Projectors Buying Guide
Video projectors have long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment. There are even projectors for few high-end home theater systems also. Projectors make it possible to enjoy images that are larger even than the biggest TVs.
Nowadays, we also have projectors that are made specifically for phones. Typically, projector phones have an embedded pico projector. Pico projectors allow users to share presentations and other media content without requiring the bulky and not particularly mobile equipment required to project conventional technology. Our projector guide will help answer common questions regarding terminologies, features, and other important considerations when you are choosing a projector.
Benefits of Projectors
Interactivity
Interactive projectors allow any projective surface to be interactive. The projector and pen combination gives you the functionality to interact in one package without the constraints or expense of a separate whiteboard.
Wireless Projection
The newer models of projector lack cables making it easy to handle and set up projectors. Projectors with Bluetooth or projectors with wifi allow you to display the data and video on your computer, tablet, or receiver without running a single wire except for the main plugin wire. You can project documents, presentations, and videos in real-time from a source as far as 100 feet away.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast is the ratio between the black and white portions of the image. Usually, projectors for homes have a contrast ratio of at least 1,000: 1. 1,500:1 and is considered good. Some branded projectors also offer a 2,000:1 contrast ratio or higher. Such projectors offer a great viewing experience.
Clear and Big Images
It is an advantage for projectors that there are no outer limits. There is a distinct maximum size limit for televisions, which is dependent on the technology of the day. TVs are restricted in size, whereas home entertainment projectors are not, which makes them more appealing as alternatives to TV.
Features to Consider Before Buying Projectors
Projection Technologies
There are two technologies used in the majority of all projectors. 3-chip LCD that offers a power-efficient projection, and true-to-life images. 3- chip LCD projectors have high color brightness as well as high white brightness. A1-chip DLP projectors work by spinning a color wheel to render color which produces a lower color light output than 3LCD technology. 3LCD engines have no color wheel, and therefore, there are no tradeoffs between white and color brightness. Make sure to be clear of these facts before buying a projector.
Resolution
The number of pixels on the imaging chip is measured from side to side and top to bottom. Nearly all high-definition projectors made for home theater use are full HD 1080p — 1920 x 1080 pixels. You can also opt for 4K Ultra HD projectors with 4096 x 2160-pixel resolution that is over four times the details of full HD.
Connections
There are many types of projector connections such as USB, VGA, Component, HDMI, and Display Port. The most commonly used today are HDMI and DVI. When choosing a projector, it is important that is has at least one of them (HDMI or DVI). The main difference is that DVI is only suitable for image transmission whereas HDMI transmits image and audio. If your source and projector have a digital port, you should always use the digital connection (HDMI) as it provides better image quality.
Throw Distance and Positioning
The projector position and the size of the image will depend upon the room configuration. Look for a projector that will easily fit into your space and fill the screen entirely. You should consider the projector's short throw and long throw distance and the projector features that will give you the flexibility in placing your projector. This way you can select a suitable projector easily.
Conclusion
If you use your projector properly, it should last a long time. Changing the bulb in a projector is quite expensive, so getting a projector that lasts 5000 hours or more could be worth it. One of the most overlooked factors when choosing a projector is the cost of replacement bulbs. Most projectors will significantly improve your experience once they are set up correctly. We hope this buying guide will help you find the right projector for your needs. You can view more options by clicking the featured products above.
