This month, we take a look at a variety of AV large-venue projectors. The first challenge was to define the criteria of “large venue.” I am sure there are varying opinions, but my initial thoughts were to identify projectors at 20,000 lumens or better—but the field became too restrictive. So, we have put this month’s showcase together with primarily high-lumen output projectors—with a few not-so-high output—but with interesting or unique functionality.
Barco introduces the HDQ-4K35 projector with ultra-brightness, crisp 4K resolution, 35,000 lumens and roadworthy ruggedness. Its 4096×2160 resolution and 60Hz frame rate combine to deliver razor-sharp images to pump up the impact of live events with stunning visuals in vibrant, rich colors. Perfect for a multitude of rental, staging, and fixed installation applications, it boasts an integrated design with internal power supply, rental frame, and no external chimney fan, setting it apart from similar, but not equal, products on the market. Choose from a variety of XLD lenses from the HDQ range or use dedicated 4K lenses to achieve just the right image.
Christie Digital Boxer 4K30
The new Christie Digital Boxer 4K30projector is suited for rental staging and fixed installation applications including concerts, amusement parks, projection mapping projects, museums, planetariums, and more. The Boxer 4K30 has six 450W mercury lamps, delivering 30,000 lumens. Weighing less than 150lbs., the Boxer 4K30 features built-in Christie Twist, images can be blended and warped from multiple projectors onto irregular surfaces without requiring an external solution. Housed in two 3-lamp cartridges, the six long-life mercury lamp modules are easy to handle, maintain, change and stock, which means a better return on investment and less consumables. Users can monitor the lamp hours and serial numbers through near field communication (NFC) with each lamp; simplifying the effort required to track lamp-life and the ability to make fast changeovers. Christie Boxer Series is equipped with full connectivity including 3G-SDI, HDBaseT, Display Port, DVI-I, HDMI, VGA, and 5 BNC, plus a color LCD preview panel readout, and a complete lens suite.
Digital Projection Insight 4K Laser
With 20,000 hours of illumination life and no lamp replacements required, Digital Projection unveils the INSIGHT 4K LASER, which delivers bright, stable, and color-accurate imagery for large venues. This comes with the stunning detail that only full 4096 x 2160 4K resolution can deliver, and all at approximately 30 percent less size and weight of existing large-venue 4K projector solutions. In applications where a compelling, clear visual experience is a critical measure of success, DP’S ultra-bright INSIGHT 4K LASER delivers. The elimination of lamp replacements due to the solid-state illumination system creates immediate value for any venue. By bypassing regular lamp replacement cycles, nearly all lifetime costs for the INSIGHT 4K LASER are incurred at time of purchase. In addition to long-life, consistent illumination, INSIGHT 4K displays offer installation flexibility, allowing for nearly all tilt and portrait configurations.
Dukane ImagePro 9010
Dukane’s ImagePro 9010 DLP projector offers advanced DLP functionality with flexible installation features, and is suited for large auditoriums, conference rooms, museums, and concert or stage productions. The 9010 is equipped with a dual lamp system, which achieves brightness of 13,000 lumens, provides multi-projection capability, incorporates four digital inputs including 3G SDI for added versatility and broadcast capability, plus a high-performance filter reducing dust sticking to critical components. For even greater image quality, the 9010 features 3-chip DLP technology. Each light path is actually divided by a light prism into each of the three primary color chips instead of the light being directed into one unique chip. The light is then redirected and combined through the projector lens as the image. The 9010 is backed by a five-year warranty, and service and support programs.
Epson PowerLite Pro Z11005
Epson’s PowerLite Pro Z11005 is a large-venue projector, offering high resolution, powerful performance features, and advanced display capabilities for virtually any venue including corporate, house of worship, rental and staging, galleries, auditoriums, and digital signage. The Pro Z11005 delivers up to 11,000 lumens of color brightness and 11,000 lumens white brightness truly impressive image quality. It also features WUXGA resolution with native full HD 1080p support, HDBaseT connectivity, and portrait mode projection. The PowerLite Pro Z11005 comes with several advanced features and functionality for high-end custom installation scenarios, including immersive projection solutions, new lens options, flexible connectivity, a new mounting frame, lamp select/relay, and a wide range of monitor controls. In addition, the projector features the latest in 3-chip 3LCD technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations.
NEC-NPPX602UL
NEC is now offering a new portfolio of Solid State Light Sources (SSL) projectors including the NP-PX602UL. SSLs are light-producing systems made up of either LED devices or laser diodes. Light produced with SSL systems inherently have a longer and steadier brightness that decreases at a much slower pace over time than lamp based systems. This technology offers the highest image quality while its operating life span far exceeds traditional lighting methods. SSL projectors report to have lower maintenance costs, consistent light output, and constant color rendition. In the projector world, achieving high brightness without the need for lamp replacements has been almost impossible. The latest SSL projectors provide this capability in multiple forms using DLP technology. With a view to the future, only the latest SSL technology can truly fulfill the technology roadmap, which enables various benefits including dynamic dimming and long term higher average light output of 6000 lumens and a 20,000-hour laser life.
Panasonic PT-DZ21KU
Ensuring high brightness and installation flexibility, the PT-DZ21KU from Panasonic with WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution and 20,000 lumens of brightness is ideal for large-venue applications including auditoriums, museums, rental, and staging. Additionally, the projector is 3D compatible with a built-in lens memory, creating an immersive experience for users with the capability to alter the image size and location in up to three different projection positions. The PT-DZ21KU offers exceptional picture quality and incredible video production given the unique features it includes. SRX-T423, the latest 4K SXRD projector from Sony, is designed to meet the evolving needs of professional applications and provide the ultimate picture quality. Equipped with three Silicon X-tal (crystal) Reflective Display (SXRD) devices, it delivers an amazing resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels (H x V) – more than four times the resolution of consumer HDTV (1920 x 1080). The SRX-T423 also provides a high brightness of 30,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 3000:1
Sony SRX-T615
Sony’s SRX-T615 4K Projector is designed for high brightness and high contrast in large-venue, simulation, industrial, and visualization applications. The projector delivers 4K resolution (4096×2160) with a high brightness of 18,000 lumens, and a contrast ratio of 12,000:1, a key feature for the visual simulation market. This contrast ratio also contributes to the SRX-T615 projector’s high picture quality. The SRX-T615 model has 4K 50/60P signal compatibility, ideal for displaying moving graphics smoothly. In addition, it has a RGB standard color gamut and is switchable between the DCDM or Adobe RGB color spaces, which also work with optional accessories. A key feature for the commercial market is the projector’s ability to edge blend native 4K content, which allows easy creation of even larger images. For instance, 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 the innovative multi-lamp array, with six HPM sources in individual cartridges making lamp replacement easier and safer.
