We have a state of the art gaming computer (Corsair with premier Nvidia GeForce). We use a powerful Roland video switcher. We use well reviewed Magewell video capture device. Not cheap PTZOptics. Add to this other professional-level electronic trinkets and cables. And yet, something in the digital flow is prohibiting us from receiving the picture from the camera to the Roland to the MageWell to the Nvidia to the presentation computer to the screen. SOMETHING IS DRIVING ME CRAZY.
Interestingly, the flow from presentation computer to the Roland to the streaming computer to the online presence works. But it’s supposed to flow in two directions – SOMETHING IS DRIVING ME CRAZY.
Our system was an upgrade from the analog and VHS cameras we were using. But when lightning hit, the upgrade was fast-tracked. (We still have the VHS equipment, don’t know why, but we kept some of it.)
And now, I am digging into the diagnostic procedure. I am not a trained IT guy. I am more comfortable with Apple devices than all these other brands and OS. But I know some tech words and can operate an Apple TV without having to Google it. So now, I am digging into the diagnostic procedure to determine what has gone wrong.
((PERSONAL NOTE: if you are an IT guy, and you determine I am causing more harm than good, that I shouldn’t be doing this electronic detective venture … and even worse, shouldn’t be talking about it – just leave me alone and let me pretend. Thx))
I tried replacing the cable going into the USB-C port (praying it’s not the port and not the computer) – but that didn’t work. Now I have to go to more links in the chain. I ordered from Sweetwater, an item from B&H, and extra stuff from Amazon. Where would we be without Amazon?
Now I am going to do this link by link. Piece by piece. cable by cable. Adapters, splitters, couplers. It’s like a cybernetic mystery and I am a detective that is hoping, nay, praying, I can discover the one stupid little electronic connection that is the problem.
Life is like this – we aren’t running like we want, not enjoying days, not appreciating what we have, not ‘feeling’ it. So we look at our life piece by piece. We examine each individual part of our life, and even switch out things – but ultimately, nothing really changes.
I ponder this …
First … I am thinking like a man. In Bill & Pam Farrel’s work Men are like Waffles – Women are like Spaghetti …
Men think of everything compartmentalized. Each area can be handled individually. Work doesn’t overlap with home life. We deal with our kids individually. But women are different (DUH) … Life is like spaghetti, things weave together and entangle one area upon another. Work and home impact each other. One argument with a spouse can’t be isolated, it brings up history and every single thing the guy has done prior. UGH. No wonder we look at life different.
Second … switching out one piece at a time may not work, for more than one stupid little electronic thingee (the official word) may be faulty. So one cable may be bad, but so may the capture device. Replacing one item won’t fix it – you have to do both.
Life can be complicated – and we need to think beyond only one stupid little thing.
Third, and last … in life, even if we try replacing everything, if we try to fix everything, it will not work. In life, we are still broken. A new coat of paint will only cover up what is underneath. The only thing that will fix our broken life, the only thing that will restore us back to what the Creator originally designed us is the Creator Himself.
And He loves us, cares enough, and provides a way to make all things new. He not only fixes us … He saves us from ourself.
So, He knows what little thingees need replacing, what broken connections need substitution, what the problem really is.
He can save us. He did save me.
And unlike the electronic thingees … which have no eternal warranty … God’s promises are eternally secure.
Muddy Shoes by Todd 
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