Recommendations for photo projection system: I’m involved with the local Community Hall and we have an auditorium that seats about 120 people. We need to update the audio/visual system...

Caldian Loc: Crystal Lake, Michigan & traveling

I’m involved with the local Community Hall and we have an auditorium that seats about 120 people. We need to update the audio/visual system in the hall and we are looking to maybe install a powered drop down screen with a WiFi projector system. Just beginning the search and would welcome any recommendations regarding sources and likely systems to get. We are a not-for-profit organization so our funds are limited. Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

RogStrix Loc: UK

Try contacting your local photo clubs and see what they use? Some older projectors have poor contrast so always try before you buy using some of your own images that have high contrast scenes...

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

You can't go wrong with a Da-Lite screen and an Epson projector. Epson makes a pretty wide range of projectors. Just go with the combo that best fits your budget, and you'll do fine. Note that the higher end ones aren't likely to have wifi image casting built in, so you would need to use a laptop or other dedicated computer/tablet.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

Caldian wrote:

I’m involved with the local Community Hall and we have an auditorium that seats about 120 people. We need to update the audio/visual system in the hall and we are looking to maybe install a powered drop down screen with a WiFi projector system. Just beginning the search and would welcome any recommendations regarding sources and likely systems to get. We are a not-for-profit organization so our funds are limited. Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

First off going with your budget might not be the best option for you. I would suggest that you talk with people at Epson that can recommend products that meet your needs. There are many variables in projectors that make a big difference in image quality projected. Also many variables depending on the size room you have.

Then talk with the people at DaLite as there are many types of screens to use.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

You might PM Bill Burk (Burkphoto) - he has extensive experience in this area.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I am not an expert in this area, but do have some experience. My local photo club just bought a Benq 4k projector for use during our meetings. It works verry well. Our local school district also uses Benq projectors as their standard in classrooms. I do not know how reliable these are considered to be. The challenge is that the ones I have seen all have fairly short throw lenses and therefore somewhat limited final image sizes (84-96 inches or so) and correspondingly limited brightness. Projectors capable of larger and bringhter images get expensive pretty quickly. There is a formula relating the screen diagonal to the distance to the farthest audience member. I can't remember exactly what it is, but maybe Bill wil also chime in on that.

Robertski Loc: So California

While WiFi will be convenient, add a hard wire junction box as a fail-safe, if possible. Screen Mirroring, Casting, and AppleTV, that rely on WiFi and Bluetooth can work nicely for still images and PowerPoint advances, but often fall short when the 30 fps of video is needed.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Caldian wrote:

I’m involved with the local Community Hall and we have an auditorium that seats about 120 people. We need to update the audio/visual system in the hall and we are looking to maybe install a powered drop down screen with a WiFi projector system. Just beginning the search and would welcome any recommendations regarding sources and likely systems to get. We are a not-for-profit organization so our funds are limited. Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

How large a hall? How large a screen do you need? Is there an available wall that could work for a painted screen?

Robertski Loc: So California

I'm thinking of presentation devices and apps such as AirParrot which can allow a PC to talk to AppleTV.

Robertski wrote:

While WiFi will be convenient, add a hard wire junction box as a fail-safe, if possible. Screen Mirroring, Casting, and AppleTV, that rely on WiFi and Bluetooth can work nicely for still images and PowerPoint advances, but often fall short when the 30 fps of video is needed.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

jmizera wrote:

You can't go wrong with a Da-Lite screen and an Epson projector. Epson makes a pretty wide range of projectors. Just go with the combo that best fits your budget, and you'll do fine. Note that the higher end ones aren't likely to have wifi image casting built in, so you would need to use a laptop or other dedicated computer/tablet.

jmizera is correct. My club uses an Espon projector (I do not know the model #) it has two usb in-ports with a remote control unit. The also purchased a powered Da-Lite screen with the best surface. Going this way is also my recommendation.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

I see others have mentioned the Ben-Q projectors. The other club I work with uses a Ben-Q projector and it is OK. In comparison with the Epson projector, the Epson projector is better.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

chapjohn wrote:

I see others have mentioned the Ben-Q projectors. The other club I work with uses a Ben-Q projector and it is OK. In comparison with the Epson projector, the Epson projector is better.

I have yet to bite the bullet, but every time I have researched it, I have ended up with a Ben-Q at the top of my list. I expect there will be sales in a couple days. Also B&H has had them on the Daily Deals page several times.

Caldian Loc: Crystal Lake, Michigan & traveling

Thank you RogStrix. sorry for delay in answering. Will follow up locally and with trial images.

Caldian Loc: Crystal Lake, Michigan & traveling

Joe
Thanks for your advice. Sorry for the delay in my answering but other priorities pushed this item down my to do list for a week or two. Nnoted that a local village council had a pretty new Epsom in their meeting room and have instituted a question of their IT people regarding it.

Caldian Loc: Crystal Lake, Michigan & traveling

David Kay wrote:

First off going with your budget might not be the best option for you. I would suggest that you talk with people at Epson that can recommend products that meet your needs. There are many variables in projectors that make a big difference in image quality projected. Also many variables depending on the size room you have.

Then talk with the people at DaLite as there are many types of screens to use.

David
Thanks for the information. I wanted to be even handed in any recommendations that i made to the committee but have to admit to being Epson all the way on my personal printers and copiers. I apologize for not answering your post sooner
Steve