Im projecting a projector in your future!

Whether you need to project a page from a book or you want full color video with audio
accompaniment, theres a projector out there to enhance any presentation.
Lets start with an overview of the different kinds of projectors and what they do.

4 Types of Projectors
Overhead Projectors
Opaque Projectors
LCD Projectors
DLP Projectors
LED Projectors
What are Overhead Projectors?
Overhead projectors typically consist of a large box containing a very bright light-source, a fan
for cooling the box, and a large lens that focuses the light. Above the box, typically on a long
folding arm, is a mirror that redirects the light forward instead of up. Sheets or rolls of
transparent film are placed on top of the lens for display. The light from the lamp travels though
the transparency and into the mirror where it is reflected onto a viewing screen. The mirror
allows an audience to see the image at the same time, even while the presenter is writing.
Overhead projectors were once a common fixture in most classrooms and business meetings.
While theyre less popular today, theyre still a great, low-tech way to write notes for large
groups in classes, conferences or seminars; its much easier and more convenient to write on a
flat transparency than a wall-mounted blackboard. As a result the overhead projector continues to
be a popular presentation accessory, and a very economical one as well.

What Are Opaque Projectors?

The opaque projector was actually the first projector used as a presentation device, before the
overhead projector.
The opaque projector displays non-transparent materials (unlike the overhead projector, which
uses transparencies) by shining a bright lamp onto the object from above. A system of mirrors,
prisms and/or lenses is used to focus the image of the object onto a viewing screen. Opaque
projectors require brighter lamps and larger lenses than overhead projectors. Moreover, care must
be taken that the materials are not damaged by the heat generated from the light source.
Early opaque projectors were produced as low cost novelties for children. They were and are
also marketed to artists, to project enlarged images onto canvases for tracing. Eventually they
came into widespread use for lectures and presentations. Opaque projectors are great for
projecting notes, pages from books, photos and artwork, or even thin three-dimensional objects.
They come in especially handy for art and science classes or seminars.
What Are LCD Projectors?
LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors are as different from overhead and opaque projectors as a
spaceship is different from a car. Where overhead and opaque projectors primarily use 19th
century technology (electricity and light bulbs), LCD projectors use liquid crystal panels plus the
latest computer and optical technology to project both still and moving images in vivid color.
Many projectors also have built-in audio speakers, making them all-in-one audiovisual
presentation units. in general, because LCD projectors are much more sophisticated than
overhead projectors, their price points are usually higher.
What Are DLP Projectors?
Just when it seemed that LCD technology had advanced projectors as far as they could go, along
came DLP (digital light processing) projectors. Where LCD projectors use liquid crystal panels
to display images, DLP uses thousands of microscopically small mirrors, which not only move
pixels closer together for higher contrast and greater clarity, but also provide greater brightness
than LCD projectors. DLPs high resolution makes it ideal for projecting images or videos in HD
(high definition). Like LCD projectors, many DLP projectors also feature audio.

3 Features To Consider When Buying an Overhead or

Opaque Projector
1. Lens Type. The most significant factor in overhead projection image quality is the type of lens
being used. The three most common lens types are singlet, doublet, and triplet. Image quality
increases as you progress from the basic singlet lens type, to the advanced triplet lens type,
though price generally increases as well.

2. Brightness (Lumens). Each overhead projector is rated on "lumens typical," which is a

standard unit of brightness. For rooms where the ambient light can be lowered, the standard
2,000 lumens will suffice. When you are projecting in a room where ambient light is significant
or when projecting complex images (including color), 2,500 lumens or greater is recommended.
3. Lamp Life. Each overhead projector has an estimated lamp life that is primarily determined
by the rating in lumens and lamp type. The common ENX lamp type, for example, offers the
longest lamp life while the higher lumens and more specialized nature of other lamp types (FXL,
EHA, ENG) offer shorter lamp lives. Because of their intense brightness, these lamps need to be
changed frequently they generally last for less than 100 hours.

5 Features to Consider When Buying an LCD or DLP

Projector
1. Contrast. The ratio of the brightest and darkest colors (or blacks and whites) a projector can
project is known as the contrast ratio. Any ratio of 400:1 or above should serve you well. LCD
projectors generally have contrast ratios of 500:1 or higher, while DLP projectors can go to
2,000:1 or even higher. The higher the ratio, the more vivid and less distorted the images will
look.
2. Brightness (Lumens) & Lamp Life. As with overhead and opaque projectors, brightness is
crucial to how well your projector performs. The more lumens, the better! Unlike opaque and
overhead projectors, LCD and DLP projector lamps dont need replacing very often. 2,000 hours
and up is typical for lamp life for these projectors.
3. Resolution. A projectors resolution is the number of pixels it displays on the screen. As with
contrast and brightness, the bigger the number, the better off you are. Resolution determines how
clear your images are and how big youll be able to project them without pixelation or distortion.
Most projectors employ 1024768 native resolution.
4. Video compatibility. Its important to know what kind of video a projector can accept before
you buy it, especially if youre using data feeds from international sources. Most LCD and DLP
projectors are compatible with the three main types of video: NTSC, PAL and SECAM. Many
projectors are also capable of projecting HD video as well.
5. Audio. If you want to make full audiovisual presentations on the road and dont know whether
youll have access to an external audio source, then its vital to make sure your projector has
built-in audio capability. While youre not going to get glass-shattering power from most
projector speakers, youll eliminate the need for having to connect hi-fi equipment every time
you want to make a presentation.
Follow these guidelines and we project youll make an educated decision about buying a
projector!
Check out our entire line of projectors and projector accessories.

Technical Terms Used in Projector

Ambience
ANSI
Compression
Contrast
Distribution Amplifier
Focus
Lumens
Pixel
Resolution
Throw Distance

Ambience - The light that is "ambient" in the room. How it is lit including lights and the amount
of daylight that streams in. The more ambient light that is in the room, the more likely it is that
the projector will produce a washed-out image. The way to counter this is with more light from
the projector, but increased light from the projector will only combat so much of the ambient
light. Ideally, you will want to find an optimum amount of ambient light for the optimum viewing
experience.
ANSI - The American National Standards Institute is an quasi-official organization formed to
create standards. This makes certain that many of the parts of projectors and other electronic
devices can work together even if they are made by different companies in different countries.
The power of the illumination and the contrast ratio on a projector are nearly always preceded
by the ANSI designation to show that the manufacturer followed the ANSI guidelines and that
the measurement is clearly defined.
Compression - Some projectors will convert one form of pixelated input into another. For
example a computer might put out XGA and the projector might convert it to SVGA. This makes
the projector more versatile.
Contrast - The ratio between darkness and brightness, contrast determines the clarity of
images, especially letters and other symbols on a page. Typical contrast runs from 400:1 to
800:1 and more.
Distribution Amplifier - This will amplify or increase a source signal and distribute it over
significant distances, through multiple outputs. This can be important, as signals that are sent
over cheap cables at ranges above just a few feet can be intermitent or even non-existent.
DLP (Digital Light Processing) - This display technology was developed by Texas
Instruments. It uses tiny mirrors (480,000 to over a million mirrors in a single small space) to
display an image on a screen. This allows for deeper and more varied colors to be used.
Focus - Light and images coming out of the lens are concentrated to make clear, discernable
images on the screen. The lens can only focus within certain parameters or distances so this
will limit how far a projector can be from a screen as well as the size of the projection.
Keystone - When the image is bigger at top than the bottom this is called a keystone. Most
projectors come with an adjustment that will remove this image distortion caused by an angled
screen or projector.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) - uses electric current to align crystals suspended in a liquid.
Because the rod-shaped crystals are contained between two parallel transparent electrodes,
when a current is applied, they can change their orientation, creating varying degrees of color.
Three colors and their shades are necessary to produce any color in the spectrum.

Lumens - This is a measure of the amount of light streaming out of the projector. More lumens
will be necessary to light spaces with more ambient light. At least 1500 lumens is considered
necessary for projectors used in auditoriums and bright rooms.
Pixel A pixel is a small dot of light that forms a part of the display of an image. On a computer
screen, clarity can be defined as the number of pixels per square inch (resolution). The more
pixels, the higher the definition possible, but also the larger the files must be to contain the
image.
Resolution - the number of dots a display uses to create an image. These dots are called
pixels. The more pixels per screen area the sharper the display will be.
Throw Distance The distance from the center of a projector lens measured to the center of the
screen onto which it is projecting.

Projectors
Advantages and Limitations
Projectors are sometimes called "front projectors" or "two-piece projection systems" in reference to the
fact that a projector is typically used with a separate screen that is either mounted on a wall or hung from
a ceiling. However, these days many users of the more inexpensive projectors simply shine the picture on
a white wall to save the cost of the screen.

Advantages
Largest possible picture. Front projectors generate the biggest possible image size. You can use them
to create the very large screen experience of a commercial movie theater in your own home. In theory,
actual image size can go up to 300" diagonal or more. But in reality the size of any given projector's
image is limited by its light output. Nevertheless, most projectors produce beautiful images at sizes of 90"
to 120" diagonal, which is far larger than anything you can get with flatscreen TVs or rear-projection TVs.
Smaller images a great option also. Perhaps you don't want a huge image, or maybe you don't have
space for one. If this is the case, a projector can be used to throw a smaller image, say about 60"
diagonal. So it can serve as an inexpensive substitute for a 60" plasma TV. At this image size the picture
is usually very bright, and can be used with some of the room lights on. Given the low cost of many entry
level projectors, this can be the least expensive way to get a 60" picture on your wall.
Low cost. Believe it or not, a front projector can be the least expensive alternative for big screen video in
your home. Some projectors built for dedicated home theater have now dropped below $1,000, making
them much less expensive than flatscreen TVs or rear-projection TVs. They can even be cheaper than a
regular 36" television. Of course, projectors range in price from very cheap to very expensive depending
on a variety of performance factors. But even some of the best ones are now mass market consumer
products and much more affordable than they used to be. And measured on a cost per diagonal inch
basis, they are clearly the least expensive video products on the market.
Space saving. A small projector that is mounted on a coffee table, a rear shelf or bookcase, or mounted
on a ceiling, takes up no floorspace in the room. When not operating, it is largely invisible. Using a
projector gets rid of the big box television that really doesn't look very good in the room when it is not
being used.

Easy to install. The ease of installation can vary actually. But if you are setting up a simple system on a
coffee table or a rear bookshelf and shining it onto a white wall, it really is as easy to set up as a simple
television. They are lightweight, and one person can pull it out of the box, hook it up and get a picture on
the wall with little trouble. Sometimes some adjustments are required to fine tune the picture so that it
looks its best, but that is true of all video products including conventional televisions.

Limitations
Dark room often required. Front projectors look their best in a darkened room, just like a movie theater.
When you view in a dark room you get maximum contrast and sparkle in the picture. Whether you need a
dark room or not depends in part on how bright your projector is, and in part on how picky you are about
maintaining maximum image quality. If you are trying to create the "movie theater" experience, this is not
really a disadvantage since you want a dark room anyway. However, if you plan to have a lot of family or
social gatherings around your screen, a darkened room may not be desired. So your intended usage
needs to be considered before selecting a front projector.
Maintenance required. Most projectors require maintenance attention that flatscreen and regular
televisions do not. All projectors operate on lamps that need to be replaced periodically, and lamps can
cost $300 to $400, or even more in some cases. The frequency of lamp replacement depends on the
model and on your usage, but many projector users replace lamps every two to three years.
In addition to lamp replacement, most projectors have air filters that need to be cleaned or replaced every
couple of months. Failure to keep filters clean can reduce lamp life and increase the chances of dust
getting into the unit and creating fuzzy spots on the projected image. Once this happens, a projector
usually must be returned to the dealer or manufacturer for cleaning. Some projectors have sealed optics
that eliminate this issue, but most do not since sealing the optics adds cost to the unit.
Installation can be more involved. As noted above, the ease of installation varies based upon how you
want to set it up. If you plan to ceiling mount it, you may need to hire some help to run power and signal
cables through the walls. Furthermore, if you are using a projection screen as well, then hooking a fixed
screen to the wall, or installing an electric retractable screen on or in the ceiling adds further steps to the
installation process. If the projector does not have physical lens shift capability, the job of ceiling mounting
to fit a screen must be done with particular care. ("Lens shift" is a feature that lets you move the lens up
and down, and sometimes sideways, in order to adjust the location of the projected image without moving
the projector. Most projectors do not have this feature, and some do.)
Rainbow artifacts. In choosing a projector you should be aware that some users of projectors using DLP
technology can see color separation artifacts, commonly known as rainbows, or rainbow artifacts. This is
an unfortunate side-effect of the spinning color wheel in the light engine of a DLP projector. Most people
are not sensitive to this phenomenon, but those who are can experience it as anything from a minor
distraction to a severe flaw that makes the projector unwatchable. In addition to being visually distracting,
the effect is also reported to cause headaches and eyestrain. If you are acquiring a DLP projector for
home use it is important to verify that you, your spouse, and any other regular viewers are not sensitive to
DLP rainbow artifacts.
Texas Instrument, the maker of DLP technology, along with the vendors that build the products, have
successfully addressed this problem by accelerating the rotation speed of the color wheel on models
intended for home video use. A much smaller percentage of the population is sensitive to rainbows on
DLP projectors with faster wheel speeds. The bottom line is this: the standard rotation speed on most
DLP projectors is designated 2x. It is these units that cause the most complaints. DLP projectors with 4x
or 5x wheels are much less problematic. Meanwhile, projectors using LCD or LCOS technology do not
have the problem at all, since they have no color wheels in their light engines to begin with. Furthermore,
the more expensive 3-chip DLP projectors have no problem either, since they don't use color wheels. This
disadvantage is therefore limited to single-chip DLP projectors with standard 2x speed color wheels.

Separate audio system required. Most projectors either have no audio on board, or if they do, it is not
audio you'd want to use for movie presentation. So most people who opt for a projector are also setting
up a separate surround sound audio system to go with it. (Big pictures look better with big sound.) If
budgeting the whole system is too much of a stretch, you can always get the projector today and use your
current two-channel stereo as a good audio solution until you have the cash and time to get into the world
of multi-channel surround sound.
In short, the projector solution is not as plug-and-play as a television. So if you are taking the step up to
large screen projection, carefully think through what you will need to do to install it the way you want it.

Who should use a projector?

A projector can be used either for very large screen home theater, or as a less expensive substitute for a
big-screen TV. You determine how big you want the image to be based on how close to the wall or screen
you place the projector. But typically you would not bother to go smaller than about 50" diagonal. Unless
you have a very bright projector, ambient room light will adversely affect the quality of the video image by
making it look dull and washed out. So those with a lot of ambient light should either think about
projectors with high light output, or focus on the alternative video products linked below.
A big part of the decision depends on what you intend to do with it. If the screening of widescreen movies
is your primary interest, projectors do this in a much bigger format than any other solution. But if you plan
to watch a lot of television and news, though you can do this on a projector, most people find that
flatscreens or RPTVs or even tube televisions are the better answer. Be mindful of lamp replacements
costs--if you like to run your TV most of the day as background noise, you will not want to use a projector
in this manner.
Also keep in mind this important trade-off: the projector will give you the largest image possible, or it can
give you a very inexpensive 50" image. But either way it often requires periodic cleaning of air filters and
occasional lamp changes that none of the other video products require you to bother with. There are a
few projectors available that have no filters and no filter maintenance, and they can have extended lamp
life as well. So this maintenance issue can be insignificant if you select one of these units. However, most
projectors will require periodic attention.
Of course, if you are going for the big multi-channel surround sound system and the full "theater" audio
experience, it is best to have a very big video image to match it. There is something just not right about
having a room-shaking surround sound system and a relatively small 40" to 60" picture sitting in the
middle of it. You get the feeling that the audio is fully-charged but the video needs some help. So if the
true movie theater experience is your main goal, find a way to cut the lights and go for the large screen
front projector.

Advantages of Projectors
Projectors Advantages and Drawbacks
Large-Sized Picture: Digital projectors can be used to create extremely large sized images akin
to those seen in a cinema hall. Although a movie projector with very large light output can
generate images of up to 300, even commonly available digital projectors are capable of
producing sharp pictures as big as 120.
Advantage While Creating Small Images: Even if the projector is used to produce smaller
sized images of up to 60, it can still save you a lot of money when compared to a LCD TV of
the same size. Moreover, the picture at this size is very bright and can even be used with a few
lights on.
Saves on Space: A ceiling mount projector does not occupy any space on the floor and remains
mostly unseen when not in use. Even a retractable screen can be put out of sight when not in use,
which is better than a bulky television set that is difficult to move frequently.
Ease of Installation: Other than ceiling mount projectors that need an expert for installation, a
normal projector is easy to setup and can be done without much effort.
Disadvantages of Projectors
Light Can Play Spoilsport: A projector works best when operated in low light conditions as the
pictures produced are clearer and brighter. This can often prove to be a disadvantage when you
are addressing a conference where your audience needs to take down notes.
Costly Maintenance: The maintenance cost of home theatre projectors is often on the higher
side than that of a LCD television. The lamp of a projector needs to be replaced occasionally,
depending on your usage and the projector model.
Separate Speakers Required: A movie projectors either has no audio of its own or has very
little sound that is inadequate if you want to watch movies or television programs. Therefore,
setting up home theatre projectors requires purchasing a separate audio system.
Ceiling Mount Projectors: If you are looking to ceiling mount your movie projector to save up
on floor space, it should be noted that the process can be a little tricky and may require the
services of an expert. Also, a projection screen will require separate installation.