Projector Advice

[edward57]

Looking for Ultra Short Throw projectors that work with warp* software as a visual solution to my sim.

Benq have just released these:
http://www.benq.com.au/product/projector/mw860usti-v

I don't have room for the standard projector option, but something that can throw a 116" image from 1m (or 87" @0.73m) as the Benq can makes a projected 3 X image workable.
Does anyone have experience using UST projectors (brand/model) and what warp software are you using?

[Nat Crea]

Great throw ratio...really good.
Looks good on paper for sure.
Im using Immersaview WARP (aka Sol7)

Nat

[Sean]

I agree, throw ratio is good. Just checked the UK price tho, double the cost of your typical 0:0.5 short throws.

I've just purchased 3 x Viewsonic PJD7583w's.

[edward57]

I didnt consider Viewsonic..  but I have now they are only a fraction of the cost of the others..

Considering this... would it work?

Viewsonic PJD6683WS projectors. (3000lumens 15,000:1 contrast)
1280X800 resolution (16:10)

using the viewsonic calculator from 1.2m away they produce an image 240cm long by 150high.
the circumference of a 180deg screen with a radius of 1.5m (3.0m dia) is 4.7m

so technically I would only need 2, mounted 90deg to each other to project the whole screen (am I correct in my thinking here?)
then I could run eye-infinity at 2560X800 using DVI-HDMI cables..
and the best part... only $1K each!..the cheapest price I could get on the others was $1899!

[Sean]

You're thinking along the right lines, although without sketching it out and checking the sums, I couldn't say for sure.

A couple of things to bear in mind...

With 2 projectors, the seam will be right in front of you. You could blend this out with software.

1.5m radius is getting quite tight. I'm not saying it's not possible, and if it's the only space you've got, then so be it. But if you are reducing the screen diameter to get away with 2 projectors, then that may not be the best option.

As usual, we are all pioneers in this hobby, so you'll have to try a lot of your ideas out yourself!

Sean

[HarryZ]

I've just gone through the exercise of constructing a 20' x 5' curved screen, hooked up 3 BenQ MW 814 STL projectors and used the Warpalizer software.  Not an easy project by any means!

The projectors sit about 4' 3" back from the screen and are just below ceiling height at about 7'. They throw an image about 6 1/2 feet wide by 5 feet high.  I'm still working on the blending part of the images with Warpalizer. 

Be glad to answer any questions I can to help.

Harry

[ncngrr]

Harry,

How did it all turn out? 

I have an 11 x 12 foot spare room with 8 foot ceilings, so I am space constrained.  Are you satisfied with the setup you described last year?

Thanks.

Scott

[HarryZ]

Harry,

How did it all turn out? 

I have an 11 x 12 foot spare room with 8 foot ceilings, so I am space constrained.  Are you satisfied with the setup you described last year?

Thanks.

Scott

Hi Scott,

The project turned out very well. The total cost of building the screen and painting it was close to $ 400.00.  The 3 projectors were the big cost!

I've since disconnected my TH2G and use the Surround View feature in my new Nvidia 660 GPU.  Gives a slightly better image and I can now obtain 5760 (1920x3) x 1080 resolution for FS X.  Using the Warpalizer software on the curved screen gives very good realism.  Of course you can't get the image quality of using large LCD tvs but there is always give and take in setting up visuals.

If there are any specific questions you have, let me know.

Harry