Projector and screen for SDEs and photomontages at the reception..

Harold Schreiber · May 2nd, 2007, 08:33 AM

Hi all,

Kim, that DV10 unit is very portable,

BUT - it is not very bright, it has high "Offset" ( the picture is shown very high on the screen/wall surface in relation to the projector's postion ) with no internal adjustments to change that - in addition to a small zoom factor, so projector placement can be a big problem in the field.

Suggest looking for a unit which has a good zoom ratio, good adjustment for the picture offset, and good brightness to maximize your placement options for field use.

Harold

Jon Anderson · May 2nd, 2007, 09:37 AM

Hi all, I just went this process myself. I needed it for a fundraiser project, but had been thinking about trying my hand at wedding SDEs regardless. Decided to go with the least expensive option I could find, figuring I could upgrade if things really took off.

I ended up buying the infocus IN24 (not the 24+) with a 6-ft. Panoview pulldown 4:3 screen. The two together cost me about $500 as best buy is clearing out their inventory of IN24s and have them deeply discounted. Took some hunting to find a store that still had one in stock.

In all, I was very happy. For the screen, I bought some $2 tracklight mounting clips for drop down ceilings and married them to a some plant-hanging hooks that I bought at walmart..the screwed right into the clips. I'll use tall light stands down the road for venues without drop-ceilings.

The projector performed flawlessly. Plenty bright enough with the house lights dimmed down low, but not off. I amped up the brightness/contrast levels a bit but didn't have to go overboard.

For sound, was able to connect to sound board directly with rca cables running out of my DVD player, although in the future I'll probably get an RCA to XLR adaptor for longer runs to the sound board.

One thing about the IN24 is that it does not come with a carrying case. I'm just using the packaging for now, but it won't be hard to find a something for it.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Jon

Kim Swift · May 2nd, 2007, 08:13 PM

thanks Harold and Jon.

Harold, I was thinking of getting the optoma for the ease of use.

Jon, I have the in24, Ive not used it yet. Good to hear you like it!

Harold Schreiber · May 2nd, 2007, 09:31 PM

Hi Kim,

Set up should be simple, IF you can overcome the two issues I mentioned. (Hi Off-Set, and small Zoom) Those two things can really be a hassle.

It's internal sound system is limited, so if you want, or need, good sound (also loud), then an out-board sound system will be required.

Harold

Kim Swift · May 3rd, 2007, 07:33 AM

:) What's an "out board" sound system? Hey! I was told there's no such thing as a dumb question! :)

I'll stick with the in24 since you guys say it's a pretty good projector?

How do I add sound to the in24?

Jon Anderson · May 3rd, 2007, 10:19 AM

There's already sound built in, but the speakers are not that great, only appropriate for small rooms at best.

Depending on the situation, you have a few options for sound:

1. If there's "house" sound, either a DJ or a built-in sound system, you can run rca cables from your DVD player to the input on the receiver/sound board. Like I mentioned in the last post, you might want/or need to plug in with XLR, or maybe 1/8 or 1/4-inch, so it's good idea to have some adapters on hand.

2. If you need to supply your own sound, you can either go with something as simple as boombox-type set up (as long as it has some kind of input, like for a mic or aux) or your own component stereo system.

One thing to keep in mind, esp with rca cables, is to run your power cords separately from your sound cables as you will often pick up a hiss from the power lines.

Hope that helps,

Jon

Kim Swift · May 3rd, 2007, 12:32 PM

Yes, very helpful. Thank you!

Kim Swift · May 28th, 2007, 10:08 PM

i'M EXCITED! i SETUP MY in24. i ATTACHED IT TO A HOME THEATER SYSTEM WITH A DVD PLAYER. (oops! please forgive the all caps)

The home theater system has a subwoofer and 5 small speakers. I setup the subwoofer, the front left and right, and the center speaker. I then played "kiss, kiss, bang, bang" and projected the image on my living room wall. I was blown away.

I watched it at night, and it looked as good as when I go to the movies. Plus, with the speakers, it sounded great too.

Now, when I get a montage gig I can take this with me with ease. I have the epson duet portable screen if a client wants a screen.

As Im just getting started, may I ask, what do you guys charge to bring your projector and show a montage? What do you charge if you bring the projector AND a screen? I read here that the client can save if they just want the projector, thus showing the montage or SDE on a white wall.

Also, how do you guys hook a camcorder to a projector, thus showing the action live at events? I may get a second projector and screen to try to offer this service as well.

I await your reply guys!

Michael J. Long · May 29th, 2007, 03:10 AM

Just got mine haven"t used it yet waiting for screen which is part of rebate. What do you al charge for slideshow programs
thanks
mike

Kim Swift · May 29th, 2007, 06:42 AM

Hi Michael,
Here is what one member here said regarding charging for slideshows:

"I charge for the montage and the use of the projector and screen. $450 for the gear and $200 to 500 for the montage depending on whats involved."

I guess I will use his comment as a guide until others chime in ...

Jon Anderson · May 29th, 2007, 04:06 PM

Prices will always be market and -- to a lesser degree -- repuation driven. If you live in LA you could charge a lot more than in, say, rural Ohio.

One thing to keep in mind as you're getting started. You could not ask for better advertising than showing your work at a reception. Think about it, plenty of friends of the B&G who aren't married yet, friends of the family with kids of their own who may be getting ready for their own weddings...

Be sure to include your logo at the beginning and end of the montage and have plenty of cards staged in obvious area -- perhaps next to the projector.

You might want to include projecting for the first few for free. You may be amazed at the work it generates.

Harold Schreiber · May 29th, 2007, 04:27 PM

Hi Kim,

Good for you, on your find.

Your main issue may end up being equipment placement and the lighting control on site. Always go to the site prior, to find out what you will need to do.

I do the Cam direct to the projector thing, at the Roller Skating Ring Parties I do. (mostly adult, but the kids love it too)

At the Rinks I do, I come out of Cam on either Composite or S-VHS to the Projector, depending on what wiring is available. If you can use DV out, it's best. The folks really love seeing themselves.

Harold

Kim Swift · May 29th, 2007, 04:59 PM

Thanks guys!

Harold, when youre projecting, are you still able to "record?"

Also, is this right:

red, yellow, white cords from camcorder
red, yellow, white cords into projector

Kim Swift · May 29th, 2007, 05:09 PM

Thanks, Harold!
I connected my camcorder to the projector
set the cam on record
recorder myself acting a fool
was able to see myself on the wall
rewound the tape and pressed play
there it was!

Fantastic!

Harold Schreiber · May 29th, 2007, 05:11 PM

Hi Kim,

Yes!! to being able to record.

I make up DVD's of the parties for partisipants to buy.

Harold

May 28th, 2007, 10:08 PM	#23
Kim Swift Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 59	I setup my IN24! i'M EXCITED! i SETUP MY in24. i ATTACHED IT TO A HOME THEATER SYSTEM WITH A DVD PLAYER. (oops! please forgive the all caps) The home theater system has a subwoofer and 5 small speakers. I setup the subwoofer, the front left and right, and the center speaker. I then played "kiss, kiss, bang, bang" and projected the image on my living room wall. I was blown away. I watched it at night, and it looked as good as when I go to the movies. Plus, with the speakers, it sounded great too. Now, when I get a montage gig I can take this with me with ease. I have the epson duet portable screen if a client wants a screen. As Im just getting started, may I ask, what do you guys charge to bring your projector and show a montage? What do you charge if you bring the projector AND a screen? I read here that the client can save if they just want the projector, thus showing the montage or SDE on a white wall. Also, how do you guys hook a camcorder to a projector, thus showing the action live at events? I may get a second projector and screen to try to offer this service as well. I await your reply guys!

May 29th, 2007, 03:10 AM	#24
Michael J. Long Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 43	Optima movie Just got mine haven"t used it yet waiting for screen which is part of rebate. What do you al charge for slideshow programs thanks mike

May 29th, 2007, 06:42 AM	#25
Kim Swift Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 59	Hi Michael, Here is what one member here said regarding charging for slideshows: "I charge for the montage and the use of the projector and screen. $450 for the gear and $200 to 500 for the montage depending on whats involved." I guess I will use his comment as a guide until others chime in ... Last edited by Kim Swift; May 29th, 2007 at 06:43 AM. Reason: .

May 29th, 2007, 05:09 PM	#29
Kim Swift Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 59	I Did It! Thanks, Harold! I connected my camcorder to the projector set the cam on record recorder myself acting a fool was able to see myself on the wall rewound the tape and pressed play there it was! Fantastic!

May 2nd, 2007, 08:33 AM	#16
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Hi all, Kim, that DV10 unit is very portable, BUT - it is not very bright, it has high "Offset" ( the picture is shown very high on the screen/wall surface in relation to the projector's postion ) with no internal adjustments to change that - in addition to a small zoom factor, so projector placement can be a big problem in the field. Suggest looking for a unit which has a good zoom ratio, good adjustment for the picture offset, and good brightness to maximize your placement options for field use. Harold

May 2nd, 2007, 09:37 AM	#17
Jon Anderson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 46	Hi all, I just went this process myself. I needed it for a fundraiser project, but had been thinking about trying my hand at wedding SDEs regardless. Decided to go with the least expensive option I could find, figuring I could upgrade if things really took off. I ended up buying the infocus IN24 (not the 24+) with a 6-ft. Panoview pulldown 4:3 screen. The two together cost me about $500 as best buy is clearing out their inventory of IN24s and have them deeply discounted. Took some hunting to find a store that still had one in stock. In all, I was very happy. For the screen, I bought some $2 tracklight mounting clips for drop down ceilings and married them to a some plant-hanging hooks that I bought at walmart..the screwed right into the clips. I'll use tall light stands down the road for venues without drop-ceilings. The projector performed flawlessly. Plenty bright enough with the house lights dimmed down low, but not off. I amped up the brightness/contrast levels a bit but didn't have to go overboard. For sound, was able to connect to sound board directly with rca cables running out of my DVD player, although in the future I'll probably get an RCA to XLR adaptor for longer runs to the sound board. One thing about the IN24 is that it does not come with a carrying case. I'm just using the packaging for now, but it won't be hard to find a something for it. Anyway, hope this helps. Jon

May 2nd, 2007, 08:13 PM	#18
Kim Swift Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 59	thanks Harold and Jon. Harold, I was thinking of getting the optoma for the ease of use. Jon, I have the in24, Ive not used it yet. Good to hear you like it!

May 2nd, 2007, 09:31 PM	#19
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Hi Kim, Set up should be simple, IF you can overcome the two issues I mentioned. (Hi Off-Set, and small Zoom) Those two things can really be a hassle. It's internal sound system is limited, so if you want, or need, good sound (also loud), then an out-board sound system will be required. Harold

May 3rd, 2007, 07:33 AM	#20
Kim Swift Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 59	:) What's an "out board" sound system? Hey! I was told there's no such thing as a dumb question! :) I'll stick with the in24 since you guys say it's a pretty good projector? How do I add sound to the in24?

May 3rd, 2007, 10:19 AM	#21
Jon Anderson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 46	There's already sound built in, but the speakers are not that great, only appropriate for small rooms at best. Depending on the situation, you have a few options for sound: 1. If there's "house" sound, either a DJ or a built-in sound system, you can run rca cables from your DVD player to the input on the receiver/sound board. Like I mentioned in the last post, you might want/or need to plug in with XLR, or maybe 1/8 or 1/4-inch, so it's good idea to have some adapters on hand. 2. If you need to supply your own sound, you can either go with something as simple as boombox-type set up (as long as it has some kind of input, like for a mic or aux) or your own component stereo system. One thing to keep in mind, esp with rca cables, is to run your power cords separately from your sound cables as you will often pick up a hiss from the power lines. Hope that helps, Jon

May 3rd, 2007, 12:32 PM	#22
Kim Swift Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 59	Yes, very helpful. Thank you!

May 29th, 2007, 04:06 PM	#26
Jon Anderson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 46	Prices will always be market and -- to a lesser degree -- repuation driven. If you live in LA you could charge a lot more than in, say, rural Ohio. One thing to keep in mind as you're getting started. You could not ask for better advertising than showing your work at a reception. Think about it, plenty of friends of the B&G who aren't married yet, friends of the family with kids of their own who may be getting ready for their own weddings... Be sure to include your logo at the beginning and end of the montage and have plenty of cards staged in obvious area -- perhaps next to the projector. You might want to include projecting for the first few for free. You may be amazed at the work it generates.

May 29th, 2007, 04:27 PM	#27
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Hi Kim, Good for you, on your find. Your main issue may end up being equipment placement and the lighting control on site. Always go to the site prior, to find out what you will need to do. I do the Cam direct to the projector thing, at the Roller Skating Ring Parties I do. (mostly adult, but the kids love it too) At the Rinks I do, I come out of Cam on either Composite or S-VHS to the Projector, depending on what wiring is available. If you can use DV out, it's best. The folks really love seeing themselves. Harold

May 29th, 2007, 04:59 PM	#28
Kim Swift Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 59	Thanks guys! Harold, when youre projecting, are you still able to "record?" Also, is this right: red, yellow, white cords from camcorder red, yellow, white cords into projector

May 29th, 2007, 05:11 PM	#30
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Hi Kim, Yes!! to being able to record. I make up DVD's of the parties for partisipants to buy. Harold