What sort of projector do we need?

Question

We are a small church about to launch a monthly film night, with a half-size gym. We also want to use a projector to project worship music and other items onto the wall of our auditorium - which holds perhaps 200 full capacity in pews. We are looking for a strong, clear, inexpensive projector. Any recommendations?

Answer 1

See link below for a lot of good info and reviews of specific models.

That said you will need something which projects a bright image (probably 2-3000 ANSI lumens (brightness)), can project a 120" or larger image from 20+ feet back from the screen, and has a contrast ratio of at least 1000:1 if it is to be used in a dim but not dark room (and preferably better than 2000:1 if in a dark room).

You will also need to decide what native aspect ratio is best (16:9 or 4:3) since that impacts on how different material displays. Basically widescreen stuff (movies / HDTV) displays fine on a 4:3 projector, but 4:3 stuff (older movies, standard TV) would be very small on a 16:9 projector.

Some possibilities: Sanyo PLV-75, Dell 2400MP (less expensive and in some ways has superior performance), Canon Realis series (SX-6, 60 or 600). or .... look at the reviews and do some reading since only the user knows what factors are important and need to be given high priority.

Answer 2

Read no further. The first answer was the best. Focus on the features the first person gave you (they meet the needs you specified) rather than brand. The only other advice I would give would be to look for a unit that has a low and high setting (using the low setting at night when you need less brightness save on the bulb - which will run you $300 at a minimum). A good bulb, on a low setting, in a 2000-3000 ANSI Lumen projector will last approximately 2,000 hours.