Projection and Presentation

Projection and Presentation
By: Derek Pfeifer

"We are thinking about buying a projector." This is perhaps the most frightening of phrases for the church emerging into the new world of audio/visual. Partly, because there may be a cultural/emotional leap from a song leader and song books to a big screen with just lyrics. Or, it could be that the First Church of the We're Not Sure might have liked just having the church musicians or pianist handle all the worship. Or, it could be that there are fears not only motivated by financial concerns, but also, "who will run this stuff?" concerns.

So, let's look at a few tips for churches moving into projection. First, there are four main hardware considerations: computer, projector, screen placement and software.

Computer needs may be more critical than you think, because you need to consider software requirements before you purchase your computer. If you will be using dual-monitor software, which has a working screen of the software on one monitor and an output display of the words and video for the audience to see on the second monitor, then you will want to purchase a computer that has a video graphics card with dual-monitor output capability, probably in 128 meg. This refers to the size of the card's ability to process video. Check with the software you wish to purchase to be sure about their requirements. I would recommend a deck top instead of a laptop for upgrade reasons. Later you may wish to use capture cards (pci slot cards) to capture devices like VCR, DVD, cameras, switchers and will need to be able to add cards to your system.

Projectors are another difficult decision. A good price does not always result in a good picture. Most mistakes are made in purchasing a projector by price instead of needs, resulting in a dim image. The position of the screen, audience and projector all have serious influence over what type of lumens (brightness) are needed for each particular venue.

Start by evaluating your seating. Measure the distance to the farthest viewer. Here is a formula for determining screen size: D / 8=SH. For example, if the distance (D) is 72 feet to your last row of seats, and 72 divided by 8 equals 9, then your screen needs to be at least 9 feet high. In addition, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, your screen size needs to be 12 feet wide by 9 feet tall.

Your first row of seats should be placed at a distance from the screen that equals two times the width of your screen. You can fudge a little because most front rows are not utilized for viewing. This formula can help you determine which screens to buy, whether you need multiple screens, and then where to place the projectors.

Now you are ready to determine the lumens you will need to light up those screens. The brightness of the light that a video projector emits is measured in "ANSI Lumens." Most projectors begin at around 1000 ANSI Lumens at the low end, extending up to more than 10,000 ANSI Lumens at the top end.

The light that reflects back off of the projection screen, i.e. the brightness that your eyes see, is measured in "Foot Lamberts." The average television set produces an image that is about 50 Foot Lamberts in brightness. A computer monitor produces a 45 Foot Lambert image. A movie theatre screen is about 15 Foot Lamberts in brightness, but the room is totally dark. Most churches aim for 35-45 Foot Lamberts if they have control over the ambient light entering the room. A bright church auditorium with many widows may require an image that is 50+ Foot Lamberts. Determining brightness can be determined by using the following formula: If you want 35 Foot Lamberts of light from your 15 x 12 (180 square feet) screen with a gain of 1, you will need a projector with at least 6300 ANSI Lumens.

The gain of the screen, some with a multiplying reflective surface, may allow you to choose a projector with less ANSI Lumens, like 1:2 ratio, but you will need to allow for the loss of viewing angle off to the sides.

If you are wondering about how big the text should be on the screen, here is a rule of thumb. The font should be 1.5 inches in height for every 20 feet between the farthest viewers and the display. Here is the formula for text size. (Distance / 20) x 1.5 = text size. For example, if the distance to the last row of seats is 60 feet, and 60 feet divided by 20 feet equals 3, and 3 x 1.5 inches equals 4.5 inches, then the font size on the display should be at least 4.5 inches in height in order to be seen clearly from the last row of seats.

Perhaps these tips will get you started on your way to investigating your needs. You can always consult with you're A/V dealer, and most will be happy to come and help you evaluate your needs.

My last advice comes from experience. Take your time to think outside the box. Most churches are in a hurry and usually make mistakes. So, spend extra time, not money, looking at your needs and looking at hardware providers and their equipment.

Also, when choosing software, ask for trial versions of the software and compare. Not all software is easy to use and powerful enough to meet all your needs.

Derek Pfeifer is sales and marketing directory for EasyWorship, www.easyworship.com .

Projectors Directory

ADTECH Systems
www.adtech-sys.com

All Pro Sound
www.allprosound.com

Audio Video Design
www.avd-prompt.com

AV Deals
www.avdeals.com

Barco Projection Systems Inc.
www.barro.com

BOXLIGHT
www.boxlight.com

Canon USA Inc.
www.usa.canon.com

CD Dimensions
www.cddimensions.com

Chief Mfg.
www.chiefmfg.com

Christian Video & Audio Systems, Inc.
www.christianv-a.com