What about the screens for on stage? Amient light is a PITA. I would like to get to no truss lighting. Imagine a clean stage. Looking at screens, scrims, and equipment, painted with the right paint and texure, to allow a short throw projector to shine but ambient to get rejected. LOL I should just use cheap LED screens and get a case. There are lots of new tech for screens with sawtooth textures to show bright from on direction and reject from other angles. Does black work better than gray or white. I would love to see a video on screens and paint, on a lighted stage. Its easy to make it work in a dark home theater. Now try that in a bar with windows. Thanks for the video. I am a pro and watched every minute of it. You can always learn something.
Hi! I'm a beginner on the videomapping world and i would like to ask which proyector do you recommend for someone that is going to travel a lot and work within indoor and outdoor events? Thanks, cheers from Spain :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this learning episode, thank you for the time, information and humor shared. I am hoping you or someone can assist me with a task. I have a projector screen 5x7m big for a auditorium stage which needs a full screen projection on and I would like to know what is the best and yet affordable way of doing it. The directors of the dance performance wants the screen to be used as a backdrop with predominately static imagery and 3 or four short motion clips. I want to know can I use a 16:9 ratio projector to keystone the imagery completely on the screen? Which of the two would be best, short or a far lens mounted on top front of the screen? There will be stage lighting so the imagery needs to be bright and contrast high enough. The projector screen material is Spandex. Do you have any tips on image output and export from computer to ensure a good fit on a screen that size? I appreciate the assistance and thank you kindly in advance. Warm Regards. P.S I have 1 week and a half to source the projector that will give a decent visual effect for their needs.
Will a casio xj v2 work for simple window projection. Its a 7 year old projector i want to get from a used market. The alternative is to get the cheaper happrun h1
I don't have any experience with this projector, but looking at the specs, it looks pretty good! 1024 x 768 = 4:3 aspect ratio, but decent resolution. 3,000 lumens is good too. According to Projector Central this has a "hybrid laser & led light source" which sounds like a good thing too. www.projectorcentral.com/Casio-XJ-V2.htm
Thanks SO much for this! Great info 👍 For applications where cameras are recording a performance, is there a feature or way of ensuring the projector image isn't flickering on camera? Would that have to do with refresh rate? Are laser projectors better/worse for flicker? I've been searching but not finding much info Thanks!
I have only had anecdotal experience with this but I'll share what I know. In short, I haven't had any problems with flicker. The longer version: In the US, our AC power alternates at 60Hz (60 cycles per second). In Europe it's 50Hz. Therefore the standard TV framerate was based on those rates, ending up as ~30fps (frames per second) in North America and ~25fps in most of the rest of the world. These days, most projectors will use a framerate of either 30 or 60 in the US and either 25 or 50 elsewhere. Also, most TVs and projectors these days use "progressive" frames (as opposed to "interlaced"). That's the "P" (for progressive) on 720P or 1080P. You may have recording problems using interlaced projectors because the interlacing in the projector may be out of sync with the camera. But as long as you've got a "P" projector and your recording device is also recording at a similar rate as your projector, you should be just fine - which is to say, use a US-model camera to record a US-model video projector. I get the feeling that this was more of an issue with older analog equipment than it is with current digital stuff. These days, you can, for instance, hold your phone up and record your TV just fine without flicker. You should have a similar experience with your projector. But there was always nasty drift when you held your VHS camcorder up to record your CRT TV - for those of you who can remember that. That was an analog interlaced TV being recorded by an analog interlaced recorder. These days everything is digital and progressive and we don't have those problems. I don't believe laser projectors will be any better/worse for flicker. At least that's been my experience. If anyone has better information, please correct me!
This was great. Thank you. I need an ultra short throw projector that can go on the ground behind a stage platform and shoot up to a big 10 x 12 screen. The one a company is trying to rent to me is $1500 per week. just to rent. Can I buy one for around $1500 that could do the same thing? I don't need home theater bells and whistles- i need actual theater capabilities. I'm guessing I'd need better lumens since there will be other lights on stage. Thanks!
Funny you should ask! I just picked up a factory-renewed LS100 from Epson a few weeks ago (via eBay). It's 4,000 lumens, which is very good for an ultra-short laser projector. And it was just $1500. Looks like you can still find them on eBay (be sure you're buying directly from Epson). This thing is BIG though. I also picked up a Pelican iM2875 case to haul it to SXSW and NAMM in the coming months. It's road-ready now, but the case cost another $375. 🤦♂
This is the exact information i was looking for. Thank you so much! Does anyone know the legality of using very short clips (like, GIF size) of video content that you don't own? (for example, a band's video) for use in a video backdrop for tribute band. Thanks for any advise. Excellent video.
Amazing video! So helpful! I own a dance studio and I am hunting for the best projector for our dance shows. We want to be able to project digital visuals on the syke while our dancers are performing on stage. We are looking to cover a large area like approximately 25 feet by 15 feet. Do you have a recommendation for the best projector for me to purchase?!! Any suggestions would be helpful!
The larger the projection image, the more diffused (dimmer) the picture will be. So you'll want a brighter projector. Also, the larger the projection image, the further the projector will need to be from the wall. So you might want a short or ultra short throw projector. The shorter the throw of the projector, the flatter your projection surface will need to be. Traditional cyclorama backgrounds are curved, so if that's what you're projecting on, a conventional-throw projector might work better if you've got the space. If you're doing a permanent installation in your own studio, you can ceiling mount and you'll have a lot more control. But if you're looking for a projector to bring to a 3rd party venue, an ultra short throw will be less likely to be in the way of the dancers. Ultra short throw projectors can be a bit bulky though. And you might find a more portable short throw that would work for you. Okay, that's a lot of information. Here's the short version: Get a minimum 4,000-lumen short- or ultra-short-throw projector. The brighter the better. 1080P is probably fine. A laser projector will be a bit more rugged and last you longer, but anything will do. Respected brands include Epson, BenQ, Optoma, ViewSonic, Sony, and Panasonic. Hope that's helpful. Also, check out Visibox! It's a great way to project visuals during performances. It's also a nice system for audio playback. spaceage.tv
Hi! Thank you for this video. I am working on a project where we are projecting onto a pepper skrim on a stage that will be lit. It's a dance piece. I was just wondering if you had any recommendations for the lumens that I would need?
Scrim projections! Very cool. For anyone who doesn't know, a scrim is a piece of meshed cloth (sometimes called a mosquito curtain) which can appear either transparent or opaque depending on how it is lit. I don't have experience with that yet. But brighter is just about always better. Remember that the scrim is translucent - which means that some, if not MOST of the light that you project onto it will go THROUGH it rather than appearing to the audience. So you're reducing the practical lumen level by losing light to the holes in the scrim. My gut feeling is that 4 to 5,000 lumens is going to be the minimum that you'd need.. and depending on the production level, you'll probably need more than that to be happy. Let me know how it goes. I'd love to learn more about scrim projection.
Great video, it really helped. I noticed you mentioned obtaining an Epson 535W on the used market in answer to one of the other commenter’s questions about a budget “throw-it-in-the-van” solution. I was wondering what you thought about the ultra-short throw, comparably priced Epson 585W or 595Wi? Stage space is a premium for us, and I was wondering if there is a reason the 535W might be a better choice. Are ultra-short throws bulkier because of the mirror? Or more delicate?
Pretty sure the 585 cannot throw from the ground, so you'd have to mount it to something to throw from above. Curious what you ended up landing on projector wise?
Certainly, buying a lightly-used projector will be a better deal than a new one. That being said, the Espon PowerLite 1781W is super portable and has 3200 lumens for USD ~$800, but it's got a relatively long throw and relatively low resolution (~720P). These laptop-sized Epson PowerLite projectors have been around for a while and you can find them on eBay for pretty cheap. Those are good starter projectors. Check lumen level, resolution, and lightbulb hours before buying. Epson also has a bunch of short-throw projectors that you can find good deals on in the used market. The 435W or the 535W might a good way to go. Again, check bulb life and maybe budget to buy a new bulb. I just bought a refurbished Epson LS100 4000 lumen, ulta-short-throw laser projector for USD $1500. It's a beast, but it's nice and bright and takes up virtually no space on stage. And you don't have to worry about bulb life with a laser projector. I may post a video about this projector soon. I like the Epsons, but there are other good brands out there. www.projectorcentral.com is a great place to look up data on projectors that you find on the used market. Good luck!
@@spaceagecheers for the video! An AV hire company just recommend putting 1 projector on each side of the stage - so it doesn’t go in our eyes.. would you recommend this? If not, where is a good spot to place a projector? 👍🏼
Are there dangers having a projector pointed at you while you're performing? You're going to be essentially looking at that bulb light for a whole set, yeah? I'm thinking of projecting over myself live.
I've certainly played a lot of shows with bright lights shining in my eyes. It can be irritating, distracting, and headache-inducing. For better or worse, it also creates a level of disconnectedness from the audience. Projectors are just a more focused, super-bright light to contend with. Bright lights in general, and laser projectors in particular, could potentially damage your retinas. Maybe sunglasses would help? 😎 The further you are from the projector, the more dispersed the light will be, but ultimately, you'll need to test it out and see what works for you. I suppose you could also use a light meter and do some research on the dangers of retinal damage. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3144654/
Why not just use an LED screen instead? It’s a lot brighter, and cheaper without the additional purchases of a projection screen and specialized programs for mapping.
@@michelebucceri Well, when you buy a projector you also need to buy a light bulb for it, and several replacements in case the bulb or projector explodes. Plus, projector screens can be very expensive and the scrim can wear down easily. And you’d need a lot of projection mapping programs to get the effects you’re after, so the money it costs for each program adds up quickly. On top of that, since projectors and specialized lightbulbs consume a lot of power, the power bill for your gig is likely to be quite high…and because of the added heat, you run the risk of fire damage to ceilings, walls, or other surfaces. LED Screens don’t require special programs, bulbs, replacements, or scrim, despite being priced a bit higher at first. And the power draw is lower so the power bills will also be lower, plus maintenance doesn’t need to be carried out as frequently.
You make learning really fun. I’m really glad to have came across this video! Very happy to have subscribed.
Best video I’ve seen to explain projection. Thanks man!
That was brilliantly explained. Thank you
GREAT VIDEO , man thank you.
Brilliant Video Man. Thanks for making it
Thank you - and I see your Yamaha Revstar 🙂
this was absolutely perfect - thank you so much for this video!
Getting into doing live performance media for Co-Ops! this was really helpful, thank you!
Great!
I’ve seen a few videos about projecting a regular projector onto mirrors to turn it into a short throw. Have you tried this?
What about the screens for on stage? Amient light is a PITA. I would like to get to no truss lighting. Imagine a clean stage. Looking at screens, scrims, and equipment, painted with the right paint and texure, to allow a short throw projector to shine but ambient to get rejected. LOL I should just use cheap LED screens and get a case. There are lots of new tech for screens with sawtooth textures to show bright from on direction and reject from other angles. Does black work better than gray or white. I would love to see a video on screens and paint, on a lighted stage. Its easy to make it work in a dark home theater. Now try that in a bar with windows. Thanks for the video. I am a pro and watched every minute of it. You can always learn something.
Thank you for doing this, really helped.
Happy to help. Thanks for subscribing!
Thank you
Really Excellent video, very helpful information as we are looking for a top projector
Freakin awesome. Thankyou!
So is that 5,000 lumens ANSI Lumens or just lumens? Or does it not matter/there is no difference? Great video!
Fantastic info, thanks! ive done 3 years of videos at my channel that I may take live....what is the visibox? thing you mentioned?
spaceage.tv
Thank you so much for this, especially the example. Exactly what I needed!👍👍👍
ahh! Thank you so much for this video! really really helpful!! Merci!
Hi! I'm a beginner on the videomapping world and i would like to ask which proyector do you recommend for someone that is going to travel a lot and work within indoor and outdoor events?
Thanks, cheers from Spain :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this learning episode, thank you for the time, information and humor shared. I am hoping you or someone can assist me with a task. I have a projector screen 5x7m big for a auditorium stage which needs a full screen projection on and I would like to know what is the best and yet affordable way of doing it. The directors of the dance performance wants the screen to be used as a backdrop with predominately static imagery and 3 or four short motion clips. I want to know can I use a 16:9 ratio projector to keystone the imagery completely on the screen? Which of the two would be best, short or a far lens mounted on top front of the screen? There will be stage lighting so the imagery needs to be bright and contrast high enough. The projector screen material is Spandex. Do you have any tips on image output and export from computer to ensure a good fit on a screen that size? I appreciate the assistance and thank you kindly in advance. Warm Regards. P.S I have 1 week and a half to source the projector that will give a decent visual effect for their needs.
Help lot … thank you
Will a casio xj v2 work for simple window projection. Its a 7 year old projector i want to get from a used market. The alternative is to get the cheaper happrun h1
I don't have any experience with this projector, but looking at the specs, it looks pretty good! 1024 x 768 = 4:3 aspect ratio, but decent resolution. 3,000 lumens is good too. According to Projector Central this has a "hybrid laser & led light source" which sounds like a good thing too. www.projectorcentral.com/Casio-XJ-V2.htm
Thanks SO much for this! Great info 👍
For applications where cameras are recording a performance, is there a feature or way of ensuring the projector image isn't flickering on camera?
Would that have to do with refresh rate? Are laser projectors better/worse for flicker?
I've been searching but not finding much info
Thanks!
I have only had anecdotal experience with this but I'll share what I know. In short, I haven't had any problems with flicker. The longer version: In the US, our AC power alternates at 60Hz (60 cycles per second). In Europe it's 50Hz. Therefore the standard TV framerate was based on those rates, ending up as ~30fps (frames per second) in North America and ~25fps in most of the rest of the world. These days, most projectors will use a framerate of either 30 or 60 in the US and either 25 or 50 elsewhere. Also, most TVs and projectors these days use "progressive" frames (as opposed to "interlaced"). That's the "P" (for progressive) on 720P or 1080P. You may have recording problems using interlaced projectors because the interlacing in the projector may be out of sync with the camera. But as long as you've got a "P" projector and your recording device is also recording at a similar rate as your projector, you should be just fine - which is to say, use a US-model camera to record a US-model video projector. I get the feeling that this was more of an issue with older analog equipment than it is with current digital stuff. These days, you can, for instance, hold your phone up and record your TV just fine without flicker. You should have a similar experience with your projector. But there was always nasty drift when you held your VHS camcorder up to record your CRT TV - for those of you who can remember that. That was an analog interlaced TV being recorded by an analog interlaced recorder. These days everything is digital and progressive and we don't have those problems. I don't believe laser projectors will be any better/worse for flicker. At least that's been my experience. If anyone has better information, please correct me!
This was great. Thank you. I need an ultra short throw projector that can go on the ground behind a stage platform and shoot up to a big 10 x 12 screen. The one a company is trying to rent to me is $1500 per week. just to rent. Can I buy one for around $1500 that could do the same thing? I don't need home theater bells and whistles- i need actual theater capabilities. I'm guessing I'd need better lumens since there will be other lights on stage. Thanks!
Funny you should ask! I just picked up a factory-renewed LS100 from Epson a few weeks ago (via eBay). It's 4,000 lumens, which is very good for an ultra-short laser projector. And it was just $1500. Looks like you can still find them on eBay (be sure you're buying directly from Epson). This thing is BIG though. I also picked up a Pelican iM2875 case to haul it to SXSW and NAMM in the coming months. It's road-ready now, but the case cost another $375. 🤦♂
@@spaceage thank you!!
This is the exact information i was looking for. Thank you so much! Does anyone know the legality of using very short clips (like, GIF size) of video content that you don't own? (for example, a band's video) for use in a video backdrop for tribute band. Thanks for any advise. Excellent video.
Amazing video! So helpful! I own a dance studio and I am hunting for the best projector for our dance shows. We want to be able to project digital visuals on the syke while our dancers are performing on stage. We are looking to cover a large area like approximately 25 feet by 15 feet. Do you have a recommendation for the best projector for me to purchase?!! Any suggestions would be helpful!
The larger the projection image, the more diffused (dimmer) the picture will be. So you'll want a brighter projector. Also, the larger the projection image, the further the projector will need to be from the wall. So you might want a short or ultra short throw projector. The shorter the throw of the projector, the flatter your projection surface will need to be. Traditional cyclorama backgrounds are curved, so if that's what you're projecting on, a conventional-throw projector might work better if you've got the space.
If you're doing a permanent installation in your own studio, you can ceiling mount and you'll have a lot more control. But if you're looking for a projector to bring to a 3rd party venue, an ultra short throw will be less likely to be in the way of the dancers. Ultra short throw projectors can be a bit bulky though. And you might find a more portable short throw that would work for you. Okay, that's a lot of information. Here's the short version: Get a minimum 4,000-lumen short- or ultra-short-throw projector. The brighter the better. 1080P is probably fine. A laser projector will be a bit more rugged and last you longer, but anything will do. Respected brands include Epson, BenQ, Optoma, ViewSonic, Sony, and Panasonic. Hope that's helpful.
Also, check out Visibox! It's a great way to project visuals during performances. It's also a nice system for audio playback. spaceage.tv
Hi! Thank you for this video. I am working on a project where we are projecting onto a pepper skrim on a stage that will be lit. It's a dance piece. I was just wondering if you had any recommendations for the lumens that I would need?
Scrim projections! Very cool. For anyone who doesn't know, a scrim is a piece of meshed cloth (sometimes called a mosquito curtain) which can appear either transparent or opaque depending on how it is lit. I don't have experience with that yet. But brighter is just about always better. Remember that the scrim is translucent - which means that some, if not MOST of the light that you project onto it will go THROUGH it rather than appearing to the audience. So you're reducing the practical lumen level by losing light to the holes in the scrim. My gut feeling is that 4 to 5,000 lumens is going to be the minimum that you'd need.. and depending on the production level, you'll probably need more than that to be happy. Let me know how it goes. I'd love to learn more about scrim projection.
Great video, it really helped. I noticed you mentioned obtaining an Epson 535W on the used market in answer to one of the other commenter’s questions about a budget “throw-it-in-the-van” solution. I was wondering what you thought about the ultra-short throw, comparably priced Epson 585W or 595Wi? Stage space is a premium for us, and I was wondering if there is a reason the 535W might be a better choice. Are ultra-short throws bulkier because of the mirror? Or more delicate?
Pretty sure the 585 cannot throw from the ground, so you'd have to mount it to something to throw from above. Curious what you ended up landing on projector wise?
Sorry, late response. I ended up with the 535w. It’s great for my needs.
Are there any projectors you could recommend for stage musicians and ones that are reasonably priced?
Certainly, buying a lightly-used projector will be a better deal than a new one. That being said, the Espon PowerLite 1781W is super portable and has 3200 lumens for USD ~$800, but it's got a relatively long throw and relatively low resolution (~720P). These laptop-sized Epson PowerLite projectors have been around for a while and you can find them on eBay for pretty cheap. Those are good starter projectors. Check lumen level, resolution, and lightbulb hours before buying. Epson also has a bunch of short-throw projectors that you can find good deals on in the used market. The 435W or the 535W might a good way to go. Again, check bulb life and maybe budget to buy a new bulb. I just bought a refurbished Epson LS100 4000 lumen, ulta-short-throw laser projector for USD $1500. It's a beast, but it's nice and bright and takes up virtually no space on stage. And you don't have to worry about bulb life with a laser projector. I may post a video about this projector soon. I like the Epsons, but there are other good brands out there. www.projectorcentral.com is a great place to look up data on projectors that you find on the used market. Good luck!
@@spaceage thanks for info
@@spaceagecheers for the video! An AV hire company just recommend putting 1 projector on each side of the stage - so it doesn’t go in our eyes.. would you recommend this? If not, where is a good spot to place a projector?
👍🏼
Are there dangers having a projector pointed at you while you're performing? You're going to be essentially looking at that bulb light for a whole set, yeah?
I'm thinking of projecting over myself live.
I've certainly played a lot of shows with bright lights shining in my eyes. It can be irritating, distracting, and headache-inducing. For better or worse, it also creates a level of disconnectedness from the audience. Projectors are just a more focused, super-bright light to contend with. Bright lights in general, and laser projectors in particular, could potentially damage your retinas. Maybe sunglasses would help? 😎 The further you are from the projector, the more dispersed the light will be, but ultimately, you'll need to test it out and see what works for you. I suppose you could also use a light meter and do some research on the dangers of retinal damage. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3144654/
Why not just use an LED screen instead? It’s a lot brighter, and cheaper without the additional purchases of a projection screen and specialized programs for mapping.
Can I ask you how it is cheaper? I am sincerely curious, as I am trying to decide which is the best option for live gigging.
@@michelebucceri Well, when you buy a projector you also need to buy a light bulb for it, and several replacements in case the bulb or projector explodes. Plus, projector screens can be very expensive and the scrim can wear down easily. And you’d need a lot of projection mapping programs to get the effects you’re after, so the money it costs for each program adds up quickly.
On top of that, since projectors and specialized lightbulbs consume a lot of power, the power bill for your gig is likely to be quite high…and because of the added heat, you run the risk of fire damage to ceilings, walls, or other surfaces.
LED Screens don’t require special programs, bulbs, replacements, or scrim, despite being priced a bit higher at first. And the power draw is lower so the power bills will also be lower, plus maintenance doesn’t need to be carried out as frequently.
@@co-jt6gd thanks for the thorough response man! Could you mention a few models to keep in mind, since you seem quite expert?
@@michelebucceri ADJ, Chauvet, Blizzard, Elation to name a few.
You can't project an led screen onto a set. An led screen is basically useless in theater except as a special