Excellent! So far so good! All the info is starting to add up and I'm feeling more confident about being able to do this.
TupeloTechieKid: You're absolutely right. I hadn't noticed it for a long time, as I haven't had any cause to use it (usually just firewire (iLink, technically I guess) out to the computer for editing purposes) but there is indeed an A/V out. It doesn't look at all like a mini
TRS but I suspect that may be a result of it being a Sony, and Sony liking to do *everything* proprietary (if you do know the name of the connection, please do share!). I'm guessing that I have the A/V cables around somewhere, as it says that it came with them (now that I'm digging as a result of your info) and it break out from whatever the Sony A/V Out connection is to the three RCA plugs.
Van: Thanks for the welcome! The screen size may be slightly variable, but we're not talking about a 25' screen or anything so large (as much as I would love that)! I'm guessing that in most cases (the show travels) it won't be much more than 70" x 70". For a screen that size I'm guessing that, even considering the variable throw distances from manufacturer to manufacturer, we won't be talking about much more than 10' to 12' throw distance at max. Stage real estate is definitely at a premium in most cases, so we may even decrease overall size in the event that we need the room.
Projection would be front projection.
Yeah, I'd *love* an extra $20 - $30k for a nice setup.
But, I have seen this done with consumer models in the lower ranges - not saying that it even *begins* to compare - but unfortunately, that's where I'm stuck right now.
More in the "portable presentation projector" range.
SharynF: Sounds like firewire is off the table and out of the picture now that a.) we discovered that I'm not actually limited to that and b.) your warnings about failure are enough to scare anyone away from it!
I'll likely work with what you suggested - A/V Out -> RCA -> RG6 for the long haul, then into the projector.
Encouraging to hear that the old Sony works well. I'm really looking to use a camera that will give me moderate quality but also remain easily replaceable in the event that it breaks - the rigors of the road are many. If I can procure low to mid range consumer cams, then I can easily replace them on the go. I'm working with a DCR-HC28 right now. Again, the image doesn't have to be enormously impressive, just so long as it's visible.
I hear what you're saying about close-up images. That's what I'm intending to use it for. The camera will be focused on a small portion of the overall stage area, and sometimes zoomed in even more dramatically.
As to projectors - I've had this vague idea that what I'd be looking for is a 1700 to 2200
lumen unit. You're mention of 1700 again encourages me, but you're also talking rear projection, so I'd want to err on the side of 2000+ I'm guessing.
I'm intrigued about a computer image being brighter than a video feed. Would I benefit from plopping my laptop in between the camera and projector? And if so, what software would I be looking to use to pass it through?
The info so far is fantastic and I can't thank you all enough for offering up your pearls of wisdom. Here's hoping you can continue to guide this video newbie down the right (and economical) path.