Short throw projectors

[madsmeskalin]

I was just wondering if any of you exclusively use short-throw projectors instead of normal projectors. I´ve been too lazy/preoccupied/hasnt crossed my mind to look at it, but it seems that they are much more useful/flexible for VJíng than normal projectors. Anybody got inputs to this?

[videoswitchboard]

i do.
hitachi cpd10

6mx1.5m triple screen at 1.3m throw, 80kg rig from 2 hanging points.:)

no keystoning/zooming allowed so you need to be in a perfect position relating to your screen.

dav

[madsmeskalin]

Why is there no keystoning/zooming allowed?

What is the cons of using these kinds of projectors?

[stickygreen]

you just said it, the ultra short throw machines don't let you have the adjustments that a good machine will. if you really want a good projector, buy something that has interchangeable lenses, and get a wide throw lens for it.

[videoswitchboard]

typical lens is 0.5:1, hugely aspherical
http://www.aboutprojectors.com/images/products/hitachi-cp-d10-1.jpg
or uses a mirror
http://images.techtree.com/ttimages/story/114168_1.jpg
so the keystoning is already part of the processing (i think),
little changes of positioning have huge consequences.
there is a little keystoning but no zoom (just like a 0.8:1 fixed lens for more 'professional' machines)

it's just the price to pay for such an optical feat.

i use these for stages where projecting accross the performance space is not an option and stage depth is at a premium.

these machines aren't very bright though.

[evomedia]

I use short throw beamers, but not the ultra short throw ones mentioned, I just use barco UXGA beamers with interchangable lenses (1.27:1 fixed focus) which manage all my needs well enough, if you need a beamer throw shorter than .8 you must be working in an ally :) You'll also start sacrificing key stoning, light output

Problem with interchangable lenses and the beamers they fit is cost, each barco lens is $2k to buy separately, even infocus short throw lenses aren't that much cheaper, and any beamers with changable lenses tends to be pretty expensive.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=1%3A27%3A1+Infocus&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=InFocus+IN5500&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=BKh&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbs=shop:1,price:1,ppr_min:600&source=lnt&sa=X&ei=f5yITcfQE8u4hAf-heG1Dg&ved=0CB4QpwUoAw&biw=1440&bih=686&fp=bce18f1b94b9e21a

So best bets in cash is an issue is to get beamers built with short throw lenses as standard, as they are a fraction of the cost,

You could buy 5 of these beamers for the price of 1 barco lens alone without the projector
BenQ MP515ST Short-Throw Projector XGA 2500 Lumens
http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/product.aspx?code=PJB-MP515ST&af=50

Panasonic PT-ST10EA 3LCD Projector
These are nice with some keystoning allowed for around a £1000, but your restricting maximum screen width to about 3m
http://www.aboutprojectors.com/Panasonic-PT-ST10EA-projector.html
http://www.aboutprojectors.com/pdf/panasonic-pt-st10ea-specs.pdf

[stickygreen]

I just bought 4 panasonic PT-D5500's for about $1500 each, these machines are pretty good, especially at that price. Used 0.8 lenses are about $500 each. My opinion is that this is a way better projector than any of those cheap desktops with the ultra wide lens, that are out there.

One of my friends has a panasonic PT-D5500 with 50,000 hours on it! That is almost 6 years of 24/7 operation. You'll never get that kind of quality from a cheap desktop machine.

[madsmeskalin]

Basically that means:

1. Short-throw projectors are less flexible than normal projectors regarding keystone, light-output setup.

2. They can be much closer to the wall to create a big picture

3. Interchangable lenses means probably prostituting my grandma and selling my shirt.

I will probably change my setup overtime to these: http://www.dustinhome.no/pd_5010330730.aspx
with 3000 ansi lumen.

But for now I guess I stick with my already-boought Infocus IN2112,´:)

I just needed someone to talk me out of thinking that short-throw projectors is the only thing I lack, but I guess by aquiring some of them, other issues will arise. There are a few times I´ve been playing on a venue with a low ceiling so I couldnt get big enough picture.

Thanks for your input guys!

[vj raynz]

How about this one? Anyone use this model? I am looking for 2 units myself.
http://benq.com/products/product_detail.cfm?product=1725&pltag=5&ptag=50

[cycloptic]

i've got three of those mx812st , they're awesome,
BUT
again no zoom, and keystoning is pretty much useless as the image warps SO much if it's off axis... also the floor-screenbase ratio is a little high.
and the lenses collect haze fluid REALLY quickly.

[vj raynz]

i've got three of those mx812st , they're awesome,
BUT
again no zoom, and keystoning is pretty much useless as the image warps SO much if it's off axis... also the floor-screenbase ratio is a little high.
and the lenses collect haze fluid REALLY quickly.

How big are your screens and what kind of application are you using these for?

[sleepytom]

for low ceiling venues LCD screens are a better option than these short throw projectors.

[minnie mouse]

I'm thinking of getting a short throw projector. The benq mp515st sounds good - affordable at around £350, with some keystone control. But apparently the lamp gets mega-hot, so not sure how it will handle being on for a long time.

I've got a gig coming up doing visuals with some live bands. If the stage is big enough, I'm thinking of putting a screen behind the band, then projecting from the back of the screen. Any thoughts on this? Has anyone tried this?