There are lots of options for A/V techs looking to determine one of the most basic calculations of the job - throw distance. By nature, this value is used to determine how far away a projector can be set up from a screen. Once a tech knows how far they’ll be throwing an image, they can determine how big of a screen they can use. The basic formula most pro’s use when figuring throw distance is one foot of screen width to every two feet of separation between lens and screen.

Once the throw distance is determined, A/V techs need to establish the throw ratio. This formula requires a bit more basic multiplication - screen width times throw distance. For the mathematically challenged, these numbers can easily compound to create confusing delays once on location. Factor in the reality that most A/V techs are in charge of everything from screen setup, audio configuration, and lighting, it’s not out of the question to ask for a few shortcuts whenever possible.

Thankfully, the development of mobile applications that handle these calculations have made A/V techs more efficient, which means their productions stand a better chance of going off without a hitch. While there are plenty of apps on the market claiming to handle this increasingly important part of the show, we’ve found eight of the best Mac-based apps that you should consider downloading and trying on your next project.

In addition, we’ve added some apps that will help to make other video setup tasks easier.

Have a favorite app we haven’t covered? Drop me a line, so we can share it with your peers

Cindy Davis,
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10 Video Apps for Android and Apple Devices

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About the author

Curtis Emery - Assistant Editor

Curtis Emery is Assistant Editor at TechDecisions Media. He is an avid musician and enjoys tracking how technology is changing the way we do things.