Screen for projector..what's good?

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IceBurghDJ

DJ Extraordinaire
Apr 17, 2015
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Western Pennsylvania
iceburghdj.com
I have a 3500ish watt projector laying about and a web cam...in Virtual DJ I can patch the cam to the projector and say, show the kids at a dance dancing on the the 'wall', I can also put up lyrics, karaoke (not that I want to do that!), advertisements, etc.

I could also do a monogram at weddings, or slide show/videos, etc.

BUT my 'testing' shows I'm gonna need a screen.

I want something VERY portable - for weddings I just take my outback, no trailer.

Also, what size and distance will I need to be from the projector? Was thinking at school dances the screen goes high behind me - so they look at the screen they're also looking at the camera so fewer backs of heads.
 
Frankly, if you don’t have a short throw video projector you might as well skip the screen and go with the LED TVs. I have seen sizes going all the way up to 80 inches. now. If you do have a short throw Projector you can use the screens. I have an 80” and 120” small screens. I believe my projector does have 120” screen at about 4ft and a 9x16ft at 10ft. The key with any of this stuff is the line of sight, You want the stuff to be seen. So if the idea is to be used when the dance floor is full, then whatever needs to be over the heads of the people. If it’s primarily to be used when everyone is seated and you have more wiggle room. we move to dual 32 inch LED screens about 10 years ago for Karaoke, DJ and For our trade show booth. They are light. quick/easy to move, go up to 6ft and we have also used them outdoors in the daytime 7D80A4A5-1869-40D6-A4D4-093DF125A904.jpeg
 
Hey IceBurgh! There are a ton of variables when it comes to using projectors and screens, but in a nutshell, Yes You Can!!!

To start, what is the brand and model of your projector? With that information you can confirm the lens and your throw ratio, which
will determine what your screen size will be at said distance from screen.. Projector Central is great source - Projection Calculator Pro - Projector to Screen Distance - (https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm)

Simple answer:
* Look into the Elite Yard Master Dual Projection screens add the extension legs and a skirt and you'll have a nice setup. . .especially if you'll be handing yourself.
I have several of their products and have been very happy. The 'Dual' allows you front or rear projection on the same screen/skin.

Food for thought:
* Short Throw Projectors is ideal, but if you're trying to utilize what you own you'll need to work out space/logistics of setup.
* 100-120" is decent size for ~150-200 guests casually viewing
* 3500 lumen projector - Screen will probably be washed out in bright venues, especially during the day with many windows. Think controlled light environment.
* Rear Projection is your friend. Most venues that I work smile and thank me for bringing rear projection screens.
* Quality HDMI cable from camera to projector OR converting to either VGA or SDI will also be your best friend.

Good luck and let us know if you have additional questions.

- Ed
 
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Big and easy and quality just doesn't mix. I've found a 65" monitor is easier to transport, mount, and connect then is my 110" portable. You might also find a 3200-lumen projector may let you down (visually) in any lighting condition other than almost dark.

My 5000-lumen Optima and 110" screen won't overcome a sunlit room but does fairly well in dim light and/or overcast skies.


I use a 65" TV for all things video in mobile DJ applications.
 
Maybe it’s because I’ve been using video projectors since before they had lumen ratings but I remember my Sharps rated at 600 lumens when at was a lot

But here is 10ft with a 2500 lumen projector indoors lights on & a 20x10ft with a 4.7k projector before complete sunset.

3DDEC6BB-8C55-424E-95F2-EA3B085AB8C2.png306F9413-98A0-4219-9F9D-14EB368A907C.jpeg
 
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Well, for school dances i was thinking tbe screen behind me and front projection - and yes, way up in the air. It's always dark other than my lighting so figure that won't be a problem.

Weddings..I've photo'd at them when there were screens for slideshows and such, usually rear projection so guests can walk right up to the screen and not block the beam. These of course don't need to be 10' in the air.

TV is out..cost, storage, transport, setup - nope.

I've seen screens from $60 to $1500 and up...hence my question.

I'll have to do the research on the throw/size equation. One screen I saw that got great reviews said not compatible with short throw projector.

I'd like to do this cheap, test it, get some video and feedback, then sell it - once sold I can invest in a better/brighter projector.

I know for monograms (which I very rarely see anymore...so i'm thinking it's a selling point, like uplighting might be (since I found cheaper chinese lights) since again, I rarely see it - but then as venue remodel they're adding it themselves so it may be a declining add on in mid to upper wedding venues. Though historic ones are still a good choice.

thevideo screen is another possible upsell to weddings - I was thinking mainly for school or other dances.
 
Rear screen has to be totally dark behind, any light behind shows through. The standard I’ve seen are LED TVs at weddings and LED TVs usually dual TVs or large screens.at schools. The smallest video package I’ve used for schools is two 10ft screen. Without major impact can’t really see them paying much more for it. I have inflatables, fastfold, tripod, & floor mount. Fastfolds are a PIA to setup so we started using inflatable‘s inside with schools/colleges.
 
Post your projectors make and model and it will help us point you in the best direction.
 
I use projectors the same way you are thinking. And I just use a very no frill common 9' X 9' tripod screen. Spread the legs and pull the screen up, about a 60 second set up. Only difference is that I have four projectors and four screens and occasionally I us multiple screens, all showing the identical image at once.

My projectors are short throw 3500 lumens. They look good in most common lit rooms and quite well at a dance with dim lighting.

 
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For most gigs I use a tripod, pull-down Da-Lite screen. Also have a couple of 10' wide' framed screens. In addition, I also have a 12-foot screen cloth that I got from Amazon ($70). I'm hanging in with zip ties from 2, 1/2" steel pipes (Lowes-$60), mounted into 2, 9-foot crank stands. I'm using the 12-footer for my prom this weekend.
 
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I have a 7.5' x 10' Da-lite fast fold screen that is front and rear projection. I use my Optoma EH1500 5k lumen projector with it.