PROJECTING THE RIGHT IMAGE

There are four primary things to look for when choosing a projector for your business:

Type: Your most basic choice is deciding between LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and DLP (Digital Light Processing). The LCD images generally look crisper, while DLP images look smoother.

Resolution: The most important criterion is choosing a projector that has the same resolution as the computer that you connect to it. Generally, you have three resolution choices for both computers and projectors:

SVGA: You'll get good performance for projecting simple graphics and presentations - and at a low price.

XGA: Provides clearer images when detail is important - for projecting spread sheets with small numerals or higher resolution videos and graphics.

SXGA: A costly choice - but necessary when minute details are critical, such as those in CAD/CAM, architectural or engineering schematics.

Most projectors will work with a range of resolutions, but you'll get the clearest images when the native or true resolution of the projector matches the input it receives from the computer. It's wise to consider any computer upgrades you're planning, and select your projector accordingly.

Brightness: The greater the brightness, the more versatility you'll have. Measured in lumens, greater brightness lets you project larger images with greater clarity - even in venues that are not completely dark or where there is no projection screen. Here's how to determine how much brightness you'll need:

Less than 1000 lumens: Inexpensive and suitable for smaller, darker rooms when detail is not critical.

1000 - 2000 lumens: A good choice for average sized conference rooms or classrooms where light can be minimized.

2000 - 3000 lumens: Your most flexible choice, these high-performance models project large, clear images even in large rooms with ambient light.

Weight: You'll pay more for ultra-light portable projectors and may give up some features, but it may be well worth it if you take it on the road with you. Other Considerations:

Contrast: Look for at least a 400:1 contrast ratio, especially if you'll be presenting in rooms with ambient light.

Keystone correction: Automatically adjusts for distortion that occurs when an image is projected from an angle.

Zoom lens: Lets you adjust the image size without physically moving the position of the projector.

These are a few of the factors to consider when choosing a projector. Another is choosing an informed professional to help you select the model that fits your business and its budget.