8 Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Projector
Reading Time: 4 minutesBuying your first projector can be a headache as you might not know what specifications to go by. Here, we’ll help you out.
There are several varieties of projectors available on the market today. Depending on your purpose, you can either get inexpensive models with essential features suitable for home use or pricey professional models with comprehensive features.
But how exactly do you know which’s a great buy for your use case? Keep reading as we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when purchasing a new projector.
1. Budget
Your budget is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a projector. Due to the advent of newer technologies and improved manufacturing processes, projectors are now more affordable than ever. Where a good quality model used to cost over one thousand dollars, these days, much cheaper alternatives exist that can adequately provide clear images and good brightness levels.
There are also projectors with hefty price tags, which often means more features and improved tech specs such as higher brightness, higher contrast ratio, better lens, and shift capabilities.
Additionally, you get access to product lines with reliable warranties, which can save quite a bit of money in the long run when technical issues arise. So it’s essential to know the amount you would like to spend beforehand to make the correct decision.
2. Resolution
Resolution is a crucial aspect of any projector. It refers to the clarity of the image projected from the device, and you can measure it in pixels per inch. The higher the projector’s resolution, the crisper and more vibrant images you can achieve, making sure your artwork or presentation stands out.
Most projectors sold today offer at least Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) but if you want even higher quality images, you can opt for projects that support 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) or 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels) resolution. If you want anything higher, know that projectors with 16K resolution are still under development.
Remember that these higher resolutions require more powerful hardware and are, therefore, pricier than lower-resolution models. Depending on how often you plan on using it and what you are using it for, resolution may play an even more significant factor in which projector you purchase.
3. Throw Ratio
The throw ratio is critical because it determines how far from your screen you need to place your projector for optimal viewing angles and image sizes. It’s a measurement of the projector’s throw distance divided by the width of the projected image. Generally, shorter throw distances mean less space is required between your projector and screen, making them ideal for smaller areas or rooms with limited ceiling height.
For example, if a projector has a throw ratio of 1.0, it means the projector should be one foot away for each foot of the image width. Most mainstream projectors have a throw ratio of 2.0, though.
Longer throw distances allow you to place your projector further away from your screen, which can reduce glare or ambient light issues caused by having too much space between the two objects. It’s best practice to measure your room before buying a projector to know what throw ratio will work best for your situation.
4. Brightness Levels
Similar to how you’d want a brighter TV or a smartphone, you should also opt for a brighter projector if your budget allows it. It refers to the amount of light output from the projector, measured in lumens. The greater the lumens, the brighter and more vivid images appear on the screen.
Brightness also affects how far away you can be seated from your screen while still enjoying a good picture—higher brightness means further distance is possible. Therefore, brightness should be an integral factor when considering what projector suits your needs best.
5. Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio of a projector relates to the difference in brightness levels between the lightest and darkest areas of a projected image. It’s measured in terms of the ‘full on’ and ‘full off’ states, which refer to the maximum and minimum brightness intensity that can be produced.
A higher contrast ratio is usually sought after, enabling anyone to quickly see an image’s details by creating better separation between different parts of an image. Its importance is evident throughout any presentation as it ensures that images with subtle disparities are preserved and not lost due to overly powerful lighting or minimized by limited lighting.
6. Native Aspect Ratio
The native aspect ratio in a projector is the preset width-to-height ratio. This is crucial when selecting a projector, as poor image projection due to improper aspect ratio can ruin the desired visuals, especially when watching movies. A projector’s native aspect ratio indicates whether it can adjust to various display sizes and types.
It is essential for ensuring an optimized image quality as it ensures that rectangular images appear correctly without distortion or stretching on the screen. It also sets the boundaries of the projectable areas, which helps reduce the shadows the projector cast on the presentation.
7. Keystone Correction
The keystone correction in a projector is a feature that allows for image distortion to be automatically corrected, allowing projected images to appear correct and undistorted regardless of the projector screen height. This is particularly important when using projectors with non-straight walls or ceilings as it ensures that the image remains aligned to the wall and thus doesn’t distort it undesirably.
The keystone correction can either be automatic, meaning it happens without the need for user input, or manual, where the user manually adjusts an angle of the projector to compensate for corner distortion. Having this function on a projector is essential to ensuring effortlessly consistent, clear images or presentations every time.
8. Connectivity Options
Connectivity options are essential in a projector because they allow us to quickly transfer video or audio content from our devices. Input options most projectors use include HDMI, DVI, VGA, and USB ports.
So, you should make sure that whatever type of devices you plan on connecting to your projector are compatible with its input options before purchasing it. For example, if you want to connect a laptop or gaming console to your projector, make sure it has at least one HDMI port available before making a purchase decision.
Some newer models also offer wireless streaming capabilities via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which can be convenient if you don’t want to worry about cords and cables running across your room.
Choose the Right Projector for Your Next Presentation
Making the right projector choice can be vital to get the most out of your movie night, business presentation, or multimedia gaming experience. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level model for home use or something more advanced with features such as wireless streaming capabilities, today’s market is full of fantastic options.
So, before purchasing, remember to look at the specs we discussed here, like brightness, resolution, contrast ratio, lumens, and keystone correction. Also, consider the type of connection your device requires. Doing this will ensure you pick a suitable projector that fits your needs.
Reference: https://www.makeuseof.com/factors-to-consider-when-buying-projector/
Ref: makeuseof