How to choose your professional video projectors properly
Video projectors all look alike and have complicated specifications. Depending on your usage, it is imperative for you to adopt certain features and drop others. So it's hard to make the right decision. Don't worry. On this page, we'll explain which projector to choose based on your usage situation.
Home theater: full HD, high contrast
If you want a realistic movie experience, it is important that the projector projects sharp images. That's why you should choose a projector that supports at least Full HD resolution. You can be sure that every movie or series is clearly visible. Another important factor is the contrast ratio. The higher the ratio, the greater the difference between light and dark images. If the contrast ratio is at least 20,000:1, the colors and black levels appear deep and realistic.
Normaal gebruik: minimaal HD-ready
Don't want to create a home theater, but rather watch sports or a movie? You won't have to choose a projector with high resolution or a high contrast ratio. A projector that supports HD Ready resolution will do. These devices have average picture quality and are less expensive than home theater projectors. Make sure the projector has an HDMI connector to connect a Blu-ray player or digital set-top box.
Large rooms: at least 6,000 ANSI lumens
A high light efficiency projector projects clear images. Therefore, presentations are clearly visible in a bright room. The light from the lens is distributed over the entire projection area. This means that images become less bright on a larger screen. In brightly lit lecture halls or classrooms, you need a projector with high light efficiency. Choose a projector that produces at least 6,000 ANSI lumens.
Meeting room: at least 4,000 ANSI lumens
In a meeting room, you need less light efficiency than in larger rooms. A projector that produces at least 4,000 ANSI lumens is sufficient. It helps if the unit has a VGA or HDMI port for your computer or laptop. If you also want to show video, keep in mind that not all meeting rooms have an external speaker system. A projector with built-in speakers ensures you're never without sound.
Portable: 2 kilos maximum
Do you regularly show up at different venues? Choose a projector that weighs less than 2 kilos. You don't want to take a heavy, bulky projector with you when you're on the train. Most portable projectors come with a bag. If yours doesn't, I recommend buying one separately. The bag provides extra carrying comfort and limits damage.
Education: at least 2,000 ANSI lumens at short range
This isn't helpful if you have to close the curtains in a classroom every time. Choose a projector that produces at least 2,000 lumens ANSI . This way, the projection is clearly visible in a well-lit room. If you don't have a lot of space to place the projector at an appropriate distance, choose a short throw projector. Most short throw projectors can be placed up to one meter from the wall. You can also purchase ultra-short-throw projectors, which can be placed even closer.
Extended and frequent use: laser projectors
Generally speaking, laser projectors are more resistant to heat. Therefore, they are extremely reliable and work perfectly with inorganic LCD panels. Therefore, you can get very nice high definition images with laser projectors for a very long time. The most common being 20,000 hours.
The inorganic panels themselves have been specially designed to withstand high heat and UV, making them ideal for projecting with a laser projector.
The projector's laser light source allows it to project for 20,000 hours without any downtime or maintenance. Compared to projectors with traditional UHP lamps, operating and maintenance costs are significantly reduced and there are no interruptions due to lamp changes.
The projector's laser bank contains multiple laser diodes, so the projector will not shut down in the unlikely event of individual diode failure. This means you don't have to worry about possible lamp failures during a strategic presentation or real-time performance.
Laser projectors are very easy to install and require very little maintenance over a long period of time. The laser can last up to 56,000 hours and the filter maintenance cycle is 30,000 hours.
In addition, ultra-short-throw projectors can be quickly installed near the projection area and provide exceptional images in bright rooms. Their short focal length lens allows the image to be displayed more widely over a short viewing distance. This means they can be positioned very close to your video projection surface. This reduces the amount of space needed in your projection area.
The video projectors are a reliable, qualitative and durable solution that represents a higher investment at the time of purchase, but which will be quickly amortized by a long-term use. It is therefore an ideal investment for all your rooms intended for long and repeated projection, your meeting rooms, your conference auditoriums, your movie theaters or your museums.
