Hi. I'm constructing a new, live, non-profit theater in New York City. I want to use an ultra-short throw projector to put project a background image on the wall behind the actors to use as the setting for scenes.

The two main tensions in finding a solution are that on the one hand, it needs to be VERY bright to be visible and sharp when the stage is lit; and on the other hand it needs to have a VERY short throw distance, so that the actors can use most of the stage without casting shadows.

To help address both of these problems, the stage wall will be bent in two places (like you're looking at the back of the inside of an octagon), so that there will be three separate screens, each about 7 feet (84") wide, and each getting its own separate projector.

Still, I am finding myself frustrated by the fact that all the ultra-short throw projectors that would allow a distance from the screen of no more than two feet or so all have relatively very low brightness, generally under 3000 lumens.

Is there some way to get (or create) a projector with at least 4500 lumens (and preferably 5000 or 6000 lumens) and a throw distance of less than 30" (preferably much less).

If there is no such projector out there, then what's stopping me from taking an ultra-short throw projector putting in a brighter lamp than the one it comes with? Also, no matter what projector I get, why can't I just point the projector away from the screen and aim it at a mirror, and have the mirror reflect it back at the screen, in order to shorten throw distance?

I really appreciate any help that anyone might be able to give me with this project.

David

I don't think you can do it. The Mitsubishi HD8000 has 5000 lumens, but the shortest throw lens you can get for it is .8 to 1, so you would need 8' for a 10' wide screen. You could redesign your set and use multiple Panasonic 103" plasma displays. You cannot change the bulb of a projector with a brighter one.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mitsubishi-HD8000.htm Mitsubishi

The shortest throw projector I know of is the Sanyo - http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLC-XL51.htm
but it is rated at 2700 lumens and has a 1024x768 resolution.

IB

That can certainly be done, Ive seen it. Its fairly common in some sectors.

I do not have the budget for 3 projectors at $20+K each! I'd like to do the whole thing for under $20K, or else not much more than that.

David

The shortest throw projector I know of is the Sanyo -
but it is rated at 2700 lumens and has a 1024x768 resolution.

IB

That has a throw ratio of 0.60, right? Compare the Hitachi CP-A100 with a throw ratio of 0.37.

Oof, it won't let me post the link, because I'm a newbie. But google "Hitachi CP-A100" "throw ratio".

I do not have the budget for 3 projectors at $20+K each! I'd like to do the whole thing for under $20K, or else not much more than that.

David

OK, I hear you on the budget.


You don't necessarily need to get caught up with ultra short throws. Have you tried looking for used rear projection units?

These allow you to use longer throws but with a far shorter horizontal displacement. This would also remove your shadow issue. This type of arrangement is common is many areas of the entertainment industry as well as control rooms etc.

It may also be worth looking at long term lease from theatrical and touring equipment suppliers. Even if you dont want to do that, they will certainly be able to give you detailed technical information.

Hi. I'm constructing a new, live, non-profit theater in New York City. I want to use an ultra-short throw projector to put project a background image on the wall behind the actors to use as the setting for scenes.

The two main tensions in finding a solution are that on the one hand, it needs to be VERY bright to be visible and sharp when the stage is lit; and on the other hand it needs to have a VERY short throw distance, so that the actors can use most of the stage without casting shadows.

To help address both of these problems, the stage wall will be bent in two places (like you're looking at the back of the inside of an octagon), so that there will be three separate screens, each about 7 feet (84") wide, and each getting its own separate projector.

Still, I am finding myself frustrated by the fact that all the ultra-short throw projectors that would allow a distance from the screen of no more than two feet or so all have relatively very low brightness, generally under 3000 lumens.

Is there some way to get (or create) a projector with at least 4500 lumens (and preferably 5000 or 6000 lumens) and a throw distance of less than 30" (preferably much less).

If there is no such projector out there, then what's stopping me from taking an ultra-short throw projector putting in a brighter lamp than the one it comes with? Also, no matter what projector I get, why can't I just point the projector away from the screen and aim it at a mirror, and have the mirror reflect it back at the screen, in order to shorten throw distance?

I really appreciate any help that anyone might be able to give me with this project.

David

First off we need to know the size of the screen and the throw distance (you said 30" but not sure if that is right). Secondly, budget...I can tell you when you get into the light output you want it won't be cheap.

Let us know.