It’s hard to hit a driver out of a bunker.  It’s also difficult to make your weekend Home Depot run in one trip without a truck.  The kind of equipment you have will make a tremendous difference on your results.  When it comes to your boardroom’s presentation display, this couldn’t be truer.  The most important factor when it comes to a commercial video display is size.  Determining the appropriate size for your space will also help to establish the type of display platform you need.

So what are some simple ways to verify the size and type of display you need? 

• Screen size: The size of the display that you need will be the main differentiator between a projector and flat panel display. An easy way to determine the size of the screen is to measure the distance from the screen to the last row, or farthest seat, and divide it by eight.  For example if the farthest seat in your boardroom is 40 feet away from where the display will be placed, you’ll need a screen that is at least 5 feet high.

• Screen height from the floor: After screen size is calculated, knowing where to place it will be the next challenge.  A general rule of thumb is to keep the bottom of the screen at least 5 feet off of the ground.  This allows for everyone to see the display over the person sitting in front of them.

• Projector distance: If you are using a projector and screen display, establishing the placement of the projector in relation to the screen is going to be very important. An effective distance is 1.5 times the size of the screen.  So if you have a 10 foot screen, the projector should be 15 feet away from the screen.

• Audience distance from the screen: One of the most important measurements you can make for the effectiveness of any presentation is where to put your audience in relation to the display.  To enhance readability and comfort keep each seat no closer than two times the screen height, nor further than eight times the screen height.  So for a 10 foot screen, the first seat should be at least 20 feet away, and the farthest seat should be closer than 80 feet away.

Whether your display needs are for a conference room, office, or even a ballroom, understanding how to gauge size and seat placement is imperative.  However these are only a few of the considerations that should go into any display concept or strategy.  The type of display to install, viewing angles, resolution and other elements can all make or break a successful a/v integration. 

Link Integration Group is a Baton Rouge based commercial integrator that specializes in audio / visual installation for businesses.  Video conferencing, a/v automation, fiber optics and cabling, and full integration services are what Link specializes in to provide south Louisiana companies with the technology they need.