Buying a new projector is never that simple when compared to a television. Studies carried out by TrustAdvisor show growth in projectors purchases. Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable if you want to do something different other than buying a TV. The growth of TV purchases overshadows projectors. There are many reasons for this. However, with a projector, you will get some advantages over TVs too. If you are looking for a wholesome cinematic experience, a projector will always outdo a TV. Even when TVs brought high resolutions, projectors stepped up their game.
Looking to get the right projector for you? Then here are 7 factors to consider when buying a projector:
1. Intents and Purposes
Consider the places you want to use your projector. For example, if you want one for business or outdoor use, then ensure it has adequate brightness to counter natural light. For motion pictures, a darker room is preferable. Thus, you do not need a high amount of illumination indoors. Additionally, business projectors are suited for still images like PowerPoint presentations. They do not require high resolutions to drive your ideas forward. Also, when purchasing a projector for indoor use, ensure it does not make too much noise while in operation. Also, ensure that you get a machine that is convenient to move around if used outdoors or for business purposes such as the WEMAX Go Advanced. It is portable and has integrated projector stand for your viewing convenience.
2. Value for Money
An excellent way to gauge that your projector will serve you well is by looking at customer reviews. If many people like it, they will recommend it to others. The main reason for a strong projector community is that projector spares are not cheap. Therefore, they look out for one another. To be on the safe side, buy a projector from trusted brands like Sony and Toshiba. Moreover, if you purchase from brands that are not circulated well, you might find a hard time repairing them.
3. The Zoom Capability and Aspect Ratio
If you will be using your projector in different situations, ensure it has the capacity to do so. For example, you might have a project to present in a small room one day and a large hall the next. Most projectors offer this capability but at different ranges. Also, ensure that the aspect ratio is in line with the places you are projecting to. You do not want images bleeding out from the edges of the screen.
4. The Resolution
A high resolution will give you better image quality just like an HD TV, particularly for movies and games. However, you will have to spend top dollar for a 4k resolution projector. Some say it is not that important to get 4K as at now since there is little uptake in the technology. Besides, a high resolution might not be best when presenting still images from a projector.
5. Peripherals
Wikipedia explains contrast as differences between the brightest and darkest parts. If you have used a projector before, you might have noticed that these colors often overlap, especially in old school types. A huge culprit is usually the screen where the images are projecting. These altered images do not mean that the projector does not have a hand though. Therefore, ensure you get a projector with excellent contrast ratio and accessories to go with it.
6. Brightness
Outdoor projectors usually have differences in light capacity, typically five times more than indoor ones do. The reason for this is ambient lighting. If you want the best results of your images though, prime your room to be darker than usual. Technology has made it better than it used to be before. Even then, high brightness messes up the contrast ratios of colors. That is the reason why home projectors are typically found in basements with minimal lighting. The darker the room, the better the image quality
7. Inputs and Outputs
Almost all projectors have VGA connections. However, with recent technological developments, you will find projectors having HDMI port or Wi-Fi connectivity. Which connections you require depends on what you have. However, to be on the safe side, ensure you get one with HDMI ports in this era. Moreover, such connectivity does not blow the prices out of proportion. However, HDMI connectivity does not necessarily mean HD video capability. Your projector must also have the right amount of resolution to achieve high definition clarity.