Simple Projector Lens Math

A common question we get from customers completing a self-install is “How far away should I mount my projector?”  While we are always happy to supply the answer, here is the math equation so you can figure out the proper throw distance yourself:

A lens (standard or long throw) will always show the minimum and maximum throw ratio; it looks something like “Throw Ratio = 1.5-3.4.” Once you know this, you can plug that into this distance formula:

Screen Width x Min Throw Ratio = Min Distance

Screen Width x Max Throw Ratio = Max Distance

So with the example TR above, lets assume you have a 12 ft wide screen. Accordingly:

12 x 1.5 = 18 ft (Min Distance)

12 x 3.4 = 40.8 ft (Max Distance)

Now, don’t you wish you had paid more attention in Mrs. Jones’ Algebra class?

Stop Doing the Remote Dance

How you should be turning your projector on:

Does your tech team do the “turn on” dance each Sunday morning?  You know the one – where they move all around the room with the projector remote held high in the air aiming for just the right spot so they can turn the projector on for the worship service?

While I’m not opposed to Christians dancing, this is one that I am taking a stand against.  It’s time to stop the madness.  It’s just too easy of a problem to solve.

Almost all pro-grade projectors today offer hard-wired remote capability.  All you have to do is run a cable (usually 1/8” stereo) from the projector to the remote and your remote works perfectly from the tech booth. No dancing required.

Are you stealing (part 3 of 3)?

We Christians have a bad reputation out there when it comes to copyright violations. We have, for years, photocopied choral music and stolen corporate logos for our youth group T-shirts. I say its time to be “above reproach.”

Much, if not all, of the music we sing in church is copyright protected, and there are some legal and ethical issues you must adhere to. This is discussion 3 of 3:

We have briefly discussed copyright issues with song lyrics and performance duplications, but what other elements used in our worship service are copyright protected?

Bible Translations:

KJV and ASV are public domain, but all other translations are copyrighted.  While each is different, most want to be generous in the allowances.  BUT there are restrictions if you want to duplicate scripture or record someone reading from a specific translation.

Movies and / or Television Broadcasts:

CCLE has a video licensing division (CVLI) that offers some licenses, but it isn’t very complete.  The NFL, for example, can be super protective of their broadcasts and logos (especially around that Super Big Game in February).

Mini Movies and Sermon Clips:

Just because you paid $8 to download an illustration video clip from a source like ShiftWorship.com doesn’t mean you own it. That’s just the right to show it in your service.  If you are recording or streaming your service, such a clip can’t be included on the feed.

Are you stealing (part 2 of 3)?

We Christians have a bad reputation out there when it comes to copyright violations. We have, for years, photocopied choral music and stolen corporate logos for our youth group T-shirts. I say its time to be “above reproach.”

Much, if not all, of the music we sing in church is copyright protected, and there are some legal and ethical issues you must adhere to. This is discussion 2 of 3:

In our last blog entry, we discussed copyright protection of displayed song lyrics. What about performance recording (audio or video) of your choir / praise team singing copyright protected music? Have you considered the legal / ethical ramifications of this?

Many churches have been recording their worship services and are giving it very little thought.  Bottom line, the royalties needed to record and duplicate audio or video copies of your music team singing copyrighted music (side note: just because it’s an “old hymn” in your “old hymn book” doesn’t mean it’s not copyright protected) are NOT covered under the typical CCLI license and are rather expensive. On average, you can easily plan to pay $.25 per song per unit. If you sing 8 songs per week and want to make 50 copies each week you can quickly get a license bill of over $5000.

Remember, if you didn’t create it or you don’t own it, you can’t copy it without paying a fee to the person who does.

There is some good news, however, regarding streaming your service. By definition “streaming” is where the video file is stored on a providers server and the viewers are watching / accessing the file off that server.  The file is not downloadable (a podcast or DVD disc). This scenario can be covered by CCLI’s (www.CCLI.com) streaming license.  Like the lyric license, your church is charged a relatively inexpensive annual fee based on attendance size.