PC+Display+Projector

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Planar PR5022 PC Display Projector
//NOTE 2015-05-24: Though the technical information here is still accurate, the checkout process has changed. Please contact c3hoffice@c3huu.org to verify.//

Many thanks to the few C3HUU members who own PC Display Projectors and have loaned them to C3HUU Staff, Board, and Committees over the past few years. In September 2008, the Board and Church Council agreed that if the ITS budget this year can accommodate it, a PC Display Projector is a high priority item. On 22Nov2008 the [|Planar PR5022] was ordered and arrived the first week of December 2008. Since then, this workhorse commercial quality projector has been in constant demand across many meetings and events at C3HUU.

__2014 Update__
During late 2014 several connectors were acquired to accommodate newer devices such as Chromebooks, tablets, mini-laptops/netbooks, and some smartphones. These devices use DisplayPort and HDMI connectors in addition to the common VGA connector for laptops and mini-displayport or Thunderbolt adapter on MacBooks and iPads. A web page is being setup on the church's main web site, c3huu.org, and will be linked here when completed. In addition a Sharp display projector and 21" HP monitor with DVI and VGA connectors have been donated for use in smaller rooms where the Planar projector is not as well suited.

__Training & Uses for PC Display Projector__
The Planar PR5022 PC Projector is available for C3HUU use, the product manual is here and had several "Walking Tours" after the Church Council meetings demonstrating use the Planar PC Display Projector. Please send a message to c3hoffice@gmail.com to reserve the projector. At this time, use of this projector is limited to Board authorized groups for use on site at C3HUU only.

Some uses for this projector in the recent past:
 * C3HUU Board, Council, Committee, Group, and Staff meetings
 * C3HUU Town Hall Meetings
 * C3HUU Family Night (keep to 90-100min or so maximum time per movie)
 * Sanctioned C3HUU Special Events

Summary of projector capabilities and setup information:
 * Basic setup and operation, supplementing the quick setup guide
 * As a PC Projector
 * As a Video Projector attached to a DVD player or VCR
 * Suome guidelines put together:
 * For optimal use in C3HUU rooms, use one of the projector screens which are in storage rooms in the Straley Room Closet or in one of the large closets in the back of the Meeting Hall. Projecting onto a white wall may work OK for small groups.
 * Contact the church office at least a week ahead of time to insure that the projector is available and will meet your needs
 * Types of systems which can be connected for display:
 * Any PC laptop with standard 15 pin (S)VGA connector, the cable is in the projector bag to support this connector
 * Any VCR or DVD player with S-video or composite video output (cable not included) or composite video output (cable included in bag, yellow connector)
 * Any Mac laptop or newer PC laptop with DVI-D connectors (a MacBook adapter is included in the Planar DLP projector bag)
 * NOTE: though audio connections are supported, we don't recommend using them unless you connect a powered external speaker or the sanctuary sound system. The small speakers on the unit are not very good, better to bring a set of powered PC speakers which we can supply from the ITS supplies if you need them.
 * Remote control setup for a PC or Mac while attached to the PC Display Projector via:
 * setup the projector and control the video source, PC or video player, with a separate remote control. A USB cable between PC and projector which uses the DLP Projector remote control for both the Projector and PC CAN work the controls on the PC. This is a bit finicky to setup. You may just prefer to do without it.

Some guidelines on use:
 * Insure that all parts in the checklist on the sign out sheet are in the bag with the projector
 * This type of DLP PC Projector is designed for 90-120 minutes of continuous operation in Normal light mode per session (longer in Eco mode, which is preferred unless additional output light power is needed)
 * Give the projector a 15-20 minute break between sessions (in standby, with fan running)
 * After use, insure that all parts in the checklist make it back into the projector bag
 * Inform the church of any missing parts or requirements you had (such as needing a different type of cable)

Best Practices with PC Projector Setup
When setting up in the sanctuary here are some best practices for projector setup and use.
 * 1) Set the projector back AT LEAST 20 feet. This Planar projector is designed to project for a large room and should be at least 20 feet away from the 8' x 10' display screen.
 * 2) Align the screen to be perpendicular to a straight line to the projector, not necessarily "straight" and lined up with the front walls. By doing so, you can create a nearly rectangular projected display.

__Search for Projector__
So the search ensued for a projector to meet these requirements:
 * XVGA/WXGA compatible PC Display Projector
 * Mac/Windows/Linux compatible,
 * Minimum 1024x768 pixel resolution capability
 * Minimum 2500 lumens for display in Sanctuary, preferably visible without dimming lights (3000 lumens preferred)
 * Commercial grade, or Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) with long warranty
 * Well rated and/or reviewed
 * Usable and portable for multiple spaces, ie: Sanctuary, medium conference room (Kirby), small room (Minister's office)
 * quiet
 * easily setup

Some accessories that would add to our capabilities over time:
 * Wireless remote control projector capability (separate from remote control of focus, etc, which is standard in all "compact" and larger digital projector units now)
 * Wireless connection between computer and display projector
 * NOTE: when using a USB connection from a laptop PC to a Display Projector, the remote control for many of these display projectors ALSO will control basic functions on the PC such as Page-Up, Page-Down, and moving the cursor.
 * When using the special wireless PC to Display Projector devices, this PC Remote Control function is not usually available.

One requirement that was surfaced was to have a wide-screen capable projector for Town Hall meetings. So for Town Halls, to cover the entire sanctuary would require two screens and two projectors as it is possible to drive two projectors from one PC. I think we would do well to rent or borrow one projector for the few such special events. Understand, none of the units reviewed are commercial quality projection video units meant for continuous projection in front of a large audience viewing daily. A couple of times a week for up to 90min is the anticipated usage.

There have been a few attempts to get quotes before, here is an accumulation of information from past investigations, updated to reflect current prices and availability.

__Likely Candidate Projectors/Accessories__

 * ~ Make/Model ||~ Manufacturer ||~ Best Price ||~ Reference(s) ||~ Feature(s) ||
 * Planar PR5022 || Planar || $950 || * [|Available from TigerDirect]
 * [|View the User Manual here]
 * [|View the quick setup (multilingual) Users Guide here]

ORDERED 22Nov2008, Arrived 6Dec2008 || * 3500 lumens
 * 3yr warranty
 * TigerDirect site at left has reviews, excellent unit
 * native resolution is 1024x768
 * Excellent for large rooms without significant darkening and general purpose display in large room on large display or reflective wall
 * Image display up to 13'x18' with projector 32ft away
 * Built in speaker (needed?)
 * 8.5lb with bag
 * Remote control operates PC if USB connected ||
 * SOHO XVGA Wireless connection || Various || $180-$220 || # ** [|Addlogix Wireless Echoview PC2TV Receiver, DVI/VGA Edition] **
 * 1) ** [|Iogear GUW2015VKIT Wireless USB to VGA Adapter Kit] **
 * 2) ** [|InFocus LITE] ** || # Addlogx:
 * Mac or PC, special driver optional
 * Uses standard WiFi link (good!)
 * rated OK
 * [|Prior generation hardware was well rated and received. Some glitches in older hardware now reportedly fixed.]
 * 1) IOGear:
 * Windows PC only, special driver
 * Separate wireless band (good & bad!)
 * no rating found, IOGear is hit or miss on SOHO gadgets.
 * 1) InFocus:
 * Windows PC only, special driver
 * Separate wireless band (good & bad!)
 * well rated

Either of above SHOULD work with standard wireless remotes, needs to be tested. Both allow PC to be separate from the display projector. ||

__Unacceptable Projectors/Accessories__
Some early contenders found wanting, and why:

Price ||~ Reference(s) ||~ Feature(s) ||
 * ~ Make/Model ||~ Manufacturer ||~ Best
 * Planar PR602b2 || Planar || $750 || [|Available from TigerDirect] || * Opted for larger, more powerful projector from this manufacturer
 * 2500 lumens
 * 3yr warranty
 * TigerDirect site at left has reviews, good unit
 * native resolution is 1024x768
 * Excellent for large rooms, darkened, should be suitable for general purpose display in large room on large display or reflective wall,
 * Image display up to 9.5'x12' with projector 22ft away (not as bright as below).
 * Very small built-in speaker
 * 5lb with bag
 * Remote control operates PC if USB connected ||
 * InFocus X6 DLP || InFocus || $449 || [|Available from TigerDirect] || * TigerDirect site at left has reviews, good unit but native resolution is 800x600, ok for occasional PC display, not useful for general purpose display of images or detail.
 * Excellent for small to medium sized rooms, darkened, but not deemed suitable for general purpose display in large room on large display or wall. ||
 * Viewsonic PJ559D || Viewsonic || $880 || [|Included Viewsonic WiFi gateway and extra lamp] || * Initial evaluation: WOW!, BUT...
 * Very poor customer service reported
 * Few ratings, those entered document high proportion of returned units
 * WiFi gateway also poorly rated
 * Remote control operates PC if USB connected ||
 * AViMAGE AVS-5811 || RF Link || $170 || [|Includes video sender/receiver and remote control extender] || * Designed for home transmission of cable video from one location to another.
 * Effective maximum resolution is 800x600 (SVGA)
 * Not suitable for church presentation use. ||
 * Commercial Wireless (S/X)VGA extenders || Various || $500-$800 || Examples other than above Viewsonic || * Expensive for one that is any good (try $600 minimum)
 * Note remote above solution is already in hand, works with Macs or PCs has range of over 30 feet ||