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Large-venue Projectors

As “serious video projectors,” these units are installed in large venues such as auditoriums, large multipurpose rooms, theaters, HOWs, and other venues where a big, bright video image is required.

Large-venue Projectors

Mar 3, 2014 2:29 PM,
By Christopher Maione | Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez

This month we look at nine select large format video projectors. To narrow the field we selected video projectors with WXUGA, wide format aspect ratios (16:9 and 16:10), 1in. 3-chip DLP engines, and brightness greater than 1100 ANSI lumens. All of this high resolution, 3-chip technology, and brightness does not come cheap, with cost for these projectors in the $40K-$60K range. As “serious video projectors,” these units are installed in large venues such as auditoriums, large multipurpose rooms, theaters, HOWs, and other venues where a big, bright video image is required.

Barco HDX-W14

The BarcoHDX-W12 and HDX-W14 are the projectors of choice for 3D in event settings. With a native 1920×1200 resolution and out-of-the-box high contrast ratio of 2400:1, these units live up to the reputation set by Barco’s FLM series and deliver their respective 11,000 and 13,000 ANSI lumens with stellar image quality. Inputs include DVI-I, SDI/HDSDI/3G/BarcoLink. An LCD display allows connected source signals to be previewed directly on the unit. The W12 and W14’s roadworthiness is proven through ease of setup, servicing, and transport. In addition to control over RS-232 and Ethernet, the units can be operated wirelessly via a mobile device. WUXGA signals can be transmitted up to 100 meters via Barco’s coaxial-based long-distance transmission vehicle, Barcolink.

Christie Mirage WU14K-M

Christie’s Mirage WU14K-M provides 3D images in all applications, including classrooms and heavy industry on any budget. Featuring 12,500 ANSI lumens emitting its dual 450W lamps, the Mirage WU14k-M has a 2100:1 contrast ratio and a 1920×1200 resolution. Standard inputs include two Dual-link DVI+VGA. Optionally, the unit can accept an analog signal via BNC connectors, Dual-Link DVI, SD/HD-SDI, twin HDMI, and can interface with DMX512 stage effects networks. Control is managed via RS-232 and over Ethernet.

Digital Projection International Lightning 38 WUXGA 3D

The original partner/pioneer of 3-chip DLP technology, Digital Projection International’s Lightning 38 WUXGA 3D is aimed at applications where size and scope do not matter. It features FastFrame, which minimizes image blur and remnant artifacts, as well as cooling technology known as CoolTek to drastically improve thermal attributes of the unit. It is rated at 20,000 ANSI lumens, has a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and a native 1920×1200 resolution. A DVI-I, HDMI, BNC for 3G-SDI, 15-pin VGA, 4-BNC component, S-Video, composite RCA set, Composite BNC, two high-bandwidth DVI-I, and an RCA digital audio output make up the Lightning’s input suite.

Digital Projection Titan WUXGA-660

The younger sibling of the Lightning is the TITAN WUXGA-660, part of Digital Projection’s TITAN Pro Series 3 line. This bright, 3D-ready unit comes in a slight, yet sturdy, frame. It shares many of the same technology advancements as the LIGHTNING, such as CoolTek and FastFrame. Warp and blending requirements are easily met when projection surface geometries are unusual. The TITAN glows with 10,000 lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and a 1920×1200 resolution. The gamut of inputs includes one DVI-I, an HDMI, a BNC connector for 3G-SDI, 15-pin RGB, four BNC connections for component video, S-Video, and RCA, and BNC connectors for composite video signals.

NEC NP-PH1400U

The NECNP-PH1000U and NP-PH1400U emit 11,000 and 13,500 ANSI lumens respectively, have a native 1920×1200 resolution, and 2000:1 contrast ratio. They feature a dual-lamp design and lens memory, which will dynamically adjust lens attributes based on input and resolution. Inputs include two 15-pin RGBs, a five-BNC analog set, one HDMI, one DisplayPort, a RCA video connection, S-Video port, HD/SD-SDI input, and 15-pin RGB monitor out plug. An OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) option slot is available for modular input flexibility and ease of maintenance.

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Large-venue Projectors

Mar 3, 2014 2:29 PM,
By Christopher Maione | Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez

Panasonic PT-DZ21KU

The PanasonicPT-DZ21KU’s unique technical attributes come together in an offering designed to meet the needs of professionals across industry and academia. Achieving up to 20,000 ANSI lumens, the PT-DZ21KU also has an ultra-high 10,000:1 contrast ratio that is achieved via a dynamic aperture mechanism that helps to create more vivid images, according to the comopany. Depending on lamp mode, replacement hours can be a lengthy 2,000 in quad-mode and up to 8,000 in single-lamp-mode. Liquid cooling technology keeps the unit functioning quietly at temperatures up to 113-degrees F. An electrostatic reusable filter helps keep operating costs low. Input terminals include two SDI ports, an HDMI, BNC connections, a serial RGB input, a DVI-D connector, composite video in, LAN connection, and BNC connections for 3D syncing.

Projection Design F85

Projection Design offers the F85 Series series in the 3-Chip DLP WUXGA space. Featuring an ANSI lumen rating of 11,000, it has a 14,000:1 contrast ratio and a native 1920×1200 resolution. It can accept signals from two DVI-D inputs, two HDMI, two VGAs, an analog signal from five BNC connectors, component, S-video, and a composite input. RS-232 and RJ-45 ports are available for control. The F85 is relevant in almost all installations requiring high brightness, exceptional color reproduction and low total cost of ownership.

Sony’s SRX-T420 projector is built on the company’s 4K digital cinema technology. Ideal for a wide range of large venue applications, the SRX-T420 features 4K resolution, 18,000 lumen brightness, and projects ultra-high definition images with a native resolution of 4096×2160 pixels. Evolved from digital cinema technology, the uprated 4K optical engine delivers a contrast ratio of 12,000:1. A choice of lens options allows the projector to be configured rapidly for smooth, flicker-free 3D projection, while edge blending allows easy creation of even larger images. For example, pictures from two projectors can be seamlessly presented side by side to create an auditorium-filling 7Kx2K panoramic image (overlapped by 1K). Reduced running costs are enabled by a multi-lamp array, with six HPM sources in individual cartridges making lamp replacement easier and safer. Reduced risk of ‘dark screen’ lamp outages is complemented by fail-safe reliability, plus greater operating flexibility with the ability to select the number of lamps lit to meet the needs of different applications and venue sizes. Lengthened lamp-exchange cycles and reduced maintenance requirements contribute further to lower running costs.

Other Options

I’d like to round out the field of manufacturers with two other manufacturers with a strong base in the video projector market: Canon and Epson. Although these projectors do not meet all the “large venue” criteria, they are worth mentioning. These projectors represent the “top of the line” from both Canon and Epson and are smaller, more cost-effective solutions for larger venue applications.

The Canon REALiS WX520 pro AV compact installation LCoS projector features WXGA+ (1440×900) resolution in a lightweight and compact design. Specs indicate an output of 5200 lumens and a 2000:1 contrast ratio using Canon AISYS technology. Digital keystone provides +/- 20 degrees in both the vertical and horizontal planes. This projector features include four-point keystone adjustment, digital and physical lens shift, image detail adjustments, and controls. The projector is matched with a fixed F-stop lens for projecting 16:10 aspect ratio images. The video projector also includes support for USB memory sticks, JPEG support, and a built-in speaker.

The Epson PowerLite Pro Z8255NL multimedia projector offers 10,000 lumens of brightness for presentations in a variety of venues, including those where ambient light is present. Featuring XGA resolution, 3LCD technology, and a contrast ratio of 5000:1, the Z8255NL delivers projected images for applications such as lecture halls, conference centers, and entertainment venues. Setup and installation are easy with 360-degree projection and includes edge-blending capabilities. The projector provides a variety of connectivity options and a full suite of monitor and control features. This projector ensures easy integration with a variety of devices, plus a fairly low overall cost of ownership. The projector comes in a black casing making it well suited for staging and rental applications. There are a variety of optional lenses to accommodate various throw distances and image sizes.

Christopher Maione is a recognized leader and expert in the AV industry with more than 28 years of audiovisual expertise. He is the founder and managing partner of one of the world’s leading AV consulting firms and serves as an Adjunct InfoComm Faculty Member and CTS-D/CTS-I provider. He can be contacted via [email protected] and www.chrismaione.com.

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