Your New Projector
How Bright is Just Right?

By Jennifer Andrews

Ambient light — light from sources that can’t be controlled — is one of the biggest challenges church projectors must overcome. Brighter projectors generally cost more money than those with lower lumen outputs, which isn’t good news for churches with budgets (a.k.a., all of them). As such, most tech ministers strive to find the right balance between price and brightness.

Yes. In some cases, however, you might discover that a manufacturer has provided lumen specifications that are either too optimistic or too conservative. That’s why at our company we observe the majority of the projectors we sell in action, so we’re a good resource for identifying models that shine brighter than they spec. The good news: You might be able to get a brighter projector than you expect for your money.

If you have the ability to dim or eliminate light that enters the sanctuary (by closing doors or using blinds on the windows, for example), you should be able to follow typical lighting recommendations without hesitation:

For small study gatherings (two to 30 people) — Lumens: 1,000 to 2,000; Resolutions: SVGA or XGA; Features to look for: weight less than 10 pounds for greater portability, keystone correction, color-coded cables and auto-sync for easy setup. The right projector should also offer economy mode for longer lamp life.

Small community spaces (30 to 100 people) — Lumens: 2,000 to 3,000; Resolution: XGA; Features to look for: weight less than 10 pounds for greater portability, keystone correction, color-coded cables and auto-sync for easy setup. The right projector should also offer economy mode for longer lamp life.

Large community spaces (100 to 250 people) — Lumens: 3,000 to 4,500; Resolution: XGA; Features to look for: computer output for monitor and projector display, economy mode for longer lamp life, lens shift for installation flexibility Large congregational gatherings (251 to 500 people) — Lumens: 4,500 or more;

Resolution: XGA; Features to look for: lens shift for installation flexibility, economy mode for longer lamp life, networking capability for remote operation and maintenance reminders, computer output for monitor and projector display If your windows are far enough away that they don’t cast ambient light on the screen surface, you can also use the above guidelines. Note: If your budget allows, it would be wiser to err on the high side of the recommendations.

If that statement applies in your sanctuary — i.e., if sunlight or indoor lighting reaches your projector screen — you might find yourself in a battle for brightness. Washed-out images result when the two light sources collide, making it difficult for people to see text or images on the screen.

In these situations, a stackable projector might be your best option. Using two projectors together can save you some money versus investing in a larger, heavier projector.

Have more questions? A host of helpful projector tutorials is available online at www.projectorpeople.com/tutorials.

Jennifer Andrews is the Internet Communications Manager for Projector People.com, where she is responsible for the website and e-newsletter content for the Projector People, Home Theater People and ProjectorsforWorship.com websites. For more information, log on to www.projectorpeople.com or call 888.248.0675.

TOOLBOX

Easy to carry from room to room, the Sharp Notevision PG-B10S is a true value, not only in price but also in its feature set, image quality and exceptionally low cost of operation. Low Power Mode ensures extended lamp life (4,000 hours) while simultaneously reducing fan noise and power consumption. Multilevel security features include keypad startup code/tamper-proof functions, keypad password protection, and built-in Kensington Lock capability. Free Sharp Advanced Presentation Software (SAPS) allows you to control the projector without a remote as long as it’s connected to a PC via its RS-232 port.

With advanced features including a unique variable horizontal and vertical lens shift, RGB monitor loop-through, high-speed auto SYNC and Image ACE resizing, the Notevision PG-B10S is perfect for most any application, including education, training and even use by mobile presenters. With its simplified control panel, intuitive user interface and color-coded terminal connections, all a first-time presenter needs to do is simply connect and project. Get a free soft-sided carry bag for projector and laptop with purchase of the Notevision PG- B10S through Dec. 31, or while supplies last.

Shepherd Multi-Media reps say the new CP-X885 projector from Hitachi is receiving rave reviews from the church market for its native XGA resolution and 3,500 lumens of light. This projector is bright enough it can be used in just about any church application, from portable to ceiling mounted to long-throw. Plus, it has one of the highest contract ratios in the market — 800:1 — and is a full-function projector with motorized zoom, focus and keystone correction. And, should you ever have a problem with the CP-X885, Hitachi will ship a loaner, overnight, for free.

Celebrating more than 35 years in business, Long’s Electronics went into business in 1968 to serve churches that wanted to remember their shut-ins with cassette copies of Sunday services. Today, Long’s also serves the school, office and home markets, offering a complete line of projectors from respected manufacturers such as Eiki, Canon, Philips, 3M and more. Long’s also carries a variety of furniture, mounts and screens.