Scalers

Different devices can output different screen sizes and different resolutions. In order create a courtroom system that can accommodate everything from high definition wide screen signals to low resolution standard screen VGA signals, all video output is run through a device that converts the signals to one resolution and aspect ratio. This device is known as a scaler. When a low resolution signal needs to be converted to HDMI, this process is known as upscaling. Conversely downscaling is converting from high resolution to low resolution.

Common scalers used in courtrooms are made by Extron and Kramer.

Testing the scaler in the courtroom is imperative to a successful trial presentation. Because there is an extremely large and unpredictable combination of software drivers, hardware, video formats, and types of presentation software in existence, scaler manufacturers cannot create a product that can predict every situation. The image below, courtesy of Extron, is an example of the complexity of a courtroom setup.

Scalers have been known to be the frequent cause of unforeseen issues with video playback, shifting /clipping of slides or images, and hardware failure. It is therefore imperative for a courtroom tech to test any presentation software and video that is going to be used prior to the trial in order to guarantee a positive outcome.