Hi all,

I'm trying to find out what the latest and greatest people are using for projector and screen for receptions...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

latest and greatest is relative to your perceptions and budget.

I use a Panasonic AE700, and a 7x7 foot pullup screen which i dont know the name of (unbranded) and is 2 way (front/rear projection)
Mobility was a major issue here, and the screen pulling UPWARDS makes a huge difference in set up time. Also being front or rear pro, allows more flexibility depending on the venue.

I also have a smal mobile dvd player (NOT portable.. but small enough to fit into the projector bag), or i run it off the laptop if im doing HD

Thanks for the reply Peter!

Cheers,
Scott

Hi Peter,
where did you get the pullup screen and how much did it cost ya?

the screen itself reminds me of a long barrel... it unclips open (on teh floor) with extendable legs

the screen holding arms swivel upwards.. then you pull the screen up (like a holland blind) and lock the bar (with the screen) to the vertical holding arms

Voila, instant screen in under 6kg, and in under 4 minutes to set up...

There is no brand name on the screen or casing so i cant tell you.. but if u search it, you'll be able to find them, theyre very popular..

I'm looking for a screen to hang from a light beam...

Hi Scott,

A good starting place is ProjectorCentral.com - I suggest you learn the tradeoffs between the light/lumens, projector distance, screen size and ambient light. They have a few good online calculators here:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm

Last month in another forum, a leading wedding videographer planned to use a 2500 lumen Toshiba TDP-T45U projector on a huge screen (250 inch diagonal). Using these specs, the calculator shows at 2500 lumens, the maximum length for video is 10 feet which will illuminate 155 inches diagonally (124 x 93 inches with a 4x3 diagonal) - so a 2500 lumen projector won't throw enough light for a huge screen, even if the room is pitch black:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Toshiba_DPD-TDP-T45U-projection-calculator-pro.htm

You'll also find this site has nice write-ups on projector reviews, etc. Bottom line, it pays to due your math based on your needs before locking in on any gear.

Good luck, Michael

Hi Michael,

Yes I've spent an enormous amount of time over there and I've had a difficult time deciding which one is best for weddings...My concern is having to show a photomontage at 7 or 8PM out doors in the summer in full daylight. For inside projections I am not as worried since the lights can be dimmed as needed.


I guess I am leaning towards something that is 16x9 (720p), has 2500 lumens but has a 2500 contrast. Anyhing with that much lumen and a higher contrast is probably out of my budget...


Cheers,
Scott

I might be way off, but I don't think you're going to have much luck finding a projector/screen solution for use outside in full daylight.

latest and greatest is relative to your perceptions and budget.

I use a Panasonic AE700, and a 7x7 foot pullup screen which i dont know the name of (unbranded) and is 2 way (front/rear projection)
Mobility was a major issue here, and the screen pulling UPWARDS makes a huge difference in set up time. Also being front or rear pro, allows more flexibility depending on the venue.

I also have a smal mobile dvd player (NOT portable.. but small enough to fit into the projector bag), or i run it off the laptop if im doing HD

Projectors are similar in performance regardless of brand. Native resolution and lumen output are the primary considerations. Ease of navigating through the set-up menu is also important. How may ways can you connect to the projector? The more the better. Bear in mind the maximum resolution you can produce with your projects (4:3 SD, 16:9 SD, or the HD formats) and choose one that is a bit beyond.

The projection screen Peter is referring to is a rather new variation of what is commonly known in the AV rental industry as a "Cradle Screen". Instead of being mounted on a tripod stand, the retractable screen fits into an aluminium "cradle", which can be placed on a floor or table. A telescoping center hanging post can be positioned to the appropriate height and the screen connected to it. The value to a cradle screen is that it can be placed directly against a wall and only requires 6" - 8" of floor depth, where a tripod base screen will demand up to 4' of floor space, should you be concerned about safety.

This new variation is wonderful in many respects. The actual projection surface is built into a black masking, which eliminates the need for a masking drape. It utilizes a collapsing metal framework for screen support, thus eliminating the telescoping hanging post (an additional item to carry) I mentioned earlier.
The whole thing fits into its carrying case, which, by the way, is absolutely wonderful! So easy to set up.

In the US, Da-Lite and Draper offer the best products.

A screen surface both front and rear projection capable is likely a very thin matte white that is very translucent. However, it is not a 50/50 split. The surface is biased for rear projection, which only means front projection reflection (brightness) may be diminished, as well as clarity when viewing the image from the widest angle. If you choose rear projection, reverse the horizontal image in your projector's menu, and have an assistant out front to tell you when you have the image focused! The thickness of the screen material can deceive.

Regarding audio systems, i suggest two approaches. The first, and easiest, is to connect the DVD player audio out to your wireless mic transmitter (providing it has mic/instument/line/ sensitivity switching) and send the signal to the DJ/house PA. Lacking that, choose a powered PA speaker system.

Having said this, there is always the choice of outsourcing to an audio visual rental business. This direction can, in many ways, solve a lot of headaches.

Thanks for the insight Wal,
in fact with these screens, i have jsut come back froma corporate job interstate where they have banners in place of a screen.. i thought it woudl be great for trade shows as theyre self standing and require about 3 minutes to set up..

So...this is what I've decided on...

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=98437&catGroupId=21360&modelNo=PT-AX100U&surfModel=PT-AX100U

http://www.elitescreens.com/product_ezcinema.htm
80" so I can carry it in my car easier..

Cheers,
Scott

How is this projector for projecting at weddings? I already bought it, just asking for comments.
IN24 $499(after rebate)Cool by Design

1700 max ANSI lumens
SVGA 800 x 600
5.95 lbs/2.7 kg

How is this projector for projecting at weddings? I already bought it, just asking for comments.
IN24 $499(after rebate)Cool by Design

1700 max ANSI lumens
SVGA 800 x 600
5.95 lbs/2.7 kg

Should be fine. HD projects may suffer a bit as the projector's native resolution is below HD.

Thanks for the rsponse, Waldermar!

Any thoughts on the Optoma Movie Time? Anyone?

1000 ANSI Lumens
854 x 480 (480p) W-SVGA resolution
Up to 4,000 - 1 contrast ratio
16 - 9 aspect ratio
36 - 335 image size projected on wall or screen (for best resolution, contrast, and brightness, we suggest purchasing an optional screen)

Hi all,

Kim, that DV10 unit is very portable,

BUT - it is not very bright, it has high "Offset" ( the picture is shown very high on the screen/wall surface in relation to the projector's postion ) with no internal adjustments to change that - in addition to a small zoom factor, so projector placement can be a big problem in the field.

Suggest looking for a unit which has a good zoom ratio, good adjustment for the picture offset, and good brightness to maximize your placement options for field use.

Harold

Hi all, I just went this process myself. I needed it for a fundraiser project, but had been thinking about trying my hand at wedding SDEs regardless. Decided to go with the least expensive option I could find, figuring I could upgrade if things really took off.

I ended up buying the infocus IN24 (not the 24+) with a 6-ft. Panoview pulldown 4:3 screen. The two together cost me about $500 as best buy is clearing out their inventory of IN24s and have them deeply discounted. Took some hunting to find a store that still had one in stock.

In all, I was very happy. For the screen, I bought some $2 tracklight mounting clips for drop down ceilings and married them to a some plant-hanging hooks that I bought at walmart..the screwed right into the clips. I'll use tall light stands down the road for venues without drop-ceilings.

The projector performed flawlessly. Plenty bright enough with the house lights dimmed down low, but not off. I amped up the brightness/contrast levels a bit but didn't have to go overboard.

For sound, was able to connect to sound board directly with rca cables running out of my DVD player, although in the future I'll probably get an RCA to XLR adaptor for longer runs to the sound board.

One thing about the IN24 is that it does not come with a carrying case. I'm just using the packaging for now, but it won't be hard to find a something for it.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Jon

thanks Harold and Jon.

Harold, I was thinking of getting the optoma for the ease of use.

Jon, I have the in24, Ive not used it yet. Good to hear you like it!

Hi Kim,

Set up should be simple, IF you can overcome the two issues I mentioned. (Hi Off-Set, and small Zoom) Those two things can really be a hassle.

It's internal sound system is limited, so if you want, or need, good sound (also loud), then an out-board sound system will be required.

Harold

:) What's an "out board" sound system? Hey! I was told there's no such thing as a dumb question! :)

I'll stick with the in24 since you guys say it's a pretty good projector?

How do I add sound to the in24?

There's already sound built in, but the speakers are not that great, only appropriate for small rooms at best.

Depending on the situation, you have a few options for sound:

1. If there's "house" sound, either a DJ or a built-in sound system, you can run rca cables from your DVD player to the input on the receiver/sound board. Like I mentioned in the last post, you might want/or need to plug in with XLR, or maybe 1/8 or 1/4-inch, so it's good idea to have some adapters on hand.

2. If you need to supply your own sound, you can either go with something as simple as boombox-type set up (as long as it has some kind of input, like for a mic or aux) or your own component stereo system.

One thing to keep in mind, esp with rca cables, is to run your power cords separately from your sound cables as you will often pick up a hiss from the power lines.

Hope that helps,

Jon

Yes, very helpful. Thank you!

i'M EXCITED! i SETUP MY in24. i ATTACHED IT TO A HOME THEATER SYSTEM WITH A DVD PLAYER. (oops! please forgive the all caps)

The home theater system has a subwoofer and 5 small speakers. I setup the subwoofer, the front left and right, and the center speaker. I then played "kiss, kiss, bang, bang" and projected the image on my living room wall. I was blown away.

I watched it at night, and it looked as good as when I go to the movies. Plus, with the speakers, it sounded great too.

Now, when I get a montage gig I can take this with me with ease. I have the epson duet portable screen if a client wants a screen.

As Im just getting started, may I ask, what do you guys charge to bring your projector and show a montage? What do you charge if you bring the projector AND a screen? I read here that the client can save if they just want the projector, thus showing the montage or SDE on a white wall.

Also, how do you guys hook a camcorder to a projector, thus showing the action live at events? I may get a second projector and screen to try to offer this service as well.

I await your reply guys!

Just got mine haven"t used it yet waiting for screen which is part of rebate. What do you al charge for slideshow programs
thanks
mike

Hi Michael,
Here is what one member here said regarding charging for slideshows:

"I charge for the montage and the use of the projector and screen. $450 for the gear and $200 to 500 for the montage depending on whats involved."

I guess I will use his comment as a guide until others chime in ...

Prices will always be market and -- to a lesser degree -- repuation driven. If you live in LA you could charge a lot more than in, say, rural Ohio.

One thing to keep in mind as you're getting started. You could not ask for better advertising than showing your work at a reception. Think about it, plenty of friends of the B&G who aren't married yet, friends of the family with kids of their own who may be getting ready for their own weddings...

Be sure to include your logo at the beginning and end of the montage and have plenty of cards staged in obvious area -- perhaps next to the projector.

You might want to include projecting for the first few for free. You may be amazed at the work it generates.

Hi Kim,

Good for you, on your find.

Your main issue may end up being equipment placement and the lighting control on site. Always go to the site prior, to find out what you will need to do.

I do the Cam direct to the projector thing, at the Roller Skating Ring Parties I do. (mostly adult, but the kids love it too)

At the Rinks I do, I come out of Cam on either Composite or S-VHS to the Projector, depending on what wiring is available. If you can use DV out, it's best. The folks really love seeing themselves.

Harold

Thanks guys!

Harold, when youre projecting, are you still able to "record?"

Also, is this right:

red, yellow, white cords from camcorder
red, yellow, white cords into projector

Thanks, Harold!
I connected my camcorder to the projector
set the cam on record
recorder myself acting a fool
was able to see myself on the wall
rewound the tape and pressed play
there it was!

Fantastic!

Hi Kim,

Yes!! to being able to record.

I make up DVD's of the parties for partisipants to buy.

Harold