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WHITEPAPER Selecting projection technology based on your priorities For applications involving corporate, education, government and worship venues

Selecting projection technology based on your …...a bright image, projection technology performance can be assessed based on reliability in demanding environments, content warping

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Page 1: Selecting projection technology based on your …...a bright image, projection technology performance can be assessed based on reliability in demanding environments, content warping

WHITEPAPER

Selecting projection technology based on your priorities

For applications involving corporate, education, government and worship venues

Page 2: Selecting projection technology based on your …...a bright image, projection technology performance can be assessed based on reliability in demanding environments, content warping

WH

ITE

PAP

ER

What is important to your project?

There are display technology manufacturers that promote one specific technology platform or type of projector at the exclusion of others. However, if you answer the question, “What’s important to my project?” your answer will help you find the right projector – right price, right brightness and right performance – for your application. And, you may find that your top three or four options may span across technology platforms. The determining factors won’t be the technology itself, but more so where the projector will live and what you will be doing with it. As you consider different projector models, you’ll also want to keep in mind, how technically proficient the projector operator is, and the nature of the content they’ll be presenting in order to fine-tune your requirements.

Based on some of the most common priorities articulated by customers, we will review the merits of 1DLP, 3DLP and 3LCD to give you insight as you assess what will make the most sense for your installation.

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Choose best-fit technology based on your priorities

It’s a lot like buying a car – that’s probably the simplest comparison to keep in mind when you’re selecting the right projector for your classroom, auditorium, meeting room or worship facility. Generally, you have an upper limit for price, you know what you need “the vehicle” to do and you know there are a few brands to explore. The tricky part comes in sifting through all the features and options to choose a model that is a good fit. The same thinking applies to display technology. The simplest way to find your ideal projector is to have a firm handle on your priorities – the deal-breakers – and use these criteria to guide you through the selection process. The most common imaging technology platforms you’ll encounter will be 1DLP®, 3DLP and 3LCD. Each has a role to play, and more than one may be a suitable option.

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Cost

Almost without fail, cost is consistently cited as a high priority when evaluating projection technology. However, it is simply a starting point to help you narrow down the field. No matter what your budget, you will find a projector to fit it – that’s not the hard part. There are cost-effective 3LCD and 1DLP solutions on the market with similar features and benefits. 3DLP is typically at the higher end of the scale when it comes to purchase price because this technology is designed for higher performance, larger scale visuals and demanding environments.

Finding a projector that offers everything you’re looking for, without spending more than you need to for extras, or spending too little and sacrificing benefits, is the challenging part. As well, a full discussion about pricing should include total cost of ownership to give you a more comprehensive view into the investment you’re going to make. When you start to factor in performance efficiency, as well as the maintenance schedule and cost to replace consumables such as lamps and filters, the discussion about cost broadens.

Within the industry, 3LCD remains among the most affordable projection technology when it comes to the upfront sticker price. However, while it is often true that 3LCD designs offer more lumens per watt than other technologies, there are new 1DLP and 3DLP solutions that are very competitive in this respect.

If you need a projector that will stay on for extensive lengths of time, or if it’s being used in a high-demand environment that requires 24/7 operation, 1DLP will cost less to operate and maintain over time in this context. 1DLP projectors usually have sealed optics, reducing the possibility of dust or fog on the focal plane and minimizing maintenance costs for the life of the projector. 1DLP projectors also have fewer digital micromirror devices (DMDs) compared to 3DLP projectors and you’ll find that this contributes to the lower cost of 1DLP projection.

Another consideration for your projection investment is laser phosphor illumination. This is the apex of 1DLP projection, offering the uniformity and consistency of DLP technology combined with the longevity of laser illumination. Laser phosphor delivers over 20,000 hours of

reliable operation with no consumables to replace over the lifetime of the projector.

3DLP projectors are priced higher than 3LCD and 1DLP projectors because of the quality, reliability and brightness that they offer. When you’re reviewing light source options for 3DLP technology, you can scale your illumination to your specific needs to mitigate pricing at the outset and over time. Options for illumination range from lowest to highest cost as follows: mercury, Xenon, laser phosphor and RGB laser. For example, you may need a 3DLP projector because of its consistent performance for large-scale displays, but you may not need the long life you could achieve with laser phosphor or the lifelike colors with Xenon. In this instance, you could choose mercury lamps to stay on the lower end of the initial cost and still meet your project goals.

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PROJECTION IN ACTIONThe Bureau International des Expositions in Paris, France, added significant value to their permanent exhibition with 3LCD projection.

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Image quality

An in-depth discussion about image quality involves resolution, contrast and stability, along with color, brightness, hue and saturation. Rather than discussing all attributes in relation to each projection category, we will look at what is noteworthy for each technology.

If the projector will be used for displaying colorful, detailed images or video, and brightness is a priority for the installation and usage, 3LCD imaging technology offers a broad range of lumens. 3LCD also offers high-resolution and deep, vibrant color saturation, accurately reproducing colors the way they were intended to be viewed. With a 3-chip optical engine, 3LCD projectors have exceptional image quality and stability. Similarly, because of the underlying liquid crystal technology as opposed to a moving color wheel and reflective surfaces, 3LCD projection does not produce image or dithering artifacts when projecting colorful content or video. The result is a highly stable image. High contrast is also a distinctive quality of 3LCD projectors. This has bearing when a projector needs to compensate for ambient light that may impact the

viewability of the content on-screen within a meeting room, classroom or similar venue.

When you’re selecting imaging technology for a high-demand, high-usage environment where long run-times will be the norm, 1DLP solutions will give you up to 12,000 lumens of brightness along with a broad color gamut. This is more than adequate for displaying static content, or when high brightness is not the only priority. Saturation is another factor to consider when looking at the image quality of 1DLP projection. With 1DLP platforms, color saturation is determined by the dichroics and the light source. For instance, when using laser phosphor as an illumination source, color saturation is excellent and can enhance the perception of brightness.

There are two additional advantages with a 1DLP platform. First, there are no convergence errors because there is only a single chip. You can rely on the projected image staying crisp and clear over time, with no color separation.

Secondly, you won’t experience “ghosting” or “burn in” with 1DLP projection. Ghosting or burn in occurs when a static image is displayed for a long period of time and leaves behind a subtle visual impression after the projected content changes.

If we go back to our car example, 3DLP is the all-around sports car with high horsepower. Whether you need this or not will depend entirely on your application. We’ll discuss how 3DLP projectors excel and where they are most often used. When you see massive, moving-art projected onto the side of a building, or lifelike, 3D images wrapped onto non-traditional canvases at a live event or mega conference, you’re most likely seeing 3DLP projection in action. With 3DLP, you have resolution options from XGA (1024 x 768) to 4K (4096 x 2160), as well as light source and frame rate options. When it comes to brightness, hue and saturation, 3DLP is the best in the industry. There is no color wheel because color is separated in an optical prism using high-grade dichroic coatings for the widest color gamut and purest color reproduction.

PROJECTION IN ACTIONLe Moyne College retrofitted their classrooms with a blend of 1DLP and 3LCD projection.

Read more

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Performance

Beyond affordability and producing a bright image, projection technology performance can be assessed based on reliability in demanding environments, content warping and blending, and 3D capabilities. However, it is environment and usage that will qualify any comments on performance for each factor.

For instance, 3LCD projection is excellent for indoor environments that require bright, stable images and where the projector will be used for shorter amounts of time. Based on this performance, boardrooms, smaller meeting rooms, classes and lecture halls are often successfully outfitted with 3LCD imaging technology. Warping and blending is also available, either as

a software package or embedded, for multi-array projection. Some options on the market also offer a portrait mode for versatility in projecting vertically-oriented content for unique displays often seen in lobby or way-finding applications.

If your projection display will be operating in extreme conditions, or if it will be used rigorously, going from one facility to another, 1DLP or 3DLP are highly applicable. As previously mentioned, 1DLP is designed for longer, more frequent run times. This is ideal for 24/7 environments such as monitoring facilities, command and control rooms, security operations centers and high-use classrooms. A unique characteristic of monitoring facilities is the requirement

for moderate brightness levels to avoid undue eye strain or headaches for monitoring staff who may be spending long hours looking at content on-screen. 1DLP projection offers a range of brightness and performance benefits to meet this requirement.

Summary and next steps

Back to our initial question, “What is important to your project?” While it’s a simple question, it is the thread to follow in order to shape your purchase decision. It will also help you navigate the myriad choices on the market and neutralize the marketing aimed at swaying you to look at one specific technology from the outset, before you start your research.

After weighing your priorities in tandem with projection options, you may find that there are still unanswered questions and complexities to clarify. Working with a consultant or integrator and drawing on their expertise is recommended, particularly when you’re making a significant investment. A consultant can walk you through the decision process to find the ideal projection solution for your application.

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Looking for a quick reference?Here’s a chart that compares each projection technology option.

Connect with a consultantIf you require further consultation, please contact us. We have a network of industry specialists who can help you.

Contact usContact us

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Corporate offices Worldwide offices

Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.Cypressph: 714 236 8610

Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.Kitchenerph: 519 744 8005

Independent sales consultant offices

Italyph: +39 (0) 2 9902 1161

Australiaph: +61 (0) 7 3624 4888

Brazilph: +55 (11) 2548 4753

China (Beijing)ph: +86 10 6561 0240

China (Shanghai)ph: +86 21 6278 7708

Franceph: +33 (0) 1 41 21 44 04

Germany ph: +49 2161 664540

Indiaph: +91 (080) 6708 9999

Japan (Tokyo)ph: 81 3 3599 7481

Korea (Seoul)ph: +82 2 702 1601

Mexicoph: +52 55 4744 1790

Republic of South Africa ph: +27 (0)11 510 0094

Russian Federation Eastern Europe ph: +36 (0) 1 47 48 100

Singaporeph: +65 6877 8737

Spainph: +34 91 633 9990

United Arab Emiratesph: +971 4 3206688

United Kingdomph: +44 (0) 118 977 8000

United States (Arizona) ph: 602 943 5700

United States (New York) ph: 646 779 2014

For the most current specification information, please visit www.christiedigital.com Copyright 2015 Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. All rights reserved. All brand names and product names are trademarks, registered trademarks or tradenames of their respective holders. Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.’s management system is registered to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Performance specifications are typical. Due to constant research, specifications are subject to change without notice. Printed in Canada on recycled paper. 4124 Oct 15

Sources and acknowledgments

“4K and Beyond: Technical Challenges and Opportunities.” An InfoComm International White Paper. June 2015.

Mike Garrido, Senior Product Manager, Christie

Jim Hall, Senior Product Manager, Christie

Curtis Lingard, Product Manager, Christie

“The Technology War: LCD vs. DLP.” Evan Powell. July 28, 2009.

“Color Brightness: What It Is, Why It Matters.” M. David Stone. May 7, 2013.