Choosing a DCI projector depends on several auditorium parameters, above all the screen size, the projection distance and the required image brightness. The right lens matters just as much as the projector itself.
What the projector choice depends on
Three auditorium parameters decide it. The screen size and format (flat 1.85:1 or scope 2.39:1) determine how much light is needed. The projection distance between the lens and the screen governs the lens choice. The required image brightness follows the DCI standard: 14 foot-lamberts (about 48 cd/m²) for 2D and roughly 4.5 foot-lamberts for 3D. Because a laser light source dims over its service life, the projector must reach the target brightness even at the end of its rated lifetime, not only when new.
Why the lens matters just as much
The lens must cover the full screen width from the given projection distance. The relationship between distance and image width is the throw ratio: projection distance divided by image width. Depending on the projection booth position you need a lens with a matching throw ratio range. The wrong lens either fails to fill the screen or overshoots it. Barco offers a range of lenses for short and long projection distances.
How the calculator helps
Once you enter the screen and auditorium parameters, the calculator recommends a suitable Barco cinema projector and a compatible lens. It also verifies whether the projector delivers enough light output to reach standard image brightness and whether the chosen lens covers the required screen size. It draws on the real Barco projector catalogue (the SP2K and SP4K families), so the result matches genuinely available models.
Who it is for
The calculator is aimed at cinema operators and projection technicians who want to quickly verify the right projector and lens combination without wading through technical specifications.
Enter your auditorium parameters and the calculator will suggest a suitable projector and lens combination in moments.