Projectors

A superior quality multimedia projector can be the difference between a flat presentation and an effective one, as the effectuality of a presentation also depends upon the audience being able to see it clearly. The price and size of multimedia projectors have reduced, as manufactures try to provide projectors that are small, light-weight and more affordable.

What are the different types of video projectors?

• Ultralights video projector is the right choice if you are a business or sales professional, make frequent presentation and remain on the move. They weigh about five pounds but are available in micro-portable models that are even lighter than three pounds. Ultralights have become very similar to the larger models in features and brightness.
• Conference Room video projectors or multipurpose projectors are heavier, brighter, and better capable of adapting to a bigger room as compared to the ultra-light projector.  Pay more attention to performance as compared to the weight since you will only move it from one room to another. These projectors come with many extra features like video ports, ports for an extra computer, laser pointer or a remote mouse.
• Fixed Installation projectors or in-house machines are normally installed in a permanent place like a presentation hall or auditorium. Fixed projector are the most powerful and versatile projectors. They are the costliest of all projectors and weigh nearly one hundred pounds and capable of handling multiple image sizes and resolutions. They easily project in bright, large rooms, and include ceiling mounts for permanent installation. Inverse projection turns image upside down for projectors mounted on a ceiling while rear projections flips the image so the projector can be placed behind the screen.

DLP Vs LCD Projection Systems
There are two kinds of machines for projecting images onto a screen.

• Digital Light Processing (DLP) projection system handles video images extremely well. It produces images by reflecting light against many tiny mirrors called digital micro mirror devices (DMD). Every mirror, represents one pixel, and is separately powered by electronics that set the mirror’s angle as per the displayed color.
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) operates by shining light through transparent LCD cells. The advanced poly-silicon LCD’s use three separate color panels (green, red and blue) to create the desired color. In both kinds, combination of light shining via the LCD cells produces the image desired.

LCD projectors produce sharper images and more highly saturated colors, while DLP projectors provide higher contrast, deeper blacks.  (LCOS) Liquid crystal on silicon projectors use a combination of LCD and DLP technology. They are capable of creating high-resolution images with splendid color saturation. 

What are the features of a LCD projector?
Quality of the projected image depends upon three main features: the projection surface, brightness of the projector, type of lamp in the machine as well as lenses and resolution.

• Projection surfaces like screens are better reflectors than walls. They make projected images more visible. If you buy your own screen; you will have to choose between grey and white backgrounds. Color perceived in a projected image is an element of the projector quality and projection surface. White projection surfaces are common in school presentation and business environments. Darker backgrounds provide more contrast but may throw off color tones.
• Brightness of the LCD or DLP projectors is measured in ANSI lumens. Projectors with lesser than 1000 lumens are enough for projecting black and white images in dark room, but insufficient for multicolored PowerPoint presentations, as they appear washed out. Big rooms with more light need brighter projectors. The brightness ranges from 1,000 lumens for ultralights to 10,000 for fixed machines. ‘Keystone’ correction is useful where you need to set up the projector at an angle, as it allows you to square up the picture borders and remove distortion.
• Lamp type also determines brightness of the projector. Most common lamps are Ultra High Performance (UHP) or Ultra High Efficiency (UHE). Lamp life depends upon the projector purchased, and ranges between 1,000- 4,000 hours. Lamps grow dimmer gradually and eventually need to be replaced. They cost between $250- $600. While comparing two projectors with similar brightness, enquire about the lamp wattage and choose the one with a lower-powered bulb, as it would stay cooler, last longer and be more efficient than a higher wattage one.  Use ‘economy mode’ if available since it reduces the projectors power consumption, reducing brightness by 20% in exchange for less noise, longer lamp lifespan and reduced electricity usage.
• Digital projector lenses- Zoom lenses let you project a smaller or larger image to compensate for the distance between the screen and your projector. The f-number of the lens is a measure of the amount of light that gets through the lens to the screen. Ensure to check how much a lens’ f-number changes at different zoom settings. Smaller the number, more the light that passes through. If you are not concerned about the weight of the projector, avoid plastic lens.  Glass lens gives a clearer picture and is the optimum filter for projecting image, though it makes the projector heavy.
• Digital projector resolution is the number of dots of light that appear on a projection or screen to make a projected image, and measures the amount of detail visible in an image.  Most models accept lower or higher resolution images than their native resolution through interpolation, which either compresses or expands the pixels that compose the image. Common resolutions are XGA (1024x768), SVGA (800x600) and SXGA (1,280x1, 024).
• Remote control lets you control all the features usable during a presentation. You can control audio volume, advance slides, switch between laser points, zoom and input sources. Infrared remotes function like TV remotes and require a direct line of light between the unit and the remote. (RF) Radio frequency remotes do not require line of sight and are common now days. They are preferred if you like to move around the room while giving a presentation.
• Memory presentation feature permits you to run a previously stored presentation in the absence of a computer. Just insert a disk into the projector or a PC card into a PCMCIA.
• Speakers and audio amplifiers- Most projectors contain built-in speaker. If the sound quality is not up to your liking, it is economical and easy to add a high quality, lightweight sound system.

How much does a projector cost?

The price of an LCD projector depends upon the brightness, resolution, type of machine and the manufacturer. So that you get the best price, compare LCD projectors from multiple vendors. Be sure to check your input and output options and purchase the projector that meets your connectivity requirements. Check the service and warranty; get at least a one year warranty. It is important to inquire about the return policy. Remember to check references. Give preference to dealers that you know are responsive to emergency service calls. If you need a digital projector for only a short period of time, leasing or renting for a monthly fee is also an option.