Large-format slide projector: Difference between revisions

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A '''Large Format Slide Projector''' (often also called "Large Format Projector" or "Large Image Projector") is a kind of [[slide projector]] which has a very powerful [[light source]] (up to 12 thousand kilowatts). Therefore it is necessary to use a large slide format to protect the slide material from overheating during the projection process (even when the light is filtered to only visible light and the slide is cooled with strong slide cooling fans). Slide formats of 18x18cm (7,1x7,1") or 24x24cm (9,4x9,4").<br />On the other hand this formats are such large that it is possible to project slides painted with heat resistant translucent colours as a special kind of art (projection art).<br />The light output of the projector is such enormous that it is possible to cover whole buildings with an artistic cover of light. More and more it is growing to a slow but nevertheless impressive high power alternative to the fast running videoprojections. So you can say the large format slide projector is an upcoming tool for a specialized group of artists which produce monumental light artwork.<br />''History:'' The first large format slide projectors were built in the middle of the 20th century as background projectors for theaters and opera houses. The artists Prof. Schneider-Siemmsen, Prof. Svoboda and [[Herbert v. Karajan]] used the large format slide projectors as stage projectors in their artwork. In good cooperation with the technican Ing. Ludwig Pani they realized the first large format projections as an integrated part of their artwork. Since this starting era the large format slide projectors were developed to more light efficiancy and flexibility to reach all fields of large image projection as there are stage, event, architectural and advertising projection. You also find some details of Large Format Slide Projectors in the book "Light Fantastic. The Art and Design of Stage Lighting" written by Max Keller and Johannes Weiß (ISBN 978-3-7913-3685-5).<br />''philosophical view:'' The large format slide projectors use an artistic lanquage, that is able to transport messages and contents to reach inner layers of human beings and so they decrease today's contemporary thrill and agitation. This opens a view into a more relaxed future.

[[File:Ravensburg Konzerthaus PANI-Projektor 01.jpg|thumb|PANI-Projektor, a large-format slide projector in the [[Ravensburg]] [[concert hall]]]]

A '''large-format slide projector''' (also often called '''large-format projector''' or '''large-image projector''') is a kind of [[slide projector]] for large image projection which has a very powerful [[light source]] (up to 12 thousand watts using [[arc lamps]]). The light source generates a lot of heat even when filtered to only visible light; the projected transparency is protected from overheating by the heat being distributed across its large area, and cooling fans. Slide formats include 18 × 18&nbsp;cm (7.1 × 7.1") or 24 × 24&nbsp;cm (9.4 × 9.4").

==Projection art==

These formats are so large that it is possible to project slides painted with heat resistant translucent colours as a special kind of art (projection art). The light output of the projector is large enough to project onto whole buildings.

==History==

The first large-format slide projectors were built in the middle of the 20th century as background projectors for theaters and opera houses. From the early 50', the german Brand Reiche&Vogel was offering in a catalog a 2000w slide projector using 4.75"x 4.75" (12x12cm) slide or a scroller for film strip of the same size. They will produce a 5000w model no long after this first. The artists [[Günther Schneider-Siemssen]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fanfaire.com/schneider-siemssen/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210022744/http://www.fanfaire.com/schneider-siemssen/index.html|date=c. 2008<!--copyright date-->|archive-date=10 February 2012|title=The Cosmic Space of Gunther Schneider-Siemssen, stage set designer |url-status=usurped|publisher=Fanfaire.com }} {{Failed verification|date=April 2024}}</ref> and Professor Svoboda used the large format slide projectors as stage projectors in their artwork. In good cooperation with the technician Ing. Ludwig Pani, they improved large-format slide projectors for stage, and realized the first large format projections as an integrated part of their artwork.

==Manufacturers==

Large scale image projectors have been pioneered by manufacturers Reiche&Vogel, Pani, Hardware Xenon and PIGI. These projectors are usually described as scenic projectors, and project light through photographic or inkjet media, unlike video projectors that reflect light off of LCD or DMD (digital micro mirror, sometimes referred to as DLP) devices. Despite advancements in video technology, still image projectors are still capable of many times the luminous output of video projection devices. Scenic projectors sometimes utilize roll based projection media, which allows quick access to hundreds of images and the creation of scrolling imagery, as well as rotating imagery.

The most powerful image projectors in the world are built by the company XL Productions. These one of a kind image projectors utilize large format lenses to achieve image sizes and brightness levels beyond that which is capable with commercially available projectors. XL Productions has presented imagery for events like the Olympics, the Super Bowl and other special productions. In 2000, XL Productions achieved projected image sizes as much as one mile across on [[Sugarloaf Mountain (Brazil)|Sugarloaf Mountain]] in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

==See also==

*[[Hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide lamp]]

==References==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Slide projectors]]