How to choose the right projection mapping projector?
Looking to purchase a projector to start your projection mapping journey? Great! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to choose the right equipment based on your needs.
Looking for the perfect projection mapping projector?
The first question to ask yourself is: Where will you be using your projector?
- In a small space like a bar or a small concert hall?
- In a larger venue like a nightclub or festival?
- Outdoors for a monumental projection?
Choosing the right projection mapping projector depends on the venue’s constraints and your budget. While there are no projectors specifically designed for projection mapping, most models can be adapted for this type of project. This guide will help you understand the key technical features to consider when selecting the right projector.
This guide is divided into several sections:
Our goal is to provide you with the essentials to get started with projection mapping. And don’t worry, you’re not alone! We also offer support to review your project and guide you toward the best models. Be sure to check out our selection of projectors at the end of the article.
Key factors to consider
Lighting conditions
The lighting of the room is crucial to ensure good image quality for your projection mapping. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Avoid direct light on the projection surface, whether it’s natural (sunlight) or artificial (lamps). This will make the image look dull, even with high contrast and brightness.
- Opt for a dark environment with no direct light to maximize visibility and projection quality.
For successful projection mapping, controlled lighting is essential. The less ambient light, the sharper and more vibrant your images will appear.
Image size and projection ratio
The size of the projected image and the projection distance are directly related by a simple formula known as the projection ratio. This ratio, specific to each projector, typically ranges between 0.3 and 12. The higher the ratio, the farther back you need to place the projector to achieve the desired image size.
Projection Ratio Formula
Projection Ratio = Projection Distance / Image Width
By knowing two of these parameters, you can easily calculate the third.
Example 1: Choosing a Projector for a Given Setup
You want to project an image 3 meters wide with a distance of 4 meters between the projector and the surface. The required ratio is:
Ratio = 4 / 3 = 1.33
Therefore, you should choose a projector with a ratio of approximately 1.3.
Example 2: Calculating the Projected Image Size
You know the projection distance and the ratio of your projector. For example, with a distance of 4 meters and a ratio of 0.8, the image width will be:
Image Width = 4 / 0.8 = 5 meters
Your projector will allow you to achieve a 5-meter-wide image at this distance.
Zoom and projection ratio range
Manufacturers often indicate a projection ratio range, such as 1.2-1.5, which means the projector comes with an integrated zoom. This feature allows you to adjust the projected image size without physically moving the projector.
For example, with a 1.2-1.5 ratio, you can vary the image size based on the distance by adjusting the ratio within this range.
This is particularly useful in environments where placing the projector at a fixed distance is difficult.
Example of Using Zoom
For a distance of 3 meters and a projection ratio between 1.2 and 1.5, here’s how to calculate the projected image size:
- With a 1.2 ratio:
Maximum image size = 3 m / 1.2 = 2.5 meters wide - With a 1.5 ratio:
Minimum image size = 3 m / 1.5 = 2 meters wide
- With a 1.2 ratio:
This gives you an idea of the image size flexibility within a projection ratio range of 1.2 to 1.5 for a 3-meter distance.
Zoom and Image Quality
Zoom provides great flexibility but can also impact image quality. When increasing the zoom, the image may slightly lose sharpness, especially with mid-range projectors. To avoid this:
- Use the zoom within a moderate range.
- Position the projector at the optimal distance whenever possible to maintain image quality.
Mastering zoom and understanding the projection ratio are essential for successful projection mapping. These factors help optimize the installation and adjust the image size according to space constraints.
Time-Saving Tip
Projector manufacturers often provide projection calculators for their models. These tools are extremely useful for precisely planning your mappings and saving time during setup.
Projection surface material
The choice of projection surface plays a key role in the quality of your projection mapping. Here are some tips to follow:
- Opt for light, matte surfaces to avoid light reflections.
- Glossy surfaces reduce image quality and can reflect the projector’s light, affecting sharpness.
Tip: If using a video projector with a short focal distance (with a throw ratio below 0.5), we recommend avoiding flexible projection surfaces, such as fabric. This is because even a slight movement of the projection surface might distort your image.
If you’re using an ultra-short throw projector (projection ratio < 0.5), avoid flexible surfaces like screens. These surfaces can move and distort the projected image.
For the best results, choose rigid, non-reflective materials.
We advise you to try for free HeavyM, our projection mapping software. It takes only a few minutes to create mind-blowing mapping projects.
Find our selection of projection mapping projectors models at the end of the article
Other essential features to consider for a projection mapping projector
Brightness
Brightness is a key element for successful projection mapping. Measured in lumens, it determines the strength of the light projected by the projector. The higher the lumen count, the brighter and more visible the image. However, other factors can influence perceived brightness, such as:
- Ambient light
- Projected image size
- Material and color of the mapping surface
How Many Lumens to Choose?
- Dark indoor spaces (bars, small venues): 3,000 to 5,000 lumens
- Large spaces or moderate ambient light: 6,000 to 10,000 lumens
- Outdoor or large-scale projections: 12,000 to 20,000 lumens
Large Surfaces and Outdoor Projection Mapping
For large surfaces, such as building facades, it’s often necessary to use multiple projectors to achieve a sufficiently bright and uniform image. This allows you to cover the entire surface while maintaining good clarity and definition.
Beware of Daylight
Even with a 20,000-lumen projector, achieving good results in broad daylight will be challenging. Projection mapping is most effective in dark environments or at night, where contrast is maximized for a more impressive visual effect.
Contrast
The contrast of a projector measures the difference between the brightest (white) and darkest (black) areas of the image. No projector can project true black, which is often replaced by dark gray. Contrast is expressed as a ratio, such as 500:1. The higher the ratio, the better the distinction between light and dark areas.
Example: A contrast ratio of 1000:1 provides better visual quality than a ratio of 500:1.
Impact of Ambient Light
Contrast alone does not guarantee image quality. Ambient light plays a crucial role in how contrast is perceived. Even with a high contrast ratio like 20,000:1, a well-lit room can reduce detail visibility, making the projected image appear dull and less immersive.
Maximizing Visual Impact
To maximize the effect of contrast in projection mapping, it’s essential to project in a dark environment. This allows contrast to enhance the depth and clarity of the images.
Good contrast contributes to the overall image quality, but it must be considered alongside ambient light for optimal results.
Note that a good contrast ratio isn’t everything as a location’s light levels can influence it. If a room is very bright, the projected image will be faded, even with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio.
Maximum resolution
The resolution of a projector determines its ability to display pixels. The more pixels, the more precise and detailed the projected image will be. A high pixel density makes details finer and less visible to the naked eye.
Choosing the Right Resolution for Your Projection Mapping Projector
If you’re projecting content in Full HD (1080p), it’s essential to use a Full HD projector to avoid any loss of quality.
A projector with a lower resolution than your content risks losing details and delivering a disappointing result.
Our Resolution Recommendations
For a clear image, a projector with at least HD resolution (720p) is the minimum recommended.
For professional projects or complex surfaces, opt for Full HD (1080p) or 4K, especially if you’re projecting on large surfaces or with many details.
Pay Attention to the Projection Surface
The perceived quality of the resolution also depends on the surface you’re projecting onto. Uneven or irregular surfaces can make the pixels appear larger and more visible, as the light doesn’t distribute evenly. This can distort the image and impact the quality of the mapping.
Tip: Ensure the surface is suitable and find the best positioning to avoid visual distortions.
Equipment lifespan
Projector Light Sources: Lamp, LED, and Laser
Historically, lamp-based projectors were the most commonly used. Although effective, these lamps experience a gradual decrease in brightness from the first use, following a degradation curve. Over time, this results in diminished projection quality. After several hundred or thousand hours, the lamp needs to be replaced—a costly process that typically accounts for about 30% of the price of a new projector. Generally, these lamps last between 1,000 and 4,000 hours.
LED and Laser Projectors
Projectors equipped with LED or laser light sources offer superior brightness stability. Unlike lamps, these sources do not lose brightness over time, making them more reliable for long-term projects. However, once their lifespan is reached, the light source turns off suddenly, much like a regular light bulb.
- LED: Lifespan between 10,000 and 20,000 hours, equivalent to 14 to 27 years at 2 hours per day. Ideal for small spaces or mobile setups. Limited to brightness levels below 3,000 lumens.
- Laser: Lifespan up to 20,000 hours with high brightness (often > 6,000 lumens), perfect for large surfaces or outdoor projections. No need to replace the light source, reducing maintenance costs.
Projection Technologies: DLP and LCD
The technologies used to generate the pixels and colors of the image are also important.
- DLP (Digital Light Processing): Uses a micro-mirror chip and a color wheel to project colors in sequence. Known for its precision and vivid colors, but may cause a “rainbow effect” for some viewers.
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Uses a liquid crystal matrix to control light. Offers excellent color reproduction and sharp images, making it ideal for versatile use.
Why Choose 3-LCD or 3-DLP?
3-LCD and 3-DLP systems enhance image quality by using three panels or chips to simultaneously project the three primary colors (red, green, blue). This offers several advantages:
- Color accuracy: Produces richer and more accurate colors.
- Reduction of the “rainbow effect”: Projects colors simultaneously, eliminating color flicker.
- Smoother images: Improves sharpness, especially during fast movements.
These technologies are particularly suited for projection mapping projects that require high color precision and excellent image quality.
Specific features: keystone correction and lens shift
Certain features, such as keystone correction and lens shift, are essential for easily positioning the projector during a projection mapping project.
- Keystone Correction: This feature allows you to adjust the image when the projection angle is not perpendicular to the surface, which can distort the image. Correction can be done via the projector or the mapping software. For maximum precision, we recommend making these adjustments directly in the mapping software to maintain optimal control and avoid any loss in quality.
- Lens Shift: This physical feature enables the projected image to be moved vertically and/or horizontally without moving the projector itself. It is especially useful when the projector cannot be positioned directly in front of the projection surface.
Power consumption
To calculate the power consumption of a projector, you need to know its rated power (expressed in watts – W). This information can be found in the projector’s technical specifications.
Alternatives for Installations Without Access to Electricity
If access to electricity is limited or unavailable, you can use:
- External batteries: Silent and eco-friendly, ideal for temporary or outdoor installations.
- Generators: Durable but can produce noise and emissions, which may not be suitable for all events.
Usage recommendations
Connections and cables
Our projection mapping software, HeavyM, is compatible with all projectors equipped with VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI connections.
However, the quality of the projection depends not only on the projector itself but also on the connections and cables used.
Prioritize Digital Connections
HDMI and DVI connections provide much better resolution and image stability compared to VGA, which can lead to quality loss, especially for projects where details and colors are important.
We therefore recommend using HDMI or DVI cables for optimal projection quality.
Be Mindful of Cable Length
For cables longer than 10 to 20 meters, the signal quality may degrade.
Use signal repeaters or converters (e.g., HDbaseT) to maintain consistent image quality over long distances.
Regardless of the cable type, choose shielded cables to minimize electromagnetic interference.
Test Your Setup
Before launching your projection mapping project, configure and test your setup under real conditions. Position your computer and projectors in their final locations to ensure everything works correctly.
Transport and precautions
When transporting and using projectors, certain precautions are essential to ensure the longevity of the equipment.
- Lamp-based projectors: Wait for full cooling before unplugging, storing, or moving the device. Lamps are sensitive to shocks and temperature changes. Unplugging a projector while still hot can reduce the lamp’s lifespan and cause irreparable damage. Also, avoid sudden power interruptions, which can accelerate lamp wear.
- LED or laser projectors: Cooling is less critical, but we still recommend handling these devices with care to maximize their lifespan.
Dust Management
Another crucial aspect, especially for outdoor projections, is dust management. Projectors use fans that can draw in dust particles, which may clog the ventilation systems and cause overheating.
Regularly clean the ventilation filter to prevent dust buildup. This simple maintenance task extends the projector’s lifespan and maintains its efficiency.
Multi-projection setup
When projecting onto a large surface or complex shapes, it is often necessary to use multiple projectors. Before starting, ensure that your computer can handle a high resolution, as this depends on your graphics card’s capabilities.
The larger the surface, the more likely you’ll need to project in high definition, which requires significant graphics resources.
Connecting Multiple Projectors
Ensure that your computer can connect to multiple projectors simultaneously. Most modern computers have several video outputs via HDMI or DisplayPort.
If you run out of outputs, use specialized devices like the Datapath FX4 or Matrox TripleHead. These devices allow you to connect multiple projectors to a single video output and help manage the streams while maintaining precise synchronization.
Synchronization and Alignment of Projectors
Projector synchronization is crucial for ensuring a seamless and smooth projection, without overlaps or misalignments. This includes:
- Image alignment
- Managing transitions from one area to another
Projection mapping software like HeavyM allows you to easily synchronize multiple projectors. You can adjust overlap areas and calibrate images for a perfect result on large surfaces.
Refresh rate
The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is typically either 50 or 60 Hz depending on standards. This frequency does not affect your video mapping and is not a criterion to consider when choosing a projector.
Be careful if your video mapping is being filmed.
It is important to pay attention to the refresh rate. A vertical scan phenomenon may appear due to interference between the projected image and the one captured by the camera. To avoid this issue:
- Change the refresh rate in your computer’s display settings.
- Adjust the capture settings in the camera’s settings.
Noise
The noise generated by a projector can be a critical factor, especially in quiet environments or during artistic performances where immersion and concentration are essential. Most projectors use fans to cool their components, and the fan noise can vary depending on the projector’s power and usage.
Options to Reduce Noise
In a quiet environment, this noise can become bothersome. Here are some solutions for noise-sensitive settings:
- Choose Silent Models: Opt for projectors that produce less than 30 decibels.
- Select LED or Laser Projectors: These are often quieter than lamp-based models.
- Install in a Soundproof Enclosure: Place the projector in a soundproof cabinet or position it away from the audience.
Budget to consider for a projection mapping projector
The budget for a projector suitable for projection mapping depends on several factors, including:
- Luminous Power (in lumens)
- Resolution (HD, 4K)
- Projection Technology (DLP, LCD, laser)
- Specific Features such as lens shift or keystone correction
Price Range According to Projects
- Small to Medium Indoor Projects: An entry-level projector costing between €1,000 and €2,000, offering brightness from 3,000 to 5,000 lumens and Full HD resolution.
- Complex Projects, Outdoor or Large Surfaces: A budget of €5,000 to €10,000 (or more) for models with brightness of 6,000 lumens or higher, and 4K resolution, particularly for high-end laser projectors.
- Premium Projects: €12,000 and above : Top-of-the-line models with exceptional brightness, 4K or higher resolution, laser technology, and comprehensive features for large-scale, complex installations.
Projector Rental
If you prefer not to invest in an expensive projector, renting is an excellent alternative. Many providers offer professional projectors for rent, with rates varying depending on the duration of use and the specifications of the equipment. Renting is ideal for one-time events or temporary projects, allowing you to access high-end models without bearing the cost of purchase.
Learn more about computers for projection mapping
We have created a detailed guide to help you choose computers suited to your needs. Discover our tips and mistakes to avoid in this guide, which explains different features step by step.
Choosing the right projection mapping software
The choice of projection mapping software is just as crucial as selecting the right projector. Most software, like HeavyM, is compatible with all standard projectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA).
HeavyM is valued for its simplicity, universal compatibility, and advanced features. It allows for managing multiple projectors, adjusting keystone correction, and synchronizing visuals with music, making it ideal for both creative and professional projects.
Our curated selection of projection mapping projectors
Over the years, we have extensively used video projectors from leading manufacturers such as Optoma and Epson. We are thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance these brands offer for our video mapping projects. Both brands have consistently delivered, and we are confident in recommending them to our users. They provide a diverse array of models catering to various needs and budgets.
Choosing the right projector from a plethora of options can be daunting. But worry not, we’re here to guide you! We’ve handpicked a selection of projectors from both Optoma, categorized for different uses and price points. Dive in and find the perfect fit for your needs!
Optoma zh350st
- Source: Laser
- Brightness: 3.500 lumens
- Resolution: Full HD 1920×1080 px
- Lens ratio: Short throw 0.496:1
- Contrast: 300 000:1
- Price: Around 1.200€/$ tax excl.
Optoma zh507+
- Source: Laser
- Brightness: 5.500 lumens
- Resolution: Full HD 1920×1080 px
- Lens ratio: Standard 1.4:1 -2.24:1
- Contrast: 300 000:1
- Price: Around 2.300€/$ tax excl.
Optoma zu820t
- Source: DuraCore laser
- Brightness: 8.800 lumens
- Resolution: WUXGA 1920×1200 px
- Lens ratio: Standard 1.25:1 -2:1
- Contrast: 3 000 000:1
- Price: Around 6.000€/$ tax excl.
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