Video projectors have long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some high-end home theater systems. Projectors make it possible to enjoy images that are larger even than the biggest TVs. If you are looking to buy a new projector for a classroom, meeting room, or a home theater, go for the ones that makes up for a great viewing experience. Researching projectors can be confusing, with many acronyms and technical terms. Our projector guide will help answer common questions regarding terminologies, features, and other important considerations when you are choosing a projector.
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.
Resolution
The number of pixels on the imaging chip 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.
Interactivity
Interactive projectors can make a table or almost any wall 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
This means the projector comes with a built-in WiFi. This feature allows you to connect and monitor your projector remotely.
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. Therefore, you should consider the throw distance and the projector features that will give you the flexibility in placing your projector.
Product Support and Reliability
Reliability and the cost to operate your projector depend on one main factor, the lamp. Look for a projector with a long lamp life; at least 3,000 hours, and preferably 5,000 hours.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast is the ratio between the black and white portions of the image. High contrast ratios deliver whiter whites and blacker blacks. A projector may have a great Lumens rating, but if the contrast ratio is low, your image will look washed out. For the colors and gradients to be displayed at their best, your Home Cinema projector should have a contrast ratio of at least 1,000: 1. 1,500:1 is considered good, but 2,000:1 or higher is considered excellent.
Good projectors can last you a while if used with proper care. Replacing a bulb in a projector is quite expensive, so getting a projector that will last 5000 hours or more might be worth the additional cost. The cost of replacement bulbs is the most overlooked factor when people are deciding to buy a projector. Once set up properly, most projectors will significantly improve your experience. We hope that this buying guide helps you find the right projector that meets your needs. Take a look at our featured options above for more buying options
