Projectors 101: Using One Anyway

Sometimes we’re stuck using projectors in bright spaces. Reader A.H. writes:

"... we are just embarking on a battle to control the amount of light in an exhibition space so the projection doesn’t look milky. Unfortunately, the space can’t be dark because it’s one of the main exhibit areas with light streaming in. … And you are so right, for a number of different reasons we could not go with monitors or LEDs."

Here are some approaches, none perfect:

Can we make content high-contrast (e.g. white letters on black)?

Can we make content bright (no shadowy footage)?

Can we make the space dark? It's not just about light on the surface, it's also about pupils staying large as visitors look around.

Can we project onto a bright white surface, protected from any other light?

Can we get a brighter projector? Use several? (A.H. is considering these.)

Can we, ahem, give up and use monitors? Live mime?

Here's the thing:
Washed-out projections look worse than we think. If we must use projectors in a bright space, we can mitigate somewhat. But it won't be perfect.

Warmly,
Jonathan

P.S. Kidding about the live mime. Mostly.