by iiivix

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: October 22, 2011

Projectors let you take the big screen experience into your home. There are some important considerations to take into account before you sit down with your popcorn. Before you buy, know what you need.

1.) Projectors

Home theater projectors come with many features and price tags ranging from a few hundred dollars up to more then ten thousand dollars. You can even connect your computer to some models. Here's what to look for:

• Inputs (ports) - Look for models that support your intended method of linking

• Aspect ratio (screen size) - Most new models will project in 16:9/10 wide or 4:3standard. We recommend 16:10 as it wont cut off the top and bottom of wide-screen pictures.

• Native Resolution (pixels) - This determines the detail of your movie 1920x1080 is best. Remember that a projectors display in Progressive resolutions aka 480p 720p 1080p. Blu ray and HD movies are 1080p.

• Combo-player(optional) - Some projectors come with a built in dvd player.

• Contrast ratio - This is the difference between dark and light colors. 500:1 is what you see at a theater, but higher ratios will allow you to see more subtle differences in color.

• LCD or DLP (projection) - This is what creates the picture. There are some drawbacks with either types. LCD models tend to oversaturate creating a glow around brightly lit objects next to darker ones such as credits. DLP displays a picture with more noticeable darkness between pixels and should be watched from a further distance.

• Fan Noise (db) - Buy a projector with less 30db of noise for optimal viewing

• Luminance (Brightness) - This determines how much light can be in the room and still be able to watch the movie. As screen size increases more lumen's are required for viewing.

  • 1000 lumen's will let you see the movie with very little to no light.
  • 1300 to 1500 lumen's allows the picture to be seen with some indoor lighting
  • 2500 or greater lets you watch with sunlight coming in through windows

For more info, go to: http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/lumen-guide .asp#ht

• Lamp (light) - Expect your light to be rated to last 2000-4000 hours. This means after that period of time the light will be half as bright. Remember to test new lamps the day you buy as faulty ones will burn out in the first few hours, and warranties start on the day you buy.

Llook at lamp replacement cost before

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>