[ruinexplorer]

Originally Posted by balex

Seem to be finding - with some work - reputable companies (one a recommendation from a local a/v house) that are offering some deals in the $800 to $1000 range.

Probably will do OK here. Investigate replacement lamps along with the projector itself - how easy to obtain, how pricey, quality, etc.

<snip> lighting may be an issue. Considering purchasing a small on-camera light for extra fill during the live segments - may even consider some good LED lights not designed for the purpose. Have read that color can be severely altered as a result of LED in video, but that it leans towards greens which, frankly, would fit well with what I'm doing... Save me apply a gel/filter. .

On camera lights will have distance limitations. So depending on how far your camera is from the presenter, this will probably not work. Of course since you are front projecting and the screen will likely be near the presenter, you need the most control of your light possible.

Was strongly considering this, until I found this little PowerPoint add-in: PFCPro

It allows live video from a video-in source. My only concern is delay, but I'll be testing that over the next week (as I mix ordering/delivering equipment with constant travel, shifting location, shows and very little time... )

This would allow me to present and switch to live feed where need be with only one remote, as well as give me a brighter image from the projector as the source will be the computer rather than the camera itself.

I originally didn't want to introduce a computer into the middle of it all, but it's become more and more appealing over time - assuming that it all works.

The good news is that I'm finally feeling that a direct feed from my camera directly to a projector is not a problem at all - so in the worst case, I can always fall back to the direct connection and/or a combination of a switch for both computer and camera operation.

Let us know how this works. I have my doubts for use with live camera feed, but it does sound interesting. I would still recommend a switcher. If it is an active switcher, it will add the same qualities that a computer will do and will be better than most laptops. It also will give you better transitions (though if it only has one video card, the live image will freeze while switching to the second image). Check out this switcher which is essentially a knock-off of the Barco/Folsom Presentation Pro which is a favorite among many AV companies.

Davin