Whether you’ll be shuffling through a Powerpoint presentation or showing off the latest videos, presenting good visuals at any event requires the best in video projection technology. Often, too little thought is put into the proper projection, which can lead to disengaged attendees. (Poor visuals also make them less likely to understand or pay attention to any messages you are trying to get across). So what is the best type of projection to employ? It often comes down to deciding upon front or rear projection.
Rear Projection
Rear projection involves putting a projector behind a screen, so there’s no need to place it somewhere within or behind the audience. This can take away valuable space, dedicating an area just for a projector. While 90% of the time a front projection offers better visuals, with enough space a rear projection setup may be a superior choice. That’s because it allows ambient light to hit the back of the screen to achieve the best image; this also helps to improve projected images appearing on the front of the screen. Another plus is that because a rear projector tends to be closer to the screen, fewer lumens can be used, offering savings when it comes to rental costs. Some event planners also prefer rear projection as it reduces noise levels. Projector fans, especially those used on high-brightness projectors, can create a sound that’s disruptive in quiet spaces.
Of course, rear projection has some other downfalls that must be considered. Rear projectors places near the screen will likely require a short-throw lens to properly fill the screen. In addition, they often reflect a lot of light back toward the projector. When this happens, a significant amount of brightness is lost, damaging the visual for the audience. Lastly, rear projection requires a special screen that allows light to pass through it; standard screens don’t allow this in order to reflect as much light as possible back toward the audience.
Front Projection
Front projection, which involves placing the projector away from a screen in a central position somewhere above or behind the audience, is ideal when space is limited, as there’s no need to place the projector in its own space behind the screen. Additionally, most of the light is reflected back at the audience, providing a better, crisper visual.
There are drawbacks, of course. Depending on the floor layout, in tight NYC spaces, a front-facing projector can block views for some attendees, or the visuals on screen can be temporarily blocked as people move about in front of it. This may force you to pay extra for rigging services to place the projector above the audience or renting a tall stand to set it upon behind the audience. Of course, when you do that, the projector is even farther away from the screen; this can cause problems with visual clarity as ambient room light begins to interfere with the projection.
Finally, there’s the issue of noise. For those seated near the projector, the hum of the fan can be a nuisance that distracts from the presentation itself.
What Projection Is Right For You?
Rear and front projection each offer benefits and potential challenges. While strides have been made over the years to turn projectors into eye-popping ultra-wide projection images, space, noise, and other considerations must always be taken into account.
If you’re planning a New York City event that will need a projector rental as well as projection expertise, contact the professionals at One Way Event Productions, New York’s finest audiovisual and production rental company. We can help you determine which setup is best for your event, and then help you go about putting on the perfect show.