What to consider when choosing a projector

A projector is an indispensable device for a home theater, a classroom when demonstrating presentations at a university or private lecture hall, for almost any mass event where visual demonstration is envisaged. However, not everyone knows the types of projectors and their characteristics, as well as the basic rules of how to choose a projector. About all this – in our material.

The types of projectors and their main characteristics

Types of projectors for home theater or other applications differ in physical and technical characteristics. The physical ones include:

• Size, weight of the device. This is important if you are pondering which projector to choose for an offsite event and the ability to carry it is important to you.
• Set of inputs. This determines the type of devices you can use with this projector. This set may vary, but HDMI, VGA, as a rule, all have them. It can also be USB input, classic “tulip”, or other connectors.
• The ability to adjust the height. The feet of some projectors allow you to twist them, selecting a good position for the screen at home or in the office.
• The presence of a fan (typical for lamp models).

Now – a few words about the technical content of different projector models.

• • Projection diagonal, focal length (projection ratio). This determines the minimum and maximum distance from the wall, at which you can get a quality image with this projector. Focus on the area where you plan to broadcast the image, its size, the expected number of viewers.

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• • Aspect Ratio and Resolution. Ideally, the aspect ratio on the projector you use for broadcasting and on the wall (canvas or other plane where the image is broadcast) should match. For broadcasting games and movies, it’s best to choose projectors with a 16:9, 16:10, etc. ratio. If you plan to project, for example, some products, you can choose a square aspect ratio. From the resolution, in turn, depends on the quality of the image.

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• Light flux and contrast. This determines the intensity of light transmission by the projector, which in turn affects the brightness, which is also determined by the external conditions of the site where you project the image. If you plan to turn on the device in a lighted hall or outdoors – it is best to choose projectors with 1,000 Lumens or more. The more illuminated the room is supposed to be, the higher the requirements for the level of luminous flux.
• Projection technology. It affects the digital flux and contrast, you can distinguish them by the source and directionality of the outgoing light. Most projectors use a lamp as a source of light (in such models you need to change it periodically for regular and prolonged use), they require some time to warm up. There are also laser models that do not require warming up, and do not require any replacement, that is more durable, but also cost more than lamp models.