How to Choose a Projector in 2024

• Oct 03, 2024
• By Fozia Bashir

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Projector for your Classroom

Studying for hours in a go can sometimes be a tedious task. In today's time, keeping students attentive, of any age, can be a difficult task. But there’s an easy solution to it: projectors. They are an essential tool and help make education easy and fun. In this blog, we will help you choose a projector that best fits the needs of your classroom.

 

But first, let’s discuss the early beginning of projectors.

 

Early Beginnings: The first ever projector, known as the “Magic Lantern”, was invented by Christiaan Huygens in the 17th century. It used glass sides to display images on a wall.

 

The First Film Projector: In 1985, the Lumière brothers created the first film projector, called the "Cinématographe". The projector, a step ahead of the “Magic Lantern, " could record and display moving images in a development that brought a massive change to cinema.

 

Silent Film Era: During the 1890s and 1920s, projectors were innovated to display films without synchronized sound where the storytelling relied on the performance of actors and title cards.

 

Colour Film: “Kinemacolor”, the first commercially successful colour film projector, came out in 1908. Using a two-colour method, the projector brought forth the magic of colours to the world.

 

Technological advancements: As the marvel of technology opened up before the world, a 16mm projector was invented which allowed schools, colleges and universities to screen content for the purpose of education.

 

Slide Projectors: These projectors gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s for helping educators and businesses display presentations, photographs and videos, using visual communication instead of verbal.

Digital projectors: The transition from film to digital projectors began in the late 1990s. They offered clear images, were easier to set up, and could be connected to computers and other digital devices.                                          

DLP and LCD Technology: Digital Lightning Processing was invented in the 1980s, using micro mirrors to create images. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projectors project images with liquid crystals with various options for the users.                                             

Portable Projectors: By the early 2000s, portable projectors became the bestsellers. They were easy to carry, whether it was classrooms or offices.

Modern Usage: Four decades later, projectors today are used not just in classrooms and theatres but also at home. They are designed to provide solutions to all — from entertainment to business presentations, art installations and even video games.       

 

                                           

What to Consider When Choosing a Projector

 

Brightness: It determines how well a projector works in different types of lighting. Classrooms require projectors with at least 3,000 lumens, ensuring that the images are not distorted or difficult to view.

 

Resolution: It is very important for the quality and detail of an image. The most common resolutions are Full HD (1080p) and 4K. While the former is sufficient for classrooms, it is 4K that has changed the game which is impeccable image quality, perfect for in-depth presentations and long videos.

                                     

Throw Distance: By definition, throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. Short-throw projectors can display bigger images from a short distance — best for a smaller classrooms. Long-throw projectors, on the other hand, are suitable for huge rooms as the projector is usually at a distance from the screen.

 

 

Connectivity Options: Projectors are equipped with several connectivity options such as HDMI and USB ports. But if you want to avoid juggling with cables, wireless projectors are best friends! Just ensure that the projector you opt for has the required ports for seamless connections.

 

 

Portability: For classrooms, it is best to have projectors permanently installed. But depending on your needs, you can also choose a portable projector which is easy to carry and set up.

 

 

Different Types Of Projectors

 

LCD: Liquid Crystal Display projectors offer bright colours with sharp images, making them perfectly suitable for presentations.

 

DLP: Digital Lightning Processing projectors provide smooth motion and are better equipped for videos and animated content.

 

Laser Projectors: These kinds of projectors use laser light sources instead of traditional bulbs. They offer benefits such as a longer lifespan, cheap maintenance and colour accuracy. They are fit for classrooms that demand high-resolution pictures. 

 

Interactive Projectors: These ones here are special. They allow students and teachers to interact with projected images using touch or pens, ultimately increasing engagement and making lessons easy. These kinds of projectors prioritise active learning.

 

Top Projector Recommendations:

 

The Epson VS250: For those on a tight budget, the Epson VS250 is a cost-friendly option. It has 3,200 lumens of brightness and an 800x600 resolution, making it suitable for basic classroom requirements.

 

The BenQ MH733: If you are on a medium-range budget, this one here is your call. The BenQ MH733 is a mid-range projector featuring 4,000 lumens of brightness and HD quality. It also comes with WiFi — basically all you need for a classroom.

 

Sony VPL-VW295ES: This projector is perfect for large classrooms that require high quality images. It comes with a 4K resolution and 1,500 lumen brightness, displaying detailed images and beautiful visuals.         

 

 

Projectors for Auditoriums and Large Space

 

Epson Power Lite L610U: A laser projector best-suited for large spaces such as auditoriums and lecture halls. Featuring 6,000 lumens of brightness and WUXGA resolution, it creates high-quality images even for well-lit spaces.       

BenQ LK952: This is another option you can explore for larger venues. With 5,000 lumens of brightness and 4K UHD resolution, it delivers an impeccable image quality and requires minimum maintenance. Moreover, its laser light source ensures performance that can last years.

Sony VPL-FHZ75: With 6,500 lumens and a WUXGA resolution, this projector is tailored for huge spaces. It also has features such as Edge Blending and Geometric Corrections for uninterrupted setup.          

 

Tips For Installation and Maintenance

 

1. Keep the projector at a distance from the screen.
2. To keep your projector secure, make sure it is mounted
3. Avoid any distortion, adjust the keystone settings
4. Regularly maintenance is key for a long life
5. Clean the air filters regularly to prevent dust
6. Clean the lens
7. For optimal performance, replace the lamp as per your needs.

 

Conclusion:

 

 

Brightness, resolution, networking options and portability are among the many factors you need to consider when choosing a projector for your classroom. It is therefore very important for you to understand how these things work and explore a wide-range of projectors to find out the one that suits your needs best.

For further details about different projectors, visit Projex Display.