Data Projector Tips

What to look for in a data projector

 Lumens. XGA. SVGA. DVI. When shopping for a projector, the list of specifications to read and factors to consider can seem intimidating. But if you take a moment to think about how you'll be using your new projector, you can narrow your decision-making process down to four key factors: brightness, weight, resolution, and compatibility.

• Brightness

• Weight

• Resolution

• Compatibility

Brightness

Projector brightness is measured in lumens. To choose the level of brightness your projector needs, consider the following:

Audience size. If you have a large audience, you'll need to project a large image in order for everyone to see it easily. Larger images need brighter projectors.

Room lighting. Windows. Overhead lights. Lamps. The more light the room has from other sources, the more lumens your projector needs to outshine them.

Application. If you're showing video or PowerPoint® graphics, a darkened room often works fine, which means your projector needs less lumens. But if your audience needs to take notes, or if you want them to be able to see you, you'll need a fully lit room — and more lumens. Also keep in mind that detailed images like spreadsheets demand a large image — and a brighter projector.

Weight

Do you need to travel with your projector? Will you take it on the road often? Or will you just need to move it between rooms in your office? These are the questions to consider when determining which projector weight category is right for you. B&H Australia uses the following classifications:

Portable: Under 2.5kg, perfect for the road. These can be equipped with basics or loaded with features — but be prepared to pay a premium for a microportable projector (under 1.5kg) with the features of a desktop projector.

Desktop: Under 5kg, generally with all the features you need for multimedia conference-room presentations.

Fixed: Over 5kg, generally super-bright, high-performance machines that have no weight limitations because they're designed to stay in one place

Resolution

Projectors generally have the same resolution categories as computer monitors: SVGA, XGA, and SXGA. One easy way to choose your projector's resolution is to match it with the resolution of the laptop you intend to use with it. You'll also need to think about how you'll be using the projector:

Simple graphics and PowerPoint slides: SVGA

Advanced graphics and spreadsheets: XGA

Large-screen images: XGA

Extremely detailed images, such as engineering drawings or CAD: SXGA

Compatibility

Your projector must work seamlessly with all your other media tools, especially your laptop. When shopping for a projector, make sure that it:

Can be connected to your computer. Most projectors will support PCs, while many need an adapter for Macintosh® or workstations.

Supports the latest standards. Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is the current standard for projection. This technology allows all PCs to unite around a single monitor interface.

Supports the video format in your region. The standard video formats are NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. Many projectors accept all three, but make sure you know what the predominant standard is in your region.

Other Factors To Consider

Any projector that you buy should come with the following qualities:

Ease of use. This is particularly important if a number of people will be using the projector. Most modern digital projectors are plug and play, user-friendly, and can be set up in a matter of minutes.

Long lamp life. Replacement lamps are expensive and it's a hassle to change lamps often. A good projector will have a UHP lamp with at least 1000 hours of lamp life.

Quiet. A projector that makes too much noise can distract the audience. If you're presenting in a small room, a quiet project is even more important.

Great customer service. Look for a service program that can repair your projector quickly and that offers a replacement service in the event that something goes wrong and you need a projector immediately.

Finding The Perfect Projector

You don't have to take up rocket science to find the perfect digital projector. Simply keep your presentation needs at the forefront of the decision-making process and you're sure to find a projector that will help your ideas really shine