What is the throw ratio?

The throw ratio is the ratio of the throw distance to the image width on the screen. For example a throw ratio of 1.5 means that for an image 10 m wide you need the projector 15 m from the screen. A shorter throw ratio means a wide-angle lens; a longer ratio means a telephoto lens.

What screen brightness should I enter?

The DCI standard specifies 48 cd/m2 for the Scope format and 52 cd/m2 for the Flat format, measured with a calibrated sensor at the screen centre. Premium auditoriums with HDR projection may target 100 cd/m2 and above.

Why do the initial and minimum brightness differ?

The laser source gradually loses power over time. The initial brightness is the value right after installation; the minimum brightness is the value after the target lifetime has elapsed (typically 20,000 or 30,000 hours). The projector should be sized so that even the minimum brightness meets the DCI calibration target.

What are porthole losses?

The porthole is the opening in the front wall of the projection booth through which the laser beam passes. The glass porthole causes a typical 5 to 15 % loss of luminous flux. Higher losses occur with older or dirty glass.

Can I use the calculator for projectors other than Barco?

The calculator currently contains a database of Barco Series 2 and Series 4 projectors and corresponding Barco lenses. For other manufacturers (Christie, NEC) use their own calculation tools or contact your supplier.

Projector and lens calculator

Enter your screen parameters to get a recommended Barco cinema projector and lens.

// recommended projector

// projektor

SP4K-25C

12.7K lm

24,000 lumens smart cinema projector

4K24,000 lumens (typical)~50.0K h lifetime

// other projector options

// screen

Throw ratio Scope (2.39)

1.97 : 1

Throw ratio Flat (1.85)

2.48 : 1

// recommended lens

// laser hazard distance

The laser hazard distance unlocks together with the lens detail.

// laser lifetime

Operating point: 53 % -> ~50K h

// brightness (2d)

Mode	Laser power	Luminance	Lumens
	Initial	53.0 %	14.00 fL	12.7K lm
Minimum	20.0 %	5.28 fL	4.8K lm
Maximum	100.0 %	26.40 fL	24.0K lm

Orientation estimate based on the Barco Single Screen Calculator model. Actual performance may vary by installation and conditions.

The throw distance is the fundamental parameter from which the choice of projector, lens and booth position follows. Based on the screen dimensions, throw distance and required brightness, the calculator recommends a specific Barco projector model and the corresponding lens with a matching throw ratio.

The calculation includes porthole losses, other optical losses and the calibration test pattern, so the resulting screen brightness reflects real operating conditions. For each projector the estimated laser source lifetime at the chosen power level is also shown.

The tool is intended for designers and technicians preparing a quote or verifying the parameters of an existing installation. Results serve as the basis for final project documentation, not as a binding technical specification.

How it works

Enter the screen parameters
Fill in the screen width and format (Flat 1.85 or Scope 2.39). The height is calculated automatically. Enter the throw distance - the distance from the front of the lens to the screen.
Set losses and brightness
Enter porthole losses (typically 5 to 15 %), other optical losses and the target screen brightness in nits (cd/m2). The DCI target brightness is 48 nit (Scope) or 52 nit (Flat) after calibration.
Choose the lens type
Select the lens type according to the auditorium priorities: high brightness (HB) for multiplex, high contrast (HC) or very high contrast (VHC) for premium auditoriums with HDR projection.
Review the recommendation
The calculator shows the recommended projector, alternatives and the corresponding lens. Lens detail (code, throw ratio) unlocks after entering your name and email. The laser hazard distance is also shown.

Frequently asked questions

What is the throw ratio?: The throw ratio is the ratio of the throw distance to the image width on the screen. For example a throw ratio of 1.5 means that for an image 10 m wide you need the projector 15 m from the screen. A shorter throw ratio means a wide-angle lens; a longer ratio means a telephoto lens.
What screen brightness should I enter?: The DCI standard specifies 48 cd/m2 for the Scope format and 52 cd/m2 for the Flat format, measured with a calibrated sensor at the screen centre. Premium auditoriums with HDR projection may target 100 cd/m2 and above.
Why do the initial and minimum brightness differ?: The laser source gradually loses power over time. The initial brightness is the value right after installation; the minimum brightness is the value after the target lifetime has elapsed (typically 20,000 or 30,000 hours). The projector should be sized so that even the minimum brightness meets the DCI calibration target.
What are porthole losses?: The porthole is the opening in the front wall of the projection booth through which the laser beam passes. The glass porthole causes a typical 5 to 15 % loss of luminous flux. Higher losses occur with older or dirty glass.
Can I use the calculator for projectors other than Barco?: The calculator currently contains a database of Barco Series 2 and Series 4 projectors and corresponding Barco lenses. For other manufacturers (Christie, NEC) use their own calculation tools or contact your supplier.

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