Discussions

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Hello Rushton,

I wish that I had definitive info for you, but no such luck.  What I can say is that we have a couple of different implementations here and I can give you some comparisons.  In our Library we set up a video wall.  9 monitors in a grid to make a "monitor" close to your 19 x 11.  We also have some high end laser projectors in our auditorium and in an additional large meeting room.  I have not had either long enough to give you long term cost comparisons, but the initial cost was significantly different.  We spent about 90K on the video wall (this included video conferencing capability with mics, camera and speakers).  The Laser projector setup, including the screen and wiring, cost us about 30k.  That being said, I have MUCH more flexibility with the video wall than with the projector.  I also feel that the picture quality is significantly better with the video monitors, specially in areas where there is ambient light.  All things being equal, and cost wasn't an issue, I would definitely recommend the video wall.  However, I know cost is almost always an issue.

------------------------------
James Manikas
Director of Technology
Webb School of Knoxville
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Great thoughts, James, thanks!

Is there anyone in the group who can speak to the strengths and weaknesses of laser projectors?

Is there anyone whose school has a large LED screen/display/thing and can speak to its strengths and weaknesses over time?

Thanks to all,
Rushton

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2021 07:08 AM
From: James Manikas
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hello Rushton,

I wish that I had definitive info for you, but no such luck.  What I can say is that we have a couple of different implementations here and I can give you some comparisons.  In our Library we set up a video wall.  9 monitors in a grid to make a "monitor" close to your 19 x 11.  We also have some high end laser projectors in our auditorium and in an additional large meeting room.  I have not had either long enough to give you long term cost comparisons, but the initial cost was significantly different.  We spent about 90K on the video wall (this included video conferencing capability with mics, camera and speakers).  The Laser projector setup, including the screen and wiring, cost us about 30k.  That being said, I have MUCH more flexibility with the video wall than with the projector.  I also feel that the picture quality is significantly better with the video monitors, specially in areas where there is ambient light.  All things being equal, and cost wasn't an issue, I would definitely recommend the video wall.  However, I know cost is almost always an issue.

------------------------------
James Manikas
Director of Technology
Webb School of Knoxville

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Hi Rushton.
My two cents...given the location and purpose, though I don't know the age group.

I think LED display depending on the room size (75-90") over projectors for several reasons:
1. it's not necessarily tied to a wall - this allows for mobility and multiple uses
2. they tend to have better visibility at smaller sizes - a wall is impressive but not necessary for visibility and clarity and requires extensive space for line of sight
3. with the right cart a display can also serve as an interactive tabletop with multiple reachable touch screens
4. it allows for small quiet groups as well as large presentations
5. it can be placed/hung in front of windows - did this with art classrooms in order not to sacrifice lighting from waist to ceiling windows
6. on a wholistic level, the display will not overpower the library, drawing student attention from the communal/research aspects of a library
7. with money "saved" there is opportunity for multiple displays - which can also be controlled via small mini computers (raspberry pis) over networks

Okay, now my brain is flying with ideas so I will shutup. :-)


------------------------------
Jennifer Lamkins, Ed.D.
Coordinator of Member and Technology Support Services
she/her
Northwest Association of Independent Schools
5001 California Ave. SW (Ste. 112), Seattle, WA 98136
Office: 206-323-6137
Direct: 206-323-7005
jlamkins@nwais.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Thanks, Jennifer!

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2021 02:41 PM
From: Jennifer Lamkins
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi Rushton.
My two cents...given the location and purpose, though I don't know the age group.

I think LED display depending on the room size (75-90") over projectors for several reasons:
1. it's not necessarily tied to a wall - this allows for mobility and multiple uses
2. they tend to have better visibility at smaller sizes - a wall is impressive but not necessary for visibility and clarity and requires extensive space for line of sight
3. with the right cart a display can also serve as an interactive tabletop with multiple reachable touch screens
4. it allows for small quiet groups as well as large presentations
5. it can be placed/hung in front of windows - did this with art classrooms in order not to sacrifice lighting from waist to ceiling windows
6. on a wholistic level, the display will not overpower the library, drawing student attention from the communal/research aspects of a library
7. with money "saved" there is opportunity for multiple displays - which can also be controlled via small mini computers (raspberry pis) over networks

Okay, now my brain is flying with ideas so I will shutup. :-)


------------------------------
Jennifer Lamkins, Ed.D.
Coordinator of Member and Technology Support Services
she/her
Northwest Association of Independent Schools
5001 California Ave. SW (Ste. 112), Seattle, WA 98136
Office: 206-323-6137
Direct: 206-323-7005
jlamkins@nwais.org

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

The best projector you can get today is 4K which is 3840x2160 pixels. With a video wall each panel is likely going to either FHD 1920x1080 or 4K which means you will have 3-9 more pixels to work with. Also those pixels will be much smaller given the same space. You can have really detailed things on that video wall that will blurry mess on projector.

Downside is someone is going to need to make those graphics and that will take time to do well. Throwing up a 4K image and just scaling it won't be ideal.

------------------------------
Brian Hoyt
French American School of Puget Sound
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Hi Brian,

That's great info. Are you talking about lamp or laser projectors? Laser ones, right?

Also, does your school have a video wall of some kind? I'd love to pick your brain a bit, if so.

Thanks,

Rushton

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2021 05:21 PM
From: Brian Hoyt
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

The best projector you can get today is 4K which is 3840x2160 pixels. With a video wall each panel is likely going to either FHD 1920x1080 or 4K which means you will have 3-9 more pixels to work with. Also those pixels will be much smaller given the same space. You can have really detailed things on that video wall that will blurry mess on projector.

Downside is someone is going to need to make those graphics and that will take time to do well. Throwing up a 4K image and just scaling it won't be ideal.

------------------------------
Brian Hoyt
French American School of Puget Sound

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Either lamp or laser projectors the resolution is pretty much the same. The only difference is the light source shinning through the LCD panel(s) or DLP color wheel. I don't have one, my school doesn't have a space big enough to justify one, I wish.

------------------------------
Brian Hoyt
French American School of Puget Sound
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2021 07:33 PM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi Brian,

That's great info. Are you talking about lamp or laser projectors? Laser ones, right?

Also, does your school have a video wall of some kind? I'd love to pick your brain a bit, if so.

Thanks,

Rushton

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org

Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2021 05:21 PM
From: Brian Hoyt
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

The best projector you can get today is 4K which is 3840x2160 pixels. With a video wall each panel is likely going to either FHD 1920x1080 or 4K which means you will have 3-9 more pixels to work with. Also those pixels will be much smaller given the same space. You can have really detailed things on that video wall that will blurry mess on projector.

Downside is someone is going to need to make those graphics and that will take time to do well. Throwing up a 4K image and just scaling it won't be ideal.

------------------------------
Brian Hoyt
French American School of Puget Sound

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

How big is the library that you need a 19x11-foot display???  That sounds more like an auditorium than a library.  Unless we're talking about the main branch of a city library, rather than a school library...

Would a basic 86-100" enterprise-class flat panel (either interactive or not) really be too small?  We put 86" displays in four large common spaces in a new Middle School building -- they'd definitely be too small for an auditorium or a similar large event space, but most school libraries I've seen are smaller spaces and/or have more things breaking up sight-lines, so that such a large display would be overkill, especially for presentations.  I suppose I could see it for "shock and awe" effect for signage, but then we're getting back to overkill again.

My impression is that 40 hours a week is still more than most laser projectors are designed for, but that either an expensive video wall, or a much cheaper large single flat panel that's designed for digital-signage use, would easily hold up to that kind of duty cycle.

------------------------------
David Fulton-Howard
Technical Service Specialist
McDonogh School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Hi David,

I was using those dimensions for comparison with another wall I know about. Trying to get apples-to-apples cost comparisons is not what I'd call easy with this project!

For us, we're working with a potential 24 ft wide x 9.5 ft high (the final dimensions will depend on the tile size used if we go that route); the minimum pixel pitch is probably 1.5mm; and complicating things again, there is a mild curve to where we'd have the display.

I've been told that higher-end laser projectors can stay on for 40+ hours a week and maintain a 20K-40K hour life span with no degradation of quality. I'm hoping to get that confirmed from someone who has them, of course.

Rushton

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2021 03:57 PM
From: David Fulton-Howard
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

How big is the library that you need a 19x11-foot display???  That sounds more like an auditorium than a library.  Unless we're talking about the main branch of a city library, rather than a school library...

Would a basic 86-100" enterprise-class flat panel (either interactive or not) really be too small?  We put 86" displays in four large common spaces in a new Middle School building -- they'd definitely be too small for an auditorium or a similar large event space, but most school libraries I've seen are smaller spaces and/or have more things breaking up sight-lines, so that such a large display would be overkill, especially for presentations.  I suppose I could see it for "shock and awe" effect for signage, but then we're getting back to overkill again.

My impression is that 40 hours a week is still more than most laser projectors are designed for, but that either an expensive video wall, or a much cheaper large single flat panel that's designed for digital-signage use, would easily hold up to that kind of duty cycle.

------------------------------
David Fulton-Howard
Technical Service Specialist
McDonogh School

Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2021 09:14 AM
From: Rushton Hurley
Subject: Large LED Display vs High-End Projectors

Hi all,

A school I work with is renovating its library, and is thinking in terms of having a large screen that allows for presentations, as well as info about what is happening at the school. We're looking at both a large LED display and high-end projectors. I'm particularly interested in how to think about cost with this.

Some factors:
* The room will have quite a bit of ambient light.
* We would likely keep the screen on ~40 hours per week.
* I've read that laser projectors can address the replacing-expensive-bulbs issue to some degree.
* I understand the squares of LED displays can be moved and configured a variety of ways, but we probably wouldn't do this.

I've heard that large LED displays (a 19'x11') can run from $65K to half a million dollars or more.

Any thoughts you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rushton

#General

------------------------------
Rushton Hurley
NextVista.org
------------------------------