Buying an LCD projector is not an insignificant investment, so
you'll want to think carefully about how you're going to use the
projector so you can match the features you need with the best price
point. For instance, an LCD projector's brightness is a key buying
factor, but if you're not planning to frequently give presentations in
large conference rooms or classrooms, you may not need high performance
in this area. These key buying factors will help you choose an LCD
projector.
LCD Projector Resolution
SVGA (800
x 600), XGA (1024 x 768), SXGA (1280 x 1024), or UXGA (1600 x 1200)?
The higher the projector's resolution, the higher the price. If you will
use your LCD projector mainly for PowerPoint presentations, the SVGA
resolution will be fine, while XGA is a good choice for displaying
numerical data. You'll only need the higher resolution LCD projectors if
you need fine details to be accurately displayed.LCD Projector Brightness
The
higher the ANSI lumens rating, the brighter the LCD projector's light
output. Projectors of less than 1000 lumens may not put out enough light
for your needs. Projectors of 1000-2000 lumens put out enough light for
normal business or classroom situations, while projectors of 2000-3000
lumens produce enough light to illuminate images without washout in
large conference rooms and classrooms. LCD Projector Contrast
Projector
contrast is expressed as a ratio between the brightest and darkest
areas of the image. Look for LCD projectors with contrast ratios of
400:1 or higher so that graphics and video images are clear. You'll want
to choose an LCD projector with a very high contrast ratio if you plan
to frequently project images with the lights on.LCD Projector Weight
Projector
weight is a portability issue; if you're going to be carrying the
projector around a lot, making presentations in different locations, the
lighter the better. There are now many LCD projectors available that
weigh less than 5 pounds, which can lighten your load considerably if
you're a mobile presenter. However, generally, the lighter the projector
the more it costs. LCD Projector Connectivity
When
you buy an LCD projector, you'll choose one that connects with the
computer you use, of course. But will you always use the same computer?
You may need a separate connector cable or adapter in some cases. Check
as well to see if the LCD projector has multiple computer ports, in case
you want to connect multiple computers or video sources to the
projector at the same time.LCD Projector Lamp Life
Another
factor you may want to consider when buying an LCD projector is the
listed lamp life, as replacement lamps cost thousands of peso or a hundred of dollars. A
listed lamp life of 2000 hours is excellent. Some projectors come with
mode choices, such as "eco-mode" that allow extended lamp life, and cut
down on operating costs.