Projectors can go where no LCD or Plasma screen can—they can give large screen areas for a comparatively cheaper price and projectors have become more affordable than ever before. Today, they offer an unmatchable value per inch of display size.
Projectors are much overlooked as a product group so far as home entertainment scene is concerned. The main reason for this consumer apathy is the huge splash created by large screen LCD and Plasma displays flooding the market. Even the corporate world has embraced the flat display and one might be forgiven to think that projectors await a bleak future. In fact Projectors are far from being written off.
On the contrary, the rise of large screen panels has put the emphasis on the value factor lying dormant in the projector all this time.
After all where would you get such a large viewing area at such a price? You can get almost double the viewing area at half the price of an LCD TV.
But Is It Suitable For You:
The truth remains that a projector is not for everybody. It was never meant to be. If you have a small-overcrowded living room, or have children and pets running about the house, you are better off without a projector. Then again, if you are looking for an answer to your need of a professional presentation tool or a home entertainment system, you will first need to ascertain whether a projector or a flat panel would better serve your needs. You will need a room that is comparatively darker. Even a little stray light can reduce the perceptible contrast on your projector screen, and effectively detract from the overall experience.
Some probable projecter questions you will need to answer.
Aesthetics ?
First impressions count. It makes a difference when you whip out a well-sculpted projector, as opposed to something with the aesthetic appeal of a brick.
What are the different types of projectors available in the market?
The two main types of projectors available are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and DLP (Digital Light Processing).
The other two types of projectors, that is LCOs and CRT are too expensive and can be considered only if you have really deep pockets.
The difference between DLP's (digital light processing) and LCD’s (liquid crystal display) are they ways they create an image, as is stated in their names.
To display images, LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors typically send light from a Metal halide lamp through a prism that separates light to three poly silicone panels -- one each for the red, green, and blue components of the video signal. As polarized light passes through the panels (combination of polarizer, LCD panel and analyzer), individual pixels can be opened to allow light to pass or closed to block the light. The combination of open and closed pixels can produce a wide range of colors and shades in the projected image.
In DLP projectors, the image is created by microscopically small mirrors laid out in a matrix on a semiconductor chip, known as a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). Each mirror represents one or more pixels in the projected image. The number of mirrors corresponds to the resolution of the projected image (often half as many mirrors as the advertised resolution due to wobulation). 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, and 1920x1080 (HDTV) matrices are some common DMD sizes. These mirrors can be repositioned rapidly to reflect light either through the lens or on to a heatsink (called a light dump in Barco terminology).
Basically, DLP projectors tend to be smaller, and have crisper colors than LCD projectors at a comparable price. The contrast ratio of DLP based projectors is a cut above the LCD projectors, and text clarity is also better. It you are a movie buff, you will appreciate the meaning of the term blackest black. Something that the better DLP projectors are known for.
Even higher end LCD projectors aren’t able to match DLP projector for its brightness, crispness and contrast.
So LCD Or DLP?
If you’re looking at home entertainment, go with a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector. These are more compact in terms of body size of the unit. They also offer much richer colours and a better contrast than LCD projectors. They also offer deeper blacks—a must for movies and games, where subtlety in shades and their intensities is the name of the game. DLPs have fewer geometric anomalies as compared to an LCD projector even after both are properly calibrated. These are more compact, and offer much richer colours and a better contrast than LCD projectors. They also offer deeper blacks—a must for movies and games.
The downside is the price. DLPs are costlier, and also have a tendency to dissipate more heat.
When it comes to light efficiency, an LCD projection system traditionally has the upper hand over the DLPs. Also, the saturation levels of the colour rendition of LCDs are better than DLPs and hence their perceived brightness is much higher.
Is the projector suitable for my room?
The amount of light entering a room affects the picture quality significantly and hence this factor should be a key consideration.
A 1000-lumen projector will adequately light up the screen in a dimly lit conference room.
Increase that to about 2500-3000 lumens for better-lit rooms.
Larger auditoriums would require and more than 3000 Lumens
Can I project the image from behind the screen?
In order to project the image from behind the screen, the projector should support rear projection. This is a simple feature where the image is horizontally reversed so that it looks right on the screen. Most projectors today come with this feature.
Is it possible to ceiling-mount a projector?
Yes. Projectors can be mounted on the ceiling, but for that, the projector should have be able to project the image upside down. The best way to go is to check the specification sheet; if it talks about "ceiling mount" as an option, the projector will support it.
What kind of power source is required for a projector?
Most projectors directly connect to the mains without a separate power adapter. However, in the case of portable projectors, an external power adapter is required. If you plan to buy a portable projector, make sure a universal power adapter comes bundled, that is, one that can automatically switch between 110 and 230 volts. If not, add the cost of the adapter to your budget.
Choose a projector with the right resolution.
Resolution refers to the number of dots of light (pixels) that appear on a screen or a projection to make up a projected image. It is simply the physical number of columns and rows of pixels creating the display (e.g., 1280×1024).
Commonly termed resolutions are the SVGA (800x600) and XGA (1024x768) resolutions.
Choosing the optimum resolution is dependant upon the kind of tasks you'll be using the projector for. SVGA is the way to go if you'll primarily be using the projector for graphs, movies, pictures and presentations without intricate detailing.
However, if your projection needs include fine text, computer desktop projection and large spreadsheets, it would be sensible to opt for the more expensive XGA projectors.
Many people using PCs with projectors also look at gaming on their projectors. In this case look for the highest resolution of projector possible. A 720p resolution is the minimum you should look for. Regardless, a high contrast ratio will help. {1080p(1920 X 1080) projectors are also available but at more than double the price of a 720p projector.} A DLP projector is once again the de facto recommended for any sort of gaming solution. Look for HD resolution if you intend to hook up consoles (X360, PS3 etc.)
The immediate advantage of the XGA projector is the small pixel size of the projected image, which lends it a smooth effect as opposed to the blocky SVGA detailing. Also, due to the increased number of pixels, the amount of aliasing (jagged edges) in geometric shapes is reduced.
Take care to note the "native" resolution of the projectors you are interested in.
All display systems except the CRT technology are plagued with the problem of "Native Resolution." This, essentially, is the default resolution at which the projector will give the best image quality. Even though it is possible to scale an SVGA projector to display at XGA resolution, this will severely affect image quality. Another important factor is that DLP projectors have an inherent edge over LCDs because they generally project a smoother picture and do not suffer from the grille artefacts seen in LCD projection systems. However, LCDs are known for their sharpness and more precise focusing-but this very attribute leads to more pixelation in movies and pictures.
Choose a projector with the right throw.
There are two types of projectors on the basis of the distance they require –short throw and long throw projectors.
Don’t get confused… neither is better; it depends on the distance your projector is going to be projecting the image across (the distance between its lens and the screen).
A short throw projector is capable of projecting a large image from a short distance away (something like a wide angle camera lens). This sort of projector lens is available for most projectors and is suitable for places where the distance between the projector and the screen is no more then, say, 10 feet. It’s also useful if you plan on keeping the projector closer to the screen then your audience is.
Long throw lenses are those which project a narrow image but can project it further, and on a distant screen you would get the same size image as a short throw lens offers.
Check the brightness
Check the brightness, which is generally given in lumens. A projector with brightness anywhere between 1500 to 2000 lumens is more than enough for a typical setup.
As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to get the brightest projector that your budget allows. Ambient light has a significant effect on the brightness. As far as totally dark rooms are concerned, you can get away with projectors with up to a 1000 lumen brightness rating.
Projectors with a 2000 lumen rating are suitable for small conference rooms, where a little ambient light is tolerable.
High-performance projectors with 3000 lumens are ideal for reasonably bright ambient lighting conditions. Such projectors are your best bet if you happen to travel around to different venues, where the audience, screen size and ambient lighting conditions vary. These will save you the embarrassment of poor visibility due to washed out images.
If, however, you want to cater to huge conference halls and auditoriums, you'll have to consider the ultra-bright range of projectors that starts at 3000 lumens and goes well over 12,000! You can even try using high-gain screens, which can substantially increase the existing brightness levels.
At the end of the day, you must realise that as brightness levels increase, the precision of black and greyscale levels decreases. A projector cannot reproduce black well in bright ambient lighting conditions. So if image accuracy is what you're looking for, a grey screen paired with a good DLP projector and zero ambient lighting is suggested.
What is contrast ratio?
Contrast ratio is the ratio between the darkest black shade and the absolute brightest white in the projected image.
In case you are interested in a projector for office works and presentations you won’t need a very high contrast ratio (CR) and resolution. A resolution of 1024 X 768 (XGA) would suffice, and a CR of 1500:1 is enough. If you need a screen to watch movies on then the specifications change a bit. You need to look at a screen with a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1 - the higher the better (2500:1) is perfect.
What about Weight and Portability?
Lightweight laptop projectors keep lugging to a minimum while giving you the ability to give a polished, professional presentation.
When shopping, remember that the listed projector weight won't equal what you'll be carrying: ask about the total weight of the package, including the carrying case, cables, and other peripherals.
If you travel a lot, portable projectors make more sense; go with one that weighs less than 2 kg.
If you don't travel much but still need to move the projector around, go with one that weighs between 4 and 6 kg.
Also, while having a lightweight projector is important that you don't get carried away. In order to reduce weight, compromises happen on the picture quality front. If you care for a better picture, prepare to be carrying around some extra weight. A difference of six ounces isn't likely to make a difference when you add the projector to your laptop, suitcase, and other materials, and you will pay a premium for the very smallest models.
Zoom Lens?
Optical zoom is a must; avoid digital zoom (interpolation). Digital zoom results in a lower quality image than optical zoom, as no optical resolution is gained. Check for the provision of a zoom lens-1.2x is what most projectors offer.
Mac compatibility?
Most projectors are designed for PC compatibility. For Macintosh, they require a separate connector or an adapter. You might have to pay a little extra for this.
Remote?
Look at the type of interface, and see if there's a bundled remote.
Video inputs?
S-Video and Composite are the de facto inputs that most projectors will have. Component input is a relatively new standard that is slowly percolating into many consumer devices such as DVD players and gaming consoles. Component input (called YPbPr in technical terms) will bring you superior performance
Heating Problems
Heat, the mortal enemy of all computer products, is a huge factor for both LCDs and DLPs. Do not use an LCD projector for more than 10 hours: they heat up quickly. This deteriorates the picture quality and may also cause damage.
Choosing a Screen
Don’t expect to expend your entire budget on a high-end projector and get brilliant results on your white washed wall. When talking about quality results, projector systems are all about synergy between components and a matching screen is integral to your viewing experience. There are two types of screens – high gain and low gain screens. High gain screens are more suitable for the less intense LCD projectors, and rooms where there is ambient light – a condition unsuitable for any display setup. Low gain screens are good for contrast rich DLP projectors, and for rooms that are properly isolated from ambient light.
Some great HP Projector models are listed below along with their detailed descriptions and Specifications. Make an informed choice.
Acer Projectors 1
Acer X1160 - DLP projector - 2000 ANSI lumens - SVGA (800 x 600) - 4:3
Acer X1160 Projector is ideal for those who want to indulge in cinematic entertainment and high-intensity gaming in the comfort of their own home.The Acer X1160 SVGA (800x600) digital projector is designed to bring colors to life with its 2000 ANSI Lumens brightness and 2000:1 contrast ratio. Featuring a longer lamp life with up to 4000 hours of use and a 6-segment color wheel, this value projector utilizes Acer ColorBoost and SmartFormat technologies for rich, vibrant imagery and complete wide format support.The Acer SmartFormat technology features a simple set-up process, which allows for easy continuation between speakers for presentation use, complete widescreen format support that permits instant synchronization of wide-format without resolution adjustment from your notebook, and the Acer Top-Load Lamp Design to complete lamp replacement in a few simple steps.
Product Features and Technical Details
- Brand Name: Acer
- Model: X1160
- Hardware Platform: PC, Mac
- Display: DLP projector
- Display Color Support: 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Minimum Image Size: 2 feet
- Maximum Image Size: 25 feet
- minimum_screen_distance: 3.3 feet
- maximum_screen_distance: 39 feet
- Display Resolution Maximum: 800 x 600
- Image Brightness: 2000 ANSI lumens
- Lamp: P-VIP
- Audio Output Type: None
- Width: 10.5 inches
- Depth: 7.4 inches
- Height: 3.1 inches
- Weight: 5.1 pounds
Acer Projectors 2
Acer Data Projector
This Acer Projector combines extra portability and excellent color reproduction to form the ultimate presentation tool. The Acer P1265 Projector is well suited for the most demanding Multimedia presentation applications.
Product Features
- Buy with confidence!
- Acer P1265 Multipurpose Projector. Black. Native Resolution: XGA (1024 x 768); Maximum Resolution:
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Acer
- Model: EY.J5301.007
- Hardware Platform: PC, Mac
- Display: DLP projector
- Display Color Support: 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Minimum Image Size: 2 feet
- Maximum Image Size: 25 feet
- minimum_screen_distance: 3.3 feet
- maximum_screen_distance: 39 feet
- Display Resolution Maximum: 1024 x 768
- Image Brightness: 2400 ANSI lumens
- Lamp: P-VIP
- Audio Output Type: Speaker(s)
- Width: 11.8 inches
- Depth: 3.7 inches
- Height: 9 inches
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 7 x 15.5 x 13.5 inches ; 13 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
- Shipping: Currently, this Acer Projector can be shipped only within the U.S.
- ASIN: B0013TURX2
- Item model number: EY.J5301.007
Acer Projectors 3
Acer 2000 Lumens Data Projector
Product Description
- Acer X1160 Multipurpose Projector.
- Black. Native Resolution: SVGA (800 x 600);
- Maximum Resolution: WXGA (1440 x 900);
- Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
- Native Aspect ratio 4:3
- Brightness - ANSI Lumens: 2000 standard mode,
- Projection screen size 25-300 inches.
- Projection distance 3.3" to 39.0".
- Throw ratio 50" @2m. Digital zoom 2X.
Product Features
- Buy with confidence!
- Acer X1160 Multipurpose Projector. Black. Native Resolution: SVGA (800 x 600); Maximum Resolution:
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Acer
- Model: EY.J5601.009
- Hardware Platform: Mac
- Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 13 x 10 inches ; 8 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
- Shipping: Currently, this Acer Projector can be shipped only within the U.S.
- ASIN: B0013TW9WY
- Item model number: EY.J5601.009
Acer Projectors 4
XD1170D 2300 ANSI LUMENS DLP Projector
If you are an entertainment enthusiast a mobile professional or an educator the Acer XD1170D may be the projector for you.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 4.8 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 12.6 pounds
- ASIN: B000JVRQXO
- Item model number: EY.J4001.001
Acer Projectors 5
Acer PH530 1000 Lumen 720p Home Theater DLP Projector
Acer PH530 Projector is a Mid Range Home Cinema projector that offers the High Definition viewing experience all home cinema enthusiasts are looking for. An important factor for home cinema is noise, and the PH530 Acer Projector has a very low 31db meaning you can enjoy the cinema experience in peace and quiet.
Product Features
- Acer PH530 - DLP projector - 1000 ANSI lumens - 1280 x 720 - 16:9
- ACER
- Product Dimensions: 13 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
- Shipping: Currently, this Acer Projector can be shipped only within the U.S.
- Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
- ASIN: B000K4YUFM
- Item model number: EY.4401.007
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Acer
- Model: EY.4401.007
- Hardware Platform: PC
- Display: DLP projector
- Display Color Support: 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Minimum Image Size: 2 feet
- Maximum Image Size: 25 feet
- minimum_screen_distance: 4 feet
- maximum_screen_distance: 40 feet
- Display Resolution Maximum: 1280 x 720
- Image Brightness: 900 ANSI lumens
- Audio Output Type: Speaker(s)
- Width: 11.1 inches
- Depth: 4.1 inches
- Height: 10.1 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
Acer PH530 1000 Lumen 720p Home Theater DLP Projector
Acer Projectors 6
Resolution: XGA (1024 X 768) / UXGA(1600 X 1200) - Contrast Ratio: 2500:1 - Brig
The Acer PD726W projector is an exceptionally high-brightness digital imaging solution that enables you to deliver powerful presentations, no matter what the ambient light levels are. A stunning 3700 ANSI Lumens and 2500: 1 contrast ratio ensure crisp, clear delivery.
Product Features
- connector for detachable antenna
- 3700 Lumens
- Economy Mode
- Composite Video RCA jack
- Integrated Speakers
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Acer
- Model: EY.J2901.012
- Hardware Platform: PC, Mac
- Display: DLP projector
- form_factor: Portable Unknown modifier
- Display Color Support: 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Minimum Image Size: 2 feet
- Maximum Image Size: 25 feet
- minimum_screen_distance: 4 feet
- maximum_screen_distance: 39 feet
- Display Resolution Maximum: 1024 x 768
- Image Brightness: 3700 ANSI lumens
- Lamp: UHP
- Audio Output Type: Speaker(s)
- Width: 13.8 inches
- Depth: 11.1 inches
- Height: 4.7 inches
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 19 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 19 pounds
- Shipping: Currently, this Acer Projector can be shipped only within the U.S.
- Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
- ASIN: B000HASW12
- Item model number: EY.J2901.012
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