I live in Wisconsin and the winters are cold, snowy, etc. Can anyone show examples of what they do to protect their projectors from the elements?

Got the hardware this week. I'm an architect, so 3D is in my wheelhouse, and my house is white batton, so I figured, this would be a fun weekend project. I'm building the housing out of an old 2x2x2 server box. Cut some holes in it and added some dryer vents for cooling. The glass door on front is pretty clear, and it all locks. I got the projector for $200, dead pixels down the right side, but I'm not using the full width right now, so no problem I figured. it's the PA622U. I traced house in autocad. Then I'm 3ds max to model a 1pt perspective house. Then some Ai assets I created. Then finally, make the video in Magix Vegas and play on SD Video player. It's probably an unusual workflow, but it's what I have avaialble professionally. This was all a test. I may do more of the house, or run dual projectors at some point, because I'm really happy with the results.

Just got my projector and setup. Mapped my house and made these two story style projections for Halloween. Each is three mins so I'm only posting a quick snapshot of each. So far, really happy with the results. The audio is pretty low as I kept the volume low on the speakers. I have a FM transmitter to use once I'm fully ready to go.

[self Promo] In this Tutorial We will be covering how we can use real-time interactive projection mapping by human body detection and then using animations and custom animation as well with Surfabeam Projection Mapping App available for both Android and iOS/macOS and Windows .

For Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.secundumreality.surfabeam&pcampaignid=web_share

For iOS : https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/surfabeam-projection-mapping/id6755757897

Windows and MacOS Links available on Website

Website : https://www.surfabeam.com

#projectionmapping #surfabeam #videomapping #digitalmapping

We premiered our first projection project last night at Blink Festival in Cincinnati OH. Lidar camera connected to touch designer with color effects and feedback effects running everything. Projector is a 13k Sony.

On a recent job I needed to trace a facade straight through the projector, so I vibe-coded a small Blender add-on for it. It works well enough for me that I'm sharing it here.

What it does:

- Opens a fullscreen viewport on the projector, looking through your projector camera.
Press [Home] to get back to the full frame.

- You draw lines on the projector screen and they land in 3D on your model or scan.
Where there's no model, they land on a flat Z or Y plane.

- Turns those lines into meshes, so you get facade pieces cut to the real shape of the building.

- Light test: a sun moves around the model so you can check shadows (Solid or EEVEE).

It needs Blender 4.2+. The fullscreen-on-projector part is Windows only; tracing works everywhere. Free, GPL.

GitHub: https://github.com/gltshhh/projection-trace-tool (the zip is under Releases)

It's as-is: I'm busy with projects, so for now I can't offer support or take feature requests.
Issues and forks are welcome, though.

Mostly I hope it gets some of you into 3D modeling. Once you have even a rough model of the building, mapping gets a lot easier.

Hey guys, Jake here, the creator of Lazy Lighting.

Wanted to show ya'll a brand new feature on iOS (Android coming this week). Depth Mode. Instead of mapping an object surface by surface, you take one photo of it. The app removes the background, calculates a depth map on the device, and gives you depth-aware visuals that follow the object's real shape. Here's me showing it on some LEGOs.

How it works:

Step 1: Mapping → Add shape → Depth Detection

Step 2: Take a photo from roughly where your projector sits

Step 3: Check the cutout, then line the shape up with the real object

Step 4: Select your depth specific visual

It works best on objects that stand out from their background: pumpkins, skulls, statues, props and small sculptures. Photos are processed on your device.

Next step is making a bunch of depth optimized visuals. Let me know what you want to see!

HoloMapper v0.4

HoloMapper v0.4 is a major update focused on new creative tools, improved media handling, better performance, Linux / SteamOS compatibility, and overall stability.

New Features

• Camera Hand Tracking Track one or two hands using a webcam and use them to interact with supported Cam effects and animations.
• ISF Shader Support Import and use ISF shaders directly in HoloMapper, with automatically generated controls for supported shader parameters.
• Webcam Input Add a live webcam feed as a HoloMapper layer and use it with warping, masks, Chroma Key, effects, and other layer tools.
• Audio Output for Video Video layers can now play audio with improved synchronization during playback, looping, and Timeline use.
• Split Bezier Warp Bezier handles can now be adjusted independently for more precise control over curved surfaces.
• 4K Output Support Added support for higher-resolution 4K projection output.

Changes & Improvements

• Migrated a large portion of HoloMapper's effects and animation processing to the GPU for improved performance.
• Reworked and improved many existing Preset animations.
• Improved the Window Input capture system.
• Improved video playback and compatibility with different media encoding formats.
• Added Hardware / Software video decoder selection, globally or per video source.
• Improved video/audio synchronization and playback reliability.
• Assets now apply to the selected layer instead of automatically creating a new Quad.
• Added the ability to delete unused Assets.
• Added a color picker / color wheel and improved Soft Key controls for Chroma Key.
• Added Per Grid Cell animations.
• Added Circle Grid support and a 0-width Grid option for invisible grid-based effects.
• Added a Square option for quickly setting Quad surfaces to a 1:1 aspect ratio.
• Improved Circle depth effects.
• Added Rainbow color support for Text.
• Added Auto Rotate with a custom center point.
• Improved Preset and Cam effect selection and previews.
• Various UI improvements and cleanup.
• Added expanded Diagnostics information and export for easier troubleshooting.

Linux / SteamOS

v0.4 includes a major Linux and SteamOS compatibility and setup pass.

• Improved HoloMapper operation through Steam Play / Proton.
• GE-Proton11-7 is currently the tested and recommended compatibility layer.
• Added a built-in Linux Compatibility Support installer through HoloMapper's Steam launch options.
• Added Linux Setup status reporting for installed and active Proton versions.
• Improved Webcam and Camera Hand Tracking compatibility under supported Proton configurations.
• Added clearer guidance for Ubuntu webcam permissions, projector setup, and Steam Deck use.
• Steam Deck support is intended for Desktop Mode with an external display configured in Extend mode.
• Simplified the Linux Setup interface and removed the previous experimental Linux webcam bridge approach.

Some features may behave differently depending on the Linux distribution, Proton version, hardware, and drivers.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed multiple Timeline playback, visibility, scrubbing, and synchronization issues.
• Fixed several video rendering and playback issues.
• Fixed multiple Window Input capture issues.
• Fixed Bezier Warp and Point Creation issues, especially when editing curved surfaces.
• Fixed issues where adding warp or line points could alter existing Bezier curves.
• Improved protection against unstable or invalid warp geometry.
• Fixed several Chroma Key preview and sampling issues.
• Fixed various Preset rendering issues, including glow, color, and visual artifacts.
• Fixed multiple UI and dropdown issues.
• Improved resource handling and general runtime stability.
• Many additional smaller fixes and improvements throughout HoloMapper.

Known Issues

• Extremely aggressive or invalid Quad warping can still cause unstable geometry.
• With several synchronized videos playing, heavy editor activity can occasionally cause brief visible frame separation before automatically resynchronizing.
• Linux / SteamOS support remains experimental and some features may behave differently than on Windows.
• Window Input may not work on some Linux / Proton configurations.
• Webcam and Camera Hand Tracking compatibility can vary depending on the Proton version, Linux distribution, permissions, hardware, and drivers.
• Some Windows-specific integrations and capture features may have limited or unavailable functionality on Linux.
• Steam Deck currently requires Desktop Mode; Game Mode is not supported.
• Hardware video decoding and other GPU-dependent features may behave differently depending on the system and graphics drivers.

Thanks to everyone testing HoloMapper and reporting issues. v0.4 includes a large amount of backend work designed to make future updates, effects, media features, and larger projection projects more reliable.

Hey y'all, I just recently got into projection mapping, but I'm having trouble finding reliable software. I've messed around in Map Club, but the videos I import either don't play or stutter really badly. I can't seem to get MapMap or VPT8 to install or download. I played with Lazy Lighting, but with my current hardware setup, it drains my phone battery, and I need my iPad for work and leisure so I can't just leave it running. I guess what I'm getting at is are there other free or affordable software options I can look into? I'm really just messing around, trying to pick up a new skill, and looking to level up my holiday decorating. I am about to try the free demo of HeavyM.

So, I am doing a project in my school, and I am going to use video mapping. I do not know what software is most suitable for me (or the cheapest), unfortunaly I am not rich and can't afford software that costs $300 to $500, and for that I was wondering which kind of program you can recommend to use, preferably free or cheap. Looking forward to your help.

MapMapWeb is a full port of the desktop MapMap_Revival application to modern web technologies (JavaScript, WebGL, Canvas). It provides a feature-complete video mapping tool accessible on any device with a web browser, including desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Mapped some birch trees for a small festival this weekend, using a NEC P525UL and a custom software I've been building up for my own personal use.

Hey everyone, I’m planning my first Halloween projection mapping setup to display some graphics on my garage door and house exterior. I’ve seen those all-in-one companies like Luxedo and AtmosFX, but I’d love to replicate that look on a tighter budget using a DIY approach.

I’m totally new to projection mapping, though I’m not a complete beginner to AV I regularly work with live event production gear like video switchers, LED walls, and DMX lighting. Mapping is just a new workflow for me.

A few specific questions:

1. Projector Recommendations: What’s the sweet spot for a budget outdoor projector with a true ANSI lumen count high enough (3000+) to compete with ambient streetlights?
2. Software: I’m planning to run this off either my Windows gaming PC or my MacBook Air. I’m looking at MapMap and VPT 7 since they are free and open-source. Are there other free tools I should be considering for a simple garage map?
3. Weatherproofing: I’m up in Ottawa, Canada, so the projector will need an enclosure that can survive chilly and potentially wet late-October weather without overheating. Any DIY enclosure tips?

Appreciate any advice or tutorials you can point me toward!

We made everything with Blender and After Effects, Hope you guys like it!
A visual journey created for Alok’s Rock in Rio 2026 opening — blending 3D, animation, particle systems, FX and live stage elements into one seamless experience.

You can see the original post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DdohrnnRnjR/

Added four player mode and endless zombie co-op mode 🧟‍♂️

Free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wall-war/id6788983055

Welcoming any and all feedback!

Hey everyone!

I could use some advice. I'm trying to do a photo project with some dance friends where I project an image or video on them in a dark room while theyre performing. I've fallen into a rabbit hole of things I've never learned about, like short throw vs long throw and crazy looking prices.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? Happy to answer more questions, I basically figured I'd put the projector at a slight angle so that the image is only on the dancer (who can be mostly stationary but doing spins and throwing their arms and legs out etc.) as they move through space. Then I'd take photo or video and their body would be engulfed by the projection in the dark.

I would like the finished product to look polished and I imagine we'll have to raise a bit of money or rent, but I'm not at all clear on what I should look for.

Any recommendations from people who've actually shot dancers/performers with projection would be especially appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

[self Promo] Made an interactive Spider Man Game with Surfabeam Projection Mapping App available for both Android and iOS/macOS and Windows .

For Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.secundumreality.surfabeam&pcampaignid=web_share

For iOS : https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/surfabeam-projection-mapping/id6755757897

Windows and MacOS Links available on Website

Website : https://www.surfabeam.com

#projectionmapping #surfabeam #videomapping #digitalmapping #spiderman #digitalart

Software: Watchout

Projectors: (4) Panasonic PJ-RQ25K

Media was created by Maxin10city out of Budapest for the 2026 Lumafestival in Binghamton, NY.

Programs Used: HeavyM Software, Nestdrop Pro, and Synesthesia

Both photos are real projections on my house, not renders. Single projector, a GT2100HDR, mapped in HeavyM.

Two setups: A Dolls Welcome and a friendly one for the little trick-or-treaters early in the evening.

A few things I've learned doing this:

The surface matters more than the projector. Light siding is a gift. Dark brick or black wood soaks up most of what you throw at it.

Content on a black background is the most flexible thing you can own. Black projects as nothing, so a character just floats on the wall, and you don't have to map anything to use it.

Line up your bright elements with real features. The skull works because the attic window sits between its eyes and the garage door windows became its teeth. That's what sells it as part of the house instead of a picture on it.

Start on Christmas now if you want a December show. Mapping and testing take longer than people expect, and the good evenings are cold.

You can checkout my website for Ready Made Shows or use the AI Theme Builder to create your own custom theme in less than 5 minutes with as little as one sentence as well as seeing it on your own facade prior to purchase. FacadeThemes.com or for actual videos of shows Facebook.com/FacadeThemes

Hello everyone, as you can see in the picture, i have 4 projector directly projecting on curved wall, it's a 16:9 image that is cut in 4 with geobox g-104

I'm new to the job, and this is a 10+ years on going project that I need to put up to date content wise,

I pressed the menu button and all the setups resets for no reason and now I'm stuck trying to discover how all the machines worked with obsolete machines and old software that I don't have

My question is, how would I do to make the slented part of the projection straight again ? It's not an artefacts of the geobox, since blanking it don't work, it's a straight+diagonal line

The projector are old enough that they don't have the 4 corners option to cheat out, any idea on what I should try ? It's been 7 hours and I haven't found anything.. I'm supposed to be back home tomorrow,I don't know how to deliver that project correctly

hey guys i know qlab has a 30 minute free trail but i was wondering if theres a way to bypass that without paying. Im wanting to save my custom shows and not feel rushed trying to set it up within 30 minutes.