How to get the most out of your overhead transparencies:
Many faculty have expressed concern that with the advent of video overheads and video projectors, their transparencies do not look as focused or as clear as they did with a standard overhead.
Problem #1: The text doesn't look focused.
This is a function of two factors: The image is much larger than a standard overhead image and the lens is focused for the people in the audience.
Solution: Zoom in on a section of the page.
Problem #2: The text is unreadable.
This is a function of the way the image is projected. Because a video image is made up of a finite number of dots (pixels) there are only so many pixels that can be displayed at one time. No matter how big you project a 12 point type original, there just aren't enough pixels to reproduce the text clearly.
Solution: Use bigger fonts.
Notice in line 1 the 12 point Helvetica in the first line starts to blur while 24 point is much clearer.
Notice in line 2, the top of the capital T is very thin and will disintegrate when projected even at 24 point.
In line 3, dropping the font size to 18 starts to push the envelope.
The bottom line: Your text should be a minimum of 24 point Helvetica. Boldface is your friend.
Problem #3: I can't see all of the page at once.
This is because the video camera inside the head of the projector records an image that is wider than it is high (like your computer screen).
Solution: When designing your page, go into the "Page Setup" and change the page layout from "Portrait" to "Landscape."
We have a Graphics Department that can help you get the most out of your visual aids.