How do we enlarge picture close to screen?

Lets consider this . . .

We're shooting from behind a screen with the projector from a maximum distance of 3 feet. This means that the picture is not full screen.

How can we enlarge the picture to the full screen without moving the projector?

Is there anything we can do with mirrors or something?

Let's see what we can come up with. If we can solve it I'm sure it will help a lot of DJ's/VJ's who have a small setup space.

This is a challenge to anyone, but especially those with a science or math head.

what is typically recommended is getting a projector with an interchangeable lens. You might need a lens with a focal point of < 1.0.

How big is the screen you are projecting the image with?

There are projectors similar to those like those old style front projection TV's which allow a specially designed projector to show an image on a screen from a distance as little as 1.5'. However, these units are priced 3X as much as a wide angle lens as described above and very impractical to what a VJ/DJ application would call for.

Or (You can hang a High End System DL3 Fixture) from the other end (http://www.highend.com/products/digital_lighting/dl_3.asp) ;) JUST KIDDING :)

I was thinking maybe a screen shot anywhere up to 8 feet.

I had 10 feet to fill a 9x12 screen. I bought a 3x4 foot mirror from Lowes and reflected it on to the screen to fill it. Cost about $60.

Kevin that sounds good. Thanks for your comments.

But, let's see if we can close the distance down to 3 feet or so.

What size is your screen?

Here is what I'm thinking . . .

I'm thinking of putting my "Spandex" screen at the front of my DJ table. Then attach the projector under my table, shooting into the back of the screen.

Why you say? I like the concept of appearing on stage with very little and then "blowing" the audience away. Can you imagine at a wedding how suprised the B&G will be when you starting playing a video of them, or showing pictures of their childhood. (Given to you by the parents for example.)

Or when after the 1 AM closing you turn the party into an after hours club, showing video.

Or you can just shoot your logo on the sign, instead of carrying one around.

Etc.

I bought a 3x4 foot mirror from Lowes and reflected it on to the screen to fill it.You may be able to get away with that for music videos and DJ work, but not for corporate.

A normal mirror produces two reflections - one from the polished metal surface on the rear of the glass, and another from the surface of the glass itself. The result is ghosting of the image.

You may be able to live with that in a motion picture, but for text and data displays it would be unacceptable.

A first surface mirror is what you should use to redirect a visual image.

Like the mirrors found in telescopes and other optical devices the reflective surface is on the front of the glass.

This eliminates the double reflection and refraction distortion of the glass. To make the best use of a mirror you need a projector with zoom capability and keystone correction.