OT: Newbie Projector Questions...kinda long :)

Jsnkc wrote on 7/1/2004, 8:31 AM
Ok, first off let me say that I am completely ignorant in this subject so forgive me if I make a fool out of myself :)

That said, I have a few questions that I am trying to get answers to in regards to projectors. Some of you might have seen my previous post about wanting to add a video show to go a long with a local bands live concert. If not, well...that is what I am trying to do and we were thinking of using a projector hooked up to a laptop to play the video images through.

So here are the questions:
1. How far back would the projector have to be in order for us to get a good 8-10 foot picture size.

2. Could the projector be placed on either the left or right hand side of the stage and still get a good image, or does it have to be in the center in order to get a non-distorted image. We would want the image in the center of the stage so if it was off to the side we would be shooting at a angle.

3. Do you think that we would even be able to see the projected image when using the spotlights on the band. Usually we have the lighting rig on the back wall, and some up in front shooting on the band.

4. If the projectors won't work, what other options might we have in the $1000-$3000 range that might work...if any.

I think that's all of them for now, but depending on the answers there will probably be more to follow.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 7/1/2004, 8:46 AM
1. How far back would the projector have to be in order for us to get a good 8-10 foot picture size.
Depends on the projector and type of lens, and power/luminance value of the projector.

2. Could the projector be placed on either the left or right hand side of the stage and still get a good image, or does it have to be in the center in order to get a non-distorted image. We would want the image in the center of the stage so if it was off to the side we would be shooting at a angle.
Most projectors have keystone adjustment, but none that I'm aware of provide for extreme side angles. You'll always get better distribution of color if shooting straight on anyway. Focus is hard to manage at angles as well.

3. Do you think that we would even be able to see the projected image when using the spotlights on the band. Usually we have the lighting rig on the back wall, and some up in front shooting on the band.
Again, depends on the projector and it's power. If you have plenty of luminance, with say, a 5K lumens, you'd likely be able to see the projection unless lights are directly on it. If you try using a smaller projector, say...a typical 1.2 Lumens projector, you'd need to have your LD (Lighting Director) design lighting to avoid washing the projection screen if you want to have any color depth or saturation, or potentially even any visibility. Most stage lights are Par 64's loaded with 300 or 500 watt lamps. These could easily overtake the brightness and saturation of any lower light projected image.

4. If the projectors won't work, what other options might we have in the $1000-$3000 range that might work...if any.
If you want motion video at any size, projectors are your option. There are a lot of used Barco projectors in the 3-5K lumens range on the market now, that should barely be within your budget.
randy-stewart wrote on 7/1/2004, 9:10 AM
To add a llittle to what Spot says:

1. How far back would the projector have to be in order for us to get a good 8-10 foot picture size.
- The projectors I've used (Mitsubishi, Sony) normally about 25-30 feet but like Spot says, it can vary by projector.

2. Could the projector be placed on either the left or right hand side of the stage and still get a good image, or does it have to be in the center in order to get a non-distorted image. We would want the image in the center of the stage so if it was off to the side we would be shooting at a angle.
- Don't recommend this, go with rear projection if you can. Best to have straight on projection with all of the lighting tips that Spot mentions.

3. Do you think that we would even be able to see the projected image when using the spotlights on the band. Usually we have the lighting rig on the back wall, and some up in front shooting on the band.
- Yes, provided the spots are not directly on the screen. I had all of the color washed out on a show done outside because the sun angle changed just before starting that put light directly on the screen. Not good.

4. If the projectors won't work, what other options might we have in the $1000-$3000 range that might work...if any.
- Agree with Spot, go with a projector. Use rear projection. Check out the Mitsubishi projectors. They are favorites around here.

Hope this helps.

Randy


prairiedogpics wrote on 7/1/2004, 9:24 AM
For all questions about video projectors, go to:

AVS Forum
Jsnkc wrote on 7/1/2004, 9:30 AM
I was thinking about the rear projection option as well, would the distance have to be the same from the projector to the screen if we were doing a rear projector setup or can they be closer?
I know...probably a stupid question :)
kosins wrote on 7/1/2004, 10:18 AM
The distance will be the same as with using a front projection screen.
The projector will just flip the image for viewing on a rear projection screen.
If you don't want to invest in an expensive rear projection screen, you can buy the material from Dazien Fabrics. It'll cost about 165.00 for an 86" x 108" piece.
I agree will all the advice you recieved earlier, and will add that typically the image looks a little better on a rear screen than a front view.
I have a number of projectors (Infocus, Viewsonic, Sharp, Panasonic, and Mitsubishi)
I also favor the Mistubishi product.
John.
Jsnkc wrote on 7/1/2004, 10:21 AM
That's what I fugured.
Thatnks for all the info guys, I guess it's enough to get me started so I can put together some designs and proposals for the band.