Five useful tips to consider when buying a projector

More people are opting for projectors in the home, office and classroom, not only to enhance the viewing experience but also to make learning and even business presentations more effective and productive.

There are, however, a number of factors to consider before rushing out and purchasing the first projector you find. Trying to understanding complex terminology when it comes to product specifications is just one of the aspects that can become confusing, not to mention understanding which type of projector best suits your specific needs.

Epson shares a useful guide to purchasing a projector, to help you find the right one for you.

1. Brightness and clarity

If the projector will be used in a large and well-lit space, it would be wise to invest in one that offers an above-average picture brightness and clarity to allow audiences to view details in images and videos without having to squint at the screen. In addition, brighter colours capture and maintain interest, especially when it comes to teaching school children or delivering a business presentation. For instance, Epson projectors offer up to three times the brightness than most other leading projector models on the market.

2. Ease of use

No matter how tech savvy you are, a projector needs to be simple enough to set up and operate using just the manual and a bit of logic – the last thing you need in an important meeting is having to fumble with cables and complicated settings just to get the projector to work! Opt for a model with a simple and user-friendly interface – connectivity is also important, so be sure to check that the model you choose has wireless capabilities. As simplistic as it may sound, choosing a projector with control buttons that are easy to see, reach and operate also enhances the user experience of the product.

3. Resolution

Resolution refers to the amount of data that can be displayed on the screen at any given time, and is arguably one of the most important features to get your head around before deciding on a projector. Projectors with higher resolutions might seem like the obvious choice, but the quality of the image you see largely depends on the resolution of the device connected to the projector.

4. Size matters

Thankfully, the days of dragging out the old bulky overhead projector are well and truly behind us. Today, projectors are compact enough to go unnoticed, and the size of the projected image depends on your unique needs. You can also opt for a portable projector to take along with you to new business meetings and off-site presentations.

      5.  Lamp life

For those who are likely to use projectors more frequently than others – especially home theatre users – choose a make with longer-lasting lamps to avoid having to constantly spend money on replacements. Depending on the manufacturer, lamps usually have life span of 2000 – 3000 hours, but even the slightest drop in lamp brightness will require a brand new replacement. This is why it is important to opt for a brand of projector that makes use of parts that are built to last you longer than others.