LCD Projector Buying Guide
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There is simply no end to innovation. As one new innovation surpasses another, technology has gradually morphed into a superior force that dominated every aspect of our lives.

Every technological innovation is measured by the dint of its output. LCD projector is the name that tops the list. Today, LCD projectors are a necessity. It is an integral part of every business meetings, seminars and conferences. The origin of LCD projectors dates back to 1971 when Gene Dolgoff for the first time used liquid crystals to modulate light. And it was in 1981 when for the first time LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors were introduced in the market. The technology behind these projectors is very complicated. A light beam sent from metal halide lamp through a prism. The prism segregates the light into three poly silicon panels for three different components of video signals. As light passes through these panels, the individual pixels are opened to pass and closed to block light. This very combination of pixels produces a wide range of colour in the projected image.

One of the best advantages of LCD projector is that it is highly portable.

The price of the portable machines are a relatively higher than its primitive counterparts.. The lightest model available till date weighs less than five pounds. While you buy a light weight LCD projector, you should not forget to consider the weight of the case where it is encased.

There are some important factors to be borne in mind while you settle for buying one.

Firstly, the screen resolution should suit your usage. The resolution that works fine for a PowerPoint presentation may be a total misfit for showing statistical data or numerical figures.

Secondly, the size of the lumen should be in conformity with the place where the projector would be used. More the number of people, the better should be the brightness of the images. A 1000 to 2000 lumen projector would work fine for a medium sized room. Again, while you are presenting something in a seminar, you need a projector with higher lumen.

While buying LCD projectors, one should go for quality. It is advisable that you go for the one that has a durable lamp. Most LCD projectors today have a lamp life of 1000hrs and this may go up to 4000hours. Replacement bulbs may ultimately cost you more in the long run. It is always better to refrain from using halogen lamps since they exhaust after 70 hours and produces a yellowish tinge on the images.

One must doubly ensure that the projector he buys is video compatible. While composite video input allows you to connect video players, component video inputs allows you to connect directly to DVD Players, digital VCRs and HDTV tuners. The HDTV(High definition television) signals are digital and supports a higher resolution.

Last but not the least; a projector should always be ideally positioned at the centre of the screen. If that is not done, the images are projected at an angle and may appear distorted. The keystone correction feature adjusts and enhances correct positioning of images.

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If this sounds too complicated (or expensive) to you, you might be better suited to simply rent a projector when you need one, instead of investing such a significant amount of funds into a make or model that could require extensive maintenance or quickly become obsolete. Click here to learn more about rental projectors from the country’s leading projector rental company: Projector123.com

First, consider the environment.

No, projectors aren’t harmful to the environment – we mean consider the presentation environment (the room or facility in which you’ll be presenting). How much ambient light will be present? If you’re presenting at a trade show, you can count on bright lights and plenty of ‘em, which means you’ll likely need a high-lumen projector. The same is true if your presentation will be held outdoors during daylight hours or under bright sunlight. A 3000-lumen projector shines extra-bright, offering vivid color saturation and crisp image projection even in the brightest of conditions. If you can somehow position your display screen in the shade, it’s all the better for participant viewing.

Alternatively, if you’re presenting indoors, odds are there will be at least some ambient light (to assist your attendees in note-taking, finding their way out of the room to take a call or use the bathroom, and to help you maintain eye contact with the participants). Generally speaking, if the room is exceptionally dim (almost completely dark), then a low-lumen projector would suffice (though this is rarely the case). Most presentation environments feature dimmed ambient light, which makes a 2000-lumen projector a wise choice.

Next, consider your audience size.

Approximately how many people will be in attendance? The greater the audience, the bigger the required image for viewing. The larger the image, the higher lumen count that is required to maintain clarity of the images.  Small to mid-size audiences are well-served with a 2000-lumen projector, while larger audiences (100+) require a 3000-lumen projector for crisp, clear image projection.

Finally, consider the purpose.

Specifically, what kind of material are you presenting, and in what format? Highly detailed charts or graphics may require higher lumen counts, while less detailed images and large-font text are well served with a 2000-lumen rental projector. Before you rent a projector, be sure to find out whether or not the unit is HD-compatible, if you plan to present highly detailed graphics and charts. Additionally, whether or not you plan to incorporate video or moving images can become a factor in the decision whether to select a 2000-lumen or 3000-lumen rental projector.

If in doubt, check in with the rental projector company to ask for assistance in deciding which projector to rent, and expect them to ask you about the three factors covered in this article: presentation environment, audience size, and type of material being presented. Good luck and have a great presentation!

The skilled, friendly customer service reps at Projector123.com can easily help you determine which rental projector is perfect for your next event. Click here to get started and you’ll be amazed at how easy the entire process can be!

Keystoning is what occurs when a projector is not positioned perfectly squared and centered as compared to the display screen. The keystone effect (also called the tombstone effect) distorts the projected image from a rectangular shape with 90 degree angles at the corners, to a trapezoidal shape (much like the shape of an architectural keystone; hence the name). Sometimes it is not enough to merely move the projector’s position, as keystoning can also occur with an uneven (or not-quite level) surface on which the projector is resting.

The keystone effect can also occur when the projector is properly positioned, but the screen is not. In either case, the end result is unpleasant (and often disorienting) to the viewers. Typically, the automatic focus feature is most useful only when the projector is completely centered and squared off to the screen, and with keystoning, the full frame  can seldom be in focus.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to simply square off, tilt or center a projector in order to remove the keystone effect, and that’s where a keystone correction feature can be helpful.

The types of keystone correction are: manual vs. digital; and vertical vs. horizontal.

Manual keystone correction would involve either moving the projector, or manually adjusting the projector up or down, via an adjustable leg underneath the unit. Some units feature a manually adjustable lens that can offset keystoning, and this can appear in either vertical only format, or a combination of vertical and horizontal keystone correction effects.

Digital keystone correction occurs virtually automatically, allowing any image to automatically be projected with squared corners, regardless of the angle of the actual projector. This is a fairly new feature, and is not available on all projectors.

Vertical keystone correction is useful for removing the trapezoidal effect that occurs when a projector is either tilted downward or upward. Horizontal keystone correction is useful when you are projector from a non-centered point (either to the left or right of the center of the screen).

The degree of keystone correction varies from projector to projector. For example, the range of vertical keystone correction can span from just 12 degrees to a whopping 35 degrees. You can easily check the specs on your individual projector or rental projector to see what kind of keystone correction range the projector features.

The downside of using keystone correction is that it rarely produces as crisp an image as when the projector is perfectly centered and squared. Whenever possible, position your projector so that it is displaying a squared image, or use your projector’s lens shift feature. You’ll feel more confident and your audience will thank you.

Two-thousand lumen rental projectors from Projector123.com feature vertical keystone correction, while 3000-lumen rental projectors feature both vertical and horizontal keystone correction. Click here to learn more or to reserve your rental projector today.

By Brantley Graham

Overhead projector hire companies specialise in providing high quality projectors for conferences, training seminars, exhibitions, and presentations, small to large meetings, movies screenings, VJ nightclubs, events and a whole lot more. These companies can have all the equipments delivered instantly on orders, and picked up again whenever you wish. They are backed by an experienced team, who can help you choose the right items and details on how to make great savings. You can either get a quote or discuss your needs with a member of their expert sales team and hire online for all your needs. You can also compare sample prices for rates and equipment needs, as they are different for different types of events.

1. You can take advantage of some of the best quality overhead projector hire products, when brightness, clarity and image quality are of importance for your high-powered business applications. Many companies can provide what really counts for your business with varying terms and rental rates as well as fast delivery. You can hire from a minimum of one month through to a year and beyond.

2. These projectors offer bright, clear projection for dynamic presentations in the office or on the road as well as flexible placement in the smallest of meeting rooms. They are quite cost effective and can really help you create an amazing atmosphere for your event. Hiring is always the best option as purchasing and acquiring these products might cost you a fortune and would depreciate in value as well.

3. Overhead projector hire equipments are great for clear, crisp text and flicker-free, moving images and ensure that the images remain clearly visible in bright light and large venues. They can be operated from the control panel and remote control handset and the special coating prevents ghosting and flare producing some incredible results for you.

4. These highly sophisticated stylish items are quite suitable for all sorts of businesses and can provide enhanced functionality and flexibility of placement. They would provide a calm atmosphere and great visual entertainment for clients and are usually available in massive range to suit your budgets.

5. You can either choose small or large conference projectors, full HD and specialist projectors, and home cinema projectors according to your own specific requirements. These items would change the entire look of your home or venue which would affect the future of your business.

Many overhead projector hire companies make sure that all your enquiries would be handled by experienced staff and that you get a professional response from them. Your event needs to be perfect in every way and these professionals can really help you with that. These companies are quite helpful on giving you useful information about planning and providing all the elements you could need for your event. They would ensure that the right decisions are made to fit your circumstances and the equipments meet all current safety regulations, making your event, unique as well as efficiently equipped to be a success.

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Remember — if you need to rent a projector anywhere in the U.S., click here to reserve a rental projector from Projector123.com.

Let’s talk aspect ratio

In a nutshell, aspect ratio is a simple matter of dimensions (as expressed in width to height). In terms of television, film, and projectors, aspect ratio refers to the size and shape of the viewable image.

Remember watching older movies on TV where the opening and closing credits were all stretched out? That’s because the film was produced in 16:9 (sometimes called “letterbox” or “widescreen” format) and then squished into 4:3 to fit on your TV screen.

In many cases, when you purchase a film on DVD, you can choose whether you wish to view it in widescreen or regular format (in widescreen format, you will see a black bar above and below the film image, and this will run throughout the movie; regular format will fill your television screen (unless you own a widescreen television). In either case, this is due to the aspect ratio.

Aspect ratio is a relevant factor when selecting a projector because most projectors have a fixed resolution (also called native aspect ratio) for display. However, rental projectors from Projector123.com can display a number of aspect ratios (and in most cases, the native aspect ratio is listed first).

If you’re planning a PowerPoint Presentation, your projected image will likely appear in an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 5:4. Home theater viewing of films on DVD and HDTV can be projected with 16:9 (letterbox or widescreen) format. The aspect ratio is purely a matter of personal preference.

Ready to rent a projector with a versatile aspect ratio for your next business or personal gathering? Click here to discover why Projector123.com is the number one choice for projector rentals throughout the U.S.

What is 480p or progressive scan?

Progressive scanning refers to the way images are projected. Think of a time when you clicked on a web link, and the images loaded one line at a time, from top to bottom.

Alternatively, interlaced scanning is what occurs when you see a web image load in a low resolution manner, and then the image gradually becomes clearer. Essentially, what’s happening in this case is that alternative lines are being loaded (for example, the first, third, fifth, seventh lines, etc.) then a second pass is made to “fill in” the remaining lines, making the image become much clearer and crisper.

When it comes to projection technology, a fast progressive scan is desirable, so that images are loaded from top to bottom in the most efficient manner possible.

In the term “480p” the “p” stands for progressive scan (non-interlaced) and the number 480 refers to the vertical resolution. In other words, this technology can provide 480 vertically scanned lines. Typically, 480p uses a horizontal resolution of 640 and a 4:3 aspect ratio. Sometimes, another number may appear after the “p” (such as 30 or 60) and this number would indicate the rate of progressive frames per second (how quickly each individual image can load).

Technically speaking, 480p does not qualify as “high definition television” (HDTV); this is considered EDTV (enhanced definition television).

Here at Projector123.com, all of our rental projectors support 480p (and higher) progressive scan technology. From family gatherings to professional events and presentations, Projector123.com is your one-stop shop for quality rental projectors. Click here to find out how easy it is to rent from Projector123.com.

HD stands for “high definition” and, as the name implies, refers to the image quality of television or video. HD TV is a type of television signal, broadcast in the 16:9 aspect ratio (as compared to NTSC’s 4:3 aspect ratio). HDTV resolutions are increased from 640 x 480 to either 1922 x 1080 (or 1080i) or 1280 x 720 (or 720p). Because the HDTV signal is digital (rather than analog), the signal can carry huge amounts of information, including full digital audio with multiple channels.

Many television viewers prefer HD because of its vivid, lifelike imagery; ultimate showcase of the finest details; and aspect ratio that mirrors traditional film.

Whether or not you need HD for your next speaking presentation depends on the nature of the material you’re presenting. The more detailed your presentation images, the more appealing (and necessary) HD becomes. Got complex graphics? Detailed imagery? Some examples of presentations requiring HD might include: photography training, video editing, detailed charts and graphs, statistical data, film and entertainment industry, high-profile presentations (where it pays to impress by going the extra mile), etc.

Your audience is another factor in determining whether or not you need HD technology. How large is your audience? How close will they be seated to the projection screen? What kind of lighting is available in the room? How familiar are the attendees with the material you’re presenting?

Here are Projector123.com, we’ve got you covered. All of our high-lumen and low-lumen rental projectors from Projector123.com are compatible with HDTV 720p, 1080i, 576i, and 576p. Professional speakers, sales reps and corporate presenters across the U.S. rely on Projector123.com for all their projector rental needs. We offer competitive pricing, fast shipping, and a completely hassle-free experience.   Click here to learn more about the projectors we rent, or click here to place your order today.

Ten Ways To Get Beyond Powerpoint With Classroom Projectors
by Ron S. Doyle

True tech integrators know the digital projector can be used for much more than projecting. Here is a sampling of some creative ways to use your projector in any curriculum.

• Reading/Writing. Display images, words, or phrases for writing prompts in creative writing or poetry class. Model savvy formatting and editing skills by giving live demonstrations in your word-processing software. And put away those old flashcards—young students love singing karaoke to practice their pronunciation and identify targeted sight words.
• Mathematics. Utah State University’s National Library of Virtual Manipulatives offers hundreds of multi-sensory games, illustrations, exercises and puzzles for K-12 students that explore numerical operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis. (nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vLibrary.html; free online, $39.99-44.99 for enhanced desktop version).
• Science. Ask students to add their experimental data directly to your spreadsheet and project graphs of their results for everyone to see—you’ll identify those pesky outliers in no time. Protect your eyebrows and your budget by showing videos of dangerous chemistry demonstrations.
• Social Studies. Google Earth (earth.google.com) works wonders but loves to crash on older computers. Try the University of Texas at Austin’s renowned Perry-Castañeda Library Virtual Map Room (www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/; free) for a wide array of PDF maps from around the globe.
• Timer, Stopwatch, Countdown. Using a simple freeware program like TimeLeft (www.timeleft.info), students will see exactly how long they’ve been working on a project, how much time is left, or how many days until the ice cream social after your final exam.
• Games and Quizzes. Turn those groans to glee come quiz-time with hyperlinked Powerpoint presentations that mimic popular quiz games like “Jeopardy!” or “You Don’t Know Jack.” Free Sheppard Software (sheppardsoftware.com) has dozens of interactive games that will have your students begging for more.
• Board Work. Standing at the whiteboard terrifies many students. Why? Writing large print on a vertical plane isn’t easy for everyone and little handwriting slips can turn into big, embarrassing mistakes. Ask students to do the work on a sheet of paper, fire up your doc camera, then project their results. No more stage fright!
• Graphic Organizers. Online diagramming software like Gliffy (www.gliffy.com; free basic membership, premium account varies by number of users) or Bubbl (bubbl.us; free) can make creating lively instructional flowcharts, cluster diagrams, and spider maps a breeze.
• Guest/Substitute Lectures. Live streaming or podcast lectures from guests will give your students access to experts around the world without footing for an airline ticket. Record your own lectures with software like Camtasia (www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp; $299) or upload your Powerpoint presentations to Slideshare (slideshare.net; free) and you’ll be the toast of the substitute teaching pool. Best of all, students can access these lectures for future reference.
  
• Drama/Theater. Want to do some on-the-fly improv theater? Hang a white sheet, place the projector behind the sheet facing your audience, and let your students perform inexpensive miniature theatrical productions. Project image “backdrops” from your computer and you’ll have the fastest set changes in history.

For almost eight years, Ron S. Doyle served as a teacher, technology coordinator and Director of Studies at a charter high school for youth in crisis in Boulder, Colorado. He left his beloved career in education in 2008 to care for his two young daughters full time.

Preventive projector maintenance often plays a hand in averting lamp failure, and AV companies providing programs to service projectors on a yearly, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly basis help eliminate unexpected breakdowns. But is this service right for you? In many cases, the environment, knowledge of the staff, and available time all take part in determining the need for an outsourced preventive maintenance program.

FACTORS CAUSING FAILURE

According to Chris Frederick, help desk manager for Sensory Technologies, Indianapolis, IN, the average life of a typical projector lamp is between 1,200 and 1,500 hours with the environment and usage presenting the biggest variables.
Without a regular cleaning, a projector’s life has limits. For example, dust in the air can become magnified, attaching to the LCD panels and causing burn spots in the panels, says Bob Normandin, owner of Carolina Projector Solutions, Raleigh, NC. “If you burn one of the panels on a $2,000 projector, it’s going to cost $1,500 to replace the panel,” he adds.

AN ARRAY OF SERVICES OFFERED

Preventive maintenance programs vary by the provider and location.

Projector Doctor and other service providers offer similar preventive maintenance programs, which include cleaning and aligning the optics and LCD panels; cleaning or replacing the air filter; and multi-point inspections that include verifying color quality, testing inputs, checking keypad functionality, and testing the focus and zoom functions of the lens.

The cost for servicing a single projector ranges from $125 to $199. For many companies, this price does not include the service call, shipping, projectors that weigh more than 45 pounds, or machines that require extra cleaning, such as those from clubs that are caked with nicotine or residue from fog machines.

Projectors that use DLP technology, which have high-speed color wheels that dirt has a hard time attaching to, should be disassembled and cleaned at least once a year, Normandin says. “If it’s an LCD-type machine, you need to do it twice a year,” he adds.
SEND IT OUT OR KEEP IT IN-HOUSE?

Corporations and schools with a large number of projectors face the reality that preventing projector failure can create quite a demand on its technical staff.

Not only is it physically demanding, but the in-house technical staff may not be trained to maintain a projector, aside from changing the lamp or cleaning the filter.

McLeod says if a person who is not authorized to work on a projector opens it up, it will void the warranty. “If they have their own technicians, they need to clear it through the manufacturer,” she says.

At less than $200 a cleaning per projector, outsourcing preventive maintenance is a small price to pay to get the most out of a projector, but there is a breakeven point for some companies. “It’s the cost of replacement vs. maintenance,” McLeod says. “If you want your projectors to last a certain number of years, then preventive maintenance will ensure that time frame is kept to, rather than having to send the projectors out for repair or replace them faster. It’s more of a budget decision.”

End of excerpt.

Sound like far too much to manage? Consider renting a projector whenever – and wherever—you need one. Visit us at Projector123.com to learn more.

1.    How often would you use a projector?

With a purchase price ranging up to $1000 or more, and average yearly preventative maintenance costs of about $150, plus high costs for replacement parts (for example, a projector lamp costs approximately $350 to replace), it doesn’t always pay to purchase an LCD projector when you can rent one when you need it at rates starting at just $99 per rental. Additionally, purchasing a projector for infrequent use means you’ll have yet another piece of equipment to depreciate, store, manage and track. Add the risk of obsolescence into the mix and your choice may become a no-brainer.

2.    Where will you use a projector?

If the only place you ever plan to use a projector is in your own conference room for in-house meetings, it may be wise to invest in a projector. However, if you plan to travel to client sites or use your projector during business travel for trade shows, conventions, out-of-state sales meetings and the like, you’ll likely find it much easier to have a rental projector shipped to your meeting location each time you need it.

If you make the choice to rent a projector when you need it, rely on Projector123.com for all of your projector rental needs. We specialize in renting projectors all across the U.S. and we’ll ship your projector rental to the location you specify – exactly when you need it. All our LCD rental projectors are of the highest grade, quality inspected to ensure everything runs smoothly on your end. And with rental rates starting at just $99, this is one business decision that won’t break your budget.
Click here to learn more about rental projectors from Projector123.com.