Boardroom Light Fixture & Projector Mount

Grant's Perspective on ... architects placing a light fixture where a projector will be hung.


It is time for me to get on my soap box and ask why do architects want to include a light fixture in the exact spot that a projector is to be installed?  Or above a screen washing out the projected image? Including a bulkhead over the presentation area of the room for the sake of décor causes the screen to be located lower on the wall (the screen needs to be high up so it can be seen when the room is full of people!).

I’ve seen situations where a screen is included in the blueprints, and often it’s known that a projector is to be installed on the ceiling, but the positioning of the projector is not considered.  In the past I’ve seen light fixtures hanging very low and right in the path of the projection, causing the lights to cast a shadow on the screen.  How many ways can you say “Argg!”?   The issue with light fixtures near the screen is more pronounced lately now that ultra-short throw projectors are available.  Bottom line; the room would look much better if the projector location was taken into account before the room was built or renovated.

The picture below is an Epson BrightLink 450Wi ultra-short throw, interactive projector installed into a corporate boardroom.  Note the pot light and bulkhead above it.   I wonder if the client feels that their clients will think they’re sloppy?

 

But, more and more I’ve noticed Architects and AV integrators waking up to these concerns and communicating so we can all provide a much better product in the end for the client.


Grant

Projector Throw Distance Calculator

Grant's Perspective on ... the Projector Throw Distance Calculator that works!

Epson has posted a Projector Throw Distance Calculator that I really like. This Flash based tool lets you input basic information such as the room ceiling height, screen format and desired image size. You select an Epson projector model and the calculations are made.

This app comes in handy particularly for the Epson Bright Link projectors.  These are the HOT, HOT, HOT ultra-short throw, high-performance projector & interactive pen combination units.  They integrate interactive functionality in one machine without the constraints or expense of an interactive whiteboard.  As a result you get one of largest interactive learning areas available, in a wide screen format (which is why they are a HOT item) without paying a premium for size.

The calculator provides two room views (see graphic below) of a Bright Link ultra-short throw installation. This gives a clear understanding how close an ultra-short throw projector is to the wall and screen.

Note the two arrows in the top left area of the room layout.  Your mouse can quickly adjust the projector's distance from the wall and the floor to ceiling distance, to see the relationships of projector placement and projected image location. 

You can enter the info manually.  This is beneficial if you are projecting onto an existing whiteboard as the screen size is known.  The calculator even provides the measurement for the mount location.  Time is saved and the install is done correctly.

It also allows you to change the aspect ratio for 4:3, 16:9 and 16:10.  I would use this when someone has a section of bare white wall they want to make interactive but are restricted on one side by perhaps a filing cabinet or window frame, and the lower level by perhaps wainscoting.  Using the calculator, I can demonstrate that the now common 16:10 format will fit.

Give it a try!

Grant