Inexpensive projectors, main use - Powerpoint presentations

[Railrose]

I was put in charge of researching projectors for use at church. We need one for posting power point slides for song lyrics. It's a small church, so it won't need to shine onto a wall too far away, & it isn't a big deal if it's portable since it will stay at the church. We need to keep it as inexpensive as possible, but want a decent one so it will be versatile for future projects. If anyone has used these for presentations, I would appreciate comments & recommendations.

[stusic]

What kind of budget are you looking at? You can pick up new ones for as low as $400. Pretty much any new one, even low-line ones, will do what you need it to do. I think the biggest issue you'll run into is how bright it will be; if the brightness and/or contrast ratio isn't high enough, the image may get washed out in a brightly lit room.

Also, look at what screen you'll need (and maybe even fashion one yourself). They can get pretty pricey for a big one; I bought mine from a surplus sale at a local elementary school.

[stusic]

I've got a Sharp XG-E800U - it's brute of a machine, but since I mounted it to my ceiling and don't have to move it it's no problem. The electronic focus gear wore out, but I removed the screws that hold it in place and manually adjusted it; again, since I don't move it around, it's not a problem. I also got a new bulb recently ($350). It'll handle all the general inputs - S-Video, RCA, etc., but not HDMI.

Since I started my own business, I have a hard time finding more than four hours of sleep, much less time for movies or video games.

I'll sell it to you for $125 with a Dee-Lite screen, plus shipping (probably around $40). I can't remember off-hand how big the screen is, but I've got a 74" (diagonal) image on it right now; it could stand for another couple inches on each side, and the projector will go to 400". If you are going to mount it in one place, this may be a good option for you. My wife would love to see it gone too. :)

[Opie]

Hi Jane

Please note I have *moved* this thread from the Coffee Without CAD Forum to this one as I feel this particular Forum is a more appropriate place for such a topic.

Thanks,

Richard
Forum Moderator

[Railrose]

I've got a Sharp XG-E800U - it's brute of a machine, but since I mounted it to my ceiling and don't have to move it it's no problem. The electronic focus gear wore out, but I removed the screws that hold it in place and manually adjusted it; again, since I don't move it around, it's not a problem. I also got a new bulb recently ($350). It'll handle all the general inputs - S-Video, RCA, etc., but not HDMI.

Since I started my own business, I have a hard time finding more than four hours of sleep, much less time for movies or video games.

I'll sell it to you for $125 with a Dee-Lite screen, plus shipping (probably around $40). I can't remember off-hand how big the screen is, but I've got a 74" (diagonal) image on it right now; it could stand for another couple inches on each side, and the projector will go to 400". If you are going to mount it in one place, this may be a good option for you. My wife would love to see it gone too. :)
We might be interested. I can check with the rest of the group & see what they say. It would plug into a laptop computer, & I will have to see what our options are for placement of all the equipment.

[Railrose]

Update: I talked to some people at church & they wanted a new set-up because of the warranty. I found an Epson Powerlite 76C LCD Projector at Amazon & ordered it. Most places wanted $850, but they had it for $703. It seems like it will be versatile, & inexpensive to maintain since bulbs can be replaced for $150. I ordered it yesterday, & it is on the truck to be delivered to the house today.

[stusic]

Yeah, those bulbs can be a pain if you don't realize beforehand they cost $400. Nice projector, good price too.

[Railrose]

Yeah, those bulbs can be a pain if you don't realize beforehand they cost $400. Nice projector, good price too.
Thanks. It will also connect to our TV so we can show the movies on the wall, instead of making sure everyone can see the TV. It looked like the most versatile unit for the $$$.

[stusic]

Thanks. It will also connect to our TV so we can show the movies on the wall, instead of making sure everyone can see the TV. It looked like the most versatile unit for the $$$.And at under 6 pounds, it can easily be moved from room to room.

Congrats!


<ridiculous notion mode=ON>

I should start thinking of ways to convince the wife we need an update...

<ridiculous notion mode=OFF>

[Railrose]

And at under 6 pounds, it can easily be moved from room to room.

Congrats!


<ridiculous notion mode=ON>

I should start thinking of ways to convince the wife we need an update...

<ridiculous notion mode=OFF>
Good luck. If the main reason you don't use your projector is space & having to heave it from the top of the closet, just start pulling old movies out & talk about how nice it would be to watch them again. She should go into nostalgia mode & be ready for the upgrade. You might even be able to get speed delivered without much extra cost. I got it overnight & shipping was under $10.

[avdesign]

ME ME ask ME Hello Audio Visual Designer.....

[Railrose]

ME ME ask ME Hello Audio Visual Designer.....
Ok. What is your opinion of theEpson 76C? & what do I need to know about it? Any miscellaneous advice you would like to share?

[avdesign]

It's an ok projector. I personally haven't evaluated it, so I can't give you a real world opinion on it. If I had seen your post before your purchase I would of asked you a few questions like:


How much light/sunlight does you sanctuary get during a Sunday service?
Can you control the light?
How many seats do you have?
How far is the furthest person from the screen?
What size of screen would you be projecting on?
What type of media would you be using?
Where would the projector be placed based on the screen and floor plan?
What is your budget?
The answers to these questions help determine the correct projector for the environment.
The PowerLite 76c is 2000 ANSI lumens which works well in a small area with lighting that is off or dimmed. Not knowing all the details it would be difficult to say if you have the right tool to do the job. Off the top of my head I would of gotten a brighter projector.

I've attached a Lumens Guide that give you an idea of how many lumens you may needed based on screen and light conditions.

[Railrose]

It's an ok projector. I personally haven't evaluated it, so I can't give you a real world opinion on it. If I had seen your post before your purchase I would of asked you a few questions like:


How much light/sunlight does you sanctuary get during a Sunday service?
Can you control the light?
How many seats do you have?
How far is the furthest person from the screen?
What size of screen would you be projecting on?
What type of media would you be using?
Where would the projector be placed based on the screen and floor plan?
What is your budget?
The answers to these questions help determine the correct projector for the environment.
The PowerLite 76c is 2000 ANSI lumens which works well in a small area with lighting that is off or dimmed. Not knowing all the details it would be difficult to say if you have the right tool to do the job. Off the top of my head I would of gotten a brighter projector.

I've attached a Lumens Guide that give you an idea of how many lumens you may needed based on screen and light conditions.
Thanks for the post. We have some light control. We can turn the lights off in sections.

We use chairs instead of pews for versatility. Currently we have about 40 (4 rows of 10).

For now, we project on a white wall, but will purchase a screen in the fairly near future.

Mostly we will use it with power point to post the words to songs. Will probably use a large font.

To start with, the projector will only be about 12 feet from the wall, but eventually will be ceiling mounted at about 16-20 feet. Still working on details & plan to play with it as we gain equipment & experience. The front row of people are about 16 feet from the wall we are using. Placement is flexible for equipment & slightly flexible for the chairs.

As with any new church (we were a mission type church for 2 years, & are now running totally solo since first of the year) the budget is very limited.