When choosing a projector, the main thing is to find out in what rooms and under what lighting it will be used. It is also important to consider at what resolution you plan to view images and how large the image size should be. These are far from all the parameters that should be taken into account.
Form factor
Portable
These are small projectors designed to be carried frequently from room to room. There are quite simple models that do not have horizontal and vertical image correction – that is, the device must be placed exactly opposite the screen and at the appropriate height. True, for most gadgets, the ideal height is not necessary, since due to the legs you can adjust their angle of inclination and they have the ability to correct. The most technologically advanced models can run on batteries and have the ability to wirelessly connect to various devices, including smartphones. It’s a pity the speakers on most portable devices can’t provide good sound.
Stationary
Such devices are more massive and often weigh more than 6 kilograms. They are not designed for frequent carrying, so they work only from the network and, in general, do not have the ability to wirelessly connect. Often, such devices are hung from the ceiling, put on shelves, and placed on a bedside table in the corner of the room. Since they are not aimed directly at the screen, they are equipped with a movable lens that can be rotated in all directions. This is how the image is aligned. Stationary devices differ from portable ones in the better image and sound quality.
Universal
Such gadgets are more portable and often outperform them in picture quality. In order to reduce the cost, they do not put a relocatable lens on them. Instead, you need to move the device itself. For example, you can put it on the floor opposite the screen before viewing it and then remove it. Some models have the ability to wirelessly connect, which is convenient if you use them not only for movie shows but also for games. This is a cross between the two previous projector form factors.
Type
The type of projector determines the focus of the lens used in it. Depending on this, the installation distance of the device differs from the surface that will act as a screen, it is called the screen distance. You can understand its meaning by knowing the projection ratio. This is the distance between the lens and the surface divided by the image width. The reverse calculation is also possible. For example, the image width is 200 cm and the throw ratio is 1.5. Multiplying these numbers, we get 300 cm, that is, we install the galaxy projector 3 meters from the picture. It should be borne in mind that many modern devices have the ability to change the focus.
- Traditional:They are placed at a considerable distance from the surface, which will act as a screen. At home, they are not particularly convenient because viewers need to be placed either behind the apparatus or on the sides of it. Otherwise, there will be interference in the projection path – in other words, silhouettes on the screen.
- Short focus:These devices need only be placed at a distance equal to half the width of the image. For a 200 cm screen, it will equal a meter.
- Ultra-short throw: They can be placed close to the screen – at a distance of several centimeters.
Brightness
Brightness determines what ambient light will be acceptable for using the device, as well as the possible width of the image. The projector emits light, which is reflected from the screen – due to this, you can see what is happening on it. But if the ambient light exceeds the brightness of the device itself, the picture will be very faded. It is also worth considering the scattering of light.
The closer its source to the reflective surface, the less it is. There are several units for measuring brightness – for such gadgets, it is usually considered in lumens (lm). Based on this value, you can understand what the device is capable of. But it should be borne in mind that some manufacturers may declare indicators higher than the real ones.
- 500-1000 lm – low brightness: Devices with such indicators are best operated in complete darkness. However, it is also possible in dim lighting – for example, during the day, in a room with tightly closed windows. True, in this case, the image will become less contrasting, it will look relatively faded.
- 1000-2000 lm – average brightness: With such indicators, the picture will be perfect even in a semi-dark room, but you can try to watch it in daylight.
- 2000-4000 lm – high brightness: With such brightness, sunlight is not terrible. You can use the projector instead of a TV at any time of the day.
