Where do I start with Projectors/Screens

[mena]

Hi everyone, I've been lurking on the forums for the past few days looking for information because I have been charged with finding a media solution for our church. We want to have a projector/screen system installed and I'm a little lost as to where I should get started. I know some things, for example the projector will be 60 feet away from the screen and the screen can be no more than 5 feet tall and 11 feet wide (maybe it can be smaller?). Our church has very large windows and so it can get quite bright in there.

From what I understand, I'll need a "long throw lens" for the distance and a projector with a high lumen (how high?!?!?) for this to work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. What should I get or where can I find it? FYI the screen will be used almost exclusively for worshipers to read simple text.

Thanks

[Gracetech]

I believe there are formulas around for the size of the screen and how to get your miniumum lumen level for projection, just do a search. You will get all sorts of advice when it comes to how much light you need to put on the screen and how large the screen needs to be.

The first thing you need to do is take a lumen reading of the soon to be screen location. You have to get an ambient level so you know what you are working against for your projection.

Next you need to see how far away is the furthest viewing position from the future screen location. Take this with the average viewing age to come up with the screen size.

Then we can help you with some recommendations.

Did i forget anything guys?

crt

[Esoteric]

What is being projected?

Mike

[mena]

Thanks for the responses, I was just wondering, how can I accurately measure the ambient light. Is there some sort of sensor I could get? I just don't want to end up with a projection that is not viewable obviously.

Thanks again

[Esoteric]

You can buy a Photometer. But you are looking at a $200-$400 investment for a good one, and it really isn't that necessary.

Mike

[Gracetech]

I usually suggest finding a photographer in your town and asking if he/she has a meter you can borrow. What you are looking for is a flash meter with ambient metering. Almost all flash meters have this.

While you can do this process without the meter you will have a better results with the meter and a better understanding.

crt

[Esoteric]

I agree if you can borrow one (and know how to use it, it is a little different than measuring lighting for photography) then the more information you have, the better. But after 10 years of installing projectors without one (and never having an issue) it really isn't necessary.

Mike