[SML] Portable video projector recommendation?

[Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center]

Many thanks to everyone for the information and recommendations!

This application is for a cash-strapped startup and I was hoping for a 
under $100 magic box with a ton of brightness and built-in media server. 
Reading the specs on the cheap-o imports on eBay gave me hope but the 
'specmanship' on these is simply science fiction.

Alas, those with enough actual ANSI brightness are still in the $500 
area so we are falling back to our old reliable InFocus IN26+ and 
wrapping it in bubble wrap for the trip, feeding it from a laptop or 
portable DVD player.

Thanks again for all the help - and especially thanks for the projector 
comparison site - worth it's weight in feathers!

Carla


On 2/28/2017 11:10 PM, Davin Gaddy via Stagecraft wrote:
> Carla,
>
> You are looking for a projector that is 4:3 ratio with a 2.0:1 throw ratio.  There are many projectors that will fit the bill.  I would suggest that you get at least 1024x768 (XGA) resolution, but you may want something better like 1400x1050 (SXGA+).  As you are looking for something bright enough to compete with a lot of ambient light, I would suggest 1000 lumens, even with that small of a surface.  If there is any way to control the light, you would be able to go smaller.  Your biggest challenge is going to be the zoom lens and keeping it cheap.  The majority of cheap projectors will have a fixed throw distance, meaning that you have to move the projector forward or back to get the right size image.  If you are able to look at some of the extreme short throw projectors and keep the projector virtually next to the screen, you might be better off.
>
> What kind of budget are you looking to fit in?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Davin
>
> "Hi all,
>
> As the subject says we are in the market for a portable video projector.
>
> The application is taking it to a trade show to play a demo of a new
> product I am involved with.
>
> The requirements:
>
> VGA or similar video input
> Small enough to easily fit into checked baggage. (Carry-on would be even
> better.)
> durable
> bright
> inexpensive
>
> Projection throw about 8 feet, the collapsible screen we have is about
> 36" x 48".
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Carla"
>
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