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SONY | VPL-FHZ55 Laser Light Source Projector | www.sony.com Sony’s first lamp-less projector uses a blue laser paired with 3LCD imaging technology to achieve 4,000 lumens of color light output at WUXGA resolution (1920x1200). The mercury-free projector is designed to lower the total cost of ownership. Energy- saving features include Auto Light Dimming; Auto Brightness; and Constant Brightness Mode.
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PJ WX4141N Ricoh by Americas Corporation
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Digital Projection Highlite Laser WUXGA 3D
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PHWU-81B by Barco
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1-Chip DLP Q Series by Christie Digital
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ML1000P by Optoma
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ET-DLE030 Ultra Short Throw Lens by Panasonic
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Canon Realis WX450ST
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EIP-U4700 by Eiki
Most new projector technologies are introduced to the marketplace in the largest, most advanced installation-grade projectors. As one of the largest markets for these larger, cutting-edge projectors, churches represent a vastly important segment for many projector manufacturers. Numerous trends are driving current and future projection technologies. CPM recently discussed these advances, and how they may impact the church market, with a wide range of projector manufacturers. “The house-of-worship [HOW] market is definitely looking for improvements in cooling and light output stability; stability in both color management and illumination life,” says George Walter, vice president of business development with Kennesaw, Ga.- based Digital Projection Inc. “Trends include … architectural mapping, and projecting images on ceiling, walls, etc. We are also seeing the desire to move to 4K infrastructure, but distribution and storage is still a challenge with 4K.”
Douglas Grant, director of marketing with Christie Digital Systems in Cypress, Calif., sees new ways of networking with projectors that are much more cost-effective. “We see more use of HDBaseT connectivity to reduce cabling cost and provide additional
control, as well as brighter but quieter units.” Networking and connectivity were echoed by Paul Foschino, senior manager of the visual communications group of Ricoh Americas Corp. in New York: “Projectors with networking capability for wireless connectivity or collaboration with other conferencing products is a trend we're seeing.”
“Trends include … installation-friendly features such as easy access to lamp and air-filter assemblies, and optional projection lenses suited to each particular presentation environment,” says Chuck Westfall, technical advisor with the professional engineering and solutions division of New York-based Canon USA Inc. The move to higher resolutions is a trend that's noticed by Benjamin Joy with product management and business development at InFocus Corp. in Portland, Ore. “New houseof-
worship installations and upgrades are moving to full HD as it matches the format of the direct view panels, video sources, and computers their congregations are used to,” he reports.
Joy also comments on the growth of green alternatives with laser and LED/laser hybridsolid-state lighting (SSL) light sources. “SSL based projectors continue to offer promise as a green alternative to conventional Ultra-High Performance (UHP) projector
lamps,” he says. “However, the reality is traditional UHP lamps last longer and are more reliable than in the past. They have become more stable and efficient, offering excellent value for large, high brightness installations. According to PMA Research, the high-tech market research firm that specializes in the projector market, lamps still represented almost 90% of the total market in 2013.”
ADVICE, CAUTION—AND MORE TRENDS
Some suggest taking a more conservative approach to new light sources until they are more established. “Alternate light sources are an interesting trend, but they still have a ways to go before they can be used in all applications,” cautions Foschino. “Specifically, there are still issues to overcome with color and brightness. The demand in the market seems to be for brighter projectors with flexible placement and control—especially in the HOW market.” Many mentioned the trend to projectors that are easier to maintain and that reduce the overall cost of ownership. The newer, alternative light sources help to reduce a great deal of the maintenance costs. “We are seeing further technology development in making maintenance time, energy efficiency, and lamp life more cost-effective and cost-efficient,” comments Wally Mohri, projector marketing manager with Sony Electronics based in San Diego. “Laser light source projectors offer unique capabilities that other technologies can’t offer, such as tilt-angle-free installation. So, ministries that want to get creative and change the way they present video images can have unlimited possibilities with a laser-based projector. For example, they can roll the projector 360 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise,
including portrait or landscape orientation, and still get a stable, clear projected image. The reduced maintenance associated with laser projection technology also means that church staff or volunteers can avoid the risk of climbing scaffolding and ladders to perform maintenance on lamps and filters.” Color brightness is the specification that Phong Phanel, product manager for meeting room and large-venue projectors with Los Angeles-based Epson Americas, would like people to know more about. “Color
brightness has come into the market in a big way,” he says. “Research has shown that 97% of consumers site brightness as a key component for image quality, which is the No. 1 factor when choosing a projector. And with 86% of projected content being shown in color, it makes sense that consumers are looking at the brightness spec as a key factor in choosing a projector. However, there is a disconnect between what manufacturers publish as the brightness rating, and what consumers understand as the brightness. Where previous brightness measurements only measure white light, there is an increasing need for a standard measurement that measures the color being displayed. In June 2012, the International Display Metrology Standard (IDMS) developed a tool for measuring color light output in the three primary colors (red, green and blue) that comprise the color spectrum. This color measurement
is also recognized by the ICDM, SID, VESA and NIST. The result is a new industry standard called Color Brightness.” Another trend that Grodem sees is “the usage of more and more portable, self-contained projectors based upon LED technology. These are lightweight, sub two-pound LED-based models with built-in file playback being used for visitation, missionary, and other uses outside the traditional sanctuary.” Foschino adds that [he has] been noticing “a growing number of the typically smaller satellite HOW facilities looking for high resolution products in [the] 5-8K lumen range. Also, short or ultra short throw projectors for ease of placement; and interactive products for better collaboration.” echoes the increase in capabilities with short-throw projectors. “Other projection innovations that we’re seeing in houses of worship include expanded use of ultra short-throw projectors to create large projections in limited spaces,” he reports. Walter says DPI’s customers often use projectors for other applications besides the main service, such as “projectors used for speaker magnification, overflow rooms, remote campuses, youth ministry, break out rooms for Bible study, and even some video
conferencing between large churches with multiple sites.”
MORE WITH LESS
Technology use overall is continuing to increase at ministries of all sizes, so theequipment used—including projectors—ellite needs to do more. “There are three aspects that define a projector: picture quality, integration/installation capabilities, and maintenance capabilities,” Mohri explains. “The future of projector technology will keep improving these aspects, to create projectors that are easy to use and easy to install. Those are the key elements in the design of alternative projection technologies like laser light source projection. It’s the next step in the ongoing evolutionary process of developing new and effective technologies.” Environmental projection—large-scale projections spread across the sanctuary walls and ceilings—are an application that a number of the manufacturers noted. Projection mapping these larger images is becoming easier to accomplish in more cost-effective ways. Christie’s Grant mentions edge-blending for larger images as an important feature in a projector, adding that he sees a “continual demand for projectors that can blend and warp so that images can be projected onto surfaces around the HOW.” While Walters adds that DPI has seen some large churches that are beginning to use multi-projector blends. “They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but many houses of worship are looking beyond a simple picture to largescale video walls,” says Phanel. “Integrators are using multiple projectors and blending the displays to create a seamless image that spans entire walls to create inspiring panoramic displays. In some instances, this can require a lot of equipment, from servers to specialized hardware and edge-blending software; not to mention the man-hours to set up the system, which can take months and cost thousands of dollars. Now there are solutions on the market that can integrate everything into one projector. These days, that ‘picture’ is more likely to leave you speechless.” Every church is different, and every ministry has a different message they want to communicate to their members. Each also has very different ideas about how to make that message more effective and impactful. So, there really is no one answer or one-sizefits- all solution to technology decisions for a church. When making a decision on the types of AV solutions to incorporate—and that includes projection—it’s important to look at every aspect of a ministry’s operation—size, congregation, staffing and, of course, budget, and choose the right technology that meets your needs not only today, but into the future. Remember, when looking at projection, the details are an important part of the big picture.
THE PROJECTORS
PHWU-81B
Barco
Developed for midsize and large-screen projection, this 7,500 ANSI lumens WUXGA projector is designed to meet the projection needs of today’s House of Worship market. This single-chip DLP projector provides high resolution and brightness to effectively deliver your message and imagery.
PU9730
BenQ
BenQ’s high-brightness PU9730 projector casts 7,000 lumens of light to deliver content within any large venue space. Featuring a WUXGA resolution, crisper contrast ratios, multisource connectivity, and the projection of more than 1 billion colors, the Colorific device now adds seven optional lenses for full installation flexibility. An updated version of the PW9500, it will be on display at InfoComm and shipping in August.
MSRP is $12,999
REALiS WX450ST
Canon
Canon’s REALiS WX450ST Short Throw Compact Installation LCOS projector delivers WXGA+ (1,440 x 900) resolution images and can display a 7-foot image from less than 4-feet away. Widescreen 16:10 display, 4,500 lumens, and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio combine with user-friendly features and a weight of less than 14lbs.
1-Chip DLP Q Series
Christie Digital
Christie® 1-chip DLP® Q Series projectors offer brightness options ranging from 8,500 to 10,000 lumens and XGA, WXGA, and WUXGA resolutions. Usable in either single or dual-lamp mode, Christie Q Series is equipped with eClarity™ – advanced image processing that enhances images by providing greater image control.
HIGHlite Laser WUXGA 3D
Digital Projection, Inc.
DPI unveils the 10,000 lumen, solid-state HIGHlite Laser projector for large worship venues. Designed for long-life image stability and color performance paired with tilting and rotation capabilities in this projector. The HIGHlite Laser WUXGA 3D removes recurring lamp costs, which lowers the lifetime cost of ownership.
EIP-U4700
Eiki
Eiki’s EIP-U4700 has an output of 4,700 ANSI lumens and a native resolution of WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200). DLP® and BrilliantColor™ technologies deliver outstanding image quality. 3D compatibility, Crestron® and RoomView™ certified, HDMI, and DisplayPort connectivity make it a must for any application demanding a high quality, high performing projector. It’s also good for breakout and classroom applications.
MSRP is $2,995
PowerLite 1930 XGA 3LCD
Epson
The Epson PowerLite 1930 offers bright, colorful images and video for virtually any house of worship. This lightweight projector can be transported or installed in small-to-medium-size venues and includes connectivity options like HDMI and DisplayPort™, and Faroudja video processing technology for smooth images, all at a competitive price point.
MSRP is $999
IN5555L DLP
InFocus
With six lens options, the InFocus IN5555L DLP projector is versatile enough for long distances or high ambient light. It has native WUXGA (1920 x 1200 dpi) resolution and 7,000 lumens so content displays as it is meant to, and is big and bright enough for all to see.
ML1000P
Optoma
The ultra-portable Optoma ML1000P delivers 1,000 lumens with its LED light source, has a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and full connectivity to work with all of your existing gear. It also includes an SD card port that allows you to deliver PowerPoint presentations, display PDF documents, pictures, movies, etc. without the need of a computer or external device; and a touchpad, which allows for control of the projector.
ET-DLE030 Ultra Short Throw Lens
Panasonic
Panasonic's ultra-short-throw lens, the ET-DLE030, enables large-screen projection from a short distance, which is ideal for Houses of Worship where space is limited. The lens enables 1-chip DLP projectors to project a 100-inch image from 2.7 feet away. The 0.38 throw distance makes it a very short throw for a high brightness projector with optional lenses. It’s shipping now.
MSRP is $7,949
PJ WX4141N
Ricoh Americas Corporation
The PJ WX4141N is a networking, WXGA, 3,300 lumen ultra-short-throw projector. Its unique optics allows the unit to be placed a mere 4.6 inches from the screen to display a 48-inch-diagonal image but can display an 80 inch image from just 9.6 inches from a wall. The unit weighs only 6.6 pounds and can be mounted below or above the screen.
The WX4141N and PJ WX4141Ni (interactive model) are both shipping now.
The MSRP for the WX4141N is $2,299 and the MSRP for the WX4141Ni is $2,550.
Sony Electronics
The Sony VPL-FHZ55, a 3LCD laser light source projector, combines a laser light source with 3LCD imagers to achieve 4,000 lumens WUXGA projection. This light source combination offers up to 20,000 hours of maintenance free time. Sony has used this technology in its new model, the VPL-FHZ700L, which produces 7,000 lumens of color brightness.
