Projector Technology Explained | Do I need a projection screen

Projector Technology Explained

As there are 2 kinds of powerful projector technology used in current projectors, that are 3LCD (liquid crystal display) and DLP (digital light processing).

1. 3LCD technology

2. DLP technology

Advantages and Disadvantages of the 3LCD

• Excellent brightness and color saturation for bigger results in rooms with sufficient ambient light.
• Clearer pictures for data applications (spreadsheets, printed words, static graphics).
• Requires less electricity.
• Generates less heat.
• A little quieter than DLP due to some moving parts.
• The separation of pixels is much more possible, creates a backdoor effect in certain images.
• Physically longer and bigger than the recommended DLP projectors.
• Blacks can be more “washed” than with DLP.
• Less general contrast.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DLP

• Higher frame rates for softer motion video.
• More compact and lighter than LCD projectors with similar characteristics.
• The pixels are perfectly mixed to achieve a homogeneous picture (more relevant for home theater applications).
• More “movie type” image from DVD, Blu-ray and HDTV sources.
• Blacks are more intense and darker than LCDs.
• More general contrast.
• The “rainbow effect” is only visible to some viewers, but it can be annoying.
• The more running parts and bigger power consumption than LCD.
• The color filter applied in the light engine can produce a simple but clear sound.
• Color saturation moderate than LCD, particularly yellows and reds with full illumination.
• With important ambient light, it needs about 30 percent greater lumens to adjust color intensity than it computes with the LCD.

The latest innovations in projector technology

Pico – Projectors

As these projectors take portable projection to the next level. In a pico projector, the palm size of a hand is ideal for mobile commercial presentations or to share entertainment with friends.

Pico projectors can be powered by battery or AC and are easy to attach to a wide variety of popular devices like – laptops, Cell phones, even iPod. They can project wide-screen pictures of up to “70” diagonal with glowing colors when applied in low light. The LED light root can last more than 20,000 Hr.

3D projectors

Some of the modern projectors allow you to experience the emerging creation of 3D content (which also needs a source device compatible with 3D and special glasses).

The 3D ready projectors, like – 3D-ready HDTVs, are typically high-tech models with a set of superior features and are, therefore, excellent options for observing conventional “2D” content as well.

LED lighting

Some of the modern projectors have lighting through red, blue and green LED lamps that substitute the conventional light sources used in most projectors.

The benefits of LED lighting covers:

Intense and defined colors – Some LED projectors provide up to 140 percent of the NTSC color gamut (unlike traditional LCD systems that create a maximum of around 92 percent).

Excellent dynamic contrast – LEDs can be pressed with great accuracy, creating more intense blacks and a broader overall range of brightness levels.

Improved reliability – As there are no colored wheels/moving parts in addition to cooling fans.

Additionally, LED-illuminated projectors allow a lamp life that is 4-5 times longer than a common projector. This can generate significant long-term savings since conventional projector lamps can cost up to $ 300 or more.

LED lamps also consume up to 30 percent less energy than conventional bulbs to produce a comparable light output. In addition, LED lamps are 100 percent mercury-free – and without bulbs to discard, the LED-illuminated projectors are eco-friendly.

Do I need to buy a projection screen?

How to find great projectors under $100 range

It is possible to project images on a white wall or other flat surface and many people find the results satisfactory for their needs. However, adding a projection screen will immensely improve your experience and we highly recommend it – especially for exclusive installations for home theater systems.

The projection screens are designed using specialized materials with optimal gloss properties that maximize the brightness of the image and make colors stand out. Four basic physical types of screens are available for different needs and applications: tripod, manual deployment, electrical and fixed frame.

Montajes

For rooms intended for home theaters, roof and wall mounts offer an excellent way to permanently position the projector to produce the optimal picture size and viewing angle for your screen. With a projector mounted on the ceiling (unlike wall-mounted or shelf-mounted projectors), the projector is very high and “out of sight” of the viewers.

Roof mounting can also assist maximize the observed brightness of the projector since light reflects from top to bottom on the screen in the direction of the viewing position.

Cables

Make sure you have the latest and best quality cables for all the sources you want to connect to your projector. Best Buy offers a wide selection of premium quality HDMI, VGA, USB, component video and other interconnects for all your projection needs.