We want to help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing
a new projector. Below you'll find some of the most important information
you'll need to know about today's projectors. We hope it assists you in
making an informed decision.
Resolution refers to the level of detail a projector can display. It
can be defined as the number of pixels
used by the projector to create an image. The higher the resolution, the
better sharpness and clarity of the picture on the screen. Usually quoted
in two numbers (1024 x 768), the first number represents the number of
pixels displayed horizontally across the screen. The second number represents
the number of pixels displayed vertically, from top to bottom. Check out
the following table describing different types of resolutions:
This is the most popular resolution. XGA projectors tend to be
more expensive than SVGA projectors, but prices are dropping due
to the increased use of XGA laptop computers.
SXGA products are geared towards high-end personal computers
and low-end work stations. They are often used in situations where
acute resolution of small detail is required.
High resolution graphics and highly detailed & technical
presentations
UXGA is generally for work station applications with very high
resolution. There are not very many products that have UXGA native
resolution.
Very high resolution presentations
Now, don't forget to get a projector that matches the native
resolution of your computer. If you have a computer with SVGA resolution,
then an SVGA projector will give you the sharpest and cleanest image.
Most of the projectors today can project input signals other than their
native resolution, however, there may be a loss of sharpness and detail
in the process.
If you have a high resolution computer and a matching resolution projector
is out of your price range, choose a projector that is one step down in
resolution. Projectors convert a different input format to its native
output format through a process called scaling. Some projectors are very
good at scaling so the fuzziness in the image is very minor. The quality
of scaling varies among different projectors.
In general, high-resolution projectors are able to show more picture
detail than low-resolution projectors. Also, since there are more pixels
used to make the image, each individual pixel is smaller, so the pixels
themselves become less visible on the screen. Lower resolution projectors
are much less expensive, and they can produce images that are just as
bright and attractive as higher resolution machines. Unless you really
have a need to display fine details, lower resolution products might be
your best bet from a cost perspective.
Brightness is measured in ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
lumens. The more
lumens, the brighter the image. To put things in perspective, consider
that a wax candle generates 13 lumens, while a 100 watt light bulb generates
1,200 lumens. Use the following table to help you determine the appropriate
brightness level for your projector:
Lumen Range
Room Lighting
Description
Typical Application
Less than 1000
Dark or very dim
These are the lowest light-output projectors and are typically
the least expensive. The low light output means that presentations
should be made in dark or dimly lit rooms so the projected image
is not washed-out by ambient room light.
Small conference rooms and classrooms
1000 - 2000
Dim
This lumen range is a step up in performance and price. These
machines are suitable for normal business conference room and
classroom use. Room lighting may need to be reduced a little for
the best screen viewing, but a totally dark or dimly lit room
is not usually necessary.
Midsize conference rooms and classrooms
2000 - 3000
Dim or normal
This represents the high-performance range of the portable and
semi-portable projectors. Products in this class are suitable
for larger conference rooms and classrooms. They offer more flexibility
in terms of ambient room light, since the image is bright enough
to tolerate a reasonable amount of light without washing-out the
projected image. They also offer more flexibility in terms of
audience size because they can illuminate a larger screen without
much loss of image quality.
Large conference rooms and classrooms
More than 3000
Normal
These ulta-bright projectors are in several performance classes,
ranging from 3000 up to 12000 lumens or more. Prices also cover
a wide range depending on other performance characteristics. They
are typically used in large venue applications and work well in
most lighting conditions.
Large venues - Boardrooms, auditoriums, theaters, churches, concert
halls, nightclubs, etc.
When deciding how much brightness your projector requires, consider how
dark the rooms will typically be for your presentations and how far your
projector will be from the screen. The more light in the room or the farther
away the projector, the brighter your projector should be.
Also, keep your application in mind. For example, if you are giving a
training presentation, you will probably need a brighter projector so
participants can read details and take notes. A presentation using graphics
and/or video will be visually less demanding and can be viewed in a darkened
room.
The size and weight of a projector are important considerations. If
you travel frequently, you may want a light weight, very portable unit.
If you do not travel and want more features on the projector, a heavier
model might be right for you. For example, if your projector is going
to be mounted in a boardroom or placed on a cart, weight is not really
an issue. Keep in mind that the lightest weight projectors are convenient
to carry, but there is often a trade-off for brightness, image quality
or features.
Weight Class
Description
Typical
Brightness
(ANSI Lumens)
Typical
Weight
(pounds)
Pico-Portable
This projector is so small that it will easily fit in a pocketbook
or laptop case.
800-1500
4.4
Micro Portable
Ideal for the traveling presenter. Provides a great low weight
to brightness ratio while maintaining the desired data resolution
and video output. Some projectors listed sacrificed features, including
work station connectivity, power zoom and focus, and remote control
capabilities.
800-1500
4.5 - 6.6
Ultra Portable
Generally more brightness and features than micro portable units.
These projectors are designed for the presenter on the move. Perfect
for the small to medium size presentation environment. Lights pose
little or no interference.
1000-2000
6.6 - 11.0
Portable
Designed for either permanent or portable applications. Work
station connectivity and control system interface is available for
many of these presentation projectors.
1500-2500
10 - 19
Conference Room
The ultimate in modern presentation technology. A conference
room projector is designed for the professional presentation environment.
Applications would include large classrooms, conference/training
facilities, engineering and design, and religious venues. Conference
room projectors can include custom lenses for long throw or rear
screen projection.
Before making a purchase, you will want to learn about what type of
lens comes with the projector. The effectiveness of a lens is indicated
by a throw ratio. The throw ratio represents the video projector's distance
from the screen compared to the width of the projected image.
Business video projectors come with either a fixed focal length or a
zoom lens. With a fixed focal length lens, the projector must be moved
to adjust the image size on the screen. Zoom lenses allow adjustment to
the image size without moving the projector. The important question with
zoom lenses is how much a lens' f-number
(the smaller the number, the more light) changes at different zoom settings.
If the change is minimal, your image will remain uniformly bright regardless
of lens position.
Some lenses are now manufactured using lightweight plastics. If weight
is not an issue, try to find a projector with an all-glass lens. Glass
is the optimal filter for projecting images and will give you a clearer
picture. However, glass lenses do make a projector heavier, so choose
plastic if you are going to be traveling a lot. Optional lenses are also
available through some manufacturers and resellers. If your conference
room projector will be called upon to project at different positions,
angles, and brightness levels, you should ask about interchangeable lenses.
Projector prices vary dramatically, ranging from just under $2,000 at
the low end to well over $40,000 at the high end. Approximately 75% of
projectors fall somewhere between $3,500 - $20,000 with resolution and
brightness often dictating the price. Of course, projector size and the
number of features also influence pricing. The table below can be used
as a guideline to projector pricing. Also, keep in mind that prices vary
among manufacturers, as well as dealers, so it usually pays to shop around.
Budget
Description
Under $2,000
These projectors are usually SVGA resolution (800x600) and offer
under 1100 lumens of brightness. They are suitable projectors
for presenters that can control lighting conditions and present
typical PowerPoint presentations.
$2,000 - $3,000
This price range generally offers XGA resolution (1024x768) and
lighter weight projectors. Most projectors in this range will
work best in small to midsize conference rooms and classrooms
where lighting can be dimmed.
$3,000 - $4,500
These projectors provide increased brightness levels to 2000
lumens, XGA resolution (1024x768), higher contrast ratios, and
better image projection. Projectors in this range are likely most
suitable for medium to large conference rooms and classrooms.
Over $4,500
These projectors offer higher brightness levels to the point
where controlling ambient lighting may not be necessary. Resolution
for projectors in this range will generally be XGA (1024x768)
or SXGA (1280x1024), some at the higher end may be UXGA (1600x1200).
They are suitable for larger presentation environments, and some
units include network capabilities, power lens, power focus, and
other advanced features.
While the points mentioned above are likely the biggest issues when
deciding which projector to buy, there are a few other items to consider
before making a final decision.
Warranty
Projector warranties vary from brand to brand. However, they usually range
from one to three years coverage on parts and labor, excluding the lamp.
Standard lamp coverage tends to be for 90 days. Some manufacturers also
offer a 24-hour replacement service. In some case, this may cost extra,
however, it may be worthwhile if you travel frequently.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast Ratio is the ratio between the whitest (brightest) and blackest
(darkest) portions of an image. Generally, you want a contrast ratio of
400:1 or higher to get the best video image or the most legible computer/graphics
image. The higher the contrast ratio, the greater the ability of a projector
to show subtle color details and tolerate extraneous room light. Room
light substantially impacts contrast ratios. If you intend to use your
projector with the room lights on, consider projectors with very high
contrast ratios.
Lamp Life Lamp life is
commonly discussed in terms of "Half Life." This simply means
the manufacturer has set a limit on what they feel is the quality life
of the lamp. If the lamp half life is 2000 hours, the lamp will generally
last much longer although the brightness of the image may deteriorate.
For example, on an LCD projector, the lamp half life is usually 2000 hours.
The image brightness is normally about 85% of the original brightness
up to 2000 hours. After 2000 hours you may see a drastic reduction in
brightness. DLP projectors normally have less of a life and the brightness
tends to start deteriorating before the half life.
Rear Projection Capability
If you want to set up your projector for rear
projection (to shoot from behind a screen), it needs to have the ability
to reverse the image so that it looks correct on the screen. Most projectors
today do have this feature, so if you know you need it, you can eliminate
any projector that does not have this capability from your list.
Video Format Compatibility
The standard video formats are NTSC,
PAL, and SECAM.
Many projectors accept all three.
Video Signal Standards
Most video devices accept composite
and S-video as
two types of signal transmission. Almost all projectors will accept both
inputs. However, there is a new standard known as component
video. Some of the new DVD players offer a component video output
signal in addition to composite and S-video. You will also be able to
get component video signals from some satellite systems. Televisions and
projectors that are equipped to handle the component video signal will
produce a superior video image than those, which cannot. If you are interested
in optimizing video performance and you have a video source that offers
component video output, check to see which of the projectors on your list
are capable of accepting a component video signal. The spec sheet may
say component video, or alternatively (Y, R-Y, B-Y) or YPbPr.
Ceiling Mountable
If you want to mount your projector on the ceiling, it will need the capability
to project the image upside-down. The majority of projectors available
today can do this, but you must verify that a ceiling mount exists as
an option for the product.
Universal Power Supply
Universal power supply means the projector will automatically detect different
voltage levels, such as 110 volts in the United States or 220 volts in
Europe, and adapt easily to them both. If you plan to travel with your
projector in countries with different power systems, this is a must.
Multiple Computer Ports
If you want to connect multiple computers or video sources to the projector
simultaneously, you will need multiple input jacks to accommodate this.
Data Signal Ports
Most importantly, make sure the projector you choose supports the computers
you intend to use now and in the near future. This is a significant investment
and the pace of change in the computer industry should be a consideration.
PC and PC compatibles are nearly always supported with a direct connection,
but Macintosh may be a separate connector or require an adaptor. If you
are using a workstation, check that the models you intend to use are supported
in the manner you intend to use them and if adaptors are needed, know
whether they are included or an additional cost item.
Uniformity
The uniformity of brightness and contrast between black and white are
just as important to overall image quality as the often-cited brightness
figure. Manufacturers who focus too intently on boosting the lumens number
may offer models that produce noticeable hot spots in the center of the
picture or washed-out images due to over-lighting. Uniformity and contrast
figures can help you pinpoint these potential problems.
Color Temperature
This is often referred to as "white point" and it affects how
accurately a projector displays whites and grays. Historically, color
temperatures of 6,500 and 9,000 degrees Kelvin have been considered
"ideal" temperatures for "true white" in video and
data modes, respectively, and they are still good reference points. Our
brain's perception of white varies as the light source changes, and today's
brighter light bulbs generally give us different shades than their predecessors
did 60 years ago, when these lighting standards were created. Specific
viewing environments also affect our perceptions of white and other colors.
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