[Noah]

Hello people,

Does anybody know the projection limit of video in the mini-dv format before it gets too pixelized? I need to know what the maximim screen size is for video that has been edited with FCP. I will be running FCP on a PowerBook that is connected to a projector. I don't know what the size of the screen will be yet or what kind of projector I will be using. I'm just trying to get an idea of what the mini-dv format can hadle before it loses too much resolution. Any insight into this is much appreciated.

Noah

[loki74]

umm... how pixelated the image appears is not only a function of how big you project it, but also of how far your audience is from the screen...also, how far you can project is a function of your projector, as well as how much ambient (competing) light is present.

the pixel size of the MiniDV format is 720x480. Theoretically, you could figure out the size in inches each pixel will be if projected at a certain size... you'll also want to consider aspect ratio. Many larger screens assume that you will be projecting in 16:9, so you may have extra screen to the sides seeing as how MiniDV is a 4:3 format.

When you decide what projector you want, search for a throw projector of that model, that may help immensely.

I would say on resolution, basically if you audience is seated far away enough that the front row can see the entire image (and then some...), it should be alright. Granted, HD or film would be much sharper, but without a direct comparison, people shouldnt notice the difference too much.

Good luck!

[Spoffo]

I've had videos I made projected in a movie theater from Final Cut edits that were output to MiniDV and then dubbed to Beta SP (because that's what the theater's equipment was). I don't know the details of the theater's tape player or projector, but the end result on a 15 or 20 foot screen, while certainly not HD, was quite good and film-like with no scan lines or jaggies visible from pretty close to the screen. This was at a film festival that was a mix of video and film productions. The video pieces were a bit softer than those shot on film, but not so much that it bothered anyone in the audience.

[Noah]

Thanks guys. I have more confidence in using mini-dv now. Are there any other variables I need to consider in getting a projector besides the ones that loki74 has mentioned?