Cheap(ish) video display setup for inperson games

[Nylanfs]

I found these pictures of a really interesting setup on FB. the screen is a stretched fabric over a folding table, the projector uses a mirror to get a good enough display distance to show on the table top.

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[JohnD]

No comments on the display but just wanted to say it is nice to see a bunch of adults and even "older" adults sitting around exercising their imaginations, having fun for an evening!

[Skellan]

The overhead mirror is a really good idea. I suppose you'd need to adjust the distance of the projector from the mirror to get the right size image on the table?

[Nylanfs]

Yes it would take a bit of adjustment to get the image right. But if you don't have the height to put the projector on the ceiling or want to build a back view projector I think this would be easier. Plus the fabric can be easier to replace that most systems I have seen. Which is going to be a concern in a LOT of gaming groups.

[AtrumSol]

We tried similar things with D20 pro and a LED Flat screen, with the recent discovery of fantasy grounds it may actually be more viable. In hind sight I would have gone with the projector method.

[Zeus]

I've mentioned using an ultra short throw tabletop projector in previous threads on this topic. These projectors are very popular with academic institutions and schools as they are ultra portable and can project onto a variety of surface including walls, doors and tabletops. Over the last year we have even see 4K ultra throw projectors hit the shelves.

More recently Sony demonstrated a consumer grade version of its latest line of ultra short throw projectors for the home: https://www.cnet.com/products/sony-portable-short-throw-projector/

With one of these you can stand the projector on the game table (just in front of the DM's screen) and project onto the table surface. No brackets, mirrors or mounting required and no wires (its WiFi enabled), in addition its water-proof as its designed to work in a kitchen/bathroom and so its well protected from players who might spill some Mountain Dew ...

[Mirloc]

I love the idea of the cube, and can definitely see using it in a gaming situation once 3 or 4 other companies are offering it and the price gets into the 200-300 range, then it'll cross the line between "if I win the lottery" to "this is a must-have tech item" for me.

I've been watching these for use with gaming Asus S1 (https://www.asus.com/us/Monitors_Projectors/S1/) but without the remote or keystone features, I think I'm going to wait on the price point of the Sony.

[Skellan]

The projector is an awesome way to do it. I am on the cheap option at the moment, but one day....

[llothos]

gm60 (https://www.dx.com/p/gm60-mini-portable-digital-led-dlp-hd-home-theater-projector-w-hdmi-usb-sd-black-393799#.VueKyYFrnqA)
Thinking of ordering this. Watched a few videos online and seems ok. Not hd or anything but pretty cheap.

[Trenloe]

gm60 (https://www.dx.com/p/gm60-mini-portable-digital-led-dlp-hd-home-theater-projector-w-hdmi-usb-sd-black-393799#.VueKyYFrnqA)
Thinking of ordering this. Watched a few videos online and seems ok. Not hd or anything but pretty cheap.
I think you'll struggle with that native resolution. The size of the image is 34-130 inches, so at the minimum size of 34 inches you're going to be getting 27DPI (dots per inch) on the projected image. That's going to be very blurry when you're up close around the table.

[radbeard]

looks pretty good to me

hmm. can't post picture. but I got a downward facing short-throw projector and it works well.

[damned]

looks pretty good to me

hmm. can't post picture. but I got a downward facing short-throw projector and it works well.

Welcome radbeard - you wont be able tp post pics or links until you get to about 10 posts.
Do post pics when you can - lots of people have an interest in gaming that way.

[radbeard]

will do. I use my computer with two touch screen monitors to manage fantasy grounds, syrinscape, and realm works, and then another laptop with demo version connected to the projector that players use a mouse to move their heroes around during combats or certain explorations scenes. The projected screen is 72''. Pretty sweet!

[HoratioDrank]

Our gaming group put this video table together for relatively cheap. The most expensive part was the TV that is mounted inside the table, and it was only $200. You can use any VTT software with it, including the very excellent Fantasy Grounds.

https://cnygamer.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/game-mastering-with-a-video-table/ (https://cnygamer.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/game-mastering-with-a-video-table/)