Picking the right projector for outdoors -- 16 feet (1 Viewer)

[dadoftwowinds]

[COLOR= black]Guys, I am a real newbie at this. I am down to a couple of projectors that I plan on using for a 16 foot screen... outdoors. It will be in a downtown area on a side block -- so not full city lights but there is some. From a previous post, I learned that I need a lot of lumens. I do not really know what "a lot" means... but these are the two I have decided upon (I am going for 1000-1500 in price). One is DLP and one is LCD. In your opinion, which one is better?[/COLOR]



[COLOR= black]Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8350 Projector [/COLOR]


[COLOR= black]Optoma HD20 Projector [/COLOR]



[COLOR= black]Of course, you might suggest something else -- I really appreciate your input.[/COLOR]




[COLOR= black]My next question is in regards to the suggestion made to me by the company that is selling the screen. I want to make sure I am not missing something. They are selling me the 16 foot and they suggested the Optoma TX615 -- specs below. This one has good lumens but the size below does not reach 16 feet. Surely they know this -- of course I have inquired and am awaiting an answer. But, since I am in a rush, does screen size mean the best screen size but it can go larger? There is not many reviews on this projector -- any opinions on this one?[/COLOR]







Optoma TX615 Projector Specifications

(show metric units)





Product Sheet User's Manual














Street Price (USD) :

$899



MSRP (USD) :

$999



Brightness (Lumens) :

3500 ANSI



Contrast (Full On/Off) :

3000:1



Variable Iris:

No



Audible Noise:

34.0 dB



Eco-Mode:

29.0 dB



Weight:

6.4 lbs



Size (inches) (HxWxD) :

3.8 x 12.8 x 9.2







Std. Lens:

Focus:





Manual



Zoom:

Manual, 1.10:1



Throw Dist (feet) :

8.0 - 18.0



Image Size (inches) :

56.0 - 138.0



Optional Lenses:

No



Digital Zoom:

**



Digital Keystone:

Vertical



Lens Shift:

No



Warranty:

3 Years



Performance:





H-Sync Range:

15.0 - 91.0kHz



V-Sync Range:

25 - 85Hz









Compatibility:



HDTV:

720p, 1080i, 1080p/60



EDTV/480p:

Yes



SDTV/480i:

Yes



Component Video:

Yes



Video:

Yes



Digital Input:

HDMI



Computers:

Yes







Display:

Type:





0.6" DLP (1)



Color Wheel Segs:

**



Color Wheel Speed:

**



Native:

1024x768 Pixels



Maximum:

1600x1200 Pixels



Aspect Ratio:

4:3 (XGA)







Light Source:

Type:





230W P-VIP



Life:

3000 hours



Eco-Mode Life:

4000 hours



Quantity:

1



Speakers:

5.0W+ 5.0W



Max Power:

328W



Voltage:

100V - 240V



FCC Class:

**



Special:

RS232 Port
USB Port
Soft Carrying Case
Laser Pointer
Wired Networking



Status:

Shipping

 

[LittlemanRob]

That projector is not nearly enough for outdoor use on such a large screen with ambient light. It will look washed out and dim. You'll need something in the 5000-6000 lumen range at least.

I'd like to know more about what you are planning to show on it and how often. I'm not a home theatre guru but I have been doing AV/Production work for most of my life and for something like this we'd use at least a 6K projector and preferably a 10K.

 

[dadoftwowinds]

I will be showing movies in an old historic downtown. The company selling me the screen says it will work but I am taking note of your advice. They also say the Optoma TH1060 will work which is 3600. Do you not think so?


The lights will not be too bright on the sidestreet but I cannot mess this up.

 

[Leo Kerr]

In this sort of situation, it's hard to be too bright. I think most of the "projected art" people -- putting images on the sides of buildings sort of thing -- tend to start at about 10-15k-lumens. It really depends on how much light you have in the area; that's the key; that's the killer. I know in my guesstimates, I tend to be on the conservative side, in that while 3k might work, I'd be much more comfortable at 5-6k. But I kind of suspect that if you have any amount of light control, and have a genuine 5k lumens, you'd probably be okay. (This is based off of recollections of a previous installation I used to maintain; scaling it down from what it was, to what you're talking about.. your mileage will vary..)


Leo

 

[Jim Mcc]

And your budget is only $1500? I assume you know you have to buy used?

 

[LittlemanRob]

If you are showing movies and this has to be done right, 3600 lumens will not cut it. I'm guessing this is a job or business type thing?


5-6 K are barely going to be adequate, and that is only if you get something of great quality, like a Christie. I don't think you'll be able to buy that used for $1500.00


How many nights does this have to run? If it is only a few just rent a good projector. Locally I can rent something in the 6K range for about $200.00 a night. If this is important or may lead to future business this may be something to look at.

 

[Jim Mcc]

This whole thing is just not realistic. Showing movies outside with the street lights, etc? You better give this a trial run well in advance.