DEC Software - Buzz Buzzers

Buzz - August 2009

Instructions for our games that have not been updated to use Buzz Buzzers directly.

Many of our customers desire a better solution to 'buzzing-in' when playing our games. We've always worked to allow our software to be within the grasp of the typical user (we've never appealed to the user with unlimited financial resources). We believe with support for this new buzz-in hardware, users can easily and inexpensively upgrade to a professional looking system (without spending hundreds of dollars).

The length of the cable is about 7 feet from the USB junction (labelled A. in the picture about) to the computer. The length of the cable from the junction to each buzzer (labelled C. in the picture about) is about 6 feet. The cable labelled as B. plugs into the USB of your computer.

Overview

All of our software has been designed for the user to be able to use the keyboard and mouse, the standard configuration of a computer.

When we first saw the Playstation 2 game Buzz!, we were impressed by the buzzers that came with the game (at a very reasonable cost!).

A little bit of trial and error, and viola, the PS2 Buzzers work with Classroom Feud, The Ultimate QuizShow and Classroom Millionaire.

Hardware

You will need 2 pieces of hardware.

A computer that capable of running Windows 98 or later.

The WIRED* buzzers that comes with the PlayStation 2 game (Buzz!, Buzz! Junior, and a variety of other titles).

Buzz! Junior for the PlayStation 2

To avoid confusion later on, label the controllers as "1", "2", "3" and "4".

These PS2 games (buzzers included) can be purchased for around $35 from Best Buys, Amazon, eBay and a host of other places.

*Do not buy the package that comes with wireless buzzers. Also, when you purchase the software, make sure that it comes with buzzers. Some distributors sell the game only (some customers may already have the buzzers and don't need another set of buzzers).

*History of the Buzz-In methods supported by The Ultimate QuizShow (formerly Classroom Jeopardy)*

	Buzz-In Method	Advantages	Disadvantages	Cost
	Players raise their hands	No additional equipment needed.	Hard to tell who raised their hand first.	No additional cost

	Keyboard	No additional equipment needed.	A little cramped when playing with more than 1 or 2 players.	No additional cost

	Keyboard and Y-Key, Key Dual Keyboard Splitter	Spreads out the players.	Need an additional keyboard.	$50 for Y-Key, Key splitter.

	USB gamepads	Players can be situated whereever the gamepads will reach.	4 USB gamepads, wires and extensions can become tangled.	About $10 per gamepad. About $6 for each USB extension cable. May need to purchase a 4 port USB hub if the computer doesn't have 4 USB ports. (about $15 to $20)

	Buzzer systems	Works great once you figure out how to set them up.	Expensive.	$200 and up.

	Wireless numeric keypads	Look Ma - no wires.	Players can buzz-in for other players. Range can vary greatly.	About $30 per keypad.


Due to some customers having difficulty with the Remote controllers (below), we only recommend this to users who are somewhat computer savvy.
	Remote controllers	No wires. TV remotes are easily available and inexpensive.	None of which we are aware.	About $6 for the remotes. About $50 for the IR receiver.*

	Buzz! Buzzers	Inexpensive, professional look and feel.		About $30 for Buzz! (with remotes)

* Purchase the IR receiver from Home-Electro.com.(Tira-2.1: Remote Control Receiver/Transmitter)

The Ultimate QuizShow is a Jeopardy style program that is fun for the classroom or business presentation!