3 projector Arrangement? need advise

[rich0550]

I have quick question for the gurus here. Toying with the idea of a 3 projector arrangement. Currently I am projecting an image of 106"x 81" on a 115" x 87" screen. with a throw of 18 feet as recomended by Mitsubish XD350U @1024x768 @1600x1200 compressed.

This has been pretty cool for gaming since its nice and large. But may not be practical or needed for a three screen setup.

1- what angle do the side have to be at generally to get realistic effect without feeling that the display has been bent over too far? and the image is cornering too much?

2- what throw distance would be about minimum while still getting a large display / good image. What lense would thus be needed. Since I may not be able to pull back 18 feet coming from three angles?

3- what size screen would still maintain the full on movie theater gaming effect while possibly downsizing a bit? or should I downsize? Having 40"-60" would definitly (?) be a waist if using a projector but mabye 80-100" would look / feel just as immersive???

4- edge blending will not be possible I can't afford $2,000 for a nice device like that, I am hoping for eyefinity to handle three screens with some overlap or gap. I am looking do this without too much cost, have seen projectors similar to mine on ebay for $300+/- screens for $100-$300. But maybe over time could add some bells and whistles.

5- Attached is a image of the general layout I would try to make (with probably smaller screens than this). The area the screens would be are in an "L" Shape Corner part of the room, the left side has office furniture, not a huge amount of space. The setup should roll up and pretty much dissapear during the day. Probably up to the cieling. I kind of want it all i know any advise appreciated like the right size screens, arrangement, good (short maybe) throw distance. Etc.

As you could see this would fairly dominate the area, and the screens to me seem to be too far angled, but I know nothing of 3 screen setups and what to do to get the right look, this is just using my existing screen and throw three times since that is all i know.. I dont really think could use this size screens for x 3 setup but what the hey right think big scale back as needed, seeking some serious advice here. thank you!. Or should i just not even bother for a office space such as this?

last question sorry this is long.. how about other options, is this the best way to go. How about a gaint curved screen that would slide out on a track like a shower curtain? other ideas? bigger is better imho.

[tepescovir]

first things first, rent a couple of projectors for a weekend off an av retal company and test things out. they wont be fullhd, but best way to try before buying

[rich0550]

first things first, rent a couple of projectors for a weekend off an av retal company and test things out. they wont be fullhd, but best way to try before buying

good idea..
revised:

looking at the area i am seeing probably cannot get more than 90" wide screens.
they would have to be at 45 degree angles. is that too severe?
also would have a fairly large gap between the screen if used the older Da-Lite model "C" spring rollup type due to the size of the casing.

[BHawthorne]

I really dislike the idea of three pull-down screens, as the screen edges line up will never look right. I'd suggest instead to make a metal conduit frame and strech a single piece of screen material over it. If possable, make the shell bolt-together so it can be put up and taken down as needed and just roll up the screen and put it away in a tube. You really need to be mindful of lens throw. Don't just pick up random projectors and expect them to throw a decent size projection. Give serious thought to 0.5:1 or 0.6:1 short-throw projectors.

[rich0550]

I really dislike the idea of three pull-down screens, as the screen edges line up will never look right. I'd suggest instead to make a metal conduit frame and strech a single piece of screen material over it. If possable, make the shell bolt-together so it can be put up and taken down as needed and just roll up the screen and put it away in a tube. You really need to be mindful of lens throw. Don't just pick up random projectors and expect them to throw a decent size projection. Give serious thought to 0.5:1 or 0.6:1 short-throw projectors.

i really like this idea, looking at pictures of curved screens they look so much better. I don't understand how you mention to unroll it though. Would you roll it left to right? can you make a really basic sketch of this? or show me a link? I weld so i could make this if I had more info.

as far as the throw i think my XD350U will do it. If I go ahead on this project I could by two more XD300Us for cheap like $350 each, I dont have they money to anti up for 3 1080p projectors, so each one would be pushing 1024x768 using an eyefinity 5870 would be the plan.

Why is the short-throw critical. Using the calculations from Mitsubishi site a 90" display would need about 11-12 feet back. Is this a bad thing if can fit the projectors. Thanks for help!

I dont see a way to make this easily rollup or breakdown.

if it is to work like a shower curtain then there can be no supports. Sorry maybe not getting it.

[BHawthorne]

[quote]I really dislike the idea of three pull-down screens, as the screen edges line up will never look right. I'd suggest instead to make a metal conduit frame and strech a single piece of screen material over it. If possable, make the shell bolt-together so it can be put up and taken down as needed and just roll up the screen and put it away in a tube. You really need to be mindful of lens throw. Don't just pick up random projectors and expect them to throw a decent size projection. Give serious thought to 0.5:1 or 0.6:1 short-throw projectors.

i really like this idea, looking at pictures of curved screens they look so much better. I don't understand how you mention to unroll it though. Would you roll it left to right? can you make a really basic sketch of this? or show me a link? I weld so i could make this if I had more info.

as far as the throw i think my XD350U will do it. If I go ahead on this project I could by two more XD300Us for cheap like $350 each, I dont have they money to anti up for 3 1080p projectors, so each one would be pushing 1024x768 using an eyefinity 5870 would be the plan.

Why is the short-throw critical. Using the calculations from Mitsubishi site a 90" display would need about 11-12 feet back. Is this a bad thing if can fit the projectors. Thanks for help!

I dont see a way to make this easily rollup or breakdown.

if it is to work like a shower curtain then there can be no supports. Sorry maybe not getting it.

My thought would be to stretch the screen material over the frame and affix it with bungees or Velcro. I'm in the process of redesigning my current screen, so I've not worked out the specifics on how I might affix the screen material yet. My priority on my new screen build is portability so it can be put up and taken down as needed though.

What most people run into is the issue of having enough space to project straight on centered for each arc of the screen with the projectors. Not many people have the ability to throw 11-12 foot back from three different locations onto the screen. Projection lens throw can be the single largest issue for most people because they simply don't have the ability to mount the projectors so far back to do it right. That is offset by using short-throws but if you have the space, you're in good shape. :)

[rich0550]

[quote][quote]I really dislike the idea of three pull-down screens, as the screen edges line up will never look right. I'd suggest instead to make a metal conduit frame and strech a single piece of screen material over it. If possable, make the shell bolt-together so it can be put up and taken down as needed and just roll up the screen and put it away in a tube. You really need to be mindful of lens throw. Don't just pick up random projectors and expect them to throw a decent size projection. Give serious thought to 0.5:1 or 0.6:1 short-throw projectors.

i really like this idea, looking at pictures of curved screens they look so much better. I don't understand how you mention to unroll it though. Would you roll it left to right? can you make a really basic sketch of this? or show me a link? I weld so i could make this if I had more info.

as far as the throw i think my XD350U will do it. If I go ahead on this project I could by two more XD300Us for cheap like $350 each, I dont have they money to anti up for 3 1080p projectors, so each one would be pushing 1024x768 using an eyefinity 5870 would be the plan.

Why is the short-throw critical. Using the calculations from Mitsubishi site a 90" display would need about 11-12 feet back. Is this a bad thing if can fit the projectors. Thanks for help!

I dont see a way to make this easily rollup or breakdown.

if it is to work like a shower curtain then there can be no supports. Sorry maybe not getting it.

My thought would be to stretch the screen material over the frame and affix it with bungees or Velcro. I'm in the process of redesigning my current screen, so I've not worked out the specifics on how I might affix the screen material yet. My priority on my new screen build is portability so it can be put up and taken down as needed though.

What most people run into is the issue of having enough space to project straight on centered for each arc of the screen with the projectors. Not many people have the ability to throw 11-12 foot back from three different locations onto the screen. Projection lens throw can be the single largest issue for most people because they simply don't have the ability to mount the projectors so far back to do it right. That is offset by using short-throws but if you have the space, you're in good shape. :)


cool the areais L shape so there might be hope as you can see from the picture. problem is dont really want to take up %50 of the working space during the day. problem is how to affix the screen so its nice and curved without having a permanent metal / wood frame behind it. I may just go for the drop down screen method for now since would not have to buy curve adjustment software, budget is really tight.. Your curved setup looks really nice though. I have seen 90" da-lite model "b" screens for $150 including shipping, that pretty dam good, of course it all adds up. somethign to work twards i guess.

Da-Lite has a ton of different screen materials, any clue as to which will give best contrast? I have talked with them but the verdict was inconclusive.

[rich0550]

This is my latest idea a track that has a spiral in it. wheels similar to shower door wheels inside and bracket hanging out of each one, also string inside track will pull all the screen back into the spiral, i expect allot of resistance but i does all go away this method, i am wondering if the bottom of the screen would need to be attached at all.. btw that spiral rollup at the end has the correct length to fit the whole screen. 11 revolutions starting with 4" inner diametor and working out about .25" a turn.

thanks for advise. if this is all working I may provide kits if anyone is interested once i test it out. panarama and rollup anyone?

[BHawthorne]

I really like the latest design. One of the biggest issues with these kind of builds is optimizing the space the screen uses and sometimes even having the ability to put up and take down the screen as needed. I'm really liking the concept of corner screens more as I look at the geometry of it and how it's a bit less demanding on room space.

[tepescovir]

Dont think it was mentioned, but you can't project onto curved screens without an expensive lens and a very specific radius of screen.

[rich0550]

Dont think it was mentioned, but you can't project onto curved screens without an expensive lens and a very specific radius of screen.

wait it was my understanding it can be adjusted with softh or sol7. are you sure about that??

BHawthorne, I am confused do you like the three screen or curved setup above? in my plans. also I talked with Da-Lite the fabric will be $1000, thats out of my budget what type of alternative would there be, your canvas it is pretty rough look would think, also Da-Lite thinks the screen would need tension from the bottom..... that would void my design unless could weight it. any oppinion on that?

on the flip side i did find some nice bendable curtain track made by recmar, would be a snap to roll it and bend and mount it. comes in up to 100' lengths too.

[BHawthorne]

Dont think it was mentioned, but you can't project onto curved screens without an expensive lens and a very specific radius of screen.

It's not mentioned, because it's not a true requirement with multi-projector setups. Pretty much the only specialized issue is making sure you can properly throw centered head-on in the particular screen arc the projection covers. That can be figured out by just using Projector Central's Projector Calcular Pro to find your mounting distance and screen height based on the throw. I'm using standard COTS projectors -- Optoma EX525ST. Others are also doing just fine with standard off the shelf stuff. Here are several examples: http://nthusim.com/setups :wink:

I'm partial to the single curved screen, because it's what I know through experience using for the last year. I'd just get it in bulk from here: http://cgi.ebay.com/LCD-DLP-CRT-MOVIE-PROJECTION-PROJECTOR-SCREEN-MATERIAL-/300443823151

[rich0550]

[quote]Dont think it was mentioned, but you can't project onto curved screens without an expensive lens and a very specific radius of screen.

It's not mentioned, because it's not a true requirement with multi-projector setups. Pretty much the only specialized issue is making sure you can properly throw centered head-on in the particular screen arc the projection covers. That can be figured out by just using Projector Central's Projector Calcular Pro to find your mounting distance and screen height based on the throw. I'm using standard COTS projectors -- Optoma EX525ST. Others are also doing just fine with standard off the shelf stuff. Here are several examples: http://nthusim.com/setups :wink:

I'm partial to the single curved screen, because it's what I know through experience using for the last year. I'd just get it in bulk from here: http://cgi.ebay.com/LCD-DLP-CRT-MOVIE-PROJECTION-PROJECTOR-SCREEN-MATERIAL-/300443823151

good find, that is 1/5th the cost of Da-Lite if that is indead the same fabric, and we are talking apples with apples. Da-Light quoted me on a fiberglass backed screen, i think.

My biggest concern now is will there be enough even tension on the screen from the bottom to keep it without wrinkeling.

[BHawthorne]

When I initially designed my projection room it was to have a wide 2.35:1 flat wall screen and a circular 180 degree screen both. I'll probably still persue the ability to use both screen types. But I got a roll of that ebay material about a year ago. It's thick enough that it's not going to wrinkle easily. I do agree about the tension on the curved surfaces though. I'm stil struggling with the design concept of how to do it. I picked up a bunch of 1/2" electrical conduit yesterday. That stuff is dirt cheap -- $1.98 per 10 foot pipe at Home Depot. I'm going to experiment with it a bit. It might actually be a bit too small, so I might end up goin with a bit larger sized pipe. I don't really want to use something as large as galvanized fence piping though, because that is around $10 per 10 foot pipe and that'll add up quick (especially if I do design for portible and have to account for hanging the 3 projectiors on an free standing run of it.

[rich0550]

When I initially designed my projection room it was to have a wide 2.35:1 flat wall screen and a circular 180 degree screen both. I'll probably still persue the ability to use both screen types. But I got a roll of that ebay material about a year ago. It's thick enough that it's not going to wrinkle easily. I do agree about the tension on the curved surfaces though. I'm stil struggling with the design concept of how to do it. I picked up a bunch of 1/2" electrical conduit yesterday. That stuff is dirt cheap -- $1.98 per 10 foot pipe at Home Depot. I'm going to experiment with it a bit. It might actually be a bit too small, so I might end up goin with a bit larger sized pipe. I don't really want to use something as large as galvanized fence piping though, because that is around $10 per 10 foot pipe and that'll add up quick (especially if I do design for portible and have to account for hanging the 3 projectiors on an free standing run of it.

This is the bendable curtain rod i found search 6100 if it does not come up, http://www.curtain-tracks.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=6100

Hum, so you don't think either I could get away with hanging the screen.. This is not good, as a permanent rack is not an option, how aobut weighting it?, or stays / battens like in a sail? grrr.

http://www.answers.com/topic/battens-in-sails I am thinking these could be velco on to the back.

edit" wait even better a curved hoop, like fiberglass, or aluminum that can be velcro on to the bottom edge that would assure the bottom keeps its shape and would tension the material. and maybe velco a left right and center stay. now that would be cool, what do you think? easy enough to remove and put away. possibly in two parts for easy storage.

ordered a 1' sample and a roller to see how study the track is, and how clean rollers move on it.

[BHawthorne]

Hrrm, I'm really liking that curved curtain track idea. Wonder if I could tack a run of it on the ceiling and on the floor. Wonder how it would handle tension of the screen. some sort of weighting down of the bottom hang of screen might be plausible in your case. I've not thought it through long enough to give as suggestion though. Too much weight and the screen material might ripple and sag in an nonuniform manner over time though.

[rich0550]

i got a sample of the tracks and rollers. very cool firstly the track has metal in it that allows one to bend it, also the rollers work very nice, little friction, move nicely, seem to be strong and can handle very tight corners. a very nice product indead, there is clips that can attach to the top of the track so you can make the curtain travel in whatever shape/direction.

now question is about how much tension the screen would need.

Also I emailed the person that sells that screen fabric you mentioned but have not heard back from him. how much do you think 22' of it would cost?

[BHawthorne]

i got a sample of the tracks and rollers. very cool firstly the track has metal in it that allows one to bend it, also the rollers work very nice, little friction, move nicely, seem to be strong and can handle very tight corners. a very nice product indeed, there is clips that can attach to the top of the track so you can make the curtain travel in whatever shape/direction.

now question is about how much tension the screen would need.

Also I emailed the person that sells that screen fabric you mentioned but have not heard back from him. how much do you think 22' of it would cost?

He tends to ignore direct emails to his yahoo email because people have tried to scam him via that. Try an ebay mail through your ebay account using the listing question link and he should be pretty prompt. 22'...depends on what screen height the material is. He sells it in multiple heights by the linear foot. I would go no shorter than 48' on a screen design and I prefer 60'. Anything larger than 60' you really need 1280x1024 or 1920x1080 pixel height. 768 pixel height on a projection larger than 60' gets too blocky looking. He sells up to 84' material height in 1 foot increments. Which projectors were you planning on using again? I can run the data though on them and get you info on what screen height would work with your particular models and lens throw.

He almost lost a 65 linear foot purchase from me last week because he didn't reply to the yahoo email inquiry. He made up for it though by giving me 3-day shipping and upgrading my material from 63' to 72' height.