Projectors

Lamp vs. LED vs. Laser projector

There are now several different projectors, and below you can read about the most common and popular projectors.

LED projectors typically have a longer lifespan in the bulb compared to a DLP or LCD projector.

However, LEDs are not as powerful a light source and can therefore be somewhat dimmer in image quality compared to other lamp-based projectors.

Laser projectors are often the most expensive and represent the latest technology in projectors.

Lasers typically outlast both LED and lamp-based projectors and provide a better and sharper image than the others.

Lamp projectors like DLP and LCD often allow for the bulb to be replaced when it reaches the end of its life, while LED usually lasts even longer than the projector itself.

You can read more about DLP and LCD in the section below.

DLP vs. LCD

DLP stands for Digital Light Processing, which is a technology that uses a small chip made of tiny mirrors and a color wheel, which together create the image.

Behind the color wheel and chip sits a bulb, and in front of the wheel and chip sits a lens.

LCD functions similarly to DLP in some respects, in that it also uses a bulb and a lens, where the light from the bulb is sent through a prism.

One of the downsides of DLP is that it can create what's called a "Rainbow effect," where some viewers may notice a lighter "rainbow" like edge around the outlines of objects and characters in films.

This often occurs with cheaper DLP projectors and is not such a common phenomenon with more expensive models.

LCD is often cheaper than DLP but also requires more maintenance, including replacing the dust filter.

DLP has a higher pixel count and can therefore provide a more defined image, but overall there isn't much that separates the two lamp technologies.

12 important projector features and specifications

#1 Remote control

Most projectors come with a remote control, making it easy to manage the projection.

Among other things, you can turn on/off, adjust the volume up and down, switch between connected devices, etc., so you don’t have to get up and go over to the projector every time you want to change something.

Especially if the projector is mounted on the ceiling, it’s a good idea to have a remote control included, so you don’t have to climb on a stool or stand on your toes every time you need to operate the projector.

#2 Resolution

The resolution that different projectors are available in can vary, but the best projectors have a resolution of 4K, which corresponds to 3840x2160.

To achieve a good resolution and image quality that is not grainy and washed out, you should consider a projector that is at least 720p HD quality, but as mentioned, 4K is currently the best on the market.

#3 Lamp lifespan (DLP and LCD)

If you choose an LCD or DLP projector, it will be equipped with a bulb that has an approximate lifespan.

When the bulb’s lifespan ends, you can simply buy a new bulb for it or a completely new lamp, and it can be used again.

There can be a significant difference in how long a projector lamp lasts; generally, the LCD projector has a longer lifespan than DLP.

LCD lasts around 2000 - 15000 hours, and DLP lasts about 2000 - 5000 hours, but as mentioned, the bulb can be replaced, so that doesn't mean you have to buy a new projector.

#4 Viewing modes

Some projectors come with different viewing modes, which means that you can save on the bulb's lifespan, for instance.

One of the modes is called “eco mode,” which helps extend the bulb's life in the projector, but it also means that it doesn't perform at its best.

Additionally, there are also modes that run at high pressure and thus strain the lamp more to provide you with a better image and brightness.

#5 Battery or wired

A projector must either be powered by a battery or through a cord plugged into an electrical outlet.

Typically, larger standard projectors require power through a cord and mini projectors usually have a built-in battery that needs to be charged occasionally.

Mini projectors often have a rechargeable battery for ease of use anywhere.

The rechargeable battery also means that there’s a certain operating time for the projector before it runs out of battery.

Of course, there is also a charging time before the projector is ready for use again.

#6 App control

Some projectors can be controlled via a companion app to make it easy for the viewer, so they don’t have to find a remote control to use it.

Some models come without remote control and are instead used with an app or controlled directly from the projector itself.

#7 iOS and Android compatible

There are projectors that are compatible with smartphones, so you can stream movies from your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and display them on the projector and onto a screen.

#8 Brightness / Lumens

Brightness is often indicated as lumens and typically falls between 1000-6000 lumens.

Projectors that are around 1000-2500 lumens are typically best suited for smaller rooms, especially with dim lighting.

With a lumen of 2600-4500, the projector is good for medium-sized rooms, such as classrooms, offices, and larger home theaters.

When we reach 4600-6000 lumens, the projector is particularly well suited for large conference and lecture halls and other larger gathering areas.

#9 Quiet fan

The fan in the projector can in some cases be somewhat noisy due to the airflow.

Therefore, it might be a good idea to look for a projector with a quiet fan, so that you are not disturbed by the noise while watching movies on your projector.

#10 Smart home projector

Some newer projectors can become part of your Smart Home and communicate with other Smart Devices in your home.

Some smart home assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are supported among others.

#11 Speakers

Some projectors come with built-in speakers that you can either use with the projector when, for example, watching movies, or you can also use them separately as standalone speakers.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to ensure that there is a good sound system in the speakers, especially if they will also be used a lot as standalone speakers, but of course also for a good sound experience.

#12 Built-in or support for Android TV

There are also projectors that have built-in Android TV or support it so that you can access apps like YouTube and other streaming services and thereby watch TV series and movies directly on the projector.

This also makes your projector a bit more flexible and gives it many of the same features as a Smart TV.

Mini projector / nano projector

Mini or nano projectors are small and compact projectors that are easy to transport as they do not weigh or take up much space.

They can easily fit in a bag and enable you to watch movies on a big screen even when you are not at home.

All it requires to set it up is a bare wall, screen, or similar, so you can create a small cinema in many different places.

The vast majority of mini projectors are compatible with smartphones and have features that are more or less the same as standard-sized projectors.

You can find mini projectors that can go up to a resolution of around 720p; anything above that is nearly impossible to fit in such a small projector, so you won't find any in 4K.

Projector for gaming

Many believe that projectors are primarily for cinemas and classrooms, but in fact, you can also use a projector for gaming.

In fact, there are projectors specifically designed for gaming, which can ensure low latency so that there is no lag in the game, resulting in a good quality gaming experience.

You can connect devices such as PCs, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and other types of game consoles.

This allows you to have the gaming experience on a big screen, which can be especially fun if you have several friends or family members sitting together, so everyone can easily see what's going on.

With gaming via a projector on a large screen, you can almost feel like you are part of the game and it works therefore especially well with open-world games, so it feels like you are really exploring the world.

6 Things to consider before buying a projector

Before you buy a projector, you should consider what features it needs to meet your needs.

#1 Where will the projector be used?

It's not entirely irrelevant which room your projector will be used in, especially if you choose one that is to be permanently installed in the room.

Projectors have something called throw, which is the distance the projector should have to the screen to create a good image that fits in size.

So if you have a very small room, it won't do any good to buy a projector with long throw distance, as it will need to be positioned far from the screen.

Instead, you need one with short or ultra-short throw, meaning a short throw distance so that it fits into your small room, as this means that the projector must be very close to the screen.

If, on the other hand, you have a large or long room, you can easily choose a projector with a longer throw.

Often, you can see on the projector how many inches of screen it is suitable for or what the maximum it can handle is.

Additionally, you can also look at the projector's aspect ratio

#2 How will it be set up?

There are a few different ways you can set up a projector beyond just placing it on a table.

For example, you can get ceiling mounts, so the projector is securely attached to the ceiling and makes it harder to accidentally knock it down, which is a risk if it stands freely on a table.

There are also stands available where you can secure the projector, allowing it to be securely fastened and the stand can be anchored to the floor to prevent it from tipping or being moved.

#3 Installed or portable projector?

Will you be creating the big home cinema experience, taking it on the go, or using it in an office or classroom?

If you want the option to take the projector with you or easily move it from room to room, you should consider a mini or nano projector.

These projectors are very small and fit in most bags and can easily be taken out of the house.

If you just want one that is portable within the same building, you might consider buying a projector stand with wheels, so you can roll it around.

If you need to use it in classrooms or in the office for important meetings, you should choose a larger model that fits the room's size and has a lumen suitable for the room's light conditions.

#4 What inputs do you need?

You should be aware of what inputs you might need on the projector.

For example, this could be if you want to connect external speakers, mobile phones, or other devices that can play movies and other media that can be projected or displayed on the projector.

If the projector you fall in love with does not have the right inputs that you need, you may want to check if you can get adapters for your inputs that are compatible with the projector.

However, most projectors have various input types, so most devices can be connected.

#5 What features do you need?

If you have a Smart Home setup, you might choose a projector with Smart Home support.

It may also be that you want to easily pair it with your phone and control the projector via an app, so it is a good idea to look for one that has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

You can also find projectors with built-in Android TV so that you can easily access apps through your projector.

#6 Do you want particularly good sound?

If you want the best sound from the projector, you can find projectors that focus particularly on audio.

Some are equipped with slightly larger speakers to provide greater sound quality.

Additionally, there are projectors that support Dolby Audio, so you can get an extra sharp and deep sound.

You can, of course, also always choose to connect the projector with external speakers for a surround sound experience.

Home theater projector

When choosing a projector for your home theater, you should pay attention to the size of the room, as this is crucial for your experience with home cinema.

There is indeed a difference in the projector's throw ratio, which determines how far away from the screen the projector can be before the image becomes blurry and you lose quality.

Therefore, for small home theaters, you should choose a projector with short or ultra-short throw, and for larger home theaters, you can opt for one with a long throw.

Additionally, you should also be aware of how much light is in the room; whether a lot of natural light comes in or if you have completely darkened the room will impact how much lumen you should look for.

The lumen on the projector can react to the light conditions in the room, thus affecting the quality of the image you get.

For example, if it is too dark and you have a very high lumen, the image can become very bright and uncomfortable to watch for extended periods of time.

On the other hand, if it is too bright and you have a low lumen, the image will become very difficult to see and washed out.

It is therefore important that you have the room for your home theater in mind during the purchase process of the projector.

You will likely be using your home theater to watch movies, so you may also choose a projector that can do cinemascope, which is a viewing mode often used for films.

This makes the image more rectangular and thus broader to provide a cinematic feel.

A large part of the cinema experience is good sound, so consider a projector with particularly good speakers.

For instance, you can check if it supports Dolby Audio, which provides the ultimate cinema sound at home.

Frequently asked questions about projectors

What is a projector used for?

A projector is used to project films, documents, images, or other visuals onto a screen so they can be viewed in a larger format. This is why you often see projectors in cinemas, home theaters, classrooms, and offices.

How does a projector work?

A projector transmits an image through a lens, using light and colors, either from a small lamp or LED lights, and various forms of color sources such as a prism or color wheel. Often, small or micro mirrors are also used to send the image out through the lens and onto a screen or another reflective surface.

Can you get a projector for Android and iPhone?

You can connect smartphones such as Android and iPhone to most projectors via cable, and in some cases, you can also connect them via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi if the projector supports wireless connection.