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[Jonathan Kok]

So, a client has come to me with a request...one I'm not sure is feasible.  They want to mount two screens on the front wall of their sanctuary, and project onto both screens simultaneously...with the same projector.  These screens are split 20' apart. They claim they've 'seen it done'.

The obvious solution would be to project onto the whole wall, and use something like the Christie Spider to block out the non-screen portions.  But they somehow think this will be cheaper than using two projectors.
I suppose there could be a lens out there capable of doing this, using a prism to split the projector image two separate lenses, but the cost of this lens, plus the cost of the high output projector, would again seem to negate any cost savings over purchasing a couple of 5K projectors.

Am I missing something?

[Charlie Zureki]

So, a client has come to me with a request...one I'm not sure is feasible.  They want to mount two screens on the front wall of their sanctuary, and project onto both screens simultaneously...with the same projector.  These screens are split 20' apart. They claim they've 'seen it done'.

The obvious solution would be to project onto the whole wall, and use something like the Christie Spider to block out the non-screen portions.  But they somehow think this will be cheaper than using two projectors.
I suppose there could be a lens out there capable of doing this, using a prism to split the projector image two separate lenses, but the cost of this lens, plus the cost of the high output projector, would again seem to negate any cost savings over purchasing a couple of 5K projectors.

Am I missing something?

   Hello,

  No, I don't think you're missing anything. But, I do think THEY were missing something...I think they may have seen two projectors stacked on top of another, although, they were aimed at two separate  screens.

   I agree with the idea that there may be some lense that'll split an output to two different screens, but, I think it would be more hassle than it's worth. Constantly re-aiming and tweeking would be a pain, especially if it's mounted on a ceiling.   And, I'm sure the cost would be "insulting" to them.

   I notice that those with the grandest of ideas always have NO money..... 

   Hammer

[TJ (Tom) Cornish]

   Hello,

  No, I don't think you're missing anything. But, I do think THEY were missing something...I think they may have seen two projectors stacked on top of another, although, they were aimed at two separate  screens.

   I agree with the idea that there may be some lense that'll split an output to two different screens, but, I think it would be more hassle than it's worth. Constantly re-aiming and tweeking would be a pain, especially if it's mounted on a ceiling.   And, I'm sure the cost would be "insulting" to them.

   I notice that those with the grandest of ideas always have NO money..... 

   Hammer

I can't believe both of you guys have missed the obvious answer with absolutely no drawbacks --  a HUGE prism to split the beam.  Seriously, don't make this any more complicated than it is. 

[Charlie Zureki]

I can't believe both of you guys have missed the obvious answer with absolutely no drawbacks --  a HUGE prism to split the beam.  Seriously, don't make this any more complicated than it is. 

      Jonathan had already mentioned a prism..but ?

[Brad Weber]

So, a client has come to me with a request...one I'm not sure is feasible.  They want to mount two screens on the front wall of their sanctuary, and project onto both screens simultaneously...with the same projector.  These screens are split 20' apart. They claim they've 'seen it done'.

Another factor may be what is displayed on the two screens?  Is it always the same content on both screens, potentially different images on each screen, a single image split across the two screens or some other option?

Also, how large are the images?  If you tried to get two good sized images 20' apart with a single projector then that projector would have to actually be creating a much larger image, which means it having much greater output in order to create a comparable image brightness.

Another consideration may be redundancy, if a projector ever fails then with two projectors you still have one operating while with a single projector you have nothing.

Have you asked them where they saw this done with a single projector?  It would be interesting to know what is actually being done for that application.

[TJ (Tom) Cornish]

      Jonathan had already mentioned a prism..but ?

He talked about a lens with a prism inside it.  Like that exists - whatever.   

I'm talking about dangling a prism from the ceiling about 8' in front of the projector, next to the darkening lights to compensate for the windows with no curtains.

[Mark Long]

the darkening lights

Gotta get me some of them!!!   

[Brad Weber]

I'm talking about dangling a prism from the ceiling about 8' in front of the projector, next to the darkening lights to compensate for the windows with no curtains.

Are those dimmable (brightable?) so that you can adjust the amount of darkness provided?  Are they considered energy efficient and how might they affect LEED points?

[TJ (Tom) Cornish]

Are those dimmable (brightable?) so that you can adjust the amount of darkness provided?  Are they considered energy efficient and how might they affect LEED points?

They are variable darkness, however they aren't LEED certified, as it takes energy to cancel the light out.  You can't violate the laws of physics, you know. 

[Jonathan Johnson]

They are variable darkness, however they aren't LEED certified, as it takes energy to cancel the light out.  You can't violate the laws of physics, you know.

Then they should be called darks, not lights. As in "bring up the darks."

It can't be that hard, it's the same concept as driving twice as slow, and all the time people say that do that.