Is it possible to do projection mapping with a digital projector?

[Rodrigo Wilson]

Hey! so the title is pretty straightforward, I have some spare time at work and would like to try Resolume with the big screen, I don´t actually know how could I connect them, I´ve only thought of doing it by HDMI with a notebook connected directly to the projector, but I don´t know if it´s possible or even convenient to do so.

Any experiences on this?

[Ryan Gallagher]

Answers probably depend on what generation/model projector you have. But in general yes HDMI/DVI/SDI can all be used as alternative inputs for non DCI content on most DCI projectors. You won't get the full DCI raster resolution though, check your manual for the alternative input modes and framerates supported.

If you need to do any scaling on the PC/Mac output to match what the projector is expecting items like a "Decimator MD-HX" are on the low end of professional pricing for a fully featured scaler and format converter. But direct should work fine if long cable runs are not involved. Things like a scaler or EDID manager are most useful to force a client machine you don't control such as a laptop at a lectern to deliver a signal that will not cause any issues.

HD to 3G version:
https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/276...ate-conversion

Note the newer 4K-CROSS ones are out now, but have not touched one yet:
https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/565...and-frame-rate

I've been waiting for some experimentation time to do similar things with mapping, if our zoom gets big enough to cover the proscenium arch I've got *ideas*. lol. Alas no time for such fun.

[Marcel Birgelen]

If you mean a DCI projector with digital projector, then yes... but it's not the most ideal platform. There are big venue projectors out there that are more suited for projection mapping, whether using Resolume or any other kind of software.

But, if you already have the projector in-place, then yes, like Ryan indicated, most recent projectors have a HDMI port that allows for external content, although, usually not at full DCI resolution. Keep in mind that when combining a DCI projector with other projectors, you may experience some signal lag compared to other machines, with a more direct signal path.

[Ryan Gallagher]

If you mean a DCI projector with digital projector, then yes... but it's not the most ideal platform. There are big venue projectors out there that are more suited for projection mapping, whether using Resolume or any other kind of software.

But, if you already have the projector in-place, then yes, like Ryan indicated, most recent projectors have a HDMI port that allows for external content, although, usually not at full DCI resolution. Keep in mind that when combining a DCI projector with other projectors, you may experience some signal lag compared to other machines, with a more direct signal path.

Yeah I read the OP as intending to play with the software and a single projector on screen/wall. Once you start going deep down the mapping/blending rabbit hole you need more projectors and more angles and them all in sync, which is DCI projectors are definitely not typically deployed for, though nothing really stopping anyone other than cost, bulk, and external exhaust needs, lack of flying cages etc etc.

But if you just want to practice VJing on one screen in Resolume, go nuts.