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ProAV 7 Min Read

Laser projectors are conquering large venues, one lumen at a time

August 16, 2024

Small, bright, colorful, and efficient: Laser projectors pack a major punch

In this piece:

As the world of projection evolves, so do the possibilities for large venues. Between a decrease in size and an increase in color reproduction, brightness, and efficiency, laser projectors are able to meet the needs of large venues, with RGB pure laser projectors leading the way. 

We’ve come a long way 

Until the late 1990s, advances in projection technology were almost entirely linked to advances in lamp technology. However, despite projection turning up late to the digital party, it’s evolved drastically from where it once was. Today’s 3DLP® RGB pure laser projection powerhouses capture real-world colors like never before while prioritizing brightness and efficiency. 

But that’s not all: 1DLP® projectors are closing the performance gap with increased brightness, improved contrast levels, and color reproduction, plus the addition of 4K UHD resolution to the mix. With improvements like these, Christie’s lineup of 1-chip laser projectors is perfect for accommodating large-scale canvases, making them ideal for use in large venue applications such as auditoriums, concert halls, and theatres.  

Smaller, lighter projectors for flexible installation 

While canvases may be large in scale, the projectors keep getting smaller. This makes them more convenient and easier to transport and rig: both essential considerations for any large venue or staging installation. For example, the fully omnidirectional M 4K15 RGB pure laser projector is the smallest and lightest 3DLP® RGB pure laser projector available today, weighing in at 83.8lbs (38.1kg). Despite its smaller size, this projector fits into the same rigging cage as our legacy M Series as well as legacy M, J, and Crimson Series lenses, paving the way for additional cost savings.  

Convenience doesn’t stop at the M 4K RGB Series: The Griffyn® 4K50-RGB pure laser projector, with 50,000 lumens of brightness, weighs in at a manageable 197lbs (89.4kg).  

A high right view of a Christie Griffyn 4K50-RGB pure laser projector.

For large venues, our Griffyn 4K50-RGB pure laser projector delivers a stunning 50,000 lumens of brightness.

As times change, Christie changes with them: when it comes to projectors, smaller is the way to go. 

Rich, vibrant colors that’ll wow your audience 

RGB pure laser projectors are perfect for large venues because of their increased color volume. The expansive Rec. 2020 color gamut captures real-world colors in a 3-primary system of red, green, and blue lasers that’s unique to RGB pure laser projectors. This opens the door to brilliant color vibrancy and increased contrast, perfect for bringing your content to life, whether on an auditorium screen, the facade of a building, or the playing surface of a sports venue.  

Once again, the M 4K RGB Series steals the show! With 98% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut, you get brand color matching alongside heightened real-world color production. With the technology behind RGB pure laser projectors, your visuals will always make a big impact, and creating large, breathtaking exhibits and performances that burst with color is easier than ever.  

High brightness projection for large venues 

We can all agree that high brightness is essential for any large venue projector. Optimizing projector brightness ensures your content is visible – regardless of ambient light, the size of the projection surface, or where your audience is seated in the venue.  

With our Griffyn® 4K50-RGB pure laser projector, it’s easy to optimize brightness with the option to operate at 100% brightness for 25,000 hours or 60% brightness for 50,000 hours. When it comes to illumination performance, the choice is yours! 

Tools to make your job easier 

Does your venue’s installation call for multiple projectors? For multi-projector arrays, Christie Mystique™ is an automated camera-based alignment and recalibration solution that lets you quickly install, align, calibrate, and maintain multi-projection systems. It removes hours of painstaking work and ensures that your content looks exactly as intended.  

Improved energy efficiency  

Energy efficiency is key when selecting a projection solution, especially with the energy demands of large venue projection. Selecting an efficient projector not only means a projector that consumes a lower amount of power, but does that without sacrificing brightness, image quality, or color.  

Today’s RGB pure laser powerhouses capture real-world colors while prioritizing brightness and efficiency.

Compared to other projection technologies of the same brightness, our RGB pure laser projectors provide best-in-class operational efficiency. With our Griffyn 4K35-RGB pure laser projector, you can save an estimated 22% yearly in operational costs over the leading competitive model. 

Christie large venue projectors in the wild 

There are a lot of benefits to laser projection for large venues, but it’s always better to see it for yourself. Let’s explore some of the ways our partners and customers have used Christie projection solutions for their installations.  

Immersing audiences in a new product 

In Portugal, ADLC Audiovisuais selected Christie projectors for Nescafe’s launch of its new Dolce Gusto NEO coffee machine. UPPartner produced the event and created a stunning experience for approximately 300 guests using five M 4K25 RGB pure laser projectors to illuminate a 74′ (22.5m) wide by 27′ (8.20m) long wraparound screen.

Two large oval wall cut-outs in adjacent to seating in an auditorium are projection mapped with Christie D13WU2-HS laser projectors.

Christie projection illuminates the auditorium for a Nescafe launch event. Photo credit: ADLC Audiovisuais

Two additional screens, shaped like glasses, were brought to life by two D13WU2-HS projectors. Finally, to illuminate the stage floor and heighten the immersive experience, Nescafe used two Christie 3DLP projectors. The product launch had a massive impact on its audience – just as massive as the venue itself! 

Taiwan’s first immersive theatre 

Nescafe isn’t the only venue that selected our immersive solutions: the National Taiwan Science Education Center (NTSEC) installed Christie projectors and solutions to display mesmerizing visuals in “The Black Box”, Taiwan’s first immersive theatre.  

The L-shaped projection space, 43 ′ (13m) in width and height, was brought to life by Dacoms Technology, using our 4K10-HS 1DLP laser projectors, alongside our Pandoras Box® Software for content processing and playback, AirScan to bring displays to life with interactivity and touch-free control, and Mystique to automate the warping and blending process.  

Several people interacting with projected images on a large screen and floor of an indoor theatre.

Content creators showcasing their works at ‘The Black Box’ immersive theater. Photo credit: 2023 Taipei Digital Art Festival

By showcasing creative works from content creators and local artists while promoting technology and academic research, The Black Box’s large, stunning visuals inspire and awe guests. 

Playing surface projection mapping 

What better way to capture the excitement and spirit of sport than by bringing the playing surface to life with bright, immersive visuals projected for thousands of viewers?  

At Mizzou Arena, home of the University of Missouri’s basketball team, Quince Imaging installed four Griffyn 4K35-RGB pure laser projectors to display striking on-court 3D projection mapping. Paired with Mystique — Pro Venue Edition, the four 36,500-lumen projectors dazzled students, alum, players, and faculty alike with bold colors and dynamic imagery! 

Water projection 

From sport to spectacular, projection shines bright — including at the light and water show in Ningxia Yinchuan Cultural City. Five D20WU-HS 1DLP projectors, installed by Jianye Display, work in harmony to delight the audience with a gorgeous phoenix-themed performance. Rich in culture, color, and lumens — with each projector boasting 20,600 — this striking show continues to make a big splash! 

An image of a colorful bird is projected onto a large water screen.

Christie D20WU-HS projectors display stunning images measuring 90 meters wide and 12 meters high on a water screen. Photo credit: Jianye Display

Projecting festival spirit  

Festivities are always a great time for a little bit of sparkle. For Waddesdon Manor, they turned that little bit of sparkle into a whole lot during the 2023 holiday season when they invited the public to their “Once Upon a Time” themed projection mapping display.  

Inspired by iconic children’s books such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and The Snow Queen, our DWU23-HS projectors, supplied by A.C. Entertainment Technologies, projected bold colors and meticulously aligned images on the building’s surface. Despite being such a large and unique venue — one that includes many intricate details and uneven surfaces — Waddesdon Manor shone bright with festive cheer! 

Projection mapping at India’s oldest university 

Like Waddesdon Manor, Osmania University shines brightly thanks to their new light and sound show. With Aura Bright Light India Pvt Ltd’s expert integration of our DWU23-HS laser projectors, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions dazzle audiences with a colorful show. Projecting high-resolution visuals onto the Arts College’s facade, spanning 350′ (107m) lengthwise and 60′ (18m) in height was no small feat, but it sure paid off! With noise levels as low as 35dBA, enhanced color performance, and 23,650 lumens, the DWU23-HS laser projector can conquer museums, live events, boardrooms, and even the facades of buildings! 

The façade of a large building is projection mapped in vibrant colors.

The breathtaking light and sound show at Osmania University is powered by Christie DWU23-HS laser projectors.
Photo credit: Images courtesy of Aura Bright Light India.

The smart tech behind unforgettable experiences 

When it comes to large venue projectors, 3DLP and 1DLP laser technology make it possible to balance high brightness and vibrant colors with efficiency and installation flexibility. And with the right projection solution, you can ensure an unforgettable experience for your audience. 

RGB pure laser inspiration

RGB Laser Inspiration Guide

Are you looking for further inspiration? Take a look at some of our installations from around the world and explore our projection mapping and playing surface mapping solutions.

Download our new Inspiration Guide