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How to Choose the Right Projector & Screen
1) Determine the required image size, aspect ratio, and screen surface type:
- Screen Size: the recommended screen size (width) should equal the distance from the last seat to the screen location divided by 8 (for 4X3 aspect ratio applications). In other words, if it is 80 ft from the screen to the last seat in the house, the screen width should be 10 feet.
- Aspect Ratio: the 4:3 aspect ratio is by far the most popular in church applications because the most popular source in church applications is a PC or laptop running presentation software.
- Screen Type: the vast majority of screens have a matt white finish to the surface. A grey surface is only needed if the room is extremely bright.
2) Determine the number of ansi-lumens (brightness) required from the projector:
- If there is direct sunlight in the room, your projector should optimally put out 600 lumens per 1’ of screen width
- If there is theatrical lighting present: 500 lumens per 1’ of screen width
- If there is no room lighting control: 400 lumens per 1’ of screen width
- If there IS lighting control: 300 lumens per 1’ of screen width
3) Determine the proper distance from the screen to the projector:
Each projector has a “throw width” or “throw ratio” which is the allowable distance from the screen. Multiply the “throw ratio” by the screen width to determine the optimum distance. Example: the screen width is 8’, and the “throw ratio” is 1.7. You can put the projector 1.7 X 8 = 13.6’ away from the screen. If there are obstacles causing there to be a strict location for the projector and/or screen, choose a projector that has a “throw ratio” that fits the situation. The objective is to fill the screen exactly with the projected image.
4) Determine the desired resolution (clarity) of the projected image:
Resolution is typically stated as the physical number of columns and rows of pixels creating the display. 99% of the time, XGA (1024 X 768) resolution is used in school, church, and boardroom projection. Laptops & basic PC video cards can put out a number of resolutions other resolutions as well. By the way, physical outputs are almost always via VGA jack (15 pin D connector). Occasionally a DVI output jack is used.
5) Mount Your Projector Properly!:
Here is a list of the key accessories needed to ceiling mount a projector. Please contact AVMAN (sales@avman.tv) for help in choosing the right projector mounting accessories for your specific situation:
- Uni-strut – heavy perforated metal mounting bar spanning 2 ceiling joists. This is used when there is nothing substantial to mount the flange plate to. A 4' length runs about $25.
- Flange Plate – this connects the projector pole to structure, or to the unistrut, which is connected to structure. A flat flange plate runs about $20, an adjustable angle flange plate for slated ceilings - about $50.
- Threaded pipe – cut to length (runs about $8 per ft) - 1.5" interior diameter Projector mount – connects pipe to projector – see the Chief RPMUW (about $189).
- 15 pin VGA cable from Projector to PC or switcher: costs about $1 per ft. If the run is over 50’, a CAT5 solution is highly recommended for the best image clarity: Kramer PT110 – single CAT 5 transmitter: about $144, Kramer TP120 – CAT5 receiver: about $156, CAT5 cable: about $.12 per ft.
- If you have multiple sources or projectors, you may need a video switcher and/or a video distribution amplifier.
- See AVMAN's Video Installation Accessories & Audio Installation Accessories product listings.
Contact AVMAN Presentation Systems at 1-800-745-3151 or web@avman.tv with any questions your have. Better yet, let us prepare a custom proposal for you, including everything you'll need for a successful A/V installation!
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