Since its inception, The JESUS Film Project has firmly embraced 16mm technology over video projector technology. Given the rugged terrain and harsh climate conditions of usage, it was the only choice for us in the early days.

We occasionally review our options to see if 16mm is still the best choice for field showings. Without reservation, 16mm is the clear winner. Let’s look at some of the key reasons why.

The first page of a video projector manual states very clear warnings. Do not expose to rain! Do not expose to heat! Do not expose to direct sunlight! Handle with care! Unfortunately, the projector must endure all of these challenges and more on the field. Dust, dirt, falls off of pack animals, clouds of bugs and other threats face the projector. Everything the user is warned to avoid is what the unit must endure. In these conditions, the video projector cannot survive before it soon breaks down.

Top

Automobiles of thirty years ago are much easier to repair than today’s. Back then, a car was more mechanical. The same truth is applicable here. With a few sessions of training, a “layman” can be trained to repair a 16mm projector because the unit is principally mechanical. However, a video projector is chiefly solid-state circuitry which requires the attention of a highly-trained technician. The video projector would need to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair—a difficult task when you are in the heart of Africa.

Top

Some time ago, The JESUS Film Project field tested ten prototype video projection systems to see if manufacturer usage warnings were overstated. One of the projectors on the field needed a new projection bulb. A manufacturer’s representative stated the bulb itself could not be purchased, but the entire bulb housing must be purchased. We discovered the bulb housing was a $300+ investment. That’s one expensive light bulb.

Another projector came back from the field. We heard that it was dropped, damaging the internal LCD shutter. We fell out of our seats when we discovered this was an $800 part.

On the other side, we have heard reports of 16mm projectors dropping off pack animals, tumbling down hills, and falling off the 5-foot projector stand. Many times film teams just plug it in and go. Through the years, our Master Studio technicians have discovered that the primary parts that go down on 16mm projectors are bulbs. Bulbs are a low-cost $10.

Movie theaters here in the US still employ 35mm motion picture. The reason—they know that the image is crisper, sharper and brighter with 35mm. 16mm, 35mm’s younger brother, produces the same great picture.

“Film has—in fact—been the standard by which each successive video format—from black-and-white, to color, to HDTV—has been measured” (Jerry Whitaker & K. Blair Benson, Standard Handbook of Video and Television Engineering [New York, 2000] p.10-5). Though video projection continues to advance, it does not yet match the robust image of film projection. 

When the lights go down and the 16mm projector is switched on, crowds are glued to the screen. Field reports indicate that video projection, for whatever reason, does not evoke the same response. During video showings of JESUS, the people move about and talk. Though we do not know why, attention level is lower with video projection.

The JESUS Film Project provides equipment for the exclusive use of JESUS film showings. We do not experience problems with anyone showing Hollywood films like Lord of the Rings, Finding Nemo, and others, because these are nearly impossible to get on 16mm film. 16mm is a shielded environment.

However, video projectors and players can be used with easily acquired Hollywood films. Our desire is that every moment of a projector’s life be used for the sole purpose of leading people to a saving knowledge of Christ through the film JESUS.

Top

Given all the above factors, The JESUS Film Project will continue to employ 16mm technology until a better solution emerges OR until we are compelled to use alternate less desirable solutions when our large inventory of 16mm projectors is fully depleted.

Top

Video Projector Vendor

If a video projector is still your preference, the following vendor (not affiliated with The JESUS Film Project) is a recommended resource:

EPS often recommends the Eiki LC-NB3EU video projector.  Contact Jim to find the video projector that is right for your application.

Back to Products page

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to philip@allen.org with questions or comments about this Web site.
Last modified: July 19, 2004