KENNESAW, GA, (April 2000) - Selecting the proper projector for your installation can be complicated. If you have tried to purchase a personal computer recently, you can begin to understand the deluge of specifications, options and models that you will encounter when you begin researching projectors.

Light Output. Brightness is one of the most important specifications for worship environments. Your screen size and the level of ambient light will determine the answer to the question of how bright the projector must be. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has standardized a procedure for measuring light output (or brightness) of a projected image, despite its source. It is a specific standard that allows for a truly objective measurement, regardless of screen size (and credible projection manufacturers use it). Simply stated, it takes into account the overall brightness of the image rather than just the center of the image.

Thus, for a high ANSI lumen measurement, a projector must have good luminance uniformity (or satisfactory brightness) that spans the entire image (center and all four corners). Consider any non-ANSI measurements very suspect. Always ask the manufacturer if they guarantee a projector's performance will meet or exceed their published ANSI specifications.

Inevitably, projected image brightness has many challenges. Most medium to large houses of worship must combat considerable ambient light created by grandiose stained glass windows, congregation lighting and even broadcast equipment.

"When you're in an auditorium that holds almost 10,000 people, the whole point is to bring them [the congregation] into the service," says Rev. Doug Pigg, administrator, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL.

In this environment, a bright projector (5000 - 10,000 ANSI lumens) will go a long way in ensuring each member can visualize the multimedia support clearly.

Resolution. This specification should address both the native resolution of the projector and its compatibility resolution for higher sources. Native resolution refers to the actual physical resolution of the display device used by the projector to create the picture.

Compatibility resolution refers to the highest resolution input source that the projector will accept. For example, some DLP-based projectors, based on a native chip resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, will accept sources with a resolution up to 1280 x 1024.

They are able to do this by using an internal scaler that resizes the image to fit on the lower resolution device. Ultimately, the sources that you are planning to display on the projection system will determine the required resolution of the display. If your application strictly involves the display of video images from broadcast cameras or a VCR, a lower resolution projector will be adequate. But, if you are planning on displaying computer sources such as Power Point presentations and hymn lyrics, you may want to consider a higher resolution projector.

Some newer projectors use a 3-chip SXGA (1280 x 1024) DLP design and can display extended format, hi-definition sources for expanded use during broadcasts or image critical programming.

Reliability and Serviceability. Once you install your projection system, you will want to be confident of consistent and
reliable performance. Ultimately, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of your projection system without ever having to think about the technology.

To a great extent, this will be determined by the core technology of the projector. Look inside the machine and see how complex it is. How easy is it to service the machine and to change lamps? (All ultra-bright projectors require periodic lamp changes to ensure peak light output.) How difficult is it to set up the projector for new sources, and does it require ongoing adjustment to ensure the best possible picture?

Ultimately, seeing is believing. The best way to ensure that you are selecting a projector that will meet your needs is to schedule a demonstration in your worship space. Schedule with your volunteer and non-technical staff--who are often asked to operate the equipment--and give them an opportunity to pick up the remote and "tweak" the image.

Attempt to define your objectives clearly to the dealer, installer or manufacturer hosting the demo. If your budget does not support the purchase of a projector with adequate performance to provide a good, large-screen picture--that can be viewed clearly by the entire congregation--you are better off waiting than purchasing a projector that is not well-suited to your unique requirements.

Aesthetics

Churches, worship spaces and youth centers present special challenges in terms of the appearance of the projector and screen. Typically, an AV system designer's goal is to allow the projection screen to dominate the attention of the audience when it is being used. Church installations differ from this standard in that the projected image is created to enhance the environment and to reinforce a message, not to distract the congregation.

The key is to design a system where the projector is out of sight and the screen blends into the architecture of the church. The screen size must be large enough so that the projected image is clearly intelligible (especially when used for hymn text or program announcements), but not so large that it detracts from the focus of the worship service. Many churches opt for multiple screens carefully placed to allow clear sight lines for the congregations. Often, this includes screens positioned on the left and right sides of the stage.

Rear projection or front projection

There are two basic approaches to video projection: rear projection and front projection. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Front Projection. Front projection involves displaying the image onto the front of a reflective screen surface. In this approach, the video projector is pointing in the same direction that the viewers are looking. The light from the video projector reflects off of the screen surface and back into the eyes of the viewers.

Advantages

• Front projection does not require any additional space behind the screen. The projector can be installed in the choir loft or projection booth with a long throw lens.
• Front projection screens are less expensive and easier to install. Motorized front projection screens can be retracted so that they "disappear" when not in use.
• In general, front projection screens have better performance in terms of color and viewing angle.

Disadvantages

• Front projection is more sensitive to the ambient light in the worship space. Because the screen is reflective, it reflects the light from the projector and light from other sources such as stage lighting and windows. With front projection, the lighting in the worship space must be controlled carefully to keep it from washing out the screen.
• Front projection requires that the projector be installed somewhere within the worship space. In many applications, it is impossible to place the projector in a location where it is not visible to the congregation.

Rear Projection. Rear projection involves the display of the image onto the backside of a rear projection screen. The screen acts as a lens, passing the light from the projector through the screen and to the viewer's eyes.

Advantages

• Rear projection removes the projector from the worship space. It is behind the screen and out of sight.
• Rear projection is much less sensitive to ambient lighting. Rear projection systems will provide a bright image, even in a well-lit environment.

Disadvantages

• Rear projection is more expensive. The screens are more costly, installation is more intricate and a large space is required behind the screen.
• Rear projection screen surfaces offer narrower angles of view and more "hot spotting."

A manufacturer's role

Not all manufacturers of high brightness projection equipment approach the church market with the same dedication. A multimedia minister or operator should develop a personal relationship with a manufacturer representative immediately. This can be accomplished by asking about training or operation certification classes. In the case of Digital Projection, Inc., its corporate headquarters offer free training certification built around 1.5 days of didactic, hands-on operation. These classes develop the fundamental skills associated with optimizing the projector for image stability and advanced use.

In addition, manufacturer-sponsored training classes will certify that end-users can tackle simple maintenance issues and trouble-shooting techniques. By learning the basics, churches can save on expensive repair and inexcusable downtime, both of which may have been avoided.

If training classes are not scheduled or located conveniently, ask the manufacturer to meet in your facility and invite the dealer, installer and operating staff to attend. Ultimately, a user's comfort level in the daily operation and maintenance of this high tech equipment will determine in which model to invest.

Dealers and integrators

Dealers, integrators and consultants are the value added resellers (VAR) of AV equipment. Like VARs of the computer industry, they are experts in specifying all of the technical equipment required to maximize your presentation dollar.

Dealers represent an omnibus of technical gear. Integrators specialize in the expert set-up and networking of your systems, so they communicate with each other. Consultants can be used to bring them all together.

When researching either of these specialists, prepare a list of your known hardware and visualize how this equipment will be used. Ask the dealer to prepare an estimate that includes projector(s), lenses and extra lamps and, depending on your goals, control management devices, religious presentation software, laptops, video servers, broadcast equipment and, of course, audio hardware. While they're preparing this, check their references. Have they specified equipment for many churches? Which ones? Get references and call them.

Your commitment to this equipment will affect your congregation's experience forever.

"It's something people not only have widely accepted, but come to expect," remarked Pigg. "When the children's choir is singing, you can see the children's faces." A feat not easily accomplished without some display help.

Jerry Meier is the national sales manager for Digital Projection, Inc. (Kennesaw, GA), and Tim J. Butler is the senior manager, marketing communications for Digital Projection, Inc.

Written by Tim J. Butler and Jerry Meier