Guest Column Random Thoughts

June 1, 2021

I am calling this "random thoughts while trying to come up with a good topic for this column". The first thing that entered my mind was Sally Sugarman's monthly newsletter question. Invariably I drew complete blanks when pressed for a response to her monthly questions. As Kristi has come to learn my failing in this area continues. For some reason I am challenged when it comes to coming up with newsletter question responses.

So, moving along maybe some of you have noted a degree of frustration with the A/V experience we are trying to make available for members. The goal of providing a Zoom component for in person meetings has been elusive at best. Getting acquainted with terms like capture cards, standalone microphones, clear video images and device compatibility of an unbelievable array of devices has left me dizzy at times. Names like elgato, cam link 4K, 4K capture utility and Blue Yeti have now become part of my lexicon. If you were to browse my internet favorites tab you would see a long host of sites, mostly on YouTube, showing and describing how you are supposed to connect all three devices to deliver a quality finished product. In our case this product is the in-person video of speaker presentations and a recording of this for later editing and uploading to our YouTube channel. At this point the right combination of software settings and connections for the devices involved hasn't yet been found.

I have found some Rotary clubs with high tech capabilities which are potential resources as well as local resource possibilities (CAT-TV, computer specialists, etc).

Since I don't have any grandchildren to rely on to solve this for me, this Old Guy will persevere and one way or another find the right combination of hardware, software and connections to deliver the right product for the Bennington Rotary club.

Author: Mike Day
Windmill