How to Compare LCD Projectors
If you’re in the market for a new digital-video projector, you should have an understanding of how these devices work. Besides, you should be aware that contrast-ratio specs can vary greatly between different models.
LCD TVs and computer monitors have been around for a while now, but lcd projector company the technology has become very popular in projectors, as well. LCD and DLP are the most common technologies, while higher-end models use LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) imagers.
1. Image Quality
The image quality of a projector can be influenced by several factors, such as the resolution, brightness, and contrast. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the projected images will be. Generally, the best image quality will be achieved when a projector is used with source material that is matched to its native resolution. This is especially important for video content.
Projectors that use LCD technology are known for their rich color saturation and image sharpness. Some of these projectors come with advanced features like pixel mapping, which removes visible pixels from images to create a smooth, uninterrupted display.
A high contrast ratio will produce more vibrant, eye-catching colors and more detail in dark areas of the image, making it easier to read text and see shadows on the screen. Many projectors feature technologies to enhance color performance, such as Texas Instruments’ BrilliantColor.
Brightness performance is influenced by a projector’s light source and by its ability to filter out ambient light. New LED and laser light sources are developing rapidly, improving both brightness and stability.
2. Brightness
Most projectors measure their brightness in terms of ANSI lumens, which is the maximum amount of white light that they can produce. The ANSI lumen rating is based on taking meter readings from projected 100% white test patterns, and the number you end up with, say 3000 ANSI lumens, represents the maximum brightness of white that a projector can display. However, some argue that this method of testing and comparing brightnesses doesn’t take into account how bright the colors of a projector are, and that a better way to compare different projectors is to use a color light output (CLO) spec that measures the brightness of red, green, and blue images instead of pure white.
The Epson Pro EX7280 offers a high enough brightness to throw a suitable image in medium-sized rooms with ambient light, and its three LCD chips prevent it from producing rainbow artifacts. That makes the EX7280 an excellent choice for business users and educators who primarily show presentations filled with graphics, typical office documents, and photos, but who rarely or never present images with small fonts or fine detail.
3. Contrast
The contrast ratio of a projector, the difference between its brightest white and darkest blacks, always matters. However, comparing contrast ratings between different projectors can be difficult because of factors like video processing and auto-iris settings that can alter image brightness. The best way to gauge a projector’s contrast is by seeing it in person.
Inside an LCD projector, a scene is displayed as three tinted versions of it—one red, one green and one blue. These colors are then recombined in a dichroic prism to form a single image composed of millions of full-color pixels. The image is then projected onto the screen. While contrast ratings based on tests in a dark room can be helpful, you’ll need to consider where you’ll use the projector. If it’ll be used in ambient light, you’ll want a projector that prioritizes brightness over contrast. This will allow the image to stand out in bright rooms without washing out with too much light. It will also help it perform well in mixed-use rooms where you can’t control the lighting.
4. Size
While brightness, resolution, and size/weight tend to get the most attention from buyers, there are dozens of other characteristics to compare and evaluate. For example, if users will be traveling with the projector, they may want to opt for a model that’s lighter and smaller than the average laptop or tablet.
Likewise, those who are planning on using the device for video should consider the resolution capabilities. Most of the newer models start at 1080p, but many offer higher resolutions to accommodate a wider range of image sources. Those who plan on using the projector for 4K content should check to make sure the device supports HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 support.
Most modern projectors use solid-state light sources instead 4K HDR high lumen projector of lamps that contain mercury. This means that they’ll last longer and run cooler than lamp-based units, which could result in a lower energy bill over time. They also typically feature horizontal and vertical keystone correction for an even, crisper image. In addition, the majority of these devices come with a lens that can increase or decrease the image’s size by 30% to accommodate a variety of screen sizes.