Projector for Logos

I want to display Logos in a small Bible study setting (20-25 people), but don't have a clue as to where to begin in terms of buying a projector for my laptop. Don't want to spend too much money, but I want the images to be clear enough for people to see. Help!

BTW, if this isn't an appropriate question for the site, someone please say so and I'll gladly understand. Thanks.

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Jerry M

I looked into this a while back for the same reason, but haven't bought one yet. I was considering a LG HS200 at the time. It was considered a good portable unit, but has been out several years now. I would probably look for a newer model. I believe it was in the neighborhood of $400. There are other brands less expensive. I would like to hear some feedback on this also.

Danny Baskin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337088#Comment_337088

Was looking at an Epson EX3210 earlier today. Around 400. Pretty good reviews.

Frank Fenby

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337092#Comment_337092

We have been using the Casio "green" models here in the Alaskan Bush. That have a laser light source stead of a bulb. They cost a little more but you never have to replace a bulb which is a great saving. Therefore total cost of ownership is lower. They also seem to be rugged. I fly on 6 seat single engine planes with one and have never had a damage problem. Also no cool down time is nice. They are size of a sheet of notebook paper and only about 3/4 of an inch thick. I pack the computer and projector in the same laptop case so I have only one thing to carry when I get to a village. I am adding a Wacom drawing table so that I can hot key to a drawing application which will simulate going to the black board, or white board and making a quick diagram of some sort.

William

you ought to contact MP Seminars. I know when I went to camp logos he had advirtisements from a projector warehouse. They might be able to get you a special price. you also might look into "click tricks" a software thing that allows for presentation type functions on the computer.

William

Allen Browne

I want to display Logos in a small Bible study setting (20-25 people), but don't have a clue as to where to begin in terms of buying a projector for my laptop.

Would you consider using a large TV rather than a projector?

A projector might suit you better, but I raise this just in case it's outside of your mindset at present. We find a big TV better than a projector for groups up to 50 or so.

Just another possibility.

BillS

For the last 7 years I've used projectors in worship & Bible studies. 1024 x 768 is adequate (a little finer is better, but it doesn't need to be HD). The real challenge is lumens. You'll need at least 2000 lumens & to be able for visibility in most lighting situations. Even then you'll have to be able to prevent sunlight from hitting the screen area or it'll wash out the picture.

Another key is throw length. (How far away from the screen will your projector need to be.) If you can avoid needing a long throw projector (over 20'), it'll save you big bucks.

For a medium throw (10-20') 2000 lumens 1024x768 projector, I usually plan on spending $400-700 depending on other features that I need. (Features? If your projector is to be ceiling mounted, a remote control is a must, as is remote controlled focus if the ceiling is high up; having a laser pointer in the remote is also a plus; our projection laptop & old ceiling mounted projector required a special kind of video jack to be on the new projector when we replaced the old one so we didn't have to rewire the sanctuary ceiling; etc.)

The last thing to make sure of is that your projector has the same kind of video input jack that you intend to use as output from your laptop.

Danny Baskin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337201#Comment_337201

Thanks so much for the suggestions! Now I just have to make a decision and scrape up the cash! Or is it the other way around? LOL

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337191#Comment_337191

I want to display Logos in a small Bible study setting (20-25 people), but don't have a clue as to where to begin in terms of buying a projector for my laptop.

Would you consider using a large TV rather than a projector?

A projector might suit you better, but I raise this just in case it's outside of your mindset at present. We find a big TV better than a projector for groups up to 50 or so.

Just another possibility.

For the size group you're suggesting, this is the best option. Better picture. Light not as much a problem. Don't have to throw the image from a distance. If you get the right TV you'll likely get a higher resolution. If I had it to do all over again, I'd put a 50" TV on the wall of my fellowship hall instead of a projector. Installation is easier and less cabling would be needed. For our youth room this is what we did. Found a 40" TV for $400.

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337259#Comment_337259

The other thing you might want to look into is a screen to project it onto. A blank white wall will do, but it's not as good for viewing as a screen. I have a very nice portable screen that I'm very happy with. I use it at home for watching movies, and can bring around whenever I'm doing a presentation at church (we don't have a projection system there) or elsewhere.

The one I got was an Elite ez-Cinema 72in 4:3 Portable Pull Up Screen:

I got it for about $300 a couple of years ago, but you can find them for around $170 (including shipping) now: http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Screens-F72NWV-ezCinema-Projection/dp/B0009OAP48

Here's all you need to know about deciding on what kind of screen to get for your use: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projection_screen

Danny Baskin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337275#Comment_337275

Rosie, what kind of projector do you use?

Danny Baskin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337274#Comment_337274

For the size group you're suggesting, this is the best option. Better picture. Light not as much a problem. Don't have to throw the image from a distance. If you get the right TV you'll likely get a higher resolution. If I had it to do all over again, I'd put a 50" TV on the wall of my fellowship hall instead of a projector. Installation is easier and less cabling would be needed. For our youth room this is what we did. Found a 40" TV for $400.

Kevin,

What I didn't mention is that I pastor two churches (UMC) and we alternate our joint study between the two locations. So I have to determine which would be easier to transport & set up, projector/screen or TV?

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337283#Comment_337283

Rosie, what kind of projector do you use?

I have an Optoma EP719 DLP projector. I like it a lot. It's small and very light, easy to use, and good quality.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-EP719.htm

MSRP ~ $1500, which is about what I got it for 4 years ago. There are a few for sale on eBay for $229 to $300, including a couple at the higher end of that range that have been hardly used at all. Or you can get a new one from any of these sellers for something between around $350 and $589.

What I didn't mention is that I pastor two churches (UMC) and we alternate our joint study between the two locations. So I have to determine which would be easier to transport & set up, projector/screen or TV?

I'd go for the projector and screen! Very light and portable.

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337285#Comment_337285

That's a consideration. A TV is better for a permanent solution so in your case a projector would work better.

BillS

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337296#Comment_337296

I'd go for the projector and screen! Very light and portable.

I concur... however, test several projectors in a large e-store somewhere before buying... Why? I forgot to mention that I have a strong preference for lcd projectors (Epson, e.g.) over DLP. Others feel just the opposite... So after finding several DLP & non-DLP projectors with the specs & prices you're looking for, evaluate the picture quality for your audience...

Screen size? Younger eyes can get by with a 3' or 4' screen. Older eyes (as in my congregation) prefer a 5' screen. If you're serving two churches, can each afford ~$100 for a wall (or ceiling) mounted 5' screen? Or even (same price) a floor standing screen? If so, that'd be your best option & would reduce your requirement to schlep stuff around... Been there, done that (screen included), & I wouldn't want to lug a screen in addition to the projector & laptop (easily doable) if I didn't have to...

On screens, the white (non-silvered) work better with projectors...

Brother Mark

Danny, Please inform yourself with the basics about projector technology before you make a decision. I suggest starting with something like this article about How To Buy A Projector, and progress to a google search or two on the relevant terms. One of the posters mentioned Ansi Lumens, and I concur that your level of satisfaction will increase proportionately with the number of Lumens the projector is rated at. Contrast ratio, aspect ratio, and connection type are all issues you need to become conversant with.

Everything is going to Bust, Rust, and collect Dust one day (take THAT alliteration haters! [;)] ), and because of the distance between projector repair depots in the Alaskan bush (um... I think that was you ministering in Alaska), you want to pay attention to the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) that the projector as a whole and the bulb especially is rated at. I particularly like the laser vs. bulb suggestion above, but eventually even the laser is going to fail and will be very expensive to replace... even the common bulbs for conventional projectors are pricey. That being said, I'm definitely an advocate of the portable projector and laptop giving a visual reference to your congregation, and I believe that you're on the right track my brother.

BillS

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337319#Comment_337319

even the common bulbs for conventional projectors are pricey.

True... around $300 to replace... So MTBF is a real factor to consider (cheaper projector often-but-not-always = lower MTBF), so I've always used bulb failure as an opportunity to invest in newer (& always, so far, cheaper & better) technology to replace the failed unit.

Danny Baskin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337394#Comment_337394

You've all been so very helpful! Thanks so much! Reminds me just how valuable this forum is. I don't often post, but I read it just about every day.

BTW, Bro. Mark. I'm in Louisiana, not Alaska. Almost as desolate but much, much warmer!

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337407#Comment_337407

Another helpful tip. If you buy from a local computer/installer type person, they have relationship with companies and can often bring a projector in to let you test it where you will use it. That's what we did with our sanctuary installation. You may pay a premium since he will possibly add a few percentage points to the price to cover his time/expense, but it is well worth it. The projector I bought on my own from the office store is far too dim for our fellowship hall. I wish I had called him back and paid another $100 to get the right kind.

Brother Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337416#Comment_337416

Another helpful tip. If you buy from a local computer/installer type person, they have relationship with companies and can often bring a projector in to let you test it where you will use it.

[Y] Winner of the Best Suggestion Award.

BillS

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337442#Comment_337442

Another helpful tip. If you buy from a local computer/installer type person, they have relationship with companies and can often bring a projector in to let you test it where you will use it.

Winner of the Best Suggestion Award.

[Y]

Jerry M

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337407#Comment_337407

I'm in Louisiana

I just got thirsty for some sweet tea!

Danny Baskin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337508#Comment_337508

I'm in Louisiana

I just got thirsty for some sweet tea!

We can definitely hook you up.