Home Theater Video Projectors

Home Theater Video Projectors
By Jason Gluckman

A home theater enables us to view films in the comfortable ambience of our homes. The unique ambience of movie halls can be recreated completely, minus the crowds, and favorite movies can be watched with friends and relatives in comfort. Home theater video projectors are the main component around which the home theater system runs.

At present, there are three kinds of video projector technology in use. They are CRT, LCD, and DLP. Apart from these, there are certain modifications also available based on the technology used for the above three.

During the early years of video projectors, television expertise was centered on Cathode Ray Tube technology, or CRT. Cathode ray tubes are used for the generation of a television image. Three small CRTs with a single unit meant for every principal color, and a light-magnifying lens, helps in the projection of a color representation against a big screen in a dimly lit room. A CRT projector is capable of creating superior high-resolution images. This can be achieved with the help of the right combination of video processing circuitry, CRT size, and lens combination.

The second sort of video projector is the LCD projector, or Liquid Crystal Display. This is different from a CRT projector in the sense that it is not based on the conventional projection tube. An LCD projector primarily operates by delivering a strong light source through a transparent LCD chip comprising of individual pixels, which exhibits the moving video image. This image is subsequently projected through a lens to a big screen.

The rapid developing sort of video projector with respect to sales is the DLP, or Digital Light Processing projector. This type of projector is very similar to the LCD as in this also the real image is exhibited on a chip.

Home Theater Projectors provides detailed information on Home Theater Video Projectors, Home Theater LCD Projectors, Home Theater Projector Packages, Home Theater Front Projectors and more. Home Theater Projectors is affiliated with Curtains For Home Theater Screens.

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Digital LCD Projectors

Digital LCD Projectors
By Ken Marlborough

Digital projectors are the modern replacements for the rather traditional transparency projectors. Transparency projectors worked by shining light through a semi-transparent material. Digital projectors, by contrast, project a digital image directly from a computer through a lens on to a screen.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) digital projectors are much lighter and more portable than their CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) versions, making them widely popular. With the advent of new LCD technologies, digital projectors have been developed which have very clear and crisp fidelity even at large projection sizes. The LCDs used in digital projectors are approximately the size of a small color slide, and in fact the projectors operate very much like a traditional slide projector. The main difference is that the slide is constantly changing.

A Digital LCD projector has its light source contained within its base. It projects light upwards through the transparent image (which sits on a glass stage) to a lens on the top (head) of the unit and out onto the projection screen. In other words, the light shines through the image to project it. These projectors work well with printed film transparencies or an LCD panel computer display and provide bright, sharp images.

Slightly higher end Digital LCD Projectors can be used for Cinema/exhibition, Post-production, On-screen advertising, Digital film mastering, Multi-media theatrical productions or other large entertainment venues. Most of the recent Digital LCD projectors can be installed with existing film projectors and also provide an interface for theatre automation equipment.

The future of digital projectors is exciting, with new technologies constantly being developed. As more and more theatres switch to digital projection, consumers cannot help but reap the benefits. As these technologies become more affordable they will inevitably find their way into home systems and allow each of us to experience the joy of a full theatre projection in our own home.

LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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Consumer Electronic Information: The Basics of the DLP Projector

Consumer Electronic Information: The Basics of the DLP Projector
By Simon Canfield

Projectors have come a long way in the past few decades. The desktop fossils that were once used to show home moviesor classroom filmstrips are a thing of the past. With todays technology, you can now experience a projected movie that emulates a full-blown theater flick, without thetime, effort and hassle of standing in line at the local cinema.

DLP projectors also known as Digital Light Processing projectors have brought the proverbial silver screen to the home front. The fact that some theaters actually use this type of technology for feature movie projection makes this truer than you might imagine. After being digitally converted and placed on an optical disk much in the same way as DVD technology is produced the images are fed intothe projector and sent to the movie screen. The main difference is that DLP projectors offer a high definition experience, as opposed to that of a DVD. The result is a picture that very nearly rivals the quality of a 70mm projection, but without the imperfections.

The color accuracy of the DLP system is outstanding, with an end result that beats LCD technology. Some of the advantages that make a DLP the projector of choice are its low power consumption, compactness, micro-mirror construction (which is responsible for the high level screen resolution), high contrast and brightness. All in all, this is the closest that anyone can come to having a bona fide cinema within the confines of their home.

With every set of pros, youll always find some cons lurking in the shadows. Such is the case with the DLP projector. For those who are particularly sensitive to certain visual effects, the DLP design produces a type of rainbow effect, which could serve as a distraction when looking from one side of the screen to the other during viewing. This will play out as a brief splash of colors, which is simply a result of the type of technology thats used in the production of the DLP. Most people dont even notice this color display, but those who are in tune to that sort of thing may see it as an annoyance.

While this is also true for LCD projectors, consumers mightbe disappointed to know that DLP projectors need to have their light source changed after every 1,000 to 2,000 viewing hours. All in all, though, this is nothing new and, when you consider the higher quality that this type ofsystem offers, it shouldnt be seen as much of an inconvenience at all.

Perhaps the most inhibitive aspect to the acquisition of a home theater system, such as the DLP, is that the cost willtypically fall within the range of $5,000 to $10,000 for the mid-range systems, once you purchase everything that youll need in order to complete the set-up. In addition to that, youll have to consider the cost of the rest of your home theater system, since these figures only factor in the DLP expenses.

For those who can afford to do so, the DLP projector is an excellent investment, despite its few downfalls. While no projection system is perfect, DLP is currently the most popular set-up on the market and provides a powerful theater experience for those who arent inhibited by space or finances.

(c) 2005 Simon Canfield - All Rights Reserved

Simon Canfield is a hi-tech enthusiast and freelance author.

AllAboutHeadPhones.comBigScreenTVsecrets.com

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Computer Projector Rentals: A Guide

Computer Projector Rentals: A Guide
By Marcus Peterson

Any meeting or conference requires a computer to handle inputs like data, graphics, video and audio. Computer as a multimedia application has properties comparable to standalone players for VCD or DVD. With the integration of IT and the Internet into the audio visual industry, computers have become an indispensable item of equipment. They are a common product line in the inventory of a/v rental companies.

To have a meeting with computer aided presentation of data, graphics and video, one needs to have a projector that is compatible with different makes of computers such as IBM and Mac. For instance, an iMAC computer has different requirements than other systems. The accessories that come with computer projectors are audio and video cables, speakers and screen.

The type of screen is decided by the number of members in the audience. If it is a small gathering, a 27 monitor may be used. For large gatherings, a flat screen display or a plasma monitor with 50 monitor may be used. If it is a notebook computer, the laptop must be activated to have the output to the projector. Depending on the number of the people, importance of brightness, contrast and resolution, an LCD projector would be a good fit for the occasion.

The important factors an event manager must consider before choosing the a/v system are the room size, lighting conditions, the inputs that will be displayed, the resolution and clarity of the visual images and screen size. Depending upon the requirements, the rental rate may vary from $300 to $500. Also, the rental companies provide value added services such as complete solutions to manage the event.

Computer projectors are used by corporate houses and universities for business presentations and seminars. They can be booked by phone or online. Most rental companies deliver the systems the previous day. The major manufacturers of computer projector systems are Hitachi, 3M, Compaq and Canon.

Projector Rentals provides detailed information on Computer Projector Rentals: A Guide, DVD Projector Rentals, Film Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Rentals and more. Projector Rentals is affiliated with DLP Projectors.

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LCD Projectors for Sale

LCD Projectors for Sale
By Ken Marlborough

Do you want to continue to be at the cutting edge of technology with high-end presentation products? Do you want to keep your audience glued to you and the vibrant graphics and clear characters of your presentation? Whether you are presenting to 10 or 10,000 people, there is bound to be an LCD projector that is perfect for you. Here is a simple guide on what to look for when you want to purchase one.

Resolution

The first consideration to look for when shopping for an LCD projector is resolution. Resolution is the number of light dots (called pixels) per square inch of the image produced. The higher the number of the pixels, the clearer and tighter your image will be. Also, if your LCD projector of choice is high in resolution, the image you can broadcast can be expanded to greater degrees. If your lecture or presentation is heavy on graphics and high quality color, or if you need to present to a large crowd, then you will need an LCD projector with high resolution.

Brightness

Since the image your LCD projector will broadcast is projected with a high-powered light bulb, you will also want to consider how bright a projection you will need. Again, the brighter the image you project, the farther away it can be seen. This is an important consideration for people thinking of presenting to large and small groups.

Price and other considerations

These projectors do not come cheap, so price is a major consideration. If your company is small, a desktop projector with resolution the size of your typical computer monitor should suffice. Also, be sure to check on compatibility issues. Is the projector you want compatible with your hardware? If it is not, you may wind up with a very expensive lamp. Finally, ask about user support. Does it come with a warranty? If it does, how long is the coverage? Is there a technical support hotline you can call if you have trouble with your projector? All these things will factor into getting an LCD projector that suits your needs.

LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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Tips on Comparing Prices on Projectors

Tips on Comparing Prices on Projectors
By Jim Gelder

Buying a projector is an investment that you want to be sure you make wisely. So taking the time to do some comparison shopping when it comes to prices is simply a smart thing to do and something you certainly wont regret.

There are several ways you can go about comparing prices on projectors. The first is to visit electronics stores and office supply stores that sell projectors and check out their prices in the stores. This is an especially good method during sales. Its also a great way to get a good deal locally because many stores will offer to beat their competitors best price by a certain percentage, which can save you even more money.

You can also research and compare prices on projectors online. Doing your projector price comparison shopping online makes it possible for you to check out a much larger number of prices on projectors than you can do by going from store to store. This will also make it possible for you to check out the prices on a wider number of brand name projectors and even look into the prices of used projectors. Online auction sites such as eBay are great places to compare prices on used projectors.

Consumer report magazines are also a good resource for comparing prices on various projectors. These reports have the advantage of also rating the projectors, so you can compare quality as well as prices on projectors.

This is an important part of comparing prices on anything, whether its projectors or cars. You want to get the most value for your money, and that means that many times a medium priced item is actually a better value than a higher priced one because it has more features than a stripped down top brand name one has.

Also, even before you start comparing prices on projectors, its a good idea to have a budget in mind for what youre willing to spend for your projector. This will help you focus your price comparison, although you dont want to rule out looking into projectors that may cost more than youve budgeted for because you may run into an unexpected bargain as you do your research.

And if the thought of doing all the research needed to compare prices on projectors sounds like work to you, remember that at least half the fun of making any purchase is in the search! Make a game of it and see just how great a projector you can find for the least amount of money, thanks to your savvy comparison shopping. Then take those savings and splurge on something just for you!

Jim Gelder is a contributing writer for projectorian.com a website dedicated to offering information about projectors and projector rentals and also features a listing of local companies that offer LCD projector rentals, New York projector rentals and more.

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Understanding Native Resolution For Your Home Theater Projector

Understanding Native Resolution For Your Home Theater Projector
By Semore Bernstein

What is Native Resolution for your Home Theater Projector?

To understand what is native resolution, lets start with an understanding of the concept of 'resolution'. Resolution is concerned with the mapping of the information within a picture or image by the dot area.

The smaller the dots, and the more densely packed it is, the greater the resolution, since the mapping of dots as measured in pixels constitutes the data for reproducing the images in video outputs of home theater and other viewing systems. This data processing capability of the projector, as measured in pixels, is what constitutes native resolution.

For high definition home theater projector pictures with good resolution, both the native resolution of the projector should match the resolution of the video signal or video input, failing which, distortion of the images is likely. Native resolution of home theater projectors is measured in two dimension figures with current capabilities ranging from (640480, 800600, 1024768, 16001200) for 4:3 image aspect ratios and the occasional odd resolutions like 12801024.

Thus, if projectors of 1280X 1024 native resolution were to map a video signal of resolution 1024 X 768, there would errors and likely distortion in the image. To effectively combat or otherwise provide for different standards, most home theater video projectors come with capabilities of multiple resolution standards, though it is most likely to be multiples of the lower resolution values.

Advice on Home Theater Projectors
Advice on Home Theater Projector Displays
Advice on Home Theater Projector Mounts

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Compare LCD Projectors

Compare LCD Projectors
By Ken Marlborough

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors are devices used for displaying presentations or videos in an enlarged size. They are the modern replacements for slide projectors and overhead projects which were popular earlier.

LCD projectors are available in several variants with differing specifications. Choosing the right projector is as simple as knowing what it will be used for. The two parameters needed to compare an LCD projector are - cost and specifications. Knowing what is needed and how much you will need to use the various features / specifications of an LCD projector are going to be will help one compare the projectors with a better perspective. For this reason, it is important to know the basics of projectors before comparing them.

Aspect Ratio: It refers to the width vs. the height of the projected image. UXGA, VGA, XGA, and SVGA resolution all have a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Brightness: A projector's brightness is measured in lumens. The more light in the room where the projector will be used, the more bright the projector should be.

Contrast Ratio: Is the ratio between the darkest and brightest areas of the projected image. Medium Contrast ratio projectors can be found with a ratio of 500:1 to 1200:1.

Data Signal Ports: These ports on the projector should be compatible with whatever image source they will be paired with.

Keystone Correction: This is the ability to correct the image distortion that is created when a projector is placed at anything other than a 90 degree angle to the screen.

Native resolution: This resolution for a digital projector is the actual number of physical pixels on the projector's image chip.

Projection screens: These screens come in various fabrics and sizes. While it's possible to project the images on a blank wall, the best image quality will be achieved by projecting the images on a good screen.

Video Format Capability: A digital projector's video format capability determines which video format data it can accept. Most projectors will offer all three: PAL, NTSC, and SECAM.

A wide range of desired projectors can be found by giving exact specifications on various website over the internet. Once these basic features of projectors are compared and the best suited LCD projector identified, one can go ahead and compare the prices of the required projector.

LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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How to Fix a Broken Slide Projector

How to Fix a Broken Slide Projector
By Jeffrey Saunders

A slide projector is a great way to store, share and show photos, presentations and other information. But what do you do when your slide projector is having problems. How to fix it can be a simple matter of jiggling a few wires, cords or cables, or taking the entire projector apart and taking a peek as to whats inside.

The most common problem with a slide projector that needs fixing is a simple projector jam. A projector jam is when one of the slides is stuck in a position that wont allow the carousel to rotate. Now, this may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it should also be the first area you look into when your projector is having problems. How to fix it, and remove the jammed slide can be done in a matter of steps.

1. Shut the slide projector off and let it cool down for a few minutes.

2. Remove the slide tray by loosening a latch or placing a coin in the middle of the tray & turning it

3. Turn the tray upside down

4. Locate the jammed slide and carefully remove it

5. Place the tray back into the projector

6. If the slide isnt damaged, insert it back into the carousel

The next time you notice your slide projector is having problems, how to fix it is to follow the steps listed above. Normally, when a slide projector wont fully rotate, its because of a jammed or lodged slide within the carousel. Carefully removing the trapped slide should solve any projector problems youre experiencing.

If youve followed the steps noted above, and you find that still your slide projector is having problems, an experienced technician may tell you how to fix it, and guide you through various stages of repair. The larger the slide projector you have, the more chances it has to jam. So before you take your projector apart or visit a potentially expensive repairman, be absolutely certain that it isnt a jammed slide thats causing your projector problems.

If your digital image projector is having problems, how to fix it can be a matter of replacing a burnt out bulb, ensuring that all your cables are properly connected to rebooting the entire system itself, depending on the sophistication level of your projector. Always go through the instruction manual when your digital projector is acting up.

Sometimes when your projector is having problems, how to fix it can be as easy as remounting it or reinstalling it. An improperly mounted projector can sometimes not project any image at all, and may appear to be broken and in need of fixing. Check to see if your projector is mounted and affixed straight. If it isnt, take it down and remount it, being careful to make certain that its properly mounted. That should solve any issues regarding your projectors refusal to show images. If that does not work, then you may consider taking your digital projector back to its point of purchase for a qualified inspection.

Jeffrey Saunders loves do-it-yourself technology

He also likes great deals on refurbished electronics. Amazing prices on big brand names like the Apple iPod Nano

And more fantastic deals on great items like digital camcorders.

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Understanding Projector Screens: Be Careful You May End Up With TOO Bright An Image!

Understanding Projector Screens: Be Careful, You May End Up With TOO Bright An Image!
By Andrew Ghigo

Today's compact yet powerful front video projectors may leave you with a too bright an image to watch! This being especially so if you intend to watch a projected image in a darkened room which after all, is most often the case with a home theater setup.

Defining Screen Gain

Prior to proceeding with our discussion, it is important that one has a full understanding of what the term screen gain is all about.

It may sound strange that we talk about gain when in reality a projector screen is nothing more than a passive device. Yet there is - it is all a question of how the screen surface distributes the reflected light.

Screen gain is a measurement of the reflectivity of the screen surface. It measures the ability of the screen to direct incident light back to the audience.

The gain number represents the ratio between incident light and reflected light. A flat matte white surface has a gain of approximately 1. A gray screen has a gain less than 1 and therefore, it attenuates incident light. Reflective screen surfaces have gains greater than 1; these projection screens direct more incident light back to the audience.

Gain is always measured in front and perpendicular to the screen at the point of maximum brightness; this represents peak screen gain and occurs at the zero viewing angle perpendicular to the screen surface.

For a screen with gain greater than one, the gain drops as one moves to the side and view the screen at an angle to the perpendicular drawn from the center of the screen. The angle at which screen gain falls to half the peak is referred to as half gain viewing angle. A person viewing the screen from this angle will see the image half as bright as the person seated at the center. The more one moves further away from the center, the dimmer the projected image will be.

The higher the peak screen gain, the narrower the supported viewing angle. This is the price one has to pay for a higher screen gain - the higher projector screen gain at the center is in fact achieved by directing more light towards the center viewing positions rather than allowing for a uniform reflected light over a wider angle of view.

Projected Image Brightness:

Matching the projection screen gain with the ambient light and the video projector output is essential if you want to ensure that you will end up with a correct level of projected image brightness.

This is an extremely important issue. Do not forget that a basic requirement for a great movie experience is a comfortable environment. This means that the time one spends watching a movie should be as comfortable as possible. Exposure to a bright projected image is uncomfortable on the eyes - even when this is for just a few minutes, least imagine when watching a two-hour movie.

A Tricky Matching Process!

Ambient Light Conditions, Image Brightness & Screen Gain

A projected image is at its best when viewed in total darkness - this helps take away any visual distractions - rendering it easier for the viewer to get deeper immersed into the movie action.

In the home, achieving a completely darkened room is almost impossible except in the case of the dedicated home theater setup. The amount of ambient light present has an impact on the resultant projected image contrast. This calls for the need to increase the image brightness to maintain the correct level of image contrast.

The tricky issue is to arrive at the correct level of image brightness for a pre-set level of ambient light. This in view that projected image brightness is a function not only of the projector output, but also of the screen gain, and image size.

The explanation that follows should help you get a better understanding of the relationship that exists between these three inter-related parameters.

Display Brightness and Screen Gain

The brightness output level of your projector is a measure of the projector output power in terms of light intensity. Please keep in mind however that the resultant projected image brightness is a different issue. Image brightness falls in proportion to the area of the projected image size - the bigger the projected image is, the dimmer it will look for a fixed level of projector brightness.

The projected image brightness - more specifically the Luminance level for a projected image, is a measure of the light reflected from the projector screen area. It is measured in foot-Lamberts, and is defined as:

ANSI-lumens of your projector divided by the square footage of Screen.

(Note that one foot-Lambert is equal to 1 ANSI lumen per square foot.)

To arrive at the actual level of light reflected from the screen surface, the above result must be multiplied by the projector screen gain.

A useful reference here is what has been defined as 'sufficient brightness' by the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers, also known as SMPTE.

In standard 196M, the SMPTE determined sufficient brightness for showing motion pictures in a darkened room using a unity gain matte white projector screen, as 12 - 22 foot-Lamberts. In practice, the luminance target level is set to about 16 foot-Lamberts, while the average bright scene brightness level in a movie theater is typically 60% to 75% of this target value.

Display brightness is in itself an entirely subjective term; whats more, it is all relative to the amount of ambient light falling on the screen surface.

The following rules of thumb would surely come to assistance in this respect:

  • The contrast ratio between the projected image and the ambient light level falling on the screen should be at least 5:1. This is necessary for the eye to perceive a real impression of brightness. If this contrast ratio is not achieved, the projected image will not be considered of adequate brightness level.

  • When viewing takes place under normal ambient light conditions, the luminance level should be close to 50 foot-Lamberts. This level of luminance is derived from the fact that SMPTE indicated a target level of image brightness for a CRT TV as 50 foot-Lamberts, this in view that a TV is normally viewed under normal ambient light. One may argue that TV is a totally different technology this is true, but this target level for image brightness or luminance, still holds good for most circumstances.

    How does all this translate in practical terms?

    If one is viewing an image in typical very low ambient light conditions (say less than 2 foot-candles - equivalent to approximately 22 Lux), then the minimum required light level illuminating the screen surface should be around 10 foot-candles to achieve sufficient image contrast.

    For a matte white projector screen surface with a screen gain of one, this translates to a minimum of 10 foot-Lamberts in terms of light reflected from the screen for image brightness. This is close to the SMPTE typical requirement for average luminance when viewing pictures in a darkened room.

    Similarly, if viewing were to take place under normal ambient light room conditions (typically 10 foot-candles or 110 Lux), applying our first rule of thumb to achieve the required contrast level would result in a luminance level of 50 foot-Lamberts (approx. 540 Lux) for the same matte white projector screen surface. This is also in line with the target luminance level detailed in rule 2 for viewing under normal ambient light conditions.

      Note:
    • Light illuminating a surface is measured in lux (Lx = lumens/m2), or foot-candles.
    • Light reflected from an area (luminance) is measured in candelas/m2 (cd/m2) or foot-lamberts (fL).

    Now, lets consider as an example what will happen with different projector screen gains for say a given 1000 ANSI-Lumens projector and a 100 diagonal screen size.

    Projector Screen Gain 1 1.5 2Image Luminance in foot-Lamberts304560

    It is clear that our 1000 ANSI-Lumens projector would produce a too bright an image when the latter is viewed in a darkened room, even when using a standard matte white projector screen with unity gain. Similarly, use of this projector in conjunction with a projector screen surface having a gain of 2 may result in a too bright an image even when viewing takes place under normal ambient light conditions.

    Andrew Ghigo A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession, with specialization in digital switching and telecoms fraud management systems.

    Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com - a site dedicated to all home theater enthusiasts with the scope of serving as a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design.

    This article is an excerpt from a series of guides appearing under thehome theater screens section of the site.

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  • Choosing a Digital Projector

    Choosing a Digital Projector
    By Luke Kent

    There are tons of digital projectors available and they are constantly dropping in price. However, when choosing a projectorfor yourself or your school there are a few practical things you should remember.

    When choosing a projector you need to consider under whatcircumstances will you be presenting slide shows. The strength ofa projector's brightness is measured in units called lumens. Projectors range between 650-5000 lumens. The higher the lumensthe brighter the projector. Projectors that are less than 1000 lumens may not be great in a room with a lot of ambient light.For a classroom you should consider buying a projector with greater than 1000 lumens. If the projector will be used forlarger presentations, for 100 or more people, a projector withgreater than 3000 lumens may be needed.

    A great accessory to your projector is a wireless mouse. Thesehave dropped considerably in price and allow the educator toface their audience when presenting the slide show. Whenchoosing a wireless mouse choose one that has a long rangeso that you can walk around when presenting.

    Many projectors also come with remotes that help the presentermake adjustments to the slide shows quickly during the presentationwithout having to fiddle with the projector.

    Remember when buying a projector analyze you needs first. You maynot need to spend as much as you think or you may need to spendthe extra cash to get a projector that suits your needs.

    For more product reviews and teaching tips visit our site below.

    Mr. L. Kent is an experienced educator and the lead consultant of http://MrKent.Net - Education Technology Made Simple. Feel free to visit the site and/or subscribe to our fantastic monthly newsletter at http://mrkent.net/php/?p=subscribe .

    Luke Kent provides assistance to other educators by offering his interesting seminar, Teaching with Technology: A Fun Workshop for Technology Challenged Teachers. To book a seminar or a consultation visit http://MrKent.Net .

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    Choosing A Conference Room Projector

    Choosing A Conference Room Projector
    By Jim Gelder

    When it comes to choosing a conference room projector, you probably want to run and hide! Thats because most of us dont know much about projectors to begin with and dont know the first thing about how to select one thats appropriate for a conference roomor any room for that matter.

    Thankfully, theres the Internet. Within minutes, you can have all the information on choosing a conference room projector that you could ever want.

    Sorting through all that information, though, can seem overwhelming. So its good to have some questions in mind as you do the research necessary to find the perfect projector for your conference room.

    Some questions you want to ask are:

    How difficult is operating the projector?
    Is the projector portable or will it need to have a permanent mounting? Which type fits my conference room needs best?
    What types of presentations will the projector be used for?
    How much does the projector cost?
    Does that cost fit my for buying a new conference room projector?
    Is there a service contract available for the projector?
    What is the repair policy for the projector?
    Is the company Im thinking of buying the projector from a reputable and reliable one?
    Will the projector require any special maintenance or periodic service checks?
    Are any special supplies needed for the projector?
    Is the size appropriate for the conference room?
    If its portable, how much does it weigh?
    Should I rent, lease, or buy?
    Is the quality of the brightness satisfactory for the size of my conference room?
    Do I need to save the receipt so that I can take the purchase off on my taxes?

    These are just a few questions to help you on your way to purchasing (or leasing) a conference room projector. Just remember that cost does not always indicate quality. You can buy a wildly expensive projector that is all wrong for your needs. The opposite is true too: you can get a great projector that fits your needs for a moderate, or even small, investment.

    The trick is in researching projectors and taking the time to read some consumer reviews that are easily found on the web. Before you do anything, though, have a budget in mind and have some idea of what youll be using your projector for. This will help guide your research and make it go more quicklyand be much more effective to boot!

    Jim Gelder is a contributing writer for http://www.projectorian.com a website dedicated to offering information about projectors, projector rentals and also features a listing of local projector rental companies

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-A-Conference-Room-Projector&id=113105

    Used LCD Projectors

    Used LCD Projectors
    By Ken Marlborough

    Apart from the usual used LCD projectors, those which have been used from some considerable amount of time by someone and are now for sale, there are some other categories of used LCD Projectors.

    One of these categories is called demo projectors - projectors that have been used sparingly in-house for customer demonstrations. The majority of demo projectors generally have 90% or more of the original lamp life remaining at the time of resale. Demo models that are still in production ship with a full manufacturer's warranty. The length of warranty varies on demo models that are no longer in production.

    Another category is refurbished projectors - projectors are most often the source of best projector deals. These projectors have been returned to an authorized factory service center and restored to meet manufacturer's original quality standards. Refurbished projectors feature new lamps, yet the warranty varies by manufacturer.

    Yet another category is bargain buys - projectors that are new, factory-sealed units and are priced less than US $1500. These projectors are typically SVGA resolution, are portable, and feature an adequate amount of brightness for most any environment. Because of their budget price, the length of warranty on these projectors varies.

    There are several Web sites that sell used LCD Projectors over the Internet. However, when buying over the Internet, one should not only look at the security of the mode of payment, but also about the vendor who is selling the product on the Web site. Generally, some people who have bought a product from a vendor leave a comment about the quality of service and product sold by the vendor; these comments are often very helpful in eliminating the vendors with a poor track record.

    Finding a used LCD Projector is not difficult, what is though, is narrowing down to decide on a projector that meets the requirements, comes from a vendor who can be relied upon, and is at available at the best price among all the Web sites on the Internet that sell used LCD projectors.

    LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Used-LCD-Projectors&id=405803

    Computer Projector Rentals in Florida

    Computer Projector Rentals in Florida
    By Eric Morris

    Computer projector rentals in Florida provide all kinds of computer projectors for short and long term rental in the state. Florida is one of the prominent hubs for all major activities, business centers and educational institutions. Today, there are many rental companies in the state, specializing in computer projector rentals.

    Computer projector rental is the most apt and economical way to possess expensive computer projectors for limited time duration. Today, the computer projector has become an indispensable part of digital presentation in almost all schools, colleges and companies. The enhanced qualities of computer projectors have imparted tremendous changes in the method and quality of presentations. These qualities have led to the popularity of computer projectors among people in all sections of society.

    RUSH Computer Rentals Inc., Fort Lauderdale Computer Rental Service, and Saint Lucie Co. Civic Center are some of the major companies in the field of computer projector rentals in Florida. Most of the rental companies in Florida handle both corporate and personal orders. There are also online computer projector rental companies that provide services to people in and around Florida.

    Depending on the need, one can avail computer projectors for rental in Florida on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly rentals. All types of computer projectors, ranging from mobile computer projectors to meeting room computer projectors, can be availed for rent. Almost all top brands of computer projectors including Infocus, Proxima, Mitsubishi and Toshiba are available in the state for rental. The rental rates are determined by the model and the duration of the rent. It will fluctuate from company to company and from city to city.

    However, getting computer projectors for rental is a complex task, as most projectors are designed for different operating systems and even processors. Thus, it is always advisable to determine the type of the computer projector you need before renting it.

    Computer Rentals provides detailed information on computer rentals, laptop computer rentals, computer projector rentals, desktop computer rentals and more. Computer Rentals is affiliated with Laptop Computer Sales.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Computer-Projector-Rentals-in-Florida&id=353016

    Ceiling Mount a Home Theater Front Projector Metalcraft Mounting System

    Ceiling Mount a Home Theater Front Projector - Metalcraft Mounting System
    By Kyle Kolbe

    After I fainted from sticker shock at the pricing of the official Sanyo PLV-Z3 projector ceiling mount ($200), I found a much cheaper solution. For $36.95 I could buy a Metalcraft all metal adjustable ceiling mount off ebay.

    Mounting a projector to my ceiling was easier than I thought. Heres how I did it.

    Tools youll need:

    * Philips Hand Screw Driver

    * Circular Level

    * EZ Anchor Stud Solvers

    * Tape Measure

    * Step Ladder

    Size up the mounting hardware: The Metalcraft mounts ceiling plate is large measuring five by five inches square with six pre-drilled holes for ceiling screws. A post descends to the projector mount plate.

    How I measured my room for optimum mount placement: Bisecting the width of the room, considering the airduct, and measuring eleven and a half feet from the front projector screens surface plus the half the length of the mounting plate, I placed the plate on the ceiling and marked each screw hole.

    Anchored to ceiling: Wear safety goggles to avoid getting ceiling board dust in your eyes. I removed the plate and drove the metal EZ Anchor Stud Solver anchors until they were flush with the ceiling. The EZ Anchors are great because you never have to drill a pilot hole for the self-tapping anchors. I replaced the plate over the anchors and drove each #8 screw into its anchor. You may need an extra hand to hold the plate in place while you tighten the first two to four screws.

    Attach the projector plate before attaching to ceiling plate: Since the mount assembly breaks into two parts, one attaching to the ceiling with a post that screws into the adjustment plate for the projector, you can screw and tighten the hex screws and plastic bushings to the projector body.

    Secure the projector plate to the ceiling mount: The Metalcraft ceiling mounts post accepts a adjustable knob screw. You will need someone to help you get the screw started while they lift up the projector. With the screw tight you can rotate the projector from left to right on the ceiling post.

    Fine-tuning: The Metalcraft mount allows yaw, pitch and rotation. With the hand tightening of knobs on the projector mount plate you can canter your projector perfectly on your projection screen. With the aid of a circular bubble level you can level the projector from front to back and left to right using the corresponding thumb knobs. With projector level you can then adjust your lense up and down and to the side for a perfect screen fill with no keystone distortion correction.

    Caveat: The Metalcraft mount is wobbly because of the thinness of the metal used on the metal band that holds the projector mount to the ceiling mount post. When you need to change interconnects or adjust manual focus and zoom the projector rocks slightly as the metal gives. This does not cause the projector to fall out of register, though. Hey$36.95what do you expect?

    The Metalcraft Mounting System for the Sanyo PLV-Z3 LCD projector (and many other projector brands and models) is a great bargain and very reliable. Highly recommended.

    Father, Husband and Geek. My geeky interests have not changed since I was a kid. I still love comic books, anime, role-playing games, console video games, indie rock, imported toys and mecha models, bad American and great British sitcoms, and all the tech that lets me experience these hobbies to their fullest. Now that Im married with children, Ive had to strike a balance between supporting and pleasing my family and feeding my geekery hunger. Lucky for me, my wife is very accomodating and even geeks out with me on occasion (the ladies love Joss Whedons Firefly). My two year old likes anything that moves on the front projection screen and makes noise, so far she is easy to please. Geekwithfamily.com exists to enrich the lives of fellow geeks and the friends and family who put up with them.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Ceiling-Mount-a-Home-Theater-Front-Projector---Metalcraft-Mounting-System&id=207007

    Using a Digital Projector

    Using a Digital Projector
    By Luke Kent

    Many schools have one or several digital projectors available for educators to use. Many people are worried that making slideshows and setting up the equipment will take too much effort andtime. On the contrary, the use of digital projectors saves timeand can take minimal effort.

    Most digital projectors take no time to set-up. Have someone show you how to set-up the projector a few times and then try ityourself several times until you are comfortable setting up the projector on your own. Each projector and computer have theirown little quirks so having someone who is familiar with the system will prevent running into trouble in the future.

    Creating slide shows for your lessons may take a little effort inthe beginning, however, once these lessons are created they will be saved for you to reuse or to tweak. There are also websites like http://MrKent.Net that provide subject specific slide shows for you to change or use as you please.

    The only way to find out if using a digital projector is for youis to give it a try. Create or download a short lesson and present it to your students to compare it to your regular lessonFormat. One thing you will notice right away is that you spend more time interacting with your class and less time writing and erasing items on the board.

    Mr. L. Kent is an experienced educator and president of MrKent.Net - Education Technology Made Simple.

    For more educational techology tips and reviews please visit us at http://www.mrkent.net/ - Education Techology Made Simple.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-a-Digital-Projector&id=368723

    Buyers Guide to Home Theater Projectors

    Buyers Guide to Home Theater Projectors
    By Warren Thompson

    Over the years, I have grown really attached to my home theater system. I must say, of all the rooms in the house, my own little movie theater is the one I could not live without. I am absolutely in love with my home theater system and, if you are anything like me, I am sure you will love yours too. I found, when I was initially building my system, that there was so much information to absorb. Every product out there seemed better than the next, and I found myself unsure about which to buy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new home theater projector.

    There are two main types of projectors on the market; DLP and LCD. DLP stands for digital light processing. It was invented by Texas Instruments, and utilizes a microscopic array of over 2 million mirrors. DLP has a higher contrast than LCD, but there are some unfavorable consumer reports that note something called the ainbow effect. The ainbow effect is noticeable when looking from one side of the screen to the other, and is characterized by a sudden burst of color.

    LCD stands for liquid crystal display. These projectors have three distinct glass LCD panels inside; one for each component of the video signal (red, green, and blue). While DLP chips reflect light, the LCD panels allow light to pass through them. LCD projectors produce brighter images, and they are known for having excellent color saturation. In the end, you will be hard-pressed to notice a great difference between the two types of projection systems.

    When shopping for a new projector, keep your particular needs in the forefront of your thoughts. As I mentioned above, it is really easy to lose yourself in the minutiae of each particular system. Connectivity is a definitely something to be mindful of. Make sure that you are able to connect all of your components, including your gaming system. Nothing beats playing Halo in real-life size! Contract ratio is another important factor; the higher the ratio, the better the picture will be.

    The brightness of your projector is another thing to consider. Light output is measured in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) lumens. You will want to avoid a projector that produces anything shy of 1000 lumens. As you are likely aware, the projection resolution is extremely important. This refers to the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen. Go for something that is no less than 1024x768, as this will allow you to fully appreciate the depth and quality of HDTV. In the end, you should buy the projector that is in line with your needs and your budget. Soprano's is coming on right now! Time to go!

    Warren Thompson is like a kid in a candy store, when it comes to home theater products. When he can drag himself away from his miniature movie theater, he writes for hometheaterfocus.com an excellent resource for information about soundproofing, digital video recorders, wiring diagrams and more.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Buyers-Guide-to-Home-Theater-Projectors&id=188234

    Build Your Own LCD Video Projector

    Build Your Own LCD Video Projector
    By Andrew Seltz

    Mix big screen home theater dreams with a skimpy budget and you have the makings of a fantastic do-it-yourself project. Just think of how impressed all your friends will be watching blockbuster movies on a video projector you made with your own 2 hands.

    It was just these motivations that landed me in front of my web browser digging for information for this project. There are a lot of cheesy websites that promise the moon and sell you a plastic magnifying lense and the instructions to stick a television into a box and put this lens on the front. You will get an image, but it will look like you made it yourself. - dark, and blurry.

    Is there any way to make this work? The short answer is yes. A video projector is essentially a high resolution LCD video screen with a really bright light shining through it and a projector lense enlarging onto the screen. New portable models use very tiny, and expensive, LCDs along with sophisticated light sources and high quality lenses. If you are willing to end up with a projector that isn't quite so tiny, you can scavenge the parts you need from an LCD computer monitor and add some electronic components and relatively inexpensive lenses. For $200-$500 you should be able to create a high resolution bright projector that will really impress your friends.

    The parts you need are:

    • High resolution LCD computer monitor
    • Projector lens (and possibly 2 fresnel lenses depending on the plans you use)
    • Cooling fan(s) - bright lights get hot when you shove them in a box
    • Bright lightsource (one approach to the project is to use an old overhead projector)
    • Electrical power supply

    There are dozens of websites with step-by-step plans for free or for sale. Some sell parts that you'll need. Two that I've found to be excellent are LumenLab and the DIY Projector Company. They both sell parts and parts kits. LumenLab sells a very nicely produced PDF instruction guide with detailed plans. DIY offers plans free, but expects that you'll buy one of their kits to actually make the projector. They both use the LCD in a box with a lamp approach.

    InventGeek has a great article explaining the whole process in depth including the theory behind projectors. I recommend you check it out. The DenGuru website shows another approach to the project. They use an old overhead projector for both the lightsource and lens. You strip the LCD panel out of its frame and lay it on the projector like a transparency. Ugly, but it works! Check out their tutorial.

    Break out your toolkit and get busy - and let's be safe out there people!

    Andrew Seltz is a Go-To Guy! His wide range of interests and experiences have made him a walking search engine for his friends and colleagues. His passion for film and video production have made him particularly interested in Big Screen Televisions and Home Theaters. Visit his site: http://www.ColossalTV.com

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Build-Your-Own-LCD-Video-Projector&id=149947

    Computer Projector Rentals

    Computer Projector Rentals
    By Eric Morris

    Computer projectors have become indispensable for company presentations. The audio-visual impact alone really drives a difficult point home.

    Most computer renting companies also provide computer projectors. However renting a computer projector can be complex as projectors are custom-designed for different operating systems and even processors. Before renting, a company will ask what computer will be used: iMac computers use different types of projectors than IBM. The resolution and the video card of the computer also matter in the final output on the projector.

    Another factor is the room size and lighting. Rooms that cannot be darkened would preferably need a LCD screen. LCD screen would also Plasma monitors would suffice if the assembly will be small. The size of the monitor would also depend on the size of the room and how far the people are going to sit from the display. Sound quality is also affected by the size of the room.

    Before renting a projector, inform the renting company whether videos are to be shown or just slides and transparencies.

    Computer projector renting companies usually setup the entire audio-visual equipment when a rental order is placed. Get the whole thing checked, for video and sound quality. Also try out the projector before hand, especially if there are laptops to be used. The renting company also undertakes the dismantling of the unit after the program is completed.

    Renting companies allow their projectors to travel with the business if necessary. For portable projectors, insist on a case to pack the equipment. Also the projector itself should be lightweight, not weighing more than 10 pounds.

    Costs of renting computer projectors are tax deductible if they are used for business. Companies may pay for them using checks or their company credit card.

    Computer Rentals provides detailed information about computer rentals, laptop computer rentals, computer projector rentals, desktop computer rentals and more. Computer Rentals is the sister site of Nature Screensavers.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Computer-Projector-Rentals&id=138443

    Benefits of a HighQuality LCD Projector Lamp for Your LCD

    Benefits of a High-Quality LCD Projector Lamp for Your LCD
    By Enreek Kahlon

    In terms of multimedia presentations, LCD projectors have proven to provide impressive image quality and high resolutions. However, if your projector suddenly fails to work and you need to present a proposal with potential clients, it could cause your business to lose money, or worse, it could cause your job.

    The most common problem of projectors is the sudden burn out of LCD projector lamps. Fortunately, these LCD projector lamps can be easily replaced. Although anyone can replace the lamps for your LCD projector, choosing the lamp can be an overwhelming task. You need to ensure that the type of lamp you buy is compatible with your projector.

    A high-quality LCD projector lamp should be able to operate for over 4,000 hours. However, the measurements of lamp life are not reliable because the lamp can still work, even if it becomes dimmer. For this reason, you need to check the peak lamp life listed in most manufacturers of LCD projector lamps, which provides users with information of the total brightness a particular lamp could provide.

    Choosing a high-quality lamp for your LCD projector should be your first concern, instead of price. Compared to the affordable halogen lamps that last about 70 hours, metal halide lamps can work up to 500 hours. Meaning, the more expensive LCD projector lamp you choose, the longer-lasting life it would provide.

    How to Choose an LCD Projector Lamp

    There are only two types of lamps used in LCD projectors metal halide and tungsten halogen. In order to choose a quality lamp, you have to understand how each one works.

    A metal-halide lamp provides better brightness, but lower consumption of power. Be aware that lamp wattages do not reflect the brightness. Metal-halide LCD projector lamps are more efficient because it could provide your projector with a very white light until the end of its life.

    On the other hand, tungsten-halogen lamps produce whiter lights because it runs at a higher temperature than other lamps. Although the white light will become yellow during its lifetime, it provides a longer lamp life because of its low-pressure and high temperature features.

    Although metal-halide LCD projector lamps are more expensive, they could provide over 2,000 hours compared to the tungsten-halogen lamps 70 hours of operation. Be aware that lamps of your projectors could last longer when you operate them in economy mode, which automatically cools down when the projector becomes idle.

    How to get the best LCD Displays, TVS, computer monitors and more. This is must read before you decide to buy... LCDs and LCD Displays, at http://www.dreamtekk.com

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    Video Projector Guide

    Video Projector Guide
    By Riad Haddad

    Well; the world of Projection is certainly a vast place to wonder uninformed, so get informed. I will try to keep this guide as simple as possible.

    Things to look for when buying a projector:Manufacturer/MakeThere are many projector manufacturers these days that make it seem impossible to choose from. But to make it simpler, many manufacturers now a days use parts that are supplied from other manufacturer. In other word not all the parts in a projector is manufactured by the same manufacturer. Thus many projectors already have similar components incorporated into them. Always read reviews posted on computer magazines and online computer magazines before purchasing high end/high priced projector. Look for a company that offers the best warranty & support. Brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp, In-focus, View sonic, Mitsubishi, Epson are amongst the best there is.

    TechnologyThere are many technologies available today. But the main two types are LCD & DLP. In simple DLP which stands for Digital Light Processing uses hair width tiny mirrors to reflect light into a screen. DLP offer better overall image but cost a lot more. So for home users its better to opt for LCD based projector because of there much lower price and higher availability. Also LCD projector offer excellent image that is comparable to DLP. Big companies and presentation oriented businesses well find DLP a better choice. There are also projections panels. Projections panels are a form of transparent display that are placed over an ordinary Overhead projector and used to project the same type of video sources that normal projector use. Projection panels are cheaper than the types described earlier.CRT Projectors are an old projection technology that is no longer used these days.

    ResolutionResolution is very important aspect to consider when purchasing a projector. Many older models are VGA (640*480) & SVGA (800*600); these models are good for displaying movies and other low resolution images, but will no be sufficient for projecting high quality images demanded by high end application such as 3d modeling, games, simulators and CAD. Check the simple chart below:

    640*480 (VGA) resolutions are good for Video Games, VHS, VCD and Standalone DVD users. This panel is perfect for DIYers wanting to keep costs at lowest.800*600 (SVGA) resolutions are perfect for Computer based DVD playback and normal Windows and operation system work. (Plus all the above)1024*768 (XGA) resolution is perfect for high resolution Computer Games and design applications such as AutoCAD (plus all the above)1280*1024 (SXGA) resolution is perfect for HDTV applications and computer software that require high detail (plus all the above)

    Color DepthColor depth states how good the LCD represents color. Its the number of colors a monitor or an LCD panel is able to show. A good color depth is 16-Bit; although 24-Bit is strongly advised, this is the color depth that most high end projection panels have.

    Lamps An important thing to investigate is the type of lamp used. Check the replacement price of lamps and life expectancy. It would make you no good if you purchase a low price projector and later find out that every lamp replacement will cost you 400$. New lamp models can work for a minimum of 10,000 hrs.

    BrightnessBrightness output is expressed in lumens. The higher the lumens the better the image is displayed in less than perfect lighting conditions. Some new projector models can display a vivid image even with the light on. 2000 lumens is a good choice for home use. Choose 3000-4000 for presentation theaters and jobs that require a bright image in a not too darkened room. Lumens rating of below 2000 such as the low priced 1300 models will have to be operated in a completely darkened room (Pitch Black).

    ConnectionsConnections are a very important factor when choosing a projector. Composite, S-Video and RGB is almost standard on most models. You will need RGB for hooking your computer or laptop; Composite & S-Video for connecting DVD players and VCRs. Some newer models have DVI inputs too that enable them to be connected to high quality video systems like a video editor or digital video cameras. A remote control is a must; you don't wan to get out of your comfy chair every five minutes. Some applications require two RGB connections for simultaneous viewing of different video sources, so make sure to check for it if you need it.

    Long throw/Short throw projectionIts important to decide where you are going to place the projector. If the projector is going to be placed in front of an audience then you will need a short throw projector. And if you need to fix the projector some where behind the audience (Far from screen) you will need a long throw projector. What happens when you use short throw projector for a behind the audience application is that the image will be too large to fit on screen, and if you use a long throw projector for short distances you will get a very small and unclear image.

    DIY ProjectorsWell this is interesting. Did you know that you can build a projector yourself, its not that hard really and it will cost you a fraction of retail prices? You should have basic knowledge with DIY projects. The image quality is very good you won't believe it. Though some patience is required in order to complete the projector.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ** You are free to publish this article by any delivery method you see fit. But you are kindly asked keep the article intact and as is.

    Riad Haddad is a Software Developer and Internet Marketer specializing in state of the art custom solutions; from database development to website marketing.

    www.fitsoftinc.com

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    Video Projector Rentals

    Video Projector Rentals
    By Marcus Peterson

    A video projector is a device that projects a video or computer image onto a screen. The commonly used inputs are video cassette players, CD and DVD players and PowerPoint presentations from computers. Some computers have CD as well as DVD drives which support these discs. Some projectors dont have VGA connectors, which take inputs from a computer.

    A video projector employs one of three technologies: CRT, LCD and DLP. CRT projectors are just like television, i.e. they employ cathode ray tubes. The limitations of CRT video projectors are the heavy size and the requirement of absolute darkness for clarity of the picture. LCD projectors employ a special chip so that the advantage is that the projector is very compact. Besides, it has excellent contrast and brightness. The LCD projector employs individual pixels, which produces high resolution. The limitation of a LCD is it produces a screen door effect. Also the repair of one would result in a dark spot on the screen.

    DLP technology employs a Digital Micromirror Device, instead of a chip. DLP projectors are highly suitable for viewing movies and also other multimedia presentations. The advantages of DLP projector include color accuracy and no screen door effect.

    LCD and DLP video projectors are the favorites and therefore most of the inventory of the rental companies are the above mentioned ones. The rates of these projectors start at $100 and are dependent upon factors such as the resolution and weight. The rental companies provide support throughout the whole day and night. This includes online or phone booking, shipment, installation, and operation support.

    Hotels, resorts, convention centers and conference halls enter into contract with rental companies to provide these services. The rental companies have chains of shops across a particular region or nationwide networks. The directories of these service providers can be obtained online, which directs them to the individual websites.

    Projector Rentals provides detailed information on Computer Projector Rentals: A Guide, DVD Projector Rentals, Film Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Rentals and more. Projector Rentals is affiliated with DLP Projectors.

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    Video Projector Screens

    Video Projector Screens
    By Jennifer Bailey

    A projector is an apparatus for presenting an enlarged image on a screen from a transparency such as a photographic slide or a film. In a motion picture projector, each frame is held stationary at an illuminated aperture for a brief period, and then advanced by an intermittent sprocket or reciprocating claw, the light being cut off by a rotating shutter during the movement. One should have a clear idea about video projectors before buying video projector screens.

    Video projectors have become common and captured the market throughout the world. They are especially common in schools and colleges where it becomes necessary to show videos and films (especially in film schools and institutes), or any place where people need to show films on a regular basis at a cheap rate to a large number of people.

    There is a wide range of video projector screens available in the market. One can buy the kind of video projector screen one wants depending on the kind of surface. The surfaces vary from smooth to rough, and minutely undulated ones. However, before considering any video projector screens, one should consider the following elements: resolution, brightness or reflectivity, contrast, color accuracy, and build quality.

    Some of the white (or gray) video projection screens can bring about a difference in resolution, or image detail. There should be a rating to indicate its inherent reflectivity, on which the brightness of the image depends. Contrast of the image is also dependent to great extent on the video projection screen. A screen should not reflect any color other than that of the projector itself.

    Projector Screens provides detailed information on Projector Screens, Video Projector Screens, Home Theater Projector Screens, Electric Projector Screens and more. Projector Screens is affiliated with Large Format Flatbed Scanners.

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    Video Projectors

    Video Projectors
    By Elizabeth Morgan

    Some of the various indispensable parts of a video projector are the feed spool, xenon arc lamp, projection lens, optical sound head, take up spool, an aperture, normal lens and a rotating shutter. But with the advancement of science, new technologies have come into play. The projectors have become much more advanced in terms of clarity of picture and the quality of the pixels. Also, the projectors have found use in everyday households, as new versions of domestic projectors have arrived on the market. The abundance of LCD projectors, DLP projectors and video projectors has allowed the common man to enjoy the experience of a big theater hall in his living room.

    Video projectors have become very common throughout the world. One can have all the excitement and enjoyment of a big movie blockbuster at home. They are also used in schools and colleges where it is necessary to show videos and films on a regular basis to a large number of people.

    It is always advisable to the users of video projectors or projection televisions to pay attention to the scaler. One can use a number of processors, scalers or switches to optimize the video sources to best match the native resolution of your video projector, flat panel, or LCD/DLP-based rear projection television. Video projectors have some kind of capability for scaling. Making use of or implementing an outboard processor or a scaler can raise the performance level to a much higher level for both video display and source components.

    Projectors provides detailed information on Projectors, LCD Projectors, DLP Projectors, Video Projectors and more. Projectors is affiliated with DVD Projector Rentals.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Video-Projectors&id=277897

    Auditorium LCD Projectors

    Auditorium LCD Projectors
    By Ken Marlborough

    Auditorium LCD Projectors are generally up to 40kg in weight, with 3,000 lumens (a measure of brightness) and above, have SVGA (brightness range from 1700 - 2000 lumens) or XGA (brightness range from 2000 - 3000 lumens, are more expensive than SVGA) native resolution. Auditorium projectors are mostly LCD projectors and usually come with a ceiling or rear mount facility. They usually have motorized zoom lens, are generally operated via remote control and offer multiple input and output ports for both PC and video. Auditorium LCD Projectors generally require external speakers and are targeted at spacious venues like theaters, auditoriums and convention halls.

    In other words, auditorium LCD projectors are heavy duty, and super bright, allowing them to provide the added illumination for very large applications. These projectors deliver high brightness that can be used in a wide range of places. They generally come with a lens shift function and a wide range of optional, interchangeable lenses also contributes to installation ease. These LCD Projectors have a variety of functions for high picture quality and network compatibility is also included. Providing realistic colors, sharp contrast, and super bright images, they enable presentations with persuasive impact in a variety of situations.

    Some factors which help in choosing a better Auditorium LCD Projector are: Lumens, Resolution, Lens Power, Keystone Correction, Scanning Frequency, Contrast, Lens Throw Ratio, Aspect Ratio, Image Offset Range, Computer Compatibility, Video Compatibility, Image and Mouse control, Projection Modes, Color Reproduction and Lamp Life.

    These projectors generally have a specially designed auto focus lens, which allows for quick and easy switching between multiple screens with minimal user adjustments. Their automatic color correction feature provides true color reproduction even when projecting onto colored or textured walls for a perfect presentation anywhere. Some of them have a 3-D Reform technology, which lets one set up the projector virtually anywhere in the room and still get an aligned image.

    While choosing the right LCD projector for an auditorium, the dimensions of the auditorium, the ambient light conditions and the distance where the projector will be placed from the screen should considered and projectors whose specifications exceed the requirements should be considered.

    LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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    Film Projector Rentals

    Film Projector Rentals
    By Marcus Peterson

    A film projector projects reels of film onto a screen to form a continuous image. Film projectors have the need to wind and unwind the reels and adjust the arms and distance. Despite the competition from video projection, film projectors have a niche market of buyers.

    Film projector rental demand comes from residences, film festivals and university and school campuses.

    Film projectors come with different widths such as 8mm, 16mm and 35mm. The type of projector depends on the space available and the number of audience. The demand for 35mm comes mostly from festivals while 8mm and 16mm find demand from other segments such as residences and student shows in universities.

    Many of the rental companies are either owned by the universities or reside in the campuses. The demand for film projectors is cyclical as film festivals happen during a particular period of a year. Even for residences, the demand is usually in the summer months, when families like to have get-togethers outdoors.

    The rental rates for projectors depend upon the type of films. 16mm projectors have a starting rental rate of $20 per day, 35mm at $50 per day. The total rental rates go up when we consider the screens and other accessories. Most of the a/v industry rental companies hold fewer stocks of film projectors. The rental companies in the university campuses charge lower fees for student groups.

    Film projectors face severe competition from video projectors. New technologies such as DLP and audio/video storage media slowly make the conventional film based technologies obsolete. When compared with video projectors, film projectors lack features to control contrast and brightness. Even with cinema halls transitioning to digital forms of projection, film based projector manufacturers are dwindling and therefore are the rental industry of film based projectors.

    Projector Rentals provides detailed information on Computer Projector Rentals: A Guide, DVD Projector Rentals, Film Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Rentals and more. Projector Rentals is affiliated with DLP Projectors.

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    Computer Projector Rentals in New York

    Computer Projector Rentals in New York
    By Eric Morris

    New York is renowned as the business capital of the world. People from in and around the country come to this place for various business activities. If you are planning a business meeting or conference in New York, computer projector rentals in New York will cater to all your presentation needs. Computer projectors are quite expensive, and availing it for rental will be a cost effective way to own it.

    In recent years, the computer projector has become an integral part of presentations and seminars in schools, colleges and companies. Computer projectors have brought about a tremendous change in the conventional presentation. Enhanced technology and high quality presentation have led to the popularity of computer projectors among different sections of society. However, they are more in demand among students and businessmen.

    With the popularity and increase in the demand for computer projectors, many companies have come forward in renting different types and models of computer projectors, especially in New York. RUSH Computer Rentals Inc. at Connecticut, G and G Technologies at New Jersey, Fort Lauderdale Computer Rental Service, and Saint Lucie Co. Civic Center at Florida are prominent computer projector rental companies. Today, almost all computer projector rental companies operate online.

    Depending on the need, rental companies offer computer projectors for short and long term rental. Generally, these companies lend computer projectors for a day to 3 years. The rental rates will be based on the model and the duration of the rent. For example, a 3M 955 overhead projector is charged $65 for a day, while a higher end computer projector will be charged $200 a day. Thus, it is always important to determine the duration and the model you need before getting it for rental. Computer projector rentals are always a viable option, especially for a short period.

    The rental rates fluctuate from one state to another. Still, the rental rates in New York are considerably lesser than other states in the country. Hence, computer projector rentals in New York are the best option to avail cutting edge technologies at very reasonable prices.

    Computer Rentals provides detailed information on computer rentals, laptop computer rentals, computer projector rentals, desktop computer rentals and more. Computer Rentals is affiliated with Laptop Computer Sales.

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    An Introduction To LCD Projector Rentals

    An Introduction To LCD Projector Rentals
    By Marcus Peterson

    LCD is a technology that is used to present a digital image for viewing, for instance, on a laptop or via a projector. LCD is the acronym for Liquid Crystal Display. Most projectors use LCD technology. They can easily incorporate text, graphics and video. These types of projectors are also known as PowerPoint projectors since they are mostly used for presenting PowerPoint slides by corporate houses and business houses for business and sales presentations.

    LCD projectors are versatile, reliable and portable. They can be easily connected to video, PC and laptops; they are compatible to most systems. They can project images on any surface with equal brightness. They can present data, graphics and video. These projectors weigh less; they are easily transportable. They have long-life bulbs. They have built-in speakers.

    LCD projectors are characterized by resolution, luminescence, dimension, weight and contrast. Resolution is defined as the number of horizontal picture dots times the number of vertical picture dots. Most projectors are usually XGA or SXGA i.e. 1024 X 768 pixels or 1280 X 1024 pixels. LCD projectors have a brightness or Lumens of 1000-5000 lumens. They vary in size from small to bigger sizes and they weigh two pounds to 100 pounds. The contrast ratio determines the handling of the subtler colors.

    The major suppliers of LCD projectors are Toshiba, Sanyo, Hitachi, Canon and Plus. These manufacturers cater to all the segments with prices ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.

    The rates of LCD projectors depend upon the type of projector and usually the daily rates vary from $100 to $300. The rates for multiple days are given with discounts.

    LCD projectors are mostly used for conferences, staging events and business presentations. Their high resolution, ability to handle colors, and quick start up make them a powerful piece of multimedia equipment to convey the message across a large audience.

    Projector Rentals provides detailed information on Computer Projector Rentals: A Guide, DVD Projector Rentals, Film Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Rentals and more. Projector Rentals is affiliated with DLP Projectors.

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    Video Projectors Advice On Choosing The Right Model For Home Or Business

    Video Projectors - Advice On Choosing The Right Model For Home Or Business
    By Steve Jones

    As video projectors become more affordable then more people are using them both at work and at home. You might be thinking that projectors are all alike and the more you spend the better it will be. Well this is not strictly true. The more expensive projectors will be of a higher standard, but you might not experience any benefit if you do not choose the correct model. This is why we have written this article to try and guide you and help you choose the model most suited to you.

    Before any purchase it is important to have a think about what you will be using it for and in what kind of environment. The business user will have very different requirements to someone wanting to set up a home cinema. Companies are now marketing hybrid projectors that claim to be able to be used for both home cinema and business. These two environments are very different though and will need projectors designed specifically to be able to handle these two very different uses. As you read the rest of the article you will begin to understand what you need to look out for when purchasing your video projector.

    LCD or DLP

    Both are excellent formats and which you choose will depend on your use. The business user will be more suited to an LCD projector due to the increased brightness. The home user on the other hand would be better to opt for a DLP projector as these will give a more cinematic experience.

    Brightness

    Think about the level of ambient light in the room where you will be using your projector. In the home cinema you will hopefully have control of the level of light so this will not be an issue. If you are using a room at home that has ambient light then you will need to opt for a brighter projector. In the business arena you are likely to be presenting in very bright rooms with standard office lighting and windows. A good projector for business use will need to have a high brightness level.

    Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. For home cinema you should be looking at projectors that have around 700 ANSI lumens brightness and for business projectors you will need between 1000 and 1500.

    Color

    The color, gray-scale performance, and video playback, are only really important to the home user as they will give more natural and detailed videos.

    Contrast

    There is no point spending money on a high contrast video projector for business use or use in a room at home that has significant ambient light as your eyes will not notice the benefit. If you have a dedicated cinema room at home then it will be worth looking at projectors with contrast ratios of 400:1 or higher. If you are looking for a projector for business use then there is no point by one with a ratio of higher than 400:1

    Portability

    This will probably only be an issue for a business user. If you travel around a lot and take your projector with you then the more compact and light the better. It is possible to buy extremely light projectors.

    The home user may not be concerned too much with size and weight, but it is worth considering how you will set your projector up at home. Will it be fixed to the ceiling or on a stand? If you have it on the ceiling you should look for a projector which comes with a remote control as this will make adjusting settings a lot easier.

    We hope that this look at the differences with video projectors will help you make your decision.

    Find more articles by Steve Jones at http://www.a1-lcdprojectors.com.

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    http://EzineArticles.com/?Video-Projectors---Advice-On-Choosing-The-Right-Model-For-Home-Or-Business&id=135408

    An Introduction To Home Theater Projector Screens

    An Introduction To Home Theater Projector Screens
    By Jennifer Bailey

    Home theater projector screens are great for when you want a real movie house experience. When there is a projection of a video or an image, the presence of a projector screen is inevitable. A projector screen is a specially made flat screen to be hung on the wall or erected vertically where the image is reflected, so that the image size is enlarged. The surfaces of such screens are usually rough, and white in color.

    There are quite a number of types of projector screens. They are home cinema projector screens, portable projector screens, manual projector screens, electric projector screens, fixed frame projector screens, and also movie board home cinema projection screens.

    All these screens are used as home theater projector screens. These home theater screens are available in multiple, specialized projection materials tailor-made to add to the video quality. These home theater projector screens can easily be put in a training room, board room, or auditorium. All these screens are available in various dimensions starting from the standard 4:3 size to as large as 16:9 ratios. Most of the home theater projector screens are also available with black masking borders, in Video TV format, with stylish curved aluminum extruded cases, motor in-the-roller design for quiet operation, and other such facilities.

    Some of the top home theater projectors are the Sanyo PLV-Z4, Panasonic PT-AE900U, BenQ PE8720, Epson Power Lite Cinema 550, NEC HT510, Optoma H31, In Focus Screen Play 4805, Sony VPL-VW100, Optoma Movie Time DV10, Runco Signature Cinema SC-1 and Sharp Vision XV-Z20000.

    Projector Screens provides detailed information on Projector Screens, Video Projector Screens, Home Theater Projector Screens, Electric Projector Screens and more. Projector Screens is affiliated with Large Format Flatbed Scanners.

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    6 Steps To Getting A Perfect Projector

    6 Steps To Getting A Perfect Projector
    By Timothy Wong

    Follow this step-by-step article, and you won't go wrong.

    1. Low-cost projectors normally make two main sacrifices. The brightness, which is measured in ANSI lumens, will be relatively low, and the native resolution will be limited to 800x600. Neither one of these will be serious drawbacks providing you lower your room lights, draw the blinds, and there isnt too much detail in your slides. Home cinemas definitely do not require anything more. Movie enthusiasts are more likely to be concerned with the lamp life and replacement cost.

    2. Image quality is obviously important but very hard to test based on specifications. A high contrast (500:1 or above) ratio adds depth to the picture and is one substantial benefit of projectors based on digital light processing (DLT), as opposed to the older LCD technology. Do keep in mind though; the optics and color balance cannot be assessed without consulting a review.

    3. Where you will be using your projector also needs to be put into question. Size and weight are obviously very important if youll be moving the piece around a lot. If portability is a factor, aim for a projector that is less than 3kg. Small rooms will demand a quiet (below 33dB) projector with a flexible throw distance or how close or far away the screen must be. Most projectors can rotate or mirror their image to cope with ceiling mounting or rear projection.

    4. Make sure the projector you are looking at covers all the signals you might want to feed it with. Common video formats are supported by almost all projectors, but high-resolution VGA signals arent. High quality pictures will only display at their best only on pricier projectors, with a 1,024x768 native resolution.

    5. Top-of-the-range projectors have 2,000 ANSI lumens brightness or more to overpower brightly lit rooms. They also come with a handful of useful features that make presentations look and sound slicker, as well as making it easier for the presenter. Anti-theft features may also be something worth looking into.

    6. After sales Warranty and support is definitely a must, especially for the heavier users. Make sure you have access to bulb replacements (or replacement service).

    Recommended Minimum Specs-

    Native Resolution: 800x600 Brightness: 1,100 ANSI Lumens Contrast Ration: 500:1 Lamp Life: 2,000 hours Check: Weight, throw distance and noise.

    This article was written by Timothy Wong, a technology blogger.Visit his website at: http://www.timw.com

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    LCD Projector Reviews

    LCD Projector Reviews
    By Ken Marlborough

    Product reviews are more popular now as manufacturers seek new ways to entice customers to spend their hard-earned money on their products. Many companies use consumer product reviews as advertisements, and little wonder why they do. Manufacturers do not have to pay extra to advertising companies for expensive ad campaigns. However, the credibility of product reviews has been criticized. A review that simply reads I really loved your product! Keep it up! and leaves it at that is not what you should expect from a product review. With regard to buying something as expensive as an LCD projector, being informed about your prospective purchase is very important. Here is an article on how to look for an LCD projector based on product reviews.

    Technical information

    An informative product review should deal with information that is directly linked to the product being reviewed and it should be specific regarding its details and specifications. A typical informative product review on LCD projectors should contain the following information: resolution, brightness, price, and potential usage (sometimes called the for-whom section).

    Resolution is how clear and tight the graphics being displayed are and they are usually determined by the number of dots per inch (dpi). A higher resolution means tighter graphics and less pixellation (the grainy quality in some images).

    Brightness is exactly that--how bright the image being projected is. This determines from how far away the image can be seen. The brighter the image, the farther away it can be seen.

    Reviews that include information on potential usage are particularly helpful. This section allows you to find out specifically if the product you want is applicable to your needs. Simply parallel yourself or your company with any one of the list of potential users, and you will be able to tell at a glance if the product is what you are looking for or not.

    The reputation of the reviewer

    Anybody can write a product review that is why you should be careful when taking advice from product reviews. If the review you are reading comes from a reputable Web site or magazine, then you should be in good hands. Be sure to do some research on the party doing the review before you take advice from them, or you may end up with a very expensive paperweight.

    LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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    Portable Digital Projector: Fifteen Selection Tips

    Portable Digital Projector: Fifteen Selection Tips
    By Jeff Van Der Wiel

    There are a number of important things to look for in a portable digital projector for meetings on the go. Your specification shopping list should include factors such as:

  • Light Weight anything over 6 lb is not really portable;
  • Small Form Factor smaller dimension projectors are easier to pack and carry;
  • Set-up Speed look for a projector with some quick application select modes which match the type of presentation material and projection scenarios which are likely;
  • Screen Distance Flexibility flexibility to cope with varying distances from the screen short throw and zoom lenses provide flexibility;
  • Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift or Keystone Correction to correct keystoning of the projected image when the projection screen is either not at the same height as the projector and/or horizontally in line / skewed - lens shift is preferred as there is no possibility of introducing artifacts from digital keystone correction;
  • Good Brightness look for over 1,800 ANSI lumens to cope with less than perfect projection situations with plenty of ambient light (eg. training rooms), 1,200 ANSI 1,800 ANSI lumens projectors can handle some ambient light;
  • High Contrast Ratio something of the order of 2,000 or over will produce excellent results
  • Low Noise Level - you dont want your voice to be competing with projector noise a noise level in the 20 28 dB (whisper quiet) should be achievable;
  • Rugged Design - to protect the projector from dust and tolerate knocks during transport - look for shutters, caps and lack of protruding controls;
  • Quick Shut Down (cooling cycle) - so that you can move on without delay if necessary
  • Simple Remote Control easy to use with large buttons - backlit if possible
  • Locking System makes your valuable, portable projector less attractive for misuse or theft - password login keypads are a common solution;
  • Personalized Start-up Image display your company logo for a professional touch
  • No PC Required Presentations - facility to load your presentation without a PC using a USB interface or similar;
  • Protective Carry Bag a bag which offers some protection while leaving room to store the power cord, cables etc.
  • An Engineer and Web Developer, Jeff van der Wiel is a avid science and technology follower and critic. Further information on digital projectors or another presentation alternative, interactive whiteboards is available at the respective links.

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    Projector Rental Question: What's a Lumen?

    Projector Rental Question: What's a Lumen?
    By John Beagle

    Answer: The brightness of a projector is measured in Lumens
    When Renting or buying an DLP or LCD Multimedia Projector you need to match the brightness of the projector to your audience and room size. Larger rooms and audiences require higher bulbstrength brightness.


    Projector bulb strength brightness is measured in ANSI lumens or lumens. You also need to take into account the primary use of the projector, full motionvideo vs. static data.

    Projectors range from around 650 to 5000 lumens in brightness.


    Note: A standard 100 watt incandescent light bulb emits approximately 1700 lumens.

    Presentations where the lights are on are the most desirable, but require higher lumen bulbs because you can interact and demonstrate off-screen with your audience.

    Another consideration is portability of the projector. Lower lumen units are the most portable. As a general rule, as you increase bulb strength brightness, you reduce portability. High lumen projectors are larger and weigh more than low lumen projectors.

    Less than 1000 lumens
    -good for low ambient light, presentations.

    1000 -2000 lumens -These
    are the most popular units being sold and rented today.
    Very practical and will work with some ambient light.

    3000 lumens -Much
    Larger unit than the 1000 to 2000 lumen units. Good for audiences of less than a hundred with ambient light.

    5000 lumens
    - For audiences of 100 or more under brighterlights

    6000+ lumens - For largeevents like conventions, conferences, classroom training and trade shows wherethousands of people need to view a presentation at thesame time.


    For more information: Projector Rentals at the Original Rentacomputer.com

    Contact a Tech Travel Agent at http://www.Rentacomputer.com, email rentals@Rentacomputer.com or call toll free 800-736-8772.

    John Beagle is a technology writer for Xponex Web and Media Services.

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    A Short Guide to Video Projectors: Business vs Home Theater Projectors

    A Short Guide to Video Projectors: Business vs Home Theater Projectors
    By Andrew Ghigo

    Today's multimedia video projectors represent a versatile, practical, and affordable tool that can serve different purposes both in the business as well as in the home entertainment arena.

    The fall in price and the developments in video projection technology we have experienced during these last few years, have made the digital projector even more accessible to a larger group of home users.

    Demand has increased to such an extent that manufactures are not only producing what are referred to as 'cross-over' models - i.e. projectors that can handle both PowerPoint presentations in the office as well as DVD movies at home, but they have also started to target the home entertainment domain by producing models specifically designed for home theater use. ...why?

    It is true that 'cross-over' projectors can handle both worlds, but this does not mean that a video projector that can deliver a great presentation in the boardroom is also capable of delivering a great cinematic experience in the home theater.

    Home theater projectors and business projectors have to fulfill distinct requirements in their use which can only be met if the video projector is specifically designed for the purpose.

    What characteristics differentiate Business Video Projectors from Home Theater Projectors?

    It is no surprise that video projectors are becoming a popular choice with many home theater enthusiasts. The digital projector can deliver the largest image for your dollar. Simply hook up your DVD and there you have the most cinema-like image in the home theater. Or connect a HDTV source such as a cable set-top box or satellite receiver, and there you have a huge 100 HDTV for the cost of a 50 plasma TV.

    And in the boardroom, today's powerful digital multimedia projectors are proving to be more than ideal for business presentations; they are capable of delivering bright huge images under normal ambient room lighting - something only dreamt of in the days of the overhead projector. Simply plug in your laptop, and there you have the most fantastic business presentation in the world!

    However, it is important to keep in mind that the boardroom and the home theater are two different arenas that require different beasts. The distinct requirements between the two are important; the discussion that follows explains what video projector attributes should apply in these two cases.

    Important Projector Attributes

    Brightness:

    The brightness level (measured in lumens or ANSI-Lumens) is an indication of the level of light thrown out by the projector. Brightness is a lot more important for business use - this in view that many presentations are given in conference rooms with standard office lighting rather than in reduced ambient light. This means that the image needs to be bright enough to be seen, otherwise the projection would look washed out.

    For small boardrooms and presentations with a lot of ambient light, a brightness of around 1000 to 1500 lumens should normally be fine. However, keep in mind that the projector brightness required depends on the projected screen size, the level of ambient light, and the projection screen gain (more on this in our projector screen guide).

    For home theater applications, a high brightness level is not important. Some video projectors intended for home theater use come with bulb setting to enable the user to dim the light source for improved viewing and deeper blacks when viewing takes place in a darkened room.

    Contrast:

    As discussed in our Contrast Ratio article, even a minimal level of ambient light may render a high contrast image of say 5000:1 similar to one with a contrast ratio of 500:1. This means that though a minimum level of contrast is important for the eye to perceive a sufficient bright image, yet contrast is not an important attribute in business applications, nor it is in home use if one will be using the projector in the living room with the lights turned on.

    In reality, anything above 400:1 for the contrast ratio would not be perceived by the eye if viewing does not take place in a completely darkened environment. In addition, due to the eye's contrast sensitivity function, a contrast ratio of say 2000:1 would not be perceived as five times better than one with a contrast ratio of 400:1. Therefore, pay more and go for a high contrast ratio only in the case of a home theater projector and as long as viewing takes place under controlled lighting.

    Color, Gray-Scale Performance, and Smooth Video Playback:

    These are all attributes that are more critical in home theater applications. In fact, color accuracy with natural-looking skin tones and capability to present subtle detail in bright and dark areas of the image matter more to the home user.

    Similarly, the projector's ability to present smooth, video playback with no added motion artifacts, when presenting fast action sports and movie scenes, is of prime importance in any home theater application.

    LCD or DLP:

    It all depends. Strictly speaking, both technologies can do a good job in either of these applications in that advancement in technology has closed the gap between the two. Yet LCD projectors are normally the primary choice with business projectors in view that these still have a brightness edge over DLP.

    On the other hand, DLP is still the favored technology when it comes to home theater use due to their improved black level performance and smoother looking projections that resembles more closely those at the movie theater.

    Portability:

    This is a major issue with the business video projector. Smaller and lighter is better, especially if you travel frequently. Weight is more of an issue for the business user. Business mobile professionals will want to hook up a lightweight projector to a computer or laptop, projecting an image on a large screen or wall for presentations.

    Most business-oriented projectors weigh just a few pounds - some very light business models weigh no more than three pounds! These video projectors usually come with carrying cases and wireless remote controls that enable the user to control not only the projector, but also to send commands to the PC through appropriate connectivity. Some remotes include an integrated laser pointer.

    Most multimedia projectors under this category come with a small integrated speaker for the sound; more expensive projectors have security features such as locking cables, etc.

    Portability issue is of no concern in the home theater. One would normally setup a fixed place for the projector. For home theater projectors, the best installation spot is on the ceiling. This means that some planning has to go into how it is best to run cables into the ceiling to connect your projector with the rest of your home theater gear.

    Video Projector Connectivity

    It is critical that your video projector comes equipped with the appropriate inputs to enable you to connect with your PC or laptop in the case of a business projector, and home theater gear, DVD, or HDTV set-top-box in the case of a home theater projector.

    It is clear that connectivity requirements between these two video projector categories vary.

    Most - but not all - models support component, composite, S-video, and RGB connectivity. Home theater projectors normally also include a DVI or an HDMI port; this is very useful when it comes to interconnecting with a compatible DVD player or HDTV set-top boxes.

    One standard that is starting to show up more on video projectors, and that is most appropriate in the business arena, is the M1, EVC, or P&D standard; this is most commonly referred to as M1 or M1-DA.

    The M1 connector allows for the same connectivity as DVI digital single or dual link or analog transmissions in the case of DVI-I. But the added advantage of the M1 over DVI is that the M1 also provides connectivity to the USB or FireWire port on your PC. The USB/FireWire connection is used to supply commands from the projector's remote control to the computer - thus allowing you to scroll through PowerPoint presentations, etc.

    Our advice: Always check before you buy to be sure that the projector has the inputs you need.

    Projector Resolution: SVGA, XGA or Widescreen (WVGA or WXGA)?

    This refers to the native or optical resolution and measures the level of picture detail that the projector can handle without compressing (down-scaling) the number of pixels in the original video content. Downscaling degrades picture quality and leads to picture content loss.

    This is probably by far the most important video projector attribute that differentiate business from home theater projectors. In reality, it is not the number of pixels but rather how these are arranged on the screen in terms of width vs height i.e. the native aspect ratio of the projector.SXGA (1280x1024) is currently the highest resolution available for portable projectors; these video projectors are relatively very expensive. Most common video projector resolutions in the 4:3 aspect ratio are XGA (1024x768 pixels) and SVGA (800x600 pixels).

    Widescreen versions of SVGA (WVGA: 854x480) and XGA (WXGA: 1280x720) have also started to emerge. These enable better projections of widescreen 16:9 content.

    Business Video Projectors: SVGA and XGA projectors are more suited for business presentations, with the higher resolution XGA projectors being more capable of showing fine detail in your slide show.

    Many may thing that the higher the resolution the better - but this does not necessary apply in the case of the business projector. A word of caution here arise out of the fact that if the text on a PowerPoint slide makes use of a too small a font to show using an SVGA projector (and therefore it necessitates the need of an XGA projector), it means that probably, the audience at the very back would still not be able to read it. Surely, you do not want that. In these circumstances, the cheaper SVGA projector would - in most circumstances - be able to do more than a good job.

    On the other hand, the XGA projector is the best option for presentations that include graphics, software demonstrations, or full Web pages; this resolution also represents a better match for laptop computer displays.

    Home Theater Projectors: If you want to use a video projector to project a huge image on a screen in your home theater, then the higher the resolution, the better since you will be less likely to suffer from pixelation issues. It is true that pixelation disappears as one moves further away from the screen but in the home theater, many would prefer to move a little bit closer for a wider angle of view and a more immersing movie experience.

    Although most SVGA projectors can display HD images from your HD cable tuner or satellite, they don't have enough resolution to do it justice. The two main HD resolution formats are 1080i (1920 x 1080 pixels) and 720p (1280 x 720 pixels). SVGA projectors, with 800 x 600 pixels of resolution, don't have the ability to display either format without downscaling.

    Even with DVD content - which at 852x480, comes with a lower resolution than HDTV - the lower-priced SVGA projectors cannot do a good job with DVD movies. XGA, on the other hand, gets much closer but...

    Both standard SVGA and XGA projectors have a native aspect ratio of 4:3, so the image corresponds to a standard computer screen or regular television. Widescreen content - such as that available from DVDs and HDTV programming - have an aspect ratio of 16:9. The best way to match this is to use a home theater projector with a widescreen native resolution; it is only in this way that you can avoid the letterboxing, image stretching, or image cropping, or other aspect ratio management techniques that are often used to present a 16:9 content on a 4:3 screen.

    Widescreen projectors come in either WVGA or WXGA. Opting for the cheaper WVGA projector makes sense if you will be watching only DVD movies. For HDTV content, a WXGA projector is necessary. This will enable you to display all HDTV content up to 720p without re-scaling. You still will be able to see 1080i HDTV material on a WXGA projector but the projected image will have to be compressed to fit the 1920x1080 pixels in a 1080i or 1080p HDTV, in the available pixel field of a WXGA video projector.

    (c) 2004/2005 www.practical-home-theater-guide.com. All rights reserved.

    Andrew Ghigo A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession. Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com - a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design.

    This article is an excerpt from a series of informative guides appearing under the Projection Television section of the site.

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