garageCube

Hi guys. I'm new to vjing and visual art presentation. I have set up most of my clips for Modul8 at 640x480. Do I need a projector with the same native resolution, or can I use a 800x600 or 1024-768 projector? I don't have a lot of money but would like something mid-range between $500 and $800.

Thanks,
Helium

the best quality/price rate for VP is ACER brand. they released cheap and high contrast/lumens with a fair native resolution for instance for 600€ you can get a Acer PD 100 LP VP 2000 lumens,native res. 800x600, 2000:1 contrast, it's a nice VP for a low budget

>600€ :
Benq CP 220 : DLP 2200 Lumens ansi - Res. 1024x768 , 2000:1 - 760€ it's a great lightweight and powerfull VP with a quick cooling system

ACER XD 1270D : DLP 2300 Lumens ansi - res. 1024*768, 2000:1 - 800€ this one is a reliable and robust VP

Thanks, Lupin. Good advice. So having a set up with 640x480 clips has nothing to do with projector native resolution unless I want to use the full potential of the projector? A projector that has a native of 800x600 will show 640x480 fine and in full screen? I only ask because I've never used a projector in my life. I have set up a dual monitor system but not sure if that is the same.

Another question in the same vein:

I heard that the throw ratio (distance from wall vs. how large the image is) is important if I'll be performing in small spaces as I'll want the largest possible image for the amount of space I have between projector and projection surface.

Do you find this to be true, or is it arbitrary?

I will likely start gigging at small clubs and house parties.

Thanks!!

modul8 has a nice antialiasing algorythm even if you use a 400x>300 movie you can display it fullscreen with a fair eye catching result.
if you have a better output native resoution you will be able to dsiplay more details like particles or graphical core effects . anyway if you can afford a xga VP go on and buy it

about image site, well it depends on the lens inside the VP. low budget ones don't have removable lens. if you want a large picture with a small screening distance, mmmh rent a short lens VP such like the NEC WT 615 or rent a sanyo VP with a short lens...

this website : http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm
displays throwing distance and iamge size regarding VP brands & refs.

I ended up going with an Optoma EP719. It was a bit pricier, $900, but it has great color, contrast, and resolution. I love seeing my output on a big wall - now I'm finally VJ'n!

Thanks for your advice!

What about tha brand? Optoma? Anyone who has tested and compared this with a Benq or an Acer, Epson, etc...?

Yes, Optoma: http://www.optoma.com/

I got it at Circuit City here in the US because they have a $125 4-year lamp replacement policy. If my lamp fizzles, they will replace it, no questions.

when it come to small projectors

I look for short lens throw distance. Small venues don't have much room for throw distance. Being able to have your projector a lot closer can be the difference between doing a gig or not.

There are very few about new these days, untill sanyo bring out their xl45 with the amazing 0.5:1 throw ratio. This is because 'they've'
made the lcd's smaller without redesigning the lens system.

sanyo projectors about 2-3 year old have a throw ratio of 1.25-1.9:1

the following have a ratio of 1.25-1.9:1 and some have auto keystone
su51
xu51
xu56
xu55
xu50

sanyo also made a range with 1.1:1 lenses
motor zoom and focus too
xu31
xu38
xu33
su33
su31
xu46


plenty on ebay, if you can be petient. I just got a v. nice 2K sanyo for £100 with new bulb too.