Projector Operations
Here are some instructions on how to operate the data projector at PBC.
We use OpenSong for song lyrics: download the PDF manual and read the instructions below to see how to operate it.
OpenSong_0.99_Manual.pdf Manual for the OpenSong program, which we use for song word projection.
Using the Projector for Song Words
- We use OpenSong for displaying song lyrics. Run it by going to Start > OpenSong on the projection computer.
- There are two basic modes in OpenSong: Song Mode and Set Mode. Switch between them by clicking their icons at the top of the OpenSong window.
- OpenSong keeps a database of songs. This database is viewable in the Song Mode that is displayed upon starting OpenSong. Here you can edit song lyrics, modify the singing (presentation) order of songs, or create new songs.
- OpenSong allows you to specify a list of songs and their order for a particular service. The list of songs is called a set. The sets are created, edited and displayed in Set Mode.
- Create new songs by selecting Create in Song Mode. Enter a title, click OK, then enter the lyrics and song information (title and author are needed because they are displayed on screen).
- Note that the lyrics must follow a specific format. To see an example look at a song that's already been entered in OpenSong. The format is: each section (verse/chorus/bridge) is prefaced by a letter and optional number in square brackets, e.g. [V1] for verse 1, [C] for the chorus. All lyric lines to be displayed on screen must have a space at the start of the line.
- Each song has a Presentation Order. This needs to be specified for new songs and checked for older songs to make sure the appropriate verse/chorus order is specified for the day. The Presentation Order field contains an ordered list of the verses/choruses/etc of the song, specified by a space. For example, a song with two verses and a bridge in between may have presentation order of V1 C V2 C C, which means: sing verse 1, then a chorus, then verse 2, then the chorus twice to finish. The Presentation Order field specifies the order that the lyrics will be displayed as slides on screen. The letters used are those contained in square brackets in the lyrics to specify sections.
- Note: for simple songs with just verses sung in the order written you can leave the presentation order field empty. OpenSong will present the verses in the order specified in the lyrics.
- OpenSong currently crashes every so often when creating new songs. If necessary just run it again.
- Before the service you need to create a set to reflect the songs to be sung in that service. Do this by going to Set Mode then clicking the green + icon next to the set selection list and enter a name.
- Add songs to your newly created set by clicking Song under New Item. Select a song from the list and click add, then repeat until all songs are added. Click Done when finished.
- Show your finely crafted set by clicking Present > Dual Screen while in Set Mode.
- Refer to the PDF manual linked above for pictures and step by step instructions.
Downloading lyrics from CCLI
- When entering new songs in OpenSong it is best to download the lyrics from CCLI. It's quick and you know you have the authoritative lyrics.
- Go to ccli.com.au in a web browser.
- Enter the username and password (they are listed in a text file on the desktop of the projection computer).
- Go to SongSelect Advanced.
- Search for the song using the search box in the top right of the screen.
- When you find the right song title and author match, click the title to view the lyrics for the song.
- Copy and paste the lyrics from there into the newly created song in OpenSong.
- Format the lyrics so OpenSong understands how to display them: put [V1], [C], [B] etc in place of "Verse 1", "Chorus" or "Bridge", put a space before each lyric line, and enter the correct Presentation Order.
How to use the projector
- Turn on using the remote control. This sits with the projection computer.
- The remote only works from the front, i.e. you must stand in front of the projector and point the remote towards the lens.
- If you can't get the projector to start, check the main power is on: you should see a solid red light on the bottom of the projector. If this is off, check the main power switch is on . It's the middle bottom switch on the light power switch panel in the little entrance foyer.