Projection outdoors, summer equinox time

[u_dakka]

Silly director (see here) wants to use outdoor projection at for a show starting at 7.45 between 20/6 and 25/6. Having checked the sunset times we're looking around 20.45 for sunset. Unfortunately him being useless, has meant I dont have a sketch of the stage yet so I have no idea of whether this will be recessed away at all. He is after a kind of faded look for the projection, so it doesnt need to be top quality at that sort of time.

What sort of lumens should I be looking for?

 

Sorry if I'm giving the wrong information, but this isn't my speciality.

thanks

andy

[oakwarden]

I pressume that you are talking about using a Video/Data projector. If so I would sugegst that it would be pretty well impossible to achive. I did this last summer - using 4 x 3000 lummen projectors on to two screens, Back projected onto on of the Rosco screens (cannot remebre exact type but can look it up if it helps). This was at the end of July and we started the show at about the time for sunset and it was at least 30 mins into the show before they were effective. We had planned for this and the main use of them was later in the show, but does demonstarte teh dificulties and checking the line up was near impossible befroe the show started.

I can give you exact details of projectors and screens used and a photo if would help

Simon

[Stewart Newlands]

you could try hiring one of these:

 

Christie HD+30K DLP® digital projector

"There’s only one projector with the brightest, highest resolution HD image – the Christie HD+30K DLP® digital projector. Rounding out Christie’s expansive HD product line up, there’s no comparison for resolution, brightness or performance.

 

Producing 30,000 ANSI lumens, the Christie Roadie HD+30K 3-chip DLP® digital projector utilizes Christie’s unique, flexible split-body design and features a new scooped hood, improved rear air exhaust and stackability while the revamped lens mount increases its rock solid performance.

 

With native 2048 x 1080 HD resolution and 10-bit image processing, images are simply stunning in their size, brilliance and quality. This tough, user-friendly projector is built for true road worthiness – frequent transport and quick set-up. With built-in body handles for handling and rigging or an optional stacking/ rigging frame, there’s nowhere the Roadie can’t go. "

 

but LED wall might be better, both are going to cost a fair bit...

[DMX Will]

We did this last summer. We had one screen with two 3500 lumen projectors position exactly ontop of each other, pointed at 2 sheets of ply and stuck in the ground with poles (ply painted white). Worked very well (even from 3pm when the event started) although the image was small, as the projectors were about 3m away from the screens.

[pumphouse]

The screen will have as much effect on your end result as the projector (if not more).

 

Rear projection (with a proper optical screen) will be better than front projection, as the rearpro screen will reject ambint light from the front. The rear will need to be enclosed though.

 

If you are forced to front projection, if you can obtain a SuperNova screen from dnp these are optical screens that reject light that isn't from the projector and produces very good results in high ambient light.

 

In all cases, you'll need a projector of 3500 - 5000 ANSI lumens, and will need to avoid direct sunlight falling on the screen as no projector can compete with the squillion lumens that come from the sky!

 

Jason

[Pete McCrea]

Whilst the DNP screens are very good, I'd urge a note of caution. They work by reflecting all light that hits the screen, but at the angle of incidence. So if a projector is point square onto the screen, the light will be reflected straight back. If light is coming in at 45 degrees from the left, it will be sent out at the same angle to the right. so if the sun was setting, with a south facing screen, people on the South-East axis would get reflection from the sun.

 

The guys from Paradigm demonstrated the screen to us with a 1K builders light. When viewing the screen straight on with the light bottom right, you hardly notice the effect of the light. However place it beside you and the image is washed out by the light. I remember coming away thinking "great product, just needs to be positioned and the room lit carefully."

 

Sorry If I've not explained it too well....

[lukemh]

Whilst the DNP screens are very good, I'd urge a note of caution. They work by reflecting all light that hits the screen, but at the angle of incidence. So if a projector is point square onto the screen, the light will be reflected straight back. If light is coming in at 45 degrees from the left, it will be sent out at the same angle to the right. so if the sun was setting, with a south facing screen, people on the South-East axis would get reflection from the sun.

 

The guys from Paradigm demonstrated the screen to us with a 1K builders light. When viewing the screen straight on with the light bottom right, you hardly notice the effect of the light. However place it beside you and the image is washed out by the light. I remember coming away thinking "great product, just needs to be positioned and the room lit carefully."

 

Sorry If I've not explained it too well....

 

I have to agree although it is the best front solution on the market IMO Little DJ is right about being cautious on positioning

[Grahame]

<pedant mode> I just have to point out the etymological mistake in the title of this thread - it should be the summer solstice, not equinox. Equinox means 'equal night' and happens around March and September 21 when day and night are the same length. Solstice means 'Sun still' and happens around June and Dec 21 when the Sun's daily rising and setting positions reach the furthest north and furthest south points respectively and for a few days don't seem to move much, rather like a pendulum at the end of its swing. </pedant mode>