Sharing the Gospel with the Help of an LCD Projector

By Jim McPherson

LCD projectors offer many advantages over the cumbersome collection of slides, transparencies, overhead projectors, video equipment and television monitors that have been the staple of church presentations for so many years. A single piece of equipment can provide details that are clear and crisp and colors that are rich and vibrant. In contrast to older, dimmer LCD models that require darkness for best visibility, modern LCD projectors feature a stunning 700 to 2300 ANSI lumens of brightness, enabling them to project large, high-resolution images to sizeable audiences without dimming the sanctuary lights. Several models are also portable and can be moved from sanctuary to meeting room with ease.

One of the best features of the latest LCD projectors, however, is their versatility and ability to be linked to other forms of technology. Most LCD projectors can be easily connected to multiple computers and peripheral systems simultaneously, including laptops, speaker systems, video cameras, VCRs, digital cameras, television, DVD players and the Internet. Church presentations literally "come to life" with dynamic sound and imagery.

Create presentations

Churches have found numerous ways to include LCD projectors in their activities.

Worship services. Display colorful and inspirational images, scripture or speaking points that illustrate or reinforce the pastor's message during a sermon.

Many churches have also found that projecting the lyrics to hymns overhead can eliminate the need for hymnbooks and greatly assist those who have difficulty reading small print.

Bible study classes. Projecting PowerPoint™ presentations via a computer can enhance each student's comprehension and retention of information.

Announcements. Church announcements can be displayed during offering. This is a great time to share beautiful photos, inspirational imagery and useful information about upcoming events, fundraisers and special services.

Memorial services. Display video, digital or still photographs of the person being remembered.

Computers and the Internet. Just about anything you can show to one person on a 15-inch monitor can be shared with large groups when connected to an LCD projector. LCD projectors are both PC and MAC compatible and can be run from a variety of remote controls, the same way that you would use your computer mouse. Depending on the model, the projector can also be hooked up to multiple computer sources simultaneously.

Many churches have found that special computer presentation software, designed specifically for churches, can help them maximize the functions available from these machines.

The Internet is one of the world's largest information resources and includes numerous Christian Web sites.

Video. Connect to video sources, including VCRs, DVD players and televisions. In the near future, most new models of projectors will be compatible with high-definition models (HDTV).

Video conferencing. Imagine keeping in touch with your congregation from anywhere in the world. That's exactly what one pastor did while on sabbatical leave in Puerto Rico. Every Sunday, his congregation would hook-up the projector to a computer connected to the Internet in the United States, enabling the pastor to address his congregation through a video conferencing feature in Puerto Rico.

Audio. Powerful speaker systems can be hooked up to LCD projectors to provide sound along with projected images. Most models of LCD projectors also contain built-in speakers with stereo output for a large sound system.

The right LCD projector

Consider four important questions:

• Lighting. How bright is your space? It is important to position your screen away from overhead lights, but you must also evaluate how much ambient light enters the room through the sanctuary or meeting room windows. Are blinds available to block out the light or is it important to operate the projector without blocking the windows or dimming the lights? In general, the brighter the space the more lumens you will need in a projector.
• Location. One of the most challenging issues for churches is where to mount the projector. Many favor a ceiling mounted projector, but it's important to consider the specific layout of your space and whether you plan to move the projector to other rooms. In addition, consider how many feet away from the screen your projector will be. In a small church a throw distance of 20-30 feet is fine, but if your congregation and space is large (500+ people) and you want to maintain color and clarity from a greater distance, you will need a projector that can be mounted as far away as 50-80 feet.
• Resolution. All of the latest LCD projectors offer good clarity and color, but if you require razor sharp details and dazzling colors, look for highest resolution you can afford.
• Ease of use. Will it be the church audiovisual specialist, the pastor or the Bible study teacher using the projector? More than ever before, projectors are plug-and-play-ready; however, it pays to consider how easy the projector and its applications will be for a variety of people to use.

For low light, look for a good quality, cost-effective multimedia projection system that can be positioned about 20-30 feet away from your screen. These units typically offer 700 ANSI lumens under most lighting conditions and 800 x 600 true SVGA (compressed 1024 x 768 XGA) resolution. However, for best results, turn off some of your overhead, interior lights. For non-ceiling mounted units, look for a PCMCIA slot that will allow you to load your entire presentation onto the card. This card allows you to avoid worries about computer and laptop failures. Cost: about $3,000.·

For daylight conditions, churches considering a new projector or upgrading their old one should select a projector with the greatest brightness and resolution they can afford. Midrange portable units offer 800 - 1200 ANSI lumens and 800 x 600 true SVGA (compressed 1024 x 768 XGA), or true XGA 1024 x 768 (compressed 1280 x 1024) resolution. A projector with these specifications will work in full daylight. There is no need to turn off the overhead lights or pull the shades. Multi-purpose projectors in this category typically feature conveniences like auto-image setup, motorized zoom and multiple connectivity. Cost: about $5,000.·

For very large congregations of 400 + people, an auditorium style projector is best. If you are searching for a projector that can beam high quality video and digital images across a stadium-sized space, you need a super bright projector that packs 2300 ANSI lumens and offers true 1280 x 1024 SXGA resolution (and compression for 1600 x 1200 UXGA). This type of system can be mounted up to 80 feet away from the screen as opposed to the usual 20-30 foot range. Unlike 3-gun and light valves, it requires no convergence or maintenance. It will provide extremely bright, vivid colors and is excellent in full daylight conditions. Cost: about $15,900.

Large churches will also benefit from the use of a radio frequency remote control that will allow them to operate their projector from as far away as 60-100 feet. For large venues, it is also beneficial to hardwire the projector to a central computer that would also control lighting, sound and any additional peripheral equipment at one location.

· The prices listed here are approximations and are considered competitive within the industry given the specifications of each category of projector.

Jim McPherson is an account manager at Boxlight Corporation. For more information contact Boxlight Services Division at (800) 634-5004.