I appreciate any advice given here-

OK- I need to know what you out there think would be the best technology to use for an exhibit that would require rear projection of images (a la Powerpoint slides or video) to a screen no more than 8 to 10 feet away. I am currently using Kodak Ektagraphic carousel slide projectors which, while old, work for this application pretty well but support/parts for them is pricey and becoming harder to find.

I am using them for two different exhibits and will describe how it works for one of them here:

Earthquake Exhibit: A visitor will enter the exhibit by standing on a round platform attached to a motor below. The visitor will press the illuminated Start button which starts a sequence through an Allen Bradley PLC. The sequence starts by enabling two Kodak Ektagraphic projectors hooked to an image blender with simultaneous audio through an audio repeater. After this 15 second A/V presentation, the visitor is instructed to "Please Hold Handrail" at which point, the PLC removes power from the projectors and commands the motor to kick in and simulate a 6.0 Earthquake by shaking the platform for about ten seconds.

I'm wondering about the new EVO projector for this application but have questions-

1) Is it capable of such a short throw?
2) Is it capable of Rear Projection?
3) Can it be activated by a visitor via a Start Button (switch) through a DVD or PC?
4) Will this new type projector lamp stand up to the constant On/Off cycling and abuse inherent to a public exhibit?

If the EVO is not a viable solution to this application- please feel free to recommend any other technologies that you think might work.

Thanks in advance-

I can answer questions 2 thru 4

2) Yes.

3) This question is evo-independant. You'd have to do some research on the net but I imagine some kind of controller, probably USB, could be used without too much hassle.

4) In your situation you wouldnt not turn the lamps on and off, you would turn the output of the DVD/PC on and off. Projectors like these will not stand up to the wear and tear of being power cycled like that, and they also take time to warm up when you switch them on anyway.

Thanks for replying-

So, as to question 4- when the output of the DVD or PC is removed, the screen would still be bathed in white light from the projector? If so, this is something that I am trying to avoid.

simple use a solenoid''ed shutter, such as used in prof, commercial PJ's