Ultra Short Throw Projectors For TOCs
Projector based display systems have continued to be a popular option for Tactical Operations Centers and Joint Operations centers, despite developments with flat panel televisions and video wall technology. This is due in part to the large display dimensions that projectors can generate with a limited logistical footprint, and continued developments with short throw and ultra short throw laser projection technology.
The main challenge with traditional projectors in a TOC environment is that the display dimensions are ultimately determined by the distance between the display screen and the projector unit itself. To achieve large enough display dimensions the unit has to be positioned far back in a room or shelter. If the projector is placed on a table it limits the useable area of the command center room or shelter due to the potential for shadows when personnel obstruct the light from the projector. To mitigate this challenge many providers of tactical displays have turned to overhead projection. This method eliminates the shadowing issue, but creates a new set of challenges with the need for large truss systems to suspend the projectors. These trusses can take up a significant amount of space, and come with height requirements that may not work for some smaller TOC shelters. Placing the projectors up high also makes image alignment more challenging, and creates a safety hazard if the trusses suspending the projectors are not stable or well anchored to the ground.
Enter the ultra short throw projector. These laser based projection systems are designed to create large high definition images while being placed mere inches from the projection screen. By utilizing this new technology, Vellicom Tactical Projector Systems eliminate the need for overhead truss systems entirely. Instead the projector units can be mounted on top of the transport case itself directly under the display screen. On our Triple Projector System this means that the deployed depth is the same as the packaged depth. Overall the unit only extends 28 inches into the TOC, allowing operators to maximize the use of the space that they are in. This mounting method also simplifies image alignment, and removes the safety hazard presented by overhead projection systems.
An added benefit to Ultra Short Throw Projection Systems is that they are not nearly as subject to the impacts of ambient light as traditional projectors. That means that operators do not have to dim all of the lights in their TOC to clearly view the display image. Image visibility is also influenced by the lumen output of a projector, but we will get to that in a later post.
If you have any questions about Ultra Short Throw Projectors, or any of the products referenced in this post, please contact our sales team or fill out the form below.