Christie HAL Series User Manual page 9

INSTALLATION & SETUP
2-6
DLV 1280
User's Manual
Figure 2-5. Using a 4:3 Screen for a Mix of 5:4 and 4:3 Sources

While it is always preferable to operate the projector in an ideal projection room
environment, the high brightness output of DLV 1280 is well suited for locations
where ambient lighting may be less than optimum for projection. For temporary
installations where the room may not be designed for projection, there are many
simple things which can be done to avoid problems caused by unwanted light.
Visiting a movie theater can give you an idea of what makes a good projection
environment. Walls, floors and furnishings are dark and matte finished. A
projection room should not have reflective white ceilings or non-directional
lighting such as fluorescent lights. The white ceiling spreads light, making the
room appear brighter. Keep lighting and reflections to a minimum.
If it is not possible to eliminate fluorescent lights, consider using parabolic
reflectors ("egg crates") to direct light down to the floor. Incandescent spot
lighting is a better way to obtain illumination. Light dimmers or rheostats allow
you to further control the lighting.
Outside windows are undesirable in any projection room. A small crack between
curtains on a sunny day can wash out a projected image. If you do have
windows, make sure that window coverings are opaque and overlapping — some
window coverings are designed to provide up to 100 percent blockage of outside
light. Ideally, the material should have a matte finish.
To minimize the effects caused by unwanted light from door and aisle ways,
carefully choose the position of your projector and screen. Figure 2-6 shows an
installation where poor screen placement allows too much unwanted light to
enter the screen. In Figure 2-7, the screen and the projector are positioned to
minimize the effect of unwanted light.
Figure 2-6. Poor Screen Placement