Projectors! Projectors! Projectors!

[jzack]

At tonight's meeting, two projectors were tested out during the Member Showcase.  I understand that the club is looking into purchasing a projector.  But - what to choose? 

Fortunately, I faced this same dilemma at my day job, so with Sandy Gelatt's encouragement, I thought I should share what I know.  If anyone else has something to share, by all means, please join in.  I don't know everything, by a long shot, but here's what I've learned from experience.

First, it's all about the lumens.  If you were at tonight's meeting, you may have noticed how the first projector (a Panasonic installed in the ceiling at the Banana Factory) was so much brighter than the second (an InFocus on loan).  I teach in rooms with windows and therefore, daylight.  I don't like to turn out all the lights, because then my students can't see to take notes or read materials (and they could fall asleep!).  So I needs lots of lumens for a nice bright image, no matter where we are.

It's also about the resolution, and for a photo club projector, that's very important.  The better the resolution, the better the detail in the projected image.  It's the same thing you think about when purchasing a computer monitor.

You also have to think about portability, flexibility, and of course, price.  It should work easily with both Macs and PCs (but that's entirely self-serving on my part, since I'm a Mac girl through and through. ).

When I was shopping for a projector, I asked the sales guy to put my three top choices together and we projected with them all at the same time, side by side.  That showed me a LOT!  Just like buying a car, test drives are important.  Use some samples that you're familiar with, and compare, compare, compare.

Oh, and one other thing - don't forget about replacement bulbs.  They're not cheap, but a spare is always a wise investment.

I found this website, which looks like a good buyer's guide:  http://www.projectorcentral.com/buyers_guide.htm

As I said, if anyone has anything to add to this, knock yourself out!  There are so many great choices, I'm sure the right projector is out there, one that will serve the group for many meetings and competitions to come.

Joan

[sgelatt]

Thanks Joan! I'm not sure when we would be able to purchase a projector at this time but thank you for all your valuable information. Thank you also for volunteering to help out with the competition.

[jefg99]

If we were periodically meeting at a place where there were no projectors, I think a Club purchase would be a great idea over the long run. We are, however, very lucky to have a regular meeting place where they equipment is very adequate for our use.

[Ric]

I agree with Jeff. If we currently have one to use and it seemed to be better than the portable one then there should be no reason to purchase one for the clubs use only.

[jzack]

Yes, that Panasonic projector at the Banana Factory is super!  But I was a little concerned at all the technical difficulties they were having at the start.  And when we meet in the larger room we'd have to use something else or ask the presenter to bring equipment.  (I think John Barclay brought his own stuff, yes?)

Obviously it's a club decision as to whether we want to buy a projector, or rent on occasion.  But I was asked for advice, so I just thought I'd offer.

Joan

[sgelatt]

Thanks Joan! That was the competition committee's concerns too. We are looking at all the different avenues we should take concerning the projector. I did ask Joan about it since this is something we were discussing in the committe and she is very knowledgeable about it. Renting one we found out is pretty pricey! So we were looking at the logistics of buying or renting. Having said that, if we are able to always use the BF projector then at this point we don't need to purchase one.

We sure could use your expertise on running it during our competitions Joan! Thanks for your help!

[jzack]

I'm down.  Projectors and other technology have been known to tremble when they see me coming.   

Joan

[lotus]

Larger room has brand new projector and screen. The only inconvenience is that there is no hook up to projector near the screen, and speaker need to be on a opposite end near the closet to be able to connect laptop to the short existing cable.

[jzack]

At work, we bought a wireless remote control for the computer.  One part plugs into a USB port on the computer, and talks to a remote control held by the speaker.  In PowerPoint, the remote allows the speaker to click forward and back in the presentation, and even blank out the screen.  Something like this might be worth experimenting with in the bigger room.

Joan

[sgelatt]

How much would a remote like that cost?