Last year when I joined the staff of Liman Video Rental Co. to assist in the expansion of  the Audio Visual and Presentation Support Department, I found that many of our clients have expressed an interest in presenting their video projects on screens larger than the ones found in their production suites. In this brief article, I can only “scratch the surface” of the topic of video projection, but I would be more than happy to field any inquiries via email.

Video and computer projection is a very cost effective way to display video on larger screens. With numerous advancements in video and data projectors it has become quite easy to do so. Virtually, all contemporary projectors can accept input from any video source such as videotape and disc players as well as signal from laptop and desktop computers. We offer several different types of video projectors that are quite cost effective and easy to use. Many don’t require bringing in an operator to run the show due to these projectors’ user friendly design for ease of operation. 

When choosing a video projector a few things need to be taken into consideration. The room where the presentation need to be taken into account.

The key issues that need to be addressed are room size, ceiling height, control of ambient light and the placement of the projector and the screen and the availability of a sound system (which LVR can also provide). The most common sizes of screens fall within the 5’ X 7’ to 9’ X 12’ range. The approximate height required for screens should allow an extra 3’ to 4’. A 5’ X 7’ screen needs about 8’ to 9’ feet of ceiling height,  a 6’ X 8’ screen needs about 9’ to 10’ feet of ceiling height, and a 9’ X 12’ screen needs about 12’ to 13’ of ceiling height.

The most basic screen type is the tripod screen. Tripod screens are the easiest to setup. We offer tripod screens that can provide 3 ½’ X 5’ to 6’ X 8’ image sizes. Tripod screens usually only require one person to setup and can be setup in minutes.

For a more impressive presentation, another type of screen can be utilized. These screens are often referred to as FASTFOLD or CINEFOLD screens. FASTFOLD type screens can be used for front or rear projection. These screens can also be dressed up with DRESS KITS that are available with these types of screens. A DRESS KIT consists of hardware and velour panels known as the skirt, wings and valance which are usually black in color.
FASTFOLD type screens usually require more than 1 person to setup and take down and have more components which require transport via truck or van. 

Projectors come in different light output levels and have different lens options. A low cost 1600 lumen projector has a built in zoom lens which is not interchangeable. Our higher brightness projectors can accommodate different lenses for problematic setups where the projector may need to be closer to the screen or farther than the screen. These lenses are referred to as short throw and long throw lenses.
All of our projectors can be used in a front or rear projection mode selectable within the menu options accessed through the projector’s controls. These controls also allow the user to select the source that will be used to feed the projectors which is either data or video. Many projectors have built-in sound reproduction capability but these sound systems are not usually powerful enough for most applications.

In order to reproduce sound, the use of speakers, power amplifier and a mixer is required with proper cables for the sound source(s). Computers usually require a cable with a stereo 1/8” male connector to a pair of stereo rca male connections outfitted with rca female to ¼” male mono adapters. Consumer format VCRs and DVD decks usually have rca output. Broadcast and/or Industrial VCRs usually need XLR cables.

All of the video and data presentation gear that I’ve discussed can be setup by our in house staff or by the end-user.