Barco DATA 708 installation manual Environment, What about ambient light ?, Which screen type?

Installation Guidelines

3 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Installation guidelines

Careful consideration of things such as image size, ambient light level, projector placement and type of screen to use are critical to the optimum use of the projection system.

* Environment

Do not install the projection system in a site near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or humidity. Be aware that room heat rises to the ceiling; check that the temperature near the installation site is not excessive.

* What about ambient light ?

The ambient light level of any room is made up of direct or indirect sunlight and the light fixtures in the room. The amount of ambient light will determine how bright the image will appear. So, avoid direct light on the screen.

Windows that face the screen should be covered by opaque drapery while the set is being viewed. It is desirable to install the projecting system in a room whose walls and floor are of non-reflecting material. The use of recessed ceiling lights and a method of dimming those lights to an acceptable level is also important. Too much ambient light results in a ‘wash out’ of the projected image. This appears as less contrast between the darkest and lightest parts of the image. With bigger screens, the ‘wash out’ becomes more important. As a general rule, darken the room to the point where there is just sufficient light to read or write comfortably. Spot lighting is desirable for illuminating small areas so that interference with the screen is minimal.

* Which screen type?

There are two major categories of screens used for projection equipment. Those used for front projected images and those for rear projection applications.

Screens are rated by how much light they reflect (or transmit in the case of rear projection systems) given a determined amount of light projected toward them. The ‘GAIN’ of a screen is the term used. Front and rear screens are both rated in terms of gain. The gain of screens range from a white matte screen with a gain of 1 (x1) to a brushed aluminized screen with a gain of 10 (x10) or more. The choice between higher and lower gain screens is largely a matter of personal preference and another consideration called the Viewing angle.

In considering the type of screen to choose, determine where the viewers will be located and go for the highest gain screen possible. A high gain screen will provide a brighter picture but reduce the viewing angle.

For more information about screens, contact your local screen supplier.

* What image size? How big should the image be?

The BARCODATA 708 is designed for projecting an image width from 1.4m (4.6') to 7m (23') with an aspect ratio of 4 to 3. It leaves the BARCO factory, adjusted as a ceiling front projector for a screen width of 2.4m. Changing the image size from the factory preset requires a realignment of the projector.

Screen width

5975987A BARCODATA 708 260597 3-1