rear projection screen

[godd2]

hello..i am currently looking into a rear projection option for our auditorium/theater. our stage is 55ft wide and around 20ft tall.

I would like something around 40ft wide and 15ft tall.

I found that rosebrand sells screen by the yard in length but only 110" tall. does anyone know of other companies that sell material this way but would have a taller option?

thanx

[godd2]

i have read some other post about rear projection but i have some questions.

If i had a large screen, like 40ft wide, how could i use 2 or 3 projector to cover it. What i mean is there a way to assign certain parts of the image to each projector to have a huge projection?

[soundman]

Yes, what you are trying to do is called a collage. I know some media servers are able to combine projectors for a larger image Try looking at the Axon or the DL2 for more info. What type of system set up are you going to be using? I would think there are other ways to do this for static images.

[godd2]

I honestly dont know what type of system i will be using at this point. I am just trying to workout the possibilities...but in general i would just use some simple lcd projectors and a laptop. most of the time it would be powerpoints but for theater productions maybe a simple repeating video of landscapes or something...

any advise or ideas would be welcome

[derekleffew]

godd2, you're going to need at least one more piece of hardware. See the glossary entry http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/g...-blending.html, created just for you. If not a media server, some switchers have built-in edge blending, as well as specialized presentation systems such as Folsom Research and Vista Systems.

[themuzicman]

Dataton

Watchout is the system you'd be interested in using. It is pricey, however. But it does do cues, fades, and does everything you are looking at doing.

[Footer]

Rosco makes an RP screen that comes in 4' rolls that you tape together with special tape. It actually looks really good if properly put together.

I would however look at what you are going to be shooting at this screen. You either want to stay in a 16:9 aspect or a 4:3 aspect. Otherwise, to fill your screen you are going to need multiple projectors and edge blending hardware.

[godd2]

this may be more than i want to do..i may just need to reduce the size of the screen i want...

what we will be doing is pretty simple powerpoint or video (like graduations), is there simpler, cheaper programs than the watchout type?

[jongaduet]

Originally Posted by godd2

i have read some other post about rear projection but i have some questions.

If i had a large screen, like 40ft wide, how could i use 2 or 3 projector to cover it. What i mean is there a way to assign certain parts of the image to each projector to have a huge projection?

Why are you wanting to use 2 or 3 projectors? One projector with sufficient lumens for your environment and the proper lens should cover it. Edge blending would surely give you a more impressive presentation, but with a serious investment in equipment attached.

[derekleffew]

From the glossary entry: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/g...on-image.html:
[quote]A special multi-projector format, known as "one over two" using two images side-by-side with one in the center, and results in stage friendly screen proportions of 8'x24', 10'x30', 12'x36', 16'x48'. ... Often a screen is chosen that matches the desired width, and the top is masked down with a valence and/or the bottom is masked up with a skirt. The image may also be cropped and sized in the content creation stage, and "edge blending" techniques may be employed to allow seamless images across multiple projectors./QUOTE]
Particularly if you do not have a fly system, you may be able to find a used Fast-Fold style screen in "one over two" format for purchase or rental from an A/V house. If buying used is an option (some schools and institutions won't allow it), check with CB member Oldschool if you are interested in a Fast-Fold style screen.