Elmo EV-200 - Jun/Jul '03

Elmo EV-200

The downsizing of technology has found its way into the visual presenter category. After reviewing the traveling Elmo EV-200, I realize once again that the miniaturization of technology continues. The Elmo EV-200 is one of the smallest, lightest and most compact visual presenters on the market.

Often referred to as an “Elmo,” a visual presenter is a video camera attached to a metal arm pointed downward to project images onto a color monitor or a liquid crystal display projector. Anything can be placed beneath the camera for projection onto your display in the courtroom or in other proceedings. Actual objects, pictures, blueprints, charts, tables, hospital records and documents can be displayed with this piece of equipment.

Since it’s video, a VCR can capture all of the proceedings and exhibits displayed on the visual presenter for later playback.

The Elmo EV-200 features a “Focus-Free” camera, a “Gain” feature that allows you to increase or decrease the light source to the camera, a 14.3-by-10.7-inch to 7-by-5.3-inch shooting area, and it’s small (it folds into a 2.3-by-11.1-by-6.3-inch package). It projects at 470 horizontal TV lines. It’s equipped with S-Video (mini DIN 4 pin) and C-Video (RCA) connections to a video monitor or LCD/digital light-processing projector and weighs 3.3 pounds.

Setting up the system was easy and straightforward. I attached the system to both a TV monitor and also to an LCD projector (Sony XGA VPL PX 30).

The Elmo EV-200 displayed physical objects, diagrams, photographs and charts without any difficulty. The “Zoom” feature is activated by manually moving the arm holding the camera up and down. Its “Focus-Free” feature made zooming in on details effortless.

There is no power light so it’s difficult to determine if power is getting to the presenter if you have problems. Since it receives its light source from the artificial light in a room, it doesn’t project in a darkened room. However, if you have a desk lamp near the presenter this might provide enough light for your needs.

The clarity and resolution of physical objects under the camera was excellent, especially if you place a white background under the object. The presenter also can be used to display a miniature re-creation of a product, a scene of an occurrence, a small portion of a 3-by-4-inch photograph or a physical object like a gun. There is no need to plan which photo to enlarge, since merely placing it under the cameras will show it enlarged many times over on the monitor. You can zoom in on any part of the picture and show the details and enlarge it to the size of the monitor.

I compared several documents under the camera for their resolution and clarity. I found very little difference in the clarity and resolution between the two display media — TV monitor and the LCD projector. Depending on the font size of the words on a document, the amount of text that could be viewed on the monitor and LCD would vary.

For example, if the document was in a 12-point font, then half of a regular-sized page easily could be read on the display media. If the font size was smaller, then a smaller portion of the document would be readable.

If this presenter sounds like it could meet your needs, get a demonstration, preferably under conditions similar to those in which you will use the projector. You will need to see it operate with the kind of objects, images, and documents you will typically use.

The visual presenter is an important display technology that is relatively low tech. Now, with the compact Elmo EV-200, it easily can be transported for use in settlement conferences, depositions, trials or other proceedings. It’s truly made for traveling and presenting. It also can serve as a backup in case more sophisticated presentation software and equipment has a glitch.

For the legal profession, visual presenters are especially effective, as you can zoom and direct your audience’s attention to critical case details, maximize their comprehension and promote efficiency in the handling of case materials since it prevents exhibits from being passed around. The Elmo EV-200 can be an effective presentation tool for your cases.

Elmo
(800) 947-ELMO

www.elmousa.com

Price: $865 with two-year warranty

Reviewed by Michael Arkfeld, an assistant U.S. attorney in Phoenix and the author of “The Digital Practice of Law” (5th Edition).

Jun/Jul '03 Issue

PROS
It’s easy to set up and use, and it’s a powerful display camera for its small and lightweight size.

CONS
It needs to be in a lit room to operate and also needs a power light indicator.

VERDICT
For on-the-road presentations, this is a must-buy. The Elmo EV-200 is compact and easy to operate. It also provides eye-catching presentation of your evidence.