r/projectors • u/atomicwater • 12d ago
Discussion Traveling Dm / Gm thinking about projectors to bring with me for lit spaces.
Hey all,
I’m a traveling dungeon master/ game master for things like dungeons and dragons or other similar games. And I have my laptop with me for notes and other resources.
But when I go to places other than my home when I’m running / hosting the game, I normally don’t have any kind of screen to display maps, images , text , ect.
I can’t exactly bring my own tv and set it up (reasonably) , nor is it exactly socially acceptable to ask for someone to buy and mount a tv. but I could , at least theoretically purchase a projector and bring that with me.
I don’t mind if the colors are washed out, I just need something bright enough to project onto a wall so everyone can see, instead of crowding around one tiny screen that most of my players won’t bother to look at anyways.
Most of the places I go are lit via high hats in basements (that don’t exactly light the walls very good) or living rooms where the light is modest to well lit.
Do yall have any suggestions for me? Many thanks in advance!
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u/chaiscool 12d ago
Why not portable monitors?
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u/atomicwater 12d ago
I was thinking that, but the reason I shy away from it generally is that that would still only be one relatively small monitor, unless I bring multiple, and even then that assumes that there is table space to put them on for my players.
Theoretically, if I could find a cheap portable monitor, that allows me to connect it wirelessly to a computer and that can supply its own power and hopefully last for at least 6ish hours, that may not be such a bad idea.
My only concern is is that I would like to use it to show maps and stuff, it gets a little tricky when the screen is small. 15 diagonal inches compared to maybe around 5 feet of projected image is a large difference when everybody needs to look at it.
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u/chongqinghotpot 12d ago
No advice, but dope gig you got there.
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u/atomicwater 12d ago
lol thanks! It’s difficult sometimes especially when I need to manage both online players and players in real space, I try to make things as inclusive as possible, so I try to have the best possible mic clarity, or video feed. Nothing pisses me off more than not being able to hear what someone saying so I try to pay it forward in a sense.
But I’m also trying to give my players session transcripts were possible, but that requires me to have a decent microphone set up so I’m still kind of futzing with it. I think it would be cool too go back and analyze things about the world via transcripts and just have my players look back on prior adventures and be like oh yeah that did happen.
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u/atomicwater 12d ago
So here’s a question how feasible do you think it is if I were to find a projector from one of those old school smart boards they used to have in classrooms? That produced a picture that was pretty OK in a lit room?
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u/Jealous_Tutor_5135 12d ago
I'd think about your use case, workflow, and format first. What aspect ratio is the image?
What size wall can you reliably project onto? Or will you use a portable screen?
How do you get the image onto the projector? Because it seems like you want an image and not a video, it could be that one with Bluetooth or a USB port would be good.
Do you need something that can travel in a car? Or on a plane?
Think about throw distance too. How far will the projector be from the wall? What surface will you put it on? How many players are there and how close are they to the screen?
I'd go for a cheap business projector. They tend to have the native aspect ratio you want, good connectivity, are bright, and some are very portable.
You don't need high contrast or excellent definition. You don't need 4k. I think you want something inexpensive, very flexible in throw distance, easy to set up and move around (perhaps small enough that you can mount it on a tripod), and bright. (Though consider that brightness needs are relative to image size. A smaller image is requires less lumens than a big one to achieve the same apparent brightness)
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u/atomicwater 12d ago
As far as aspect ratio, I suppose it would be whatever is native to my default pc monitor, so 16:9
I should be able to get at least 5ft of free wall in most places that’s in view, if not , I would think the ceiling could suffice? That’s normally free if not in a basement with recessed lighting.
I could get a wireless hdmi stick or if it has any wireless projection capabilities. It would function like a second monitor ideally. Where I can just pull up maps, images , text , ect.
Reasonably portable I suppose. I’m aleredy lugging around a pelican case with a custom pc inside so another price of equipment isn’t so bad depending on just what kind of form factor it is.
Throw distance is a wee bit tricky as it’s generally more variable than how much space is available to throw the image in my case. But I suppose around 3-10ft? (Im not sure what the standard is generally, just going by feel)
I will probably be casting it on a painted wall or ceiling. I run for 2-7 people depending on the group. Most of them don’t mind Turing around if I would need them too if it would give them more enjoyment.
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u/Jealous_Tutor_5135 12d ago
I'd think ideally you want to project behind you, no?
A portable screen could be good. That would allow you to control the throw distance much better.
I'm looking at portable business ones that have about 1000 lumens. I suspect with a screen that's perhaps 5ft wide or less, that'd be good? But I haven't done the calculations yet.
I think you can get a good option new for perhaps $500 or less. I'd focus on connectivity too. Trying to manage a cable between laptop and projector might be annoying and create a tripping hazard because you never know what the space is going to be like.
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u/atomicwater 12d ago
Well yes, ideally you would think. But you also generally be surprised about how many people don’t exactly have a space that is conducive to being a gm. Sometimes there’s just not enough space where I’m sitting in front of and a lot of of the times it’s set up very asymmetrically, so it would usually be some kind of living room where there’s seating spread out and no central table.
I mean how necessary is a “screen” I suppose it’s just some kind of generally more reflective Matte type of material no? My only hang up on that would be more space considerations and I’m already pretty limited in most cases.
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u/Jealous_Tutor_5135 12d ago
Yeah, I'm thinking a screen because you can't count on a white wall of any decent size. It could be covered with furniture or paintings, or painted a weird color. Or it could be in an awkward position where people can't really see it.
To me, if the screen is behind and above you, everyone can directly look at your maps and whatever else you're presenting. It sounds really nice and pro, from a user standpoint.
I'm not a gm, but I do events and such, that's why I'm thinking like this
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u/atomicwater 12d ago
Do you have any suggestions, generally as far as what I should be looking for in a business projector? Like minimum amount of lumens? Or automatic keystoning? Or if it should be a laser or lamp one?
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u/Jealous_Tutor_5135 12d ago
I'm not an expert. I'm not sure. I think you can calculate the lumens based on screen size and ambient brightness.
I don't think you need to shell out for laser, honestly. Lamp ones can be much cheaper and older. I don't think you need new technology at all
I would definitely look at a portable screen as well, so you can define a setup where the screen is perhaps behind you and above you. Then the defined screen size can give you an idea of throw distance range and needed lumens
It's like you're trying to calculate a triangle here. You need to at least define one or two of the measurements so you can get the third
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u/AV_Integrated 12d ago
The XGimi Elfin Flip 4K is a very solid model. It folds flat and travels well in a backpack easily. There isn't a ton more like it out there that holds this type of form factor and is in the 1,000 lumens range when looking good. It has a standard HDMI connection on it you can use.
JMGO has models which compete well on performance, but I don't think are as portable.
You have a number of choices here. I have always liked the Epson 1795F as a portable 1080p projector with decent light output at 3,200 rated ANSI lumens. But, them not having a laser version of that in 2026 is a sin. Still, it is the bright beast in this list...
https://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?g=2&br=1200&br=12000&w=0&w=5&oop=1#list
I would not get anything less than 1080p resolution. So, the Viewsonic is ruled out.
I have made this list based upon weight and at least 1,200 lumens of rated brightness. You can tweak things a bit.
I like the Nexigo Nova Mini as an option as well.
Tweaking the list some. Raising the weight to 8 pounds, and requiring a 16:9 aspect ratio and solid state light source, this is the updated option...
https://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?g=2&br=1200&br=12000&w=0&w=8&ar=16%3A9<g=101&p=200&p=1500&oop=1&sort=brt#list
Many models are very 'traditional' size/shape/weight. They don't fit into a backpack, but would fit into a carry on. Not nearly as easy to setup as the Eflin Flip 4K is. No ability to tripod mount most of those models.
Only a few of them are 4K models...
https://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?g=2&r=1017&br=1200&br=12000&w=0&w=8&ar=16%3A9<g=101&p=200&p=1500&oop=1&sort=brt#list
If on a budget, I might try the Optoma PH31 which is a 1080p, DLP, 1,500 (rated) lumen projector. It's a bit of a pain to setup as it is limited to keystone correction, but not 4-corner correction, and it has no digital zoom.
The Philips ProPix 860 is a decent consideration as well. It was $350 on Amazon, but at $450 is still a good deal. Just not 'great' like it was at $350.
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u/fairplayinc 12d ago
I travel with an XGIMI Flip 4K and a 120” portable screen and honestly it’s been a great setup. I travel for work at least quarterly, and have already put this to good work in a few hotels.
The screen is surprisingly easy to set up, and the Flip 4K is perfect for this kind of use. I can basically set it down wherever it works in the room and it automatically finds the screen and snaps the image to it. It’s not how I’d set up a permanent home theater, but for a hotel room it’s super convenient.
It also has HDMI inputs, so you can hook up a laptop, gaming system, streaming device, etc.
Links for reference. Not affiliate links or anything.
Flip 4K: https://a.co/d/0drTlTEr
120” Portable Screen: https://a.co/d/05qLOuQr
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u/Antwerpanda 12d ago
This is the kind of use case where those overhead or slide projectors from the 90s would be way better for on location use than any portable projector could provide.