A projector is an output device that projects an image onto the large surface area such as a white screen and wall. The projector may be used as an alternative to the monitor and television when showing the videos and images to a large group of people. Moreover, projectors come in various shapes & sizes though they are commonly about a foot long & wide and a few inches wall.
They can be mounted on the ceiling or maybe freestanding & portable. Generally,Ceiling mounted projectors are larger especially ones that project a long distance such as 30 feet or more. So, these projectors are commonly found in the classrooms, conference rooms, auditorium & the places of worship.
What is the projector?
The best projector may be the best thought of as an inverted camera and spitting light out of the lens rather than receiving it. For the sake of this guide, we’ll be considering the digital projectors that is, projectors with the video inputs that serve the same function to a TV and a computer monitor while, offering the few benefits which may include,
- Large image sizes
- Increase portability
- Flexible installation possibilities
Furthermore, portable projectors can be used wherever there’s a bright surface such as the white and light color wall. Most of the projectors have multiple input sources such as the HDMI ports for newer equipment & VGA ports for older devices. Some of the projectors support Bluetooth & WIFI as well.
Types Of Projectors
There are different types of projectors which are as follows:
- Pocket Projectors
- Multimedia Projectors
- Short Throw Projectors
Pocket Projectors
Pocket projectors are ultra-portable and some are not much larger than the smartphones. And some resembling miniaturized multi-media projectors. They’re best as a substitute for a computer monitor or small TV that you can take with you. Since they used LED lamps to avoid high power consumption and bulky cooling system. What they give you in portability, they sacrifice image size. However, the brightness with be discussed below. But for the sake of projectors, pocket projectors range from 25 to 1500 lumens. Whereas, high-end projects stars from 2500 lumens. They also tend to lack optical zoom, which means you will be flexible with your projector placement to achieve the desired image quality.
Multimedia Projector
Multimedia projectors represent the largest category and they’re most widely sold at B&H. Multimedia projectors are general-purpose & they are used for the very thing from the PowerPoint presentation to screening the video clips & the slideshows at the wedding ceremony. Multimedia projectors typically considered the portable projector and weighing from the 3-pounds for the ultra-slim models & increasing from there. Moreover, their brightness tends to range from the 2500 lumens to 4500 lumens. They virtually always have zoom lenses. However, the zoom range is normally shorter than that of home theater.
This means special care needs to be taken when selecting, to make sure the screen size is compatible with the projector’s throw ratio. Multimedia projectors also offer a range of inputs. VGA port is still the staple, but the digital inputs such as HDMI port, DVI port, display port & even the SDI port are available. Many also support interactive & wireless presentation functionally as well as the ability to give the presentation to the computer. Multimedia projectors tend to follow the computer resolution rather than the SD and HD video resolution. These resolution includes the SVGA (800 x 600), XGA (1024 x 768), & the WUXGA (1920 x 1200). The most popular resolution is WXGA and it’s well suited for the PowerPoint presentation as well as the high definition video.
Short Throw Projectors:
The most important subcategory of projectors is the short throw & the ultra-short throw. Generally, a throw ratio of less than the 1:1 is considered the short throw. The most common throw ratios are 0.5:1 & the 0.3:1 with the latter fulfilling the distinction of being the ultra-short throw. Short throw projectors almost never have zoom lenses. In the case of ultra-short-throw projectors, use the mirror onto which the image is projected first before being reflected at the screen. They lend themselves to the wall rather than the ceiling mounting & they are designed to be installed very close to the screen, 18-inches to2-feet.
In addition, short-throw projectors are most often used in the classrooms and short throw lenses are ideal for the [pairing with the digital whiteboards. One might be tempted to place a short-throw projector further back than the recommended couple of feet to achieve the large picture in a small space. This possibly would not work, since the short throw projectors keystones severely when used outside their recommended throw distance range & will need some very creative mounting to produce an undistorted image. Short throw projectors normally top out at the 3000 ANSI lumens. So, if you require a brighter projector & have limited space, you’ll need to look at a fixed installation projector with the interchangeable lenses.
How is the projector used today?
- Project a power-point presentation at the business meeting
- Project the computer screen to teach the class
- Project a computer with a movie playing at the large screen
- Demo a product or service at the steady center
- Transform a wall, house, and other objects to give it a different appearance
When was the 1st projector invented?
The first carousel slide projector was invented on May 11, 1965, by a David Hansen man. So, the digital projector we know today was created by Gene Dolgoff in 1984. Although, this man came up with the concept for it in 1968.
How does the projector get its input?
Today, most projectors use either an HDMI cable and VGA cable from the computer as their input source.
Conclusion:
This is the buying guide about the best projectors. If you’re looking to buy a projector, then you must go through this article first to pick the right projector for your home or business.