HOW TO CHOOSE A PROJECTOR, 7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Choosing a projector can become an arduous task taking into account the number of brands (Epson, Optoma, Benq, LG ...), models and technologies (LED, LCD, Laser ...) that exist.

From Projectors. Pro we want to help you choose the ideal projector for you at the best price, without paying for what you do not need. For this, we start by looking very simple at the features that we should look at when buying a projector. Also, do not miss our analysis of the best cheap projector and the best short throw projector of 2018.

Resolution

This tells us the number of pixels that an image has, the higher it is, the sharper we will get. The increase in resolution will be linked to the price, although today we can already find projectors with good resolutions at an economical price.

• ·         SVGA resolution : 800 × 600 pixels, 4: 3 ratio.
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• ·         XGA resolution : 1024 × 768 pixels, 4: 3 ratio.
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• ·         WXGA resolution: 1280 × 800 pixels, ratio 16:10.
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• ·         HD Ready Resolution : 1280 x 720 pixels, 16: 9 aspect ratio.
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• ·         Full HD resolution : 1920 x 1080 pixels, 16: 9 aspect ratio.
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• ·         WUXGA resolution : 1920 x 1200 pixels, ratio 16:10.
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• ·         4K resolution : 3840 x 2160 pixels, 16: 9 ratio.

For home, we should try to buy video projectors with Full HD or 4K resolution. They provide a better image quality and adequate to the quality of the current contents.

In the corporate sphere, the WUXGA and WXGA resolutions are the most common. SVGA, XGA is in disuse.

3D function

While it is true that 3D on a television leaves us with a taste of bittersweet wedding, this technology in projectors is much more enjoyed. Today this content is not widespread, although it is not difficult to find 3D movies.

Therefore, unless we are 3D lovers and see the content of this type, this would not be a relevant factor when choosing our projector. Anyway, most mid-high range projectors come prepared for this technology, both active 3D, and passive 3D.

Contrast

The contrast is the maximum difference of luminosity between the black and white color. We should always look for a video projector with the highest possible contrast. This will help make the image more realistic and clear. If we are going to use the projector in dark environments, it is recommended that the contrast be greater than a 5000: 1 ratio. In a lighted environment, the contrast has a secondary role.

Regarding the projectors of short or short range, the contrast is much higher, due to the much closer arrangement of the video projector to the projection screen.

Luminosity or luminous power

The luminosity or luminous power is the amount of light that a projector can emit on a surface and is measured in lumens. This factor is especially important in terms of:

Ambient light: The brighter the place where we want to use the projector, the more lumens the projector can count.

• ·         Room without any lighting: 1000-2000 lumens.
• ·         Room with closed shutters: 2500 lumens.
• ·         Room with open shutters or artificial lighting: 3000 lumens.
• ·         Large and bright meeting room: 5000 lumens

Projection distance: As happens with the ambient luminosity, the greater the distance from the projection screen, the more lumens our projector must have. This in figures translates into:

While we must have these data in mind, the higher the brightness, the better. It will allow us to work in environments with different lighting conditions and distances without as many limitations as would a projector with a lower luminous power.

In the case of short-throw or ultra-short throw projectors, this factor varies, since when they are at a much shorter distance than a long-throw projector, the loss of brightness is much less. These projectors are located a few centimeters from the projection screen, so there is no such significant loss of luminosity.

Noise

Video projectors produce noise. When we use them they get hot, and that heat needs to be dissipated by a fan. Generally, large projectors usually produce less noise than smaller projectors. This is because the more compact, the worse they usually dissipate heat. Here also the brightness of the lamp influences. The larger, more heat produces and therefore more noise. An adequate value would be all that below 30 decibels, and of course, the lower, the better.

However, the intrusion of LED projectors and Laser projectors on the market is helping to create quieter projectors every time since they produce a smaller amount of heat.

More Topic: Connections of a projector