Projection Prattle
You know those videos I’ve made that started with a long section explaining the background to the topic before then moving on to show something related. The videos that people who struggle to get through a TikTok clip in one sitting like to complain about. Well this video is all set-up and no resolution. They’re going to love it.
The pay-off to this one will only come with future videos related to this topic. With all this exposition out of the way those videos will now be able to skip this part and just cut to the chase.
Don't misunderstand, I'm pretty happy with the way this video has turned out, but I just thought you should know that there’s no pot of gold at the end of this particular rainbow. Although you might just enjoy looking at the pretty colours instead.
As for other stuff, well there’s still a couple of small things I'd like to tweak in the new studio (yes the flickering Nixie clock is one) but overall I've now got things pretty much how I want them.
I’ll do a Patreon update video when the time seems right. At the moment I’m awaiting my latest biopsy results, so any long or even medium term plans are very much up in the air until these land.
Take care.
Comments (71)
Can you put the new one on the top shelf behind you, or find a way of mounting to the ceiling? Like make a frame that goes round the walls from the floor either side and across the ceiling and the projector hangs down from it? I still use my 10 year old Optoma 1080p projector on a 100" motorised pull down screen in my shed :)
No that’s not going to be possible, but I also wouldn’t want to do it if it was possible, I’ve got a long long list of really boring reasons that I could talk about until people begged me to stop, but the short answer is that there will be no roof or shelf mounting of any projector related equipment. UPDATE - There might be some temporary shelf mounting.
I like the floor, tiles together with the windows very cozy studio.
I really enjoyed that one Mat, you seemed to be having a really lovely time putting it together, and it shone through on camera
Mat, where did you purchase those pull-down blinds for your new Studios doors? I've searched online but can't seem to find a similar pair. Also checked Dunelm but didn't have much luck. Would love a set for our patio doors. Thanks!
They're from Blindsbypost.com the ones I have are 'Stickfit' blinds in Stanton Grey. You can see me installing one in this video https://youtu.be/WDGKW0pZ0Qo?si=RmhOOAj0BongYIwv&t=852
I particularly appreciated a couple things in this video. First was the way you cut several scenes together in a single stream of thought. I think it was perfect. Second, I appreciated the comment about allowing perfection getting in the way of progress. It was a good reminder. Great video!
Since you mentioned the flickering nixie clock... I personally find the blinking white LED matrix thing on the bottom left to be VERY distracting. Especially in this video where it seems to be in a sort of attract mode which doesn't correlate to the audio. It won't be the end if the world if it stays, but I think something a bit more subtle would work better in that space
It’s really there to hide all the plugs. It has a variety of displays, you really wouldn’t like some of the others, they’re likely to cause seizures.
Hello Mat, Really enjoyed the video. It's great how the space is shaping up and most importantly the very Best of Luck with the biopsy results 🙏
Ahhh the mancave is coming along nicely, Matt 😁
Apropos of nothing, I don’t like how all these apps have their own browser built in, but also that my iPhone isn’t smart enough to know that when I click on a YouTube link, I want it to open it in the YouTube app.
Even if you press and hold on the link?
That was interesting, Mat. I must add, the edit (changing locations to complete sentences) was very David Attenborough! :-) I am pleased to see and hear you back to your normal, fluent, faster-speaking self. It shows! I hope the biopsy results are clear, Fingers crossed for you. Cheers, SB
I have the non ST version of that Benq above me right now. Went to great effort attaching it to the ceiling, had a power socket installed, ran HDMI inside the walls up to the ceiling... And haven't turned it on in years. Turning the TV on instead is just too easy! Still have my DIY fixed screen on the wall too.
I completely understand. TVs got plenty big enough to make projectors far less relevant…and then they also stopped making movies that were worth watching.
Thanks Mat. Hope the results come through quickly. Regards
I think it’s quite likely I’ll hear something this week.
You are going to try out different projectors and so on so not trying to solve a problem but if I were to use that setup, I'd probably get something narrow and tall like a flowerstand. Then setup the projector on it and mark the spot on the carpet. That way it might be possible to just set down the projector on those and be ready to go. Tho now I think about it, I have no idea how sensitive a projector is to positioning. Could that even be done? Maybe someone with a projector could test that and see if it's a viable option for someone ;)
It depends on the projector, however they do make stands that look just like that which will fit certain devices. e.g. https://www.lg.com/uk/projectors/portable-lifestyle-projectors/cqs710pb/
As I've said before, a cozy little room. A literal man cave. Not worth it to place the screen behind the stereo and speakers, maybe elevate it a few inches so the screen would clear?
The wiring that will be back there will foul everything. I like the screen being in front as not only is it a lot (lot) easier to set up, it doesn’t take up any space I’d be using and it allows me to adjust the height of the screen.
Excited to see your thoughts on projectors! Lovely space, too.
Our house came with a 720p projector...it still works, but is crap. We upgraded to an Epson 1080p projector (just like your Benq)...it died after a few years. Just upgraded to a Epson 4k projector...long throw with tilt shift lens....it is giant...but there is room for it on the ceiling.
Off topic, but you look super healthy!
I feel ok too, but I’ll have to wait and see if I’m really ok or just pretending to be.
Love seeing the GF-777 make an appearance. What a beast! In my top 5 boomboxes for sure, along with the Conion C-100F and JVC M90. There's a few Lasonics that would get a look in too! Loved the video, cheers Mat.
Similar to what I've been preaching for years. I love projectors, and a setup that you can love doesn't need to cost much.
That looks like a cool way to watch a movie on a hot summer night... literally
I would try out the big speakers behind the screen to hear how they sound this way. They are already there anyway. Maybe try to use some kind of equalizer to boost the higher frequencies to compensate for the screen in front of them.
Trying to get audio extracted from HDMI to send via a wire into the back of an amp is a royal pain in the neck…and then there’s the issue of all the controls being behind a screen. I decided to keep this one simple.
I've got a very similar BenQ projector... but never used it. It was sat on the doorstep of the house opposite with "Free to good home" taped to it! But, not as good a deal as you might think, as it has no bulb, and looking online, these seem quite expensive!
The studio's turned out beautifully. I'd love for you to see all that hard work paying off. Looks pretty cosy too. Shame the ceiling can't take a hammock 😄
Sorry, can you repeat all that? The little blue wave thingy in the background had all of my attention.
Great video, Mat - thanks. And extra marks for correct use of the Mayhew Scale.
Yes unfortunately it’s only one Mayhew wide, I’d have loved it to be a Wadlow.
I'm starting to think that you really do have a time machine, because past Mat was really prepping for this new office space! That motorized screen is great and clearly the perfect size for a room 1 Chewbacca wide. Hope there is good news on the health front and you can take a much needed break from being poked and prodded to enjoy some big screen escapism!
First and foremost, a profoundly well edited piece.
Did you not notice the amazing picture that “appeared” when you raised the screen? Its on the BLACK part under the white part of the screen. (During the golden gate bridge.). Which reminds me of how there are: 1. screens that claim to absorb light better and are black instead of white and 2. The adjustments on projectors that permit you to tell it what color screen or wall you are shining it on. (Sometimes trying those options are actually better even tho the screen may still be white.). In ANY case, as always, i LOVE watching your stuff.
Unfortunately its an unrepresentative result of how things would be watching mixed content. The very bright components are showing up well here, but trying to watch any darker scenes on black and they’d just disappear. But yes the reflective nature of a screen makes a big difference. In a room with a lot of ambient light a grey screen might produce better results.
I love videos like these. This kind of "living space vs. AV equipment" puzzle is both interesting and relatable, since we've all been in a situation like this many times. Also, this video definitely does have a pay-off. Seeing the beautiful landscape footage playing on that big projector screen felt really satisfying. I'm glad you've managed to solve the puzzle and I'm looking forward to the follow-up video.
Misread the title as "Project Prattle" and thought it was the start of a new series where you just... prattle. Maybe next time!
That series has been running for almost 20 years so far.
Nice video, I'll have to seek out a documentary about graph paper now. (Actually I could never understand logarithmic scales. But then again, I never had to)
So jealous of the new studio. Love those vertical sound deadening boards. Bonus to have the home cinema in there. Proper man-cave.
If you ever want any of those boards, it’s these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DCTHL2WZ
Fortuitous timing with this one! I've been finishing a room in my home after the post-storm rebuild where I plan to install a projector, and I was looking at a motorized screen very much like that one. Never considered that it may not be tight enough due to the way it's constructed, so I'll be sure and look for one with proper tension! I also have that same old Benq projector from years back, mainly for its VGA input. Projecting old PCs is bizarrely fun. But I do plan to grab a new one for the new room, so I'll be curious to see what you chose for your own upgrade.
Yes I’d never buy another screen that wasn’t tab tensioned now. It does up the cost considerably though.
Where will you sit to watch the movies? There are no comfy chairs!
I do have some surprisingly comfortable folding chairs that I’ll be using to start with.
Great video, with the multiple locations, energy levels, etc. I might suggest re-phrasing the part where you said you were getting a ‘ridiculously cheap’ projector for your brother-in-law, although I guess that would depend on whether he watches your videos or not. I’m guessing you have the coolest “man-cave” in your neighborhood, possibly town, or even country. (You’ve got an overweight septuagenarian across the pond who’s green with envy).
It is crazily cheap if it performs well…or a lot of money to waste on something rubbish. I’ll find out. However if it’s worth passing on it’ll be a gift so it’ll come at no cost to him.
I likely would have just set the projector up on the topmost shelf behind you where the camera doesn't see. Would be a perfect location without having to set stuff up every time you wanted to use it
That’s not going to work with the throw distance….it is a very finicky measurement. It’d be about twenty foot too far back.
When this notification popped in I thought it said Project Rattle.
Shake, Rattle, & Roll
I found this very enjoyable, and I liked how every time a thought popped into my head you addressed it straight afterwards in terms and logic that made 100% sense to me! I looked into the idea of a projector for our living room a few years ago as the best place for a TV to go (viewing-wise) would be on a chimney breast directly above a wood-burning stove with no mantle-piece - but the TV would not enjoy having a roaring hot stove underneath it! I seem to remember huge amount of debate about the best colour to use for a screen (grey?) etc. etc. it did wear me out before I got close to properly considering it. Ended up with a long bracket mounted in the alcove to the side instead. Those black-out blinds look very similar to some we bought for our daughter's room before we had proper blinds fitted - main difference being that ours have cartoons of owls and such-like on them :-D
• This is a very nicely stitched-together video with a variety of shooting locations. I really enjoy the trip down memory lane, too. For those who missed them previously, here's the video projector reference links: https://youtu.be/imMxCpgwgy8 https://youtu.be/55la7bJhd04 https://youtu.be/j3Ufc_V6hIU • Forget measuring with a banana, Chewbacca is much better. • You could make very interesting special effects with the UST and the wobbling projector screen. • "It's all muscle" yes, indeed sir. 😊 You can actually kneel without keeling over and face-planting (like I would). • Do you still have David Niven's cheque? • I love the circular light framing the Flamingo, it's very nice. I also like the blue liquid motion teeter totter on your Nixie clock. I can tell you're having an excellent time with the studio setup. That huge pile of cords is a bit intimidating, though. Take care 🤍
Yes Niven’s cheque is still on the wall in Studio One. I always wanted a giant version of those wave machines, they stopped making them so I had to settle for this smaller one. You’ll notice it wasn’t on during some sections and that’s because it started to squeak. When it’s working later in the video it had been oiled.
Couldn't you mount the screen sideways? It would make the perfect Tiktok shrine. How is the sound proofing? Don't the neighbours complain if you watch action movies in that box? Asking for a friend.
The ‘studio’ is at the furthest point away from my house and everyone’s around me…at the far end of the back garden. Being an early 1970s house this is a fair distance. Nowadays they’d have built half a dozen ‘luxury’ apartments in the space these back gardens ‘wasted’.
Love the approach, looking forward to the next episode. Lot’s of energy there ☺️👍
Love a good preamble!
You know, Mat... just give me a shout when it comes to projectors and such... that's what I do for a living. Although professional grade rental ones with DLP lasers and full range lenses etc, but I can surely give you some answers if you have questions that needs answered before shooting. :) Great video though!
I didn’t know you had a real job, I thought you were earning a fortune from your music.
All setup and no resolution. Sounds like my life 😂
Great video -- I don't really have any interest in this, but you made it enjoyable even so. What I do have interest in, and will eagerly await, is your upcoming documentary on graph paper (which I'm pretty sure you promised to produce in this video...).
Unfortunately the company funding it…folded.
Tangential comment - I look after a lot of the IT and A/V for my church. The cost of lamps for projectors (when your budget is tight) gets somewhat frustrating after a while - when the lamp is getting 8 or more hours a week, they don’t last all that long. At least, not at their original brightness. We finally switched to one of Epson’s LCD (not DLP) laser projectors - basically the cheapest they do. Beside the expected laser lifetime and no chances of the DLP chip failing, I’m absolutely astounded how quiet it is (fans) and how bright and contrasty the picture is. If anyone is thinking of getting a home projector - I’d wholeheartedly recommend evaluating an Epson laser. Expect to pay 2-3 times the cost of an HD lamp/DLP tho.
As much as I enjoy the new studio, I'm having a little difficulty with the flashing spectrum analyser next to your face. It's a nice effect, but very distracting - it makes it difficult to look at anything else! My apologies. EDIT: Looks like you've already put it in a different setting that's much easier to watch. I should have watched the video first, I suppose!
I'm still getting things how I like them - and the layout of the stuff behind me definitely isn't set in stone. My intention is to swap it around whenever the mood takes me.