc. scoreboards only have one timer, most teams use
+a projector and computer.  The Los Alamos Derby Dames has a 
+[free roller derby scoreboard](http://woozle.org/scoreboard/) you may
+use, and there are a few other free options available.
+
+When shopping for a projector, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the
+options.  Look for **high lumens** and **low resolution**.
+
+Lumens
+------
+
+Lumens are the units that measure how *bright* a projector is.  Unless
+you are playing in a dark room, you will need at least 2500 lumens.
+
+You *need to* test some projectors in your venue before committing to a
+purchase.  The deciding factor here is "ambient light": how much light
+is already in the area for your projector to compete with.  This is really
+the only way to know for sure what your needs are.
+
+The Derby Dames bought a 2800-lumen projector, after trying a few out
+in our outdoor (shady) venue.  4000 lumens or more would have been
+better, but those cost over $600.
+
+
+Resolution/Pixels
+-----------------
+
+The resolution is how many dots there are on a screen, like megapixels in
+a digital camera.  The more dots, the crisper the image.
+
+Your scoreboard is displaying gigantic numbers to people maybe 100 feet
+away.  You don't have to care about resolution.
+
+The Derby Dames bought an 800x600 projector, which is more than enough for
+a scoreboard, and can even do 720p (for DVDs).
+
+
+Projection Screen
+-----------------
+
+A good projection screen can really help make your scoreboard more visible.
+They are also terribly expensive for the size you will need at a bout.
+
+Find some way to hang a queen-size white bed sheet vertically and call
+it good enough.  If you have any team members or fans who like nailing boards
+together, you can whip up a decent structure out of scrap lumber.  Remember,
+it doesn't need to look pretty: you're going to cover it up with a sheet.
+
+
+Summary
+=======
+
+You can run all of this for about $650 new, maybe under $400 if you
+shop around for used equipment.
+
+Ask me questions!  I like to help!

papers/index.mdwn

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ These are papers I have written. Most of them were written to explain a
 concept to someone on woozle.  Hopefully other people will find them
 useful, too.
 
+* [Running Audio/Visual for a Roller Derby Bout](derby-av.html)
 * [Dirtbags DJ Setup](dj.html)
 * [How to make the game of Monopoly suck less](monopoly.html)
 * [Reply-To Munging Still Considered Harmful](reply-to-still-harmful.html)