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Projector that works from 100 plus feet of distance?

post #1 of 14
12/22/12 at 10:23pm
Thread Starter 
I'm running the video section of a play in an auditorium. There is a projection booth of which the director insists I use. It is about 95 feet away from the screen. I need to know of a relatively cheap (I know I'm in the $3,000 plus section, so you know what I mean) projector that could do this for me. I need it to hook up to my laptop. I'm only running subtitles, so it doesn't need stunning video quality or such, just readable from a distance and not an eyesore up close (Front row will be about twenty feet away from the screen.
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post #2 of 14
12/23/12 at 2:48pm
here is the projector (26 of them)used at the 2012 olympics projected to the middle of stadium. about 400 feet with 20000 lumens each. a little extreme.biggrin.gif

http://www.panasonicforbusiness.com/2012/08/panasonic-projectors-2012-olympic-games-opening-ceremony/

you will need something projecting 5000 lumens at that distance. what is the auditorium lighting during presentation?
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post #3 of 14
12/23/12 at 2:54pm
http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-PRO8500-XGA-DLP-Projector/dp/B003XU7H2I/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1/185-2848502-3045516

quick search from amazon.
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post #4 of 14
12/23/12 at 4:02pm
Take a look at the Sanyo line. Rental may be a good option.
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post #5 of 14
12/24/12 at 1:04pm
Thread Starter 
During the scenes where they will be used, I can't remember if the two people will be in spotlight or we'll have 5 lights from above shining down on them. Either way, it'll be bright, but it should still be manageable. Thank you for your help.
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post #6 of 14
12/24/12 at 1:14pm
Thread Starter 
This says it's max distance 30 feet. Should I base distance on what it says, or the amount of Lumens?
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post #7 of 14
12/26/12 at 6:08am
How big is the screen? 10 feet wide? 20 feet wide? 50 feet wide? What is the gain on the screen? What sort of ambient light are you dealing with?

The two biggest factors in play here are screen size and throw distance. The larger the screen, the more lumens you need.

The zoom lenses on most projectors are set for "average" setups where the throw distance to screen size false within a certain ratio range. If the need to go much farther back, you may need to look at a projector that has a removable lens. Many of the higher end models have 2-3 different lenses you can pick from depending on your setup. Unfortunately most of these projectors are expensive ($10K and up).

I'm surprised that people are recommending projectors and lumens when most of the information needed to come up with a solution has not been provided yet.

Kal
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post #8 of 14
1/1/13 at 4:31pm
Thread Starter 
The screen is about 15-20 feet in width (I'd lean closer to 20), and as it is only projecting subtitles, about five feet in height (it's fine if the black light leaks, as this won't be visible the entire play).
I do not know what the level of gain is as the "screen" is just a white sheet. The Producer insists I use it, even though I disagree. It is a very thick sheet though, if that helps. confused.gif
There will probably one or two spot lights running. I don't believe their will be any over head lights running, but if they are, they will be in front of the screen (about three feet ahead).
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post #9 of 14
1/2/13 at 10:38am
Is this just needed for one show with a limited run? Or for a permanent installation in a theater?
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post #10 of 14
1/2/13 at 11:34am
You need a bright projector with a lens that can support a throw ratio of around 4.75:1 (i.e, 95 ft. throw distance / 20 ft. screen width = 4.75). For that combination you will need a projector that has interchangable lenses and these are designed for the business/commercial market. Below are a couple of examples:


NEC NP-PA500U 1920 x 1200 projector with 5000 lumens

NEC NP14PZL long throw zoom lens with a throw ratio of 2.97:1 to 4.79:1 or model NP15PZL zoom lens with a throw ratio of 4.7:1 to 7.2:1 (if the screen width is actually much less than 20 ft.)

This above combination of projector and lens should cost under $8K.
________________________________________________

To save money you could go with the less expensive model below and it is probably good enough for projecting text:

NEC NP-PA500Z projector (1024 x 768 projector with 5000 lumens) plus either of the two long throw zoom lenses.

This projector and lens should be available for under $6K
Edited by Ron Jones - 1/2/13 at 11:52am
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post #11 of 14
1/2/13 at 11:08pm
Thread Starter 
It would be needed for about 4 weeks, maybe 5.
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post #12 of 14
1/2/13 at 11:13pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, I'll talk to the producer and see what he thinks about all of this. Thank you for your assistance. Anymore projectors that people could recommend, preferably under 4k (I know that's asking a lot) would be absolutely fantastic. Or if anyone has companies they can refer that I can talk to on the phone or in person about this would also be great.
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post #13 of 14
1/3/13 at 3:50am
The Epson Pro G series would also work and you can probably get a model under $5K with lens. Panasonic, Infocus and NEC are also good options.
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post #14 of 14
1/3/13 at 9:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Harrington View Post

It would be needed for about 4 weeks, maybe 5.

And then what?

Perhaps buying and then selling would be less expensive than rental, but maybe not...
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