Which Projector?
What to consider before buying
There is a lot to consider when buying a projector, not to mention the fact that
your options are huge. This guide is aimed at helping you narrow down the options.
What type of projector do you need?
There are several main types of projector. We have listed these for you below:
Installation- projectors specifically designed to be installed. Can be used for
portable purposes but sometimes not recommended due to size and weight.
Browse our installation projector range by clicking here
Portable- For those of you on the move that need a much smaller, lighter unit with
a carry case for ease of transportation. Some portable projectors can also be installed
if needed.
Browse our portable projector range by clicking here
Wireless- Can be linked to wireless LAN in order to use the projector with your
PC or Laptop without having to run cables.
Browse our Wireless projector range by clicking here
Large Venue- Higher in brightness and larger in size to cater for bigger installation
locations
Browse our Large Venue projector range by clicking here
Short throw- These are installed closer to the projection surface from a boom arm
from the wall in order to reduce shadowing and eye glare associated with the user.
They are also commonly used for use in situations where the projector cannot be
installed onto the ceiling due to complications such as the presence of asbestos.
Browse our short throw projector range by clicking here
Home Cinema- Designed with specific features to maximise viewing and usually have
HD capabilities unlike conventional projectors. These projectors are designed for
home use so often look good too.
Browse our Home cinema projector range by clicking here
How bright is the room?
Projector brightness is measured in Lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter
the projector will be. Projectors can vary from around 1000 lumens all the way through
to around 15,000 lumens. The amount that you will require depends on how bright
the room that you wish to use the projector in is. The distance that the projector
is mounted away from the surface it is projecting onto also has an impact on what
brightness is needed. The further it needs to project an image, the brighter the
projector would have to be to accommodate for this.
To give you an idea of the brightness you will need for a projector which is mounted
average distance of between 10-13 feet away, take a look at the table below (this
excludes short throw options):
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Brightness of room:
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Indication of lumens required:
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Very dark room without windows or with blackout blinds and no artificial light while
the projector is in use
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1000 - 2000
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Dark room with windows and closed blinds or curtains and artificial lights that
can be turned off if needed
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1500 - 2500
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Standard room with blinds or curtains that will mostly be open and artificial lights
that can be turned on or off when the projector is in use
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2200- 3000
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Light room with no blinds or curtains and lights that have to remain on when the
projector is in use
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2500-3500
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Very bright room with possible sun glare and no curtains or blinds and lights that
have to remain on whilst the projector is in use
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3500 +
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What resolution do you need?
It is important to recognise the difference in resolution and the impact that this
will have on your viewing experience. Resolution is the amount of pixels that the
projector is capable of displaying. Pixels are individual dots that, when grouped
together, create an image.
Projectors come equipped with many different resolutions. Below is a chart which
identifies different resolutions and what they are ideally recommended for:
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Resolution:
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Number of pixels (width x height):
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Ideally Suitable for:
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SVGA
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800 x 600
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Presentation
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XGA
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1024 x 768
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Presentation and video
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SXGA
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1280 x 1024
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Higher quality video presentation
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WVGA
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854 x 480
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Presentations from a widescreen laptop
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WSVGA
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1024 x 576
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Presentations from a widescreen laptop
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WXGA
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1280 x 720
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Presentation and video from a widescreen laptop
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720p
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1280 x 720
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Home cinema and high quality video
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1080p
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1920 x 1080
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Home cinema and high quality video
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Contrast Ratio:
Contrast ratio is the amount of luminance that a projector is able to display between
white and black. The higher the contrast ratio, the more true the colours and
detail will be on the projected image. Contrast Ratio ranges from 100: 1 75000:1.
Generally, contrast ratio matters more when displaying video as there is more definition
to display than in presentations. You will find that standard projectors have lower
contrast ratio's yet home cinema projectors will have higher for this reason.
LCD or DLP?
There are 2 main types of projector technology on the market. DLP (Digital Light
Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). They both have their advantages and
disadvantages and are available in most styles of projector.
Click here to see our DLP or LCD comparison page
Throw Distance
The throw distance is the distance between where the projector will be installed
and the surface where the image will be projected onto once the projector is installed.
Click here for the 'how to measure a throw distance' guide