Three Projector Overlap

[fordgt40]

I am nearing the end of my build and need to finalise my projector setup. I will be using wideview with three Optoma HD ST projectors and warping software. To calculate the throw distance I need to determine the required projected width for each projector including the sagitta for the screen curvature and also the amount of overlap between each of the three projected screens.

It is the amount of overlap that I need advice on. I am currently planning to allow for 1 foot (300mm) overlap on each projector joint. Is this too much or not enough - I should welcome advice from those that have gone before 

David

[navymustang]

You would be better off calculating the overlap as a percentage of each projector beam width.  The typical value is 10%, so if your Optoma is throwing a 100" image, you want 10".
Have you selected your warp & blend solution yet?  I have had great success with FlyElise.
Jim

[andthiel]

Hi David,

the total length of my visual screen (210 degrees) is 737 (sic.!) cm. My overlap sections are appr. 60 cm each. Using three beamers, each beam width is around 2.85 meters on the screen, i.e. ca. 2.75 meters straight. I do use the Warpalizer software which I am very happy with. The larger the overlap, the better the image, most beamers do have slight differences in colour.

Cheers,

Andreas

[HarryZ]

Andreas,

The general rule for Warpalizer software is a 10-15% overlap for each area, based on the total length of the screen. Too small an overlap can result in problems in the blending area.  I can't speak for other blending software but can only assume it would be similar.

The slightly different colour you are experiencing between your projectors is a problem (which I also have with my BenQ units.)  No matter how carefully you blend your overlap, one image's colour is going to be a bit different than the next which is annoying. This is an issue with your projectors and no matter how much time I've spent trying to calibrate the "off colour" unit, the issue still exists.

[fordgt40]

Many thanks all for the replies. I can manage 10-15% overlap, so that is good news. Any greater then I would find that there was insufficient space to get the throw distance.

Greatly relieved

David

[andthiel]

Andreas,

The slightly different colour you are experiencing between your projectors is a problem (which I also have with my BenQ units.)  No matter how carefully you blend your overlap, one image's colour is going to be a bit different than the next which is annoying. This is an issue with your projectors and no matter how much time I've spent trying to calibrate the "off colour" unit, the issue still exists.

Harry, that's exactly what I mean.

Best,

Andreas

[HarryZ]

Andreas,

Frustrating to say the least!  In the not too distant future, I'm planning to get 3 HD projectors. I can only hope that all 3 units display exactly the same colour but there is no guarantee that they will.

Then, of course, one can pay a lot more to ensure this doesn't happen.  I was dealing with a potential Warpalizer commercial customer who was using 2 projectors at a trade show...they were Panasonic units costing over US $ 15,000 each!!! 

[andthiel]

Andreas,

Frustrating to say the least!  In the not too distant future, I'm planning to get 3 HD projectors. I can only hope that all 3 units display exactly the same colour but there is no guarantee that they will.

Then, of course, one can pay a lot more to ensure this doesn't happen.  I was dealing with a potential Warpalizer commercial customer who was using 2 projectors at a trade show...they were Panasonic units costing over US $ 15,000 each!!!

... wow, 30,000 bucks just to show clouds and fog...

;-)

[HarryZ]

... wow, 30,000 bucks just to show clouds and fog...;-)

The company wasn't showing anything to do with flight simulation but some kind of commercial display (not really sure what)

I think they drag these projectors around to various shows. I saw similar units at the ITSEC conference in Orlando a couple of years ago which were used for flight simulation. Needless to say to display was quite awesome.