As far as critical equipment goes, the projector you choose for your make-or-break presentation is as important as it gets. You can spend hours memorizing figures, writing witty anecdotes on note cards, and ironing that power suit. But even if your content is knock-'em dead good, the effectiveness of your presentation depends on the audience being able to see it clearly. A high quality digital projector can make the difference between a presentation that sings or falls flat.
The projector industry has exploded as notebook computers and projectors have replaced slide trays and transparencies in conference rooms everywhere. The size and price of projectors have shrunk accordingly, as manufacturers scramble to cater to businesses that want projection devices that are as small and affordable as the laptops their presentations are built on.
Different projection technologies have helped pave the way for the current crop of low-weight machines. Of course, depending on the type of projector you need, weight may not be a factor at all. Not that that makes your decision any easier - choosing a model with the correct resolution, brightness, and other features can still be a difficult task.
Types of Projectors
Projectors fall into three broad categories: Ultralights, conference room projectors, and fixed installation projectors.
Ultralights (Personal)Created to serve the mobile business community, ultralights now come close to matching larger models in brightness and other extra features. If weight is an important issue for you, be sure to find out the total weight of the projection system (cables, remote, case) and not just the projector. But try not to get carried away: even on an extended trip, you are not likely to notice a difference of six ounces and you will pay extra for the very smallest models.
Conference Room
Digital projectors are often referred to as "LCD projectors" even when they are not actually using LCD technology. There are two main types of machines for projecting computer images onto a screen: LCD projectors and DLP projectors. Though not substantial, the differences between these technologies are important to recognize when comparing similarly priced models.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)As a newer technology, DLP projectors were initially more expensive than similar LCD models, but that difference has largely disappeared. We recommend that you compare two projectors with the same brightness and resolution to see which type of projection is best for you.
LCOS projectors
As is the case with most office products, digital projectors have a few important features that are crucial to understand before making the right purchase. The projector type, resolution, brightness, lamp type, and lens specifications will all depend on the primary role the projector will fill: part of your traveling show? or permanent addition to your conference room?
WeightOn the other hand, if you plan on bringing your projector on external sales pitches or to conferences, weight will be critical to your future happiness. While a couple of pounds may not sound significant, consider lugging that weight from the office to a taxi to an airplane, back in the taxi and then over to the conference center. And do not forget you will also be toting your laptop, your notes, and any other extraneous materials.
The lightest projectors on the market are now tipping the scales below three pounds. While projectors have gotten lighter and lighter recently, they seem to be about as light as they are going to get for the time being. And remember, the projector weight does not equal what you will be carrying through the airport. Be sure to ask about the total weight of the package, including the carrying case and any other peripherals that come with the projector.
LCD projector brightness and lamp type
Brightness
Your presentation will crash and burn if your projector cannot produce enough light to throw images across a room and onto a screen. Accordingly, the brightness (measured in ANSI lumens) of your LCD projector or DLP projector is worth investigating.
While projectors with less than 1000 ANSI lumens may be sufficient for projecting black and white images in dark rooms, they may not have enough firepower to keep multicolored PowerPoint presentations from appearing washed out. When deciding how much brightness your projector should have, keep in mind how dark the rooms will typically be for your presentations and how far your projector will be from the screen. The basic rule of thumb is that big rooms with more light require brighter projectors. Also, if you are often on the road, keep in mind that projector screens are much better reflectors than plain walls, so they make projected images much more visible. You may need more brightness if you often present in locations without screens.
Brightness for projectors currently ranges from 1,000 for ultralights up to as much as 10,000 for fixed machines. For on-the-road presentations, 1,000 to 2,000 lumens should be fine, while larger conference rooms will need 2,000 to 4,000 lumens. Fixed installation machines in large auditoriums can require 4,000 to 5,000 lumens and up - but be prepared, these machines carry much higher price tags.
Lamp TypeIf you are comparing two projectors of the same brightness, ask about the wattage of their respective lamps. If there is a difference, go with the projector that has a lower-powered bulb. The low-watt lamp will last longer, stay cooler, and be more efficient than a bulb with a higher wattage. Also look for projectors that have an "economy mode." This setting reduces the power consumption of the projector, cutting brightness by about 20% in exchange for less noise, reduced electricity usage, and longer lamp lifespans. Some models have a bulb lifespan of 3,000 hours in economy mode, as opposed to 2,000 hours in standard mode.
Digital projectors resolution
Resolution refers to the number of dots of light that appear on a screen or a projection to make up a projected image. Take care to note the "native" resolution of the digital projectors you are interested in - while a projector may be able to work with several different resolutions, there is one native resolution at which it works best.
Choosing the right resolution for your projector is as easy as knowing the resolution of your computer. If you plan on upgrading your PC after getting a new projector, you are best off buying a projector with a fairly high resolution that will match newer laptops.
Your presentation will not come to a screeching halt if the resolution on your notebook and projector differ. Virtually all models can accept higher or lower resolution images than their native resolution via interpolation, which either expands or compresses the pixels that compose the image. However, expect to lower your image quality standards a bit for such interpolated images since this will usually degrade the quality.
The two most common resolutions right now are SVGA (800x600) and XGA (1024x768). Higher resolutions like SXGA (1,280x1,024) will dramatically increase the price you should expect to pay. VGA (640x480) is no longer an acceptable resolution, and you would be hard-pressed to find modern projectors that support it.
Projector lenses
You would not put down cash for a camera without learning about what type of lens came it used. The same rule applies when purchasing a projector.
With zoom lenses being nearly standard on today's projectors, check how much a lens' f-number (the smaller the number, the more light) changes at different zoom settings. If the change is minimal your image will remain uniformly bright regardless of lens position.
Some lenses are now manufactured using lightweight plastics. If weight is not an issue, try to find a machine with an all-glass lens. Glass is the optimal filter for projecting images and will give you a clearer picture. However, glass lenses do make a projector heavier, so pick plastic if you are going to be on the road a lot. Optional lenses are also available through some manufacturers and resellers. If your conference room machine will be called upon to project at different positions, angles, and varying room brightness, you should ask about interchangeable lenses.
Digital projector prices
Projector prices vary dramatically, ranging from under $800 at the low end to well over $40,000 at the high end - ultra-high performance projectors for auditoriums can hit $200,000. Keep in mind the market is extremely competitive and prices continue to drop each year. The two features that have the biggest impact on price are resolution and brightness.
Most ultralight SVGA projectors fall between $800 and $2,000, with XGA's going between $1,500 and $4,000. Prices for conference room and fixed installation machines vary depending on resolution, brightness, and other extras, but expect to spend between $4,000 and $10,000 for a good system, or more if you are outfitting a large auditorium.
Prices also vary among dealers, so it usually pays to shop around. Often, the same model (with only slight variations in features) may be sold by as many as four different manufacturers under different names. Additionally, some manufacturers may give special pricing to their top dealers, which can translate to larger discounts for you.
Projector warranties and service
LCD projector warranties range from one to three years on parts and labor depending on the manufacturer. When offered, standard bulb coverage tends to be for 90 days.
If you travel frequently, you will want to check into warranties that cover 24-hour projector replacement in the event that shipping the projector back to the manufacturer for repair will take too long. If you are considering a projector whose warranty does not offer overnight replacements, it does not necessarily mean that you are out of luck. Some manufacturers work informally with their resellers to offer such services. Talk to potential dealers to find out if they would be willing to offer such a service.
When purchasing a projector, make sure to inquire about return policies. Some discount vendors simply do not accept returns - others may charge surprisingly high restocking fees. While you are not likely to need to return a new projector, understanding the policies can help you avoid a nasty surprise.
Renting/Leasing
Here are some more tips to help you pick the right LCD projector or DLP projector for your needs. Much like air conditioning or power steering in a new car, these extras may help make your projector more manageable in difficult presenting conditions.
InputsInfrared remotes work just like TV remotes - they require a direct line of sight between the remote and the unit. Radio frequency (RF) remotes that do not require line of sight are becoming more common and can be useful if you have employees who like to pace around the room while giving a presentation.
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