Projectors

[jamesmurphy 0]

Hi All,

 

I am about to add a projector and screen to our set-up primarily to add Race Nights to what we do. However I'm interested in adding video as an add-on with the disco and am thinking along the lines of using visualizations and making dvd slideshows as part of this.

 

Whether I'll go as far as VJing will depend on how I get on with it.

 

So my questions are

 

1) What's the sort of projector I should be looking for? What are you using?

2) Do all projectors use rear projection? If so where do you get the rear projection screens.

3) What sort of vision mixer, if any would I need?

4) Am I better off using a laptop or using dvd players for sources? and why?

5) What sort of money should I be looking to spend on a decent Projector?

6) What other things should I be considering that I haven't thought about with using visuals?

 

I remember ed bray talking about this yonks ago, but I can't seem to find the thead.

 

Any help gratefully accepted!

 

[BK Sound 0]

1) What's the sort of projector I should be looking for? What are you using?

2) Do all projectors use rear projection? If so where do you get the rear projection screens.

3) What sort of vision mixer, if any would I need?

4) Am I better off using a laptop or using dvd players for sources? and why?

5) What sort of money should I be looking to spend on a decent Projector?

6) What other things should I be considering that I haven't thought about with using visuals?

 

 

imho

 

1 - any make will do if you'll be working in low light conditions - if you play with higher ambient light buy as bright as possible, brightness is measured in ANSI Lumens, 1200 is ok, 2000 ish is good, 3000 is better. Resolution - go for XGA resolution is you'll be plugging a laptop in as this resolution (1024x786) will match pixel for pixel, if you want to plug a dvd player in an SVGA resolution is fine as it closely matches pal video resolution. LCD or DLP - DLP give a funny rainbow effect but has higher contrast, personally i prefer LCD, the colours seem warmer.

 

2. Pretty much all projectors can be used front, rear, desktop or ceiling mounted, adjustable in the menu. Rear Projection screens are expensive, try here www.harknesshall.com

 

3. Depends on how many video sources you want to mix, if its just laptop generated visuals you wont need one.

 

4.thats down to personal choice, laptop visuals (winamp type) will be sound reactive but pretty patterns, dvd can contain anything but need to be pre prepared or purchased ready to play

 

5. Last month DABS were selling 2000 ansi Toshibas for £299, but typical prices are 399 upwards, ebay is a good source, look out for bulb hours used cos bulbs are expensive (£200-£400)

 

when working out your costings dont forget to factor in cables, source dvd players or laptop, visuals disks, projector stand and screen, maybe a camcorder/cctv camera if you want to show live images.

[wizard 0]

I have just bought an Acer projector which is 2700 lumens. £560

 

I would not go for anything less than this, as you wil find it will not be bright enough especially with videos.

 

I use a prtable DVD player for vids, a p.c. for projecting pics and a video camera for....... well just pointing at the dancefloor.

Edited March 10, 2008 by wizard

[Paul Smith 0]

To answer Q6 - if you are intending to use multiple sources for output eg DVD, laptop, camera then you will need a way of switching between them. The obvious choice is a video mixing desk (expensive) however a multi-input video switching box might work (the kind used with security camera systems) :shrug:

 

I'm currently researching this too and started a thread a few weeks ago. I haven't made any final decisions yet but I am still verring toward a rear projection system. As BK says once you mention a rear projection screen the price goes up (treble) and in the specs I have looked at not all projectors have the rear projection option.

 

I did a function a couple of weeks ago where the B&G got married abroad and had a party on their return. To give guests a 'feel' of their wedding they arranged a slide show to be projected throughout the evening. In order for this to work I had to split my rig to the sides of the stage (speakers are at the far side).

 

The screen was a permanent fixture, the stand was provided by the hotel and the projector was hired in. The laptop belonged to one of the guests. Now I don't know about you but if that was my projector & laptop I would be worried about their vulnerability :shrug: (I moved them whilst the beating of the donkey - shown hanging - was taking place).

 

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd258/5StarDisco/DSC02718web.jpg

 

IMO a rear projection screen at one side of the stage with the main DJ console in the middle and speakers on the other side would've provided a better solution (& safer too) - what do others think?

 

BTW here's how it looked during the event (without my lighting effects on)

 

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd258/5StarDisco/DSC02719web.jpg

 

Oh and the donkey was filled with sweets and took some beating before it released them tongue out icon

[jamesmurphy 0]

Thanks for your help so far guys.

 

Ed, if you can find the thread where you covered the projector and rear projection, I would be grateful for your input.

[Dream Catchers 0]

Thanks for your help so far guys.

 

Ed, if you can find the thread where you covered the projector and rear projection, I would be grateful for your input.

The thread is here.

 

Jim

Edited March 11, 2008 by JimBoylan

[jamesmurphy 0]

Thanks Jim,

it's helpful,but that's not the one I was thinking of.

 

The one I'm on about had pictures of Ed's set up with rear projection and a nifty little screen that clipped onto a mic stand I think.

[nrgize 0]

I use this little device :

 

http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/300/cn47b.jpg

 

With this SharpVision Projector :

 

http://www.sharp-eu.com/katalog/ce/lcdp/back/xvc2e.gif

I dont know much about projectors but this is the link to it and got a good deal on it

http://www.sharp-eu.com/katalog/ce/lcdp/xvc2e.htm

 

Then this device feeds to my screen and others if there are more required at a venue.

 

Even though it says audio control, its Phono sockets on the back. I use this to flip between my DVD input, Laptop and Camcorder. The 3rd socket is a jack socket and have never used this.

The unit only costs £12.99. I already had one of these attached to my home Hi-Fi when I needed more inputs from DVD player etc, and was stuck one day so now I use this for switching the screens.

 

The good thing is the leads are all phonos so I didnt need to buy any extra leads. I use the VHS output on my laptop.

 

I now offer the option for customers, instead of them printing loads of embarassing photos and putting them on the walls I can make a CD with a slide show on and sell it to them and play it on the night big screen on the stage.

 

I find I can run 2 output to 2 screens from what is generated from the laptop etc. When running 3-4 screens the signal is not that good but this is where my signal amplifier also from maplins comes into use.

 

This system has lots of adaptions and can use Karaoke through it as well.

 

I hope this helps.

 

 

 

Cheers!

[stoke53 0]

Don't forget to factor in the cost of replacement lamps these usually are over the £200 mark

 

 

alan

[LEENEWSOME 0]

Well iv got 2 da lite rear projection screens for sale £1100 one has a completly brand new screen.8x6