Presentation Projector Buyers Guide

Here's a quick look at some common projection concerns for presenters:

• How bright should my projector be?
• How do I get the best image?
• How portable should my projector be?
• Which features make a projector easy to use?
• Is there more to look for?

How bright should my projector be? [ top ]

Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. DLP and LCD projectors come in various sizes and brightness to fit the various needs of consumers.

Portable Projectors:

Ultra-portable projectors (range from around 1000-2500 lumens in brightness. Low or lights-off presentations are generally considered less desirable, as they allow for less visual interaction with the audience. A projector with at least 800 lumens is desirable for use in rooms where there will be little ambient light. You should also consider the size of your typical audience when selecting the right brightness. Larger audiences require larger images, which also require higher lumen output.

• 1000-1200 lumens for lights-off, low ambient light, presentations
• 1500-2000 lumens with some ambient light
• 2000-2500 lumens with bright ambient light

Training/Conference Room Projectors

Typically, the brightest projectors (around 2500-7000 lumens) are slightly less portable. These larger projectors (around 10-25 lbs.) are perfect for conference rooms, training rooms and classrooms.

• 2500 lumens for audiences of less than a hundred with ambient light
• 3000 lumens for audiences of 100-200 with ambient light
• 5000 lumens for audiences of 100 or more under bright lights

See our handy brightness chart »

How do I get the best image? [ top ]

Choosing a Resolution

The fast and easy answer to getting the best image is to match your projector resolution to your computer resolution. XGA (1024x768) resolution currently commands more of the projector market share than SVGA (800x600) or SXGA (1280x1024) resolutions. For more about resolution click here.

What is Uniformity?

There is more to image quality than just resolution. Brightness uniformity is also important. Uniformity is the percentage of brightness carried from corner to corner and edge to edge of your image. A higher uniformity rating means better consistency throughout your image. For the most consistent images, look for a uniformity rating of 85% or better.

• Match the computer's resolution to your projector's resolution
• Brightness uniformity should be 85% or better
• XGA (1024x768) is the most common projector resolution sold today in the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Did you know? Many business projectors produce such brilliant and clear video that you can also use them for big screen, cinematic images at home. HDTV compatibility in your projector is something you may want to consider if you have the option of taking your projector home. For more about projectors for your home click here.

How portable should my projector be? [ top ]

Thanks to advancing technology, presentation projectors have become more portable than ever. Portable projectors weigh in around 3 to 8 lbs. and have footprints that are smaller than a laptop computer. A good travel case that carries both a projector and a laptop is a convenient accessory for 'road warrior' presenters.

• Portable projectors range from 3 to 8 lbs.
• Choose a smaller footprint for easier portability.
• Invest in case that carries laptop and projector for added convenience.

Additional considerations for Road Warriors:

• You will want at least 1200 lumens to combat ambient light.
• Remote with mouse control frees you from the computer. Check the specs because not all projectors ship with this option.
• Wireless projectors can save you set-up time.

Which features make a projector easy to use? [ top ]

Most of today's portable projectors are very easy to use. They come with about as much hardware as a laptop. Usually just two to three cords (power, PS II mouse, and audio/video cables) and the projector itself pack into a bag small enough to carry on the plane, or place in the back seat.

Projectors are plug-and-play, user-friendly and can be set-up in a matter of minutes. Even with the challenges of a constantly changing environment, in most cases all you will need to shine is a power outlet.

• Most projectors are plug-and-play user friendly.
• Most projectors come with as few as 2 or 3 cables.
• Most projectors can be set up in minutes.

Quick Tip: Always run a "dummy presentation" before you hit the road. That way our Tech Support team can help you with any setup problems you may experience before the big day.

Is there more to look for? [ top ]

Many projectors have added features that can make your presenting life easier and more successful. Here are some examples:

• Wireless projectors for easy set-up. New wireless products are very easy to setup and operate.
• Networkability for control from remote location and added security
• Component video inputs for better quality video
• Digital keystone correction for versatility in projector placement
• Wireless mouse control, for freedom to move while you present
• Lens shift for more convenient set-up

LCD and DLP technology offer different benefits. LCD projectors typically offer better color accuracy, and DLP projectors have higher contrast ratios for deeper blacks and richer colors.

You may not require all of these bells and whistles, but keep them in mind when choosing the right projector for you. Click here to search our database by feature.