[cstromme]

Just got an email from a good friend of mine that needs some assistance with finding a good projector for his church. I searched a bit here but the previous threads on a similar topic were all either a year older or more was in a very different price-range.


Here's what he wrote:

I was hoping you could give me some ideas on this. Our church was given a gift for a projector, and as a result we're getting a new projector for our main room. We'll use it primarily for powerpoint type slides, with the occasional video. Resolution isn't a top priority; currently we have 1024x768 and that is fine. More important are that it be:


Bright (It will pretty much always have lights shining on it, so over 5000 lumens is preferred WE THINK, we don't have a lot of experience)

Controllable from the computer

Be used with a variety of inputs (although we currently only use VGA and S-Video)

Be under $3,000


The screen is just a white painted wall on the back of the sanctuary, that's one of the reasons we need the extra lumens. They've specifically not put up a screen for aesthetic purposes (despite the fact that both you and I know that's a negative). The projector 20 or 21 feet away from the wall it is projecting on with a picture-size of about 12 by 12 feet.



Anybody here got any recommendations?

 

[reconlabtech]

Have a look at the Benq SP870


5,000 lumens, DLP

12 foot wide image from 20 feet @ 46fL

Street pricing looks to be between $2K and $3K

 

[BuffaloJim]

Also take a look at the SP831. It's not quite as bright as the 870 (4000 vs 5000 lumens), but overall, I think it's a better projector. It's also a little cheaper, which brings up my other point. What you're projecting onto can make an enormous difference in the picture. I know they don't want to change the appearance of the wall but there may be another solution. Take a look at Goo Systems' paint. It comes in colors that range from white to grey and is specifically for the projector market. It's not inexpensive, but it might make for a more enjoyable projector experience. What they save on the projector can go towards some Goo for the wall.


Jim

 

[reconlabtech]

If you are going to paint, try the Black Widow formula in the DIY Screen forum.


Jim, what makes the SP831 the better PJ?

 

[BuffaloJim]



Quote:
Jim, what makes the SP831 the better PJ?

Several reasons...


Higher resolution (1280 x 768 vs 1024 x 768)

10 bit color vs 8 bit color (BenQ's Briliant Color)

HQV video processing (This is a biggie)

PIP, or at least side by side pictures

Slightly quieter (probably due to the lower wattage lamp)

Lamp lasts longer, again probably due to the lower wattage

It's also cheaper


It seems to be more geared to the HT crowd then the 870. If you don't need all the lumens possible, the 831 would probably be a better choice.


Jim



The Black Widow paint would also work, perhaps even better, but I was trying to make it as simple as possible for the painter, so he (or she) wouldn't have to mix anything. Simple is good. One stop shopping is good.

 

[reconlabtech]



Quote:
Originally Posted by BuffaloJim /forum/post/15463834


Several reasons...


Higher resolution (1280 x 768 vs 1024 x 768)

10 bit color vs 8 bit color (BenQ's Briliant Color)

HQV video processing (This is a biggie)

PIP, or at least side by side pictures

Slightly quieter (probably due to the lower wattage lamp)

Lamp lasts longer, again probably due to the lower wattage

It's also cheaper


It seems to be more geared to the HT crowd then the 870. If you don't need all the lumens possible, the 831 would probably be a better choice.


Jim



The Black Widow paint would also work, perhaps even better, but I was trying to make it as simple as possible for the painter, so he (or she) wouldn't have to mix anything. Simple is good. One stop shopping is good.

Thanks for posting the details.


Yeah, black widow is not a simple solution!