LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors are devices used for displaying presentations or videos in an enlarged size.
They are the modern replacements for slide projectors and overhead projects which were popular earlier.
LCD projectors are available in several variants with differing specifications.
Choosing the right projector is as simple as knowing what it will be used for.
The two parameters needed to compare an LCD projector are - cost and specifications.
Knowing what is needed and how much you will need to use the various features / specifications of an LCD projector are going to be will help one compare the projectors with a better perspective.
For this reason, it is important to know the basics of projectors before comparing them.
Aspect Ratio: It refers to the width vs.
the height of the projected image.
UXGA, VGA, XGA, and SVGA resolution all have a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Brightness: A projector's brightness is measured in lumens.
The more light in the room where the projector will be used, the more bright the projector should be.
Contrast Ratio: Is the ratio between the darkest and brightest areas of the projected image.
Medium Contrast ratio projectors can be found with a ratio of 500:1 to 1200:1.
Data Signal Ports: These ports on the projector should be compatible with whatever image source they will be paired with.
Keystone Correction: This is the ability to correct the image distortion that is created when a projector is placed at anything other than a 90 degree angle to the screen.
Native resolution: This resolution for a digital projector is the actual number of physical pixels on the projector's image chip.
Projection screens: These screens come in various fabrics and sizes.
While it's possible to project the images on a blank wall, the best image quality will be achieved by projecting the images on a good screen.
Video Format Capability: A digital projector's video format capability determines which video format data it can accept.
Most projectors will offer all three: PAL, NTSC, and SECAM.
A wide range of desired projectors can be found by giving exact specifications on various website over the internet.
Once these basic features of projectors are compared and the best suited LCD projector identified, one can go ahead and compare the prices of the required projector.