What kind of projector should I buy? There are so many options out there. How do you choose between them? Projectors are devices that project images onto a screen or other surface. They come in various sizes and shapes, from large home theater models to tiny handheld projectors.
When choosing a projector, consider its size, brightness, resolution, price, and features. The type of image you want to project (e.g., movies, photos, slideshows) also matters.
The best way to decide which model is the right one for your needs is by looking at all its components, and testing them with different inputs. If possible, test several units, including at least two different brands. This will help you find what works for your requirements, budget, and personal preferences.
How much does it cost?
A good quality projector can cost anywhere from $150 to about $1,500, depending on how big the unit is. However, you may be able to get used projectors for as low as 50 dollars!
If you’re planning on using your projector almost every day, make sure it has a lamp life span of at least 2,000 hours — this means that the projector will last long without needing any replacement.
Another thing to keep in mind when buying a new projector is that you need to make sure its native resolution matches your display’s capabilities; otherwise, the picture quality will turn out poorly.
Check for Other Features
Also, check whether the projector has USB ports and supports external storage devices such as digital cameras and memory cards.
Some projectors even offer wireless connectivity and remote-control abilities. Others allow you to wirelessly send keystrokes to another room or sync a smartphone to it. But these are usually limited compared to basic functions like adjusting volume and contrast.
Brightness
A projector’s light output depends on the amount of energy it delivers to each pixel. To give you some idea: a standard household bulb produces 15 watts per hour, while some LED bulbs produce more than 1000 watts. For comparison, 60-watt incandescent bulbs provide around 100 lumens, while a 40-watt halogen provides 200 lumens. Lumens are the units used to quantify the brightness of a projector. You’ll need at least 1500 lumens for home theater projectors when ambient light is at a minimum. A projector with at least 2500 lumens is recommended for schools, conference rooms, and rooms with windows.
Resolution
When selecting a projector, it’s important to know the native resolution it uses. Different projectors have different aspect ratios – the ratio between the width and height of the projected image — but generally speaking, a 4K screen requires a projector with either 3x4K or 5x6K resolution. This is why many high-profile TVs now boast resolutions above 1080p. Most home theater systems only use 720p, so you’ll probably need a projector with a higher resolution.
Contrast Ratio
Projectors may tempt you with an impressive rating, but remember that a higher number doesn’t always mean better picture quality. Contrast refers to how much light is needed from the projector’s source to create white versus black areas on the screen.
Keep these things in mind when shopping for your latest home entertainment needs.