Buzzers - Resources

Game Show Buzzer Lockout System Ideas and Resources

Game Show Presenter software allows buzz-in competition as one mode of play. Our software does not require any buzzer system at all. But a buzzer system certainly adds to the game show atmosphere. So we designed our Game Show Presenter software (trial version here) to work with many buzzer systems.

Below you will find game show buzzer ideas, buzzer news and resources to help you find out about buzzer lockout systems and the companies that sell them.

Buzzer News:

What's New in Buzzers? Groupics at www.buzzers.com has added USB buzzers for Mac OSX. This is great news for Mac users. A new line of game show buzzers that connect to the USB port on your computer is being introduced by Groupics. The new USB Buzzers provide a flexible and affordable buzzer solution. And the USB Buzzers come pre-configured to work with Game Show Presenter software. Just plug them in and you're ready to buzz! When a player buzzes in, it sends the signal directly to Game Show Presenter so the software can display the name of who buzzed in. Groupics is offering a 3-Player USB Buzzer Kit at a special introductory price of $130 (regularly $150) for a limited time. The buzzers are compatible with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. You can add a USB hub if you don't have enough USB ports on your computer.

Buzzer System Vendors:

The following companies make buzzer lockout systems that may help you create a game show experience for your players. We contacted each of the following vendors and asked them to evaluate how Game Show Presenter software works with their products.

• BBBuzzers: "Makes a buzzer lockout system with buzz sound and lights."
  Web: bbbuzzers.netfirms.com
  Email: bbbuzzers@hotmail.com

• Brainfaction: "A customizable and expandable buzzer solution, this plug and play buzzer system can accommodate up to 8 players. Affordable pricing."
  Web: www.brainfaction.com
  Email:info@brainfaction.com

• Groupics: This buzzer system vendor has new USB Buzzers that offer the highest level of compatibility with Game Show Presenter software. When a player buzzes in, the signal is passed directly through to Game Show Presenter and that player's name appears on screen. (You do not have to press a number key to tell Game Show Presenter which player buzzed in first; the Groupics USB buzzer does this for you.) Groupics has designed the USB Buzzers to work with Game Show Presenter right out of the box, so set-up is easy. Visit Groupics web site for details of the 3-Player USB Buzzer Kit at a special introductory price of $130. The USB buzzers are compatible with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.
  Web: www.buzzers.com
  Email: Groupicsbuzzers@aol.com
  Phone: (757) 407-6787

• Zeecraft Tech.: "Makers of numerous buzzer systems and many accessories since 1975."
  Web: www.zeecraft.com
  Email: zeecraft@nep.net
  Phone: 1-800-662-7475

Game Show Buzzer Ideas and FAQ:

What is a buzzer lockout system?

Buzzer lockouts determine which player in a game show "buzzed-in" first. When players race to answer a question by hitting buzzer buttons, the system shows who buzzed first and locks out the late buzzers. Quiz buzzer systems usually include lights and a buzzer sound effect, so they add to the game show atmosphere as well as functionality. Some systems are wireless (more expensive), some use buzzer buttons wired to a control box and others wire the buzzer units directly to the USB port on your computer.

How does a quiz buzzer system work with Game Show Presenter software? Here's a description of how it works.

What is the lowest cost buzzer solution? You can buy the board game "Quizzard" on ebay or, if you are good with electronics, build your own basic buzzer with a Quiz Buzzer Circuit kit.

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