The InFocus LCD Projector .(lcd projector screens)

lcd projector screens

If you are planning to buy a LCD projector that offers you both reliability as well as quality, go for InFocus. It is a US based company that is holding a major share in the business of LCD projectors. You can get these projectors in both variants, home theater and education. All of Infocus LCD projectors use screens that are of premium quality. Owing to robust business needs, you also need to go for projectors that are light in weight offering maximum portability. You can get a business projector for a competitive price offered by this model. The resolution of the screen is guaranteed as it uses screens made by prominent brands such as Vutec and Carada.

One of the best LCD projector models offered by Infocus is InFocus Play Big IN82. It provides images and visuals that are of crystal clear quality. Care has been taken in the design of this projector to avoid any sharp edges. Mounting this projector is really easy. It works equally well when you place it on a table or on shelf. It has got a capacity of 1500 lumen which guarantees high brightness. You can adjust the settings as per your requirements. If you are looking for cheaper models, you can go for IN76 or IN78. This projector is available in black color.

InFocus LitePro 220 LCD projector

This projector can be readily used for any requirement, be it academic or professional. Hence, it can be found commonly in most of the classrooms and offices. It is one of the best projectors in the 200 series that is easy to carry and you won't find any problem plugging it in. You can obtain bright images as the resolution produced is of high quality due to the efficiency of the lens.

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LCD Projectors.(lcd projector screens)

lcd projector screens

LCD projectors are the modern equivalent of the slide and overhead projector. LCD projectors use a small and usually colored LCD panel placed before a bright lamp, with the images on the screen provided by sources such as a DVD, VCR or a computer. LCD projectors are generally smaller in size and more easily transportable than former systems. Armed with a lens capable of projecting the images on any surface with a flat plane and not requiring supporting furniture like a big-sized television would, LCD projectors are getting increasingly viable with each passing day.

There are certain things to take into account when purchasing an LCD projector. The projector's resolution generally determines the price; the higher the resolution, the greater the price. If the need is for minute details to be precisely displayed, then higher resolution projectors are the way to go. The LCD projector's light output depends on the lumens rating, i.e. the higher the lumens rating the brighter the light output. For classrooms, projectors of 1000-2000 lumens suffice; for big conference rooms, the ideal projectors would be those between 2000-3000 lumens.

The ratio between the brightest and darkest spots of an image is called the projector contrast. When purchasing LCD projectors, it is feasible to go for contrasts of 400:1 or higher. This way the best and the clearest pictures are achieved.

If the projector is to be carried around to different locations, then it is best to purchase a light projector. Many LCD projectors today weigh below five pounds. The lighter projectors generally cost more though. Also, it is viable to get an LCD projector with multiple ports, in the event that you want to connect multiple video or computer sources to the projector simultaneously. Another factor that should be considered is the durability of the lamp. Replacements can be an exorbitant deal. A lamp life of 2000 hours is just about ideal.

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LCD Projectors - Why Businesses Need LCD Projectors.(lcd projector screens)

lcd projector screens

Businesses need projectors as they can be used in many ways. Nowadays, businesses use projectors to present sales figures and year end revenue reports to board members, train employees and presenting products or services to clients. Therefore, a projector is definitely a good investment for your company.

Before you buy a projector for your company, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of projectors. Today, there are many models for you to choose from and each of them varies in price. In this article, let me share with you the tips to choose a projector that fits your needs and budget.

First of all, you need to understand the difference between a LCD and DLP projector. LCD projectors have many advantages over DLP models and I will advise you to get a LCD model.

The key difference between these 2 types of model is that a LCD projector produces sharper images than a DLP model. If you have seen the images displayed by a DLP projector, you will notice that the images tend to get fuzzy around the edges. On the other hand, a LCD projector can display a very sharp image with no fuzzy edges.

Another difference is that a LCD projector generates higher light efficiency ratio. With higher light efficiency ratio, the images are brighter and clearer when compared to the images displayed by a DLP projector.

However, DLP projectors also have their advantages too. One thing that you may have noticed is that a LCD projector produces images using individual pixels. So these pixels can sometimes be seen on large display screen. But this will not be a problem if you use a DLP projector because they do not produce images using individual pixels.

So by now, you can see that both LCD and DLP projectors have their advantages and disadvantages. Before you purchase a projector, make sure that you conduct a thorough research first. Go to the Internet and look for reviews and forums. Read the reviews and shortlist a few models first. Then contact the vendors and ask for more information. Allow them to recommend you the best projector for your needs and budget. Also, remember to compare the price between different vendors before you buy one.

Setting up a projector is not hard as it does not require a fair amount of technical knowledge. By following the instructions in the user guide, you can easily set it up and use it for presentations.

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Digital LCD Projectors .(lcd projector screens)

lcd projector screens

Digital projectors are the modern replacements for the rather traditional transparency projectors. Transparency projectors worked by shining light through a semi-transparent material. Digital projectors, by contrast, project a digital image directly from a computer through a lens on to a screen.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) digital projectors are much lighter and more portable than their CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) versions, making them widely popular. With the advent of new LCD technologies, digital projectors have been developed which have very clear and crisp fidelity even at large projection sizes. The LCDs used in digital projectors are approximately the size of a small color slide, and in fact the projectors operate very much like a traditional slide projector. The main difference is that the slide is constantly changing.

A Digital LCD projector has its light source contained within its base. It projects light upwards through the transparent image (which sits on a glass "stage") to a lens on the top ("head") of the unit and out onto the projection screen. In other words, the light shines through the image to project it. These projectors work well with printed film transparencies or an LCD panel computer display and provide bright, sharp images.

Slightly higher end Digital LCD Projectors can be used for Cinema/exhibition, Post-production, On-screen advertising, Digital film mastering, Multi-media theatrical productions or other large entertainment venues. Most of the recent Digital LCD projectors can be installed with existing film projectors and also provide an interface for theatre automation equipment.

The future of digital projectors is exciting, with new technologies constantly being developed. As more and more theatres switch to digital projection, consumers cannot help but reap the benefits. As these technologies become more affordable they will inevitably find their way into home systems and allow each of us to experience the joy of a full theatre projection in our own home.

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Information on LCD Projectors .(lcd projector screens)

lcd projector screens

Technology these days has really taken off. There are so many new technologies coming out, and keeping up with them can be overwhelming. There are great devices being made every year that seem to baffle the mind. For example, there are mp3 players and iPods that can hold thousands of songs on them, and they are the size of a thumb! It is simply amazing! Another great invention is the invention of LCD televisions. These televisions have also evolved into things such as a LCD projector. There are many great features and benefits of owning a projector that uses new technology.

There are many benefits to having a LCD projector. A projector can display things such as videos, computer data, or other images. These images are projected onto a flat surface such as a screen that usually rolls down. A screen is not necessary however, and a flat, blank wall will do just as good. A LCD projector tends to work a little bit differently in order to give you a better picture. The picture quality of a LCD projector is much better and more advanced than that of older projectors. You will definitely notice the difference in picture quality right away.

The way that a LCD projector works is quite complex. What happens is light is sent from a metal halide lamp through a prism. This prism then separates the light that is sent to it into three poly silicone panels. These three panels are for the red, blue, and green components of the signal the video puts out. Each individual pixel will display a specific color of light. Because each pixel has its own color, the color can be much more focused. This is what gives you the great picture quality that you get with LCD products.

The benefits of using a LCD projector are vast. First off, a projector is generally quite small. A small projector also means that it is much more portable than other projection systems. The image quality is dependent on a few things. First thing is the quality of the projector, and with a LCD projector you will have a great picture. Also, the background screen is vital to a good picture. A nice, flat, white screen will give the best picture. Even though a wall can be used, it will not be able to give you the kind of quality that a white projection screen can give.

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Epson Powerlite V11H336120 Home Cinema 8100 1080p LCD Home Theater Projector

Captivating quality and color at a compelling price point. — Experience rich cinematic adventures at home with the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8100. This affordable projector puts you in the middle of the action with blockbuster brightness and contrast. Whether you enjoy movies, games or sporting events, every image is sure to pop off the screen thanks to Epson’s D7 chip and an impressive contrast ratio up to 36,000:1. With Epson’s 3LCD, 3-chip optical engine, 1800 lumens of color and white light output^* and HDMI connectivity, you get dynamic high-definition performance. Best of all, with the exclusive cinema filter from Epson and powerful lens by Fujinon^® — a brand trusted by renowned Hollywood filmmakers — you’re sure to experience movies like never before. And, it offers easy maintenance with an efficient cooling system and convenient dust filtration system. So, bring home the PowerLite Home Cinema 8100, for big-screen entertainment you have to see to believe — all at an incredible value.





Quality and Color That’s Beyond Amazing

3LCD technology delivers amazing color and detail. Whether it’s a blockbuster movie or live sporting event, 3LCD technology takes video performance to the next level. Delivering legendary image quality, this innovative technology always ensures a stunning cinematic experience.
Color — 3LCD technology goes far beyond ordinary color. "Clear," "rich" and "vibrant" barely begin to describe the incredible depth and brilliance it delivers. The impact is stunning. It’s an astonishing level of realism you never thought possible.
Reliability — 3LCD technology is durable and dependable. Road-tested by millions of projector users around the world, it has been used in more projection products than any other.
Detail — 3LCD technology offers extraordinary detail. And detail is what exceptional image quality is all about — from movies to videogames, 3LCD light engines deliver incredible, jaw-dropping detail — the kind that puts you right in the middle of where the action is.

Amazing Color and White Light Output

Color light output is a metric reported in lumens. It measures a projector’s ability to deliver color. Developed by color scientists, color light output provides a simple and accurate way to evaluate projector color performance, which helps end users make better buying decisions. Color light output is critically important because color is a key indicator of picture quality. When color light output and white light output are equivalent, you get optimal color performance. With Epson, you can be confident you’re getting what you need because Epson measures white light output according to the ISO 21118 standard, a more rigid standard than the maximum or outdated ANSI lumens rating used by competitive products.

Energy-efficient E-TORL^® Lamp

The innovative E-TORL lamp, exclusively from Epson, is a reliable performer that delivers more lumens per watt and lasts up to 4000 hours.^** Switch the projector to High Brightness Mode and the E-TORL lamp still produces up to 4000 hours of light performance. The special E-TORL design minimizes both light diffraction and light leakage, providing you the ultimate in lamp longevity. So, while the E-TORL lamp maximizes your viewing time, it also minimizes your costs.

Home Entertainment Made Easy

The PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 provides astonishing placement flexibility with a 2.1x zoom ratio and vertical and horizontal lens shift (without image distortion). Additionally, there are two HDMI ports for flexible connectivity options. The PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 works with any blank wall or screen and projects DVD movies up to eight times larger than they would appear on a 40" widescreen TV. In fact, it displays an 80", widescreen image from just 8 feet away, or a 120" image from just 12 feet away.

OptiCinema^™ Lens for Outstanding Picture Quality and Easy Set Up

The OptiCinema lens system is a precision, high-quality, optical grade system. Co-developed with Fujinon, a top supplier of precision camera optics to the world’s leading HD camera makers, this system offers excellent picture uniformity and clarity across the screen.

Features/Benefits

• Rich, vibrant color and reliable performance — 3LCD, 3-chip optical engine
• High-definition, 1080p home theater experience — D7 chip delivers 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Astounding clarity — up to 36,000:1 contrast ratio (Auto Iris On)
• Stunning picture uniformity and clarity — state-of-the-art lens by Fujinon
• Amazing, true-to-life color — Epson exclusive cinema filter with an expanded color gamut
• Brilliant images, anytime, day or night — 1800 lumens color light output, 1800 lumens white light output^*
• Unobtrusive operation — low fan noise (just 22 dB) so the audience can focus on the soundtrack
• Cutting-edge connectivity — two HDMI ports for maximum flexibility
• Energy-efficient E-TORL lamp — 200 W lamp lasts up to 4000 hours^**
• Smooth gradations — 10-bit panel driver
• Ideal for fast-action movies, TV shows — advanced, high-speed auto iris function adjusts light output up to 60 times per second
• Easy maintenance — convenient dust filtration system with large surface area for greater efficiency
• Outstanding support — 2-year limited warranty; two-business-day shipping service
• Dimensions (W x D x H) — Excluding feet: 17.7" x 14.2" x 5.4" and Weight 16.1 lb

Epson Home Entertainment Projectors

Epson high-definition projectors take home theater entertainment to a whole new level, featuring color and detail that’s sure to win rave reviews from friends and family alike. With the vivid realism of Epson 3LCD technology, these projectors will make your home the hottest ticket in town. Experience movies, games and sporting events like you never have before. Designed by the world leader in projectors, these models are the ideal choice for amazing home entertainment that all are sure to enjoy.

What’s in the Box

• PowerLite Home Cinema 8100
• Power cable
• Projector remote control with batteries
• User manual

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Eco Features

• Designed to be recycled^****

* Light output varies depending on modes (color and white light output). White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard.
** Lamp life will vary depending upon mode selected, environmental conditions and usage. Lamp brightness decreases over time.
*** See our website for convenient and reasonable recycling options at www.epson.com/recycle

Epson and E-TORL are registered trademarks, Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark and Better Products for a Better Future is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2009 Epson America, Inc. 8/09

Product Features

• Rich, vibrant color and reliable performance ? 3LCD, 3-chip optical engine
• High-definition, 1080p home theater experience ? D7 panel delivers 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Astounding clarity ? 36,000:1 contrast ratio
• Stunning picture uniformity and clarity ? stateof- the-art lens by Fujinon
• Amazing, true-to-life color ? Epson exclusive Cinema Filter with an expanded color gamut

Technical Details

• Brand Name: Epson
• Model: V11H336120
• Hardware Platform: PC
• Display: LCD projector
• Display Color Support: 10-bit color
• Display Resolution Maximum: 1920 x 1080
• Image Brightness: 1800 ANSI lumens
• Lamp: E-TORL UHE
• Audio Output Type: None
• Width: 17.7 inches
• Depth: 15.5 inches
• Height: 5.7 inches
• Weight: 16.1 pounds

Epson Powerlite V11H336120 Home Cinema 8100 1080p LCD Home Theater Projector

Epson EX31 Multimedia Projector.(lcd projector screens)

A smart choice with proven performance, the Epson EX31 delivers bright, colorful images in any room thanks to Epson’s innovative 3LCD, 3-chip technology. With 2500 lumens of white light output and 2500 lumens of color light output*, the EX31 ensures brilliant images and true-to-life color. With a host of convenient features, this compact SVGA projector offers the power and versatility you’ve come to expect from the world leader in multimedia projectors. The EX31 is easy to use with innovative control features and connectivity options. With USB Plug ‘n Play instant setup connecting to a PC has never been easier. And with an included carrying case and remote control, the lightweight EX31 is ready when you are, wherever your presentations take you. Ideal for the office or at home, the Epson EX31 makes it easy to achieve amazing results.
Epson EX series Ready for action in the office, at home or on the go, Epson EX projectors offer vibrant, true-to-life color for powerful presentations and exciting entertainment options. Enjoy instant setup with one-step USB Plug ‘n Play capabilities from your PC. Maximize your presentation time and minimize your costs with a one-year limited warranty with Road Service, plus an energy-efficient E-TORL lamp that lasts up to 5000 hours.^***

Fast, easy setup and control

Advanced USB Plug ‘n Play instant setup for PC’s
With advanced USB connectivity, exclusively from Epson, you get no-hassle, USB Plug ‘n Play instant setup. No more pressing complicated computer function key sequences to display an image via a VGA cable, though you still have the option to do so. With USB Plug ‘n Play instant setup, you just plug in a standard USB cable and begin your presentation! Instantly view your images on both the screen and PC, simultaneously. Quick, convenient control
The Epson EX31 offers a host of user-friendly features for quick, convenient control. With Instant Off/On, there’s no warmup or cool down time required. If you chose to install your projector, power the projector on and off with the flip of a wall switch with Direct Power On/Off. Use the A/V Mute Slide, or Sleep Mode, to instantly pause the presentation so the audience can focus their attention on the presenter, as opposed to what’s being projected. If the slide is closed for a set period of time, the projector goes into Sleep Mode, which can be set to activate at any time between 1 and 30 minutes. This convenient feature is not only energy efficient, it contributes to a lower overall cost of ownership.


3LCD technology — for quality and color that’s beyond amazing
3LCD technology delivers amazing color and detail. Whether it’s big-screen entertainment or a boardroom presentation, 3LCD technology takes video performance to the next level. Delivering legendary image quality, this innovative technology always ensures powerful visual presentations.
3 chips in every projector for full-time color — With its 3-chip design, 3LCD delivers clear and vibrant images that are so true to life, you may not believe your eyes.
Road-tested reliability — 3LCD technology has been the world’s leading projection technology for 20 years and has consistently been the choice for users who demand long-life performance and reliability.
Energy-efficient light engine — The 3LCD light engine efficiently uses available lamp light to create stunning images. In contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires 25% less electricity per lumen of brightness.^**

Amazing color and white light output With Epson projectors, your presentations are sure to shine bright. The Epson EX31 delivers 2500 lumens of color light output and 2500 lumens of white light output^* for rich, colorful images. Whether you’re projecting images with deep, dark colors or a white screen with minimal text or graphics, you get consistent light output. And, with Epson, you can be confident you’re getting what you need because Epson measures white light output according to the ISO 21118 standard, a more rigid standard than the maximum or outdated ANSI lumens rating used by competitive products.


Energy-efficient E-TORL^® lamp The innovative E-TORL lamp, exclusively from Epson, is a reliable performer that delivers more lumens per watt and lasts up to 5000 hours.^*** Switch the projector to Normal Mode and the E-TORL lamp still produces up to 4000 hours of light performance. The special E-TORL design minimizes both light diffraction and light leakage, providing you the ultimate in lamp longevity. And, E-TORL replacement lamps cost up to $100 less than competing replacement lamps. So, while the E-TORL lamp maximizes your presentation time, it also minimizes your costs.

Eco Features Energy-efficient 3LCD light engine** Designed to be recycled****

Features/Benefits

• Rich, vibrant color and reliable performance — 3LCD, 3-chip technology
• Amazing image quality — native SVGA resolution up to 1400 x 1050; up to 2000:1 contrast ratio
• USB Plug ‘n Play, instant setup — instantly projects images from a PC via a USB connection
• Super bright and colorful — 2500 lumens color light output, 2500 lumens white light output^*
• Quick, convenient control — Instant Off/On, Sleep Mode (A/V Mute), Direct Power Off
• Auto image alignment — automatic keystone correction, 1.36x digital zoom
• Energy-efficient E-TORL lamp — up to 5000-hour lamp life^***
• Filters to protect your investment — with easy side access for hassle-free maintenance
• Dimensions (W x D x H) — Including feet: 11.6" x 9.0" x 3.1", Excluding feet: 11.6" x 9.0" x 3.0" and Weight 5.1 lb

What’s in the Box
EX31 projector Power cable Computer cable (VGA) USB cable Projector remote control with batteries Soft carrying case User manual CD Quick Setup Sheet PrivateLine support card Registration card, and password protection sticker

* Light output varies depending on modes (color and white light output). White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard.
** Data source: ProjectorCentral.com Jan 2009. Average of 796 shipping models for which the manufacturers provided lumens and total power data, all resolutions and brightness levels. Energy efficiency was measured as wattage per lumen. It was measured for both 3LCD and 1-chip projectors in six different lumens categories. 3LCD projectors averaged less required electricity per lumen in each of the six categories.
*** Lamp life will vary depending upon mode selected, environmental conditions and usage. Lamp brightness decreases over time.
**** See our website for convenient and reasonable recycling options at www.epson.com/recycle


Epson, E-TORL and Instant Off are registered trademarks, Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark and Better Products for a Better Future is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. 7/09

 

Epson EX31 Multimedia Projector

Sony Alpha PCK-LH3AM LCD Protective Cover (Clear).(lcd projector screens)

LCD protector helps protect from cracks and damages and is made from durable polycarbonate materials. 

For anyone that has a A300 or a A350 like i do, you need this item. It doesn't sound like much, but, i got to see first hand at a car show how handy these screen covers are.

I saw a guy sweating all over his screen, and ever since then i knew i would need one to protect the screen. Now that i got the A350, it is a welcome addition

Product Features

• LCD helps protect from cracks and damages

Made of durable polycarbonate materials.

• LCD Screen protector

Technical Details

• Model: PCK-LH3AM 
• Model Name: LCD PROTECTOR 

 

Sony Alpha PCK-LH3AM LCD Protective Cover (Clear)

3M Pocket Projector MPRO120--.33LBS.(lcd projector screens)

The 3M™ MPro120 Pocket Projector is a next-generation handheld, battery-operated projector. Whether you’re making an impromptu business presentation or sharing photos with friends, the MPro120 allows you to project images and videos on almost any wall, almost anywhere. Images can be displayed on-the-fly from computers or mobile devices including MP3 players or iPods, smartphones and digital cameras. Project image sizes from 8” to 50”. Built-in speakers provide sound. The energy-saving LED light lasts 20,000 hours. Cables, a protective bag, re-chargeable battery, a table-top tripod and a 1 year warranty are included. Best of all, it fits in your pocket.

Turn almost any space into a meeting room. Share video, photos and presentations.

Share fun images, videos and even demos right on the spot.

Plays well with others.

The 3M(TM) Mpro120 works with computers, cell phones, MP3 / Mp4 Players, PDAs and more to project files, photos and movies almost anywhere there’s a surface.

The Latest and Greatest.

3M pioneered the pocket projector; now we’re making it even better. The 3M MPro120 projects images from 8 to 50 inches and incorporates next-generation features like built-in sound, a brighter and more colorful picture, plus battery life that lasts 2 – 4 hours. Its also one of the most affordable full-featured microprojectors on the market.

With the 3M MPro120 in your pocket, you can turn almost any space into your personal projection room. Thanks to energy-efficient LED technology, it can deliver a whopping 20,000 hours of operation (typical LED life). Its unique Brightness Boost lets you increase luminosity by 20% at the touch of a button. And with 3M’s enhanced battery life, you can enjoy a full two-hour movie without plugging in

 
Fun, versatile and small enough to fit in your pocket. 

Packed with Features

• Project from your computer, iPod(R), iPhone(R), and devices with video out
• Share videos, pictures and presentations
• Features 2 built-in speakers - no extra speakers to carry
• Up to 4 hours of battery life – watch a full length movie
• Includes battery, AC adapter/charger, cables, tripod and a 1 year warranty
• Not intended to replace conference room projectors
• Up to 50" image in controlled lighting
• Audience of 1-5 people

What’s in the Box
Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery , Power Adapter with US, EU, UK, and AUS Plugs, Video Cable, Comouter Cable, Table Top Tripod, Car Chargers (Optional), Adapter cable for Apple® products (Optional) 

Product Features

• The 3M MPro120 projects images from 8 to 50 inches
• Two integrated, half-watt stereo speakers help transform the MPro120 into a self-contained presentation device
• Projects eight to 50-inch still or moving image stored on a video capable pass-through device
• Uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon(LCOS) technology for superb image quality and minimization of component size.
• LED light source with 20,000 hour life means the unit is environmentally friendly and there is no need for a replacement bulb

Technical Details

• Brand Name: 3M
• Model: 78-9236-7713-8
• Hardware Platform: PC
• Display: LCOS projector
• Minimum Image Size: 6 inches
• Maximum Image Size: 3.2 feet
• Minimum Screen Distance: 1 feet
• Maximum Screen Distance: 6 feet
• Display Resolution Maximum: 640 x 480
• Audio Output Type: None
• Width: 2 inches
• Depth: 4.5 inches
• Height: 0.9 inches
• Weight: 5.6 Ounces

3M Pocket Projector MPRO120--.33LBS

The Right Projector Screen Can Save You Money!.(lcd projector screens)

lcd projector screens

At the LCD Projector Center we concentrate very much on LCD projectors, so why am I writing about projector screens? Quite simple really. Buying your lcd projector in isolation from the screen without considering how they work together is likely to cost you more and give you less than perfect results.

How can picking the right projector screen save you money?

One of the biggest challenges when choosing an lcd projector is getting the right brightness for the room you are going to be using it in. For home use you can usually darken the room. This means you can buy a cheap lcd projector, often saving many hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

But often darkening the room significantly is neither possible nor desirable. Buying a higher specification projector will give you a brighter image, but it's probably cheaper to buy a high gain projector screen. The quality lcd projector may cost you a thousand dollars more than a dimmer model, whilst quality projector screens that enhance the image brightness and clarity are only a few hundred dollars more.

Projector Brightness and Screen Gain

The brightness of an lcd projector is given in ansi lumens. Typical values for home theater and business presentation use are 500 to 3000. The higher the number, the brighter the picture will be. At the low end a darkened room is essential, whilst at the very top end acceptable results are possible with higher light levels. The current generation of home use projectors are typically in the 1000-1500 range.

The gain of a projector screen is the increase in brightness of the image produced compared to a flat matt white screen. This is given as a simple number, eg 1, 1.5, 2 etc. A gain of 1 means the image is the same brightness as on a flat matt white surface, whereas 2 means the image is twice as bright.

As an example, if you decide you need about 1500 lumen to get an acceptable quality picture, you could buy a projector with that rating and worry about the screen later. Or you could buy a cheaper 1000 lumen model and match it to a projector screen with a gain of 1.5. This would give you an effective image brightness of 1500 lumen at a reduced cost.

Very High Gain Projector Screens

Typical cheap projector screens have gains of between 1 and 1.2. Gains of 1.5 to 1.8 are achieved with high quality perlescent finishes at about double the cost. If money is no object and you need the maximum gain possible then you need a chromatically matched projector screen.

Gains of up to 4 can now be achieved with matched projectors and screens. An lcd projector only transmits 3 narrow wavelengths of light in Red, Green and Blue. A matched projector screen is covered with material that reflects only these wavelengths. Almost all of the ambient light is absorbed or scattered, so the projected image appears very much brighter.

The Downside of High Projector Screen Gain

Whilst projector screen gain might help you use a cheap lcd projector in brighter rooms than it could cope with on its own, there are 3 trade-offs. These are the viewing angle, color shifting and uneven brightness.

High gain projector screens limit the viewing angle. For a screen with a gain of 1 the picture appears high quality out to about 50 degrees from the projector. But at a gain of 1.5 that viewing angle is reduced to about 35 degrees. Over 2 and the viewing angle is down to around 25 degrees, making it much more difficult to layout your room.

Color shifting happens due to the surface properties of the higher gain screens. A true white screen will render colors accurately. By trying to manipulate the way light reflects, a high gain screen can cause a shift in some of the colors. This is rarely a reason not to buy, unless you really do need the colors to be spot on.

The biggest impact a high gain projector screen has on image quality is the change is brightness from the center of the screen to the edge. There can be up to 30% difference at gains over 2. This is usually not too much of a problem, but it does become far more noticable the higher the viewing angle.

Conclusion

A little research and a bit of leg work could help you make great savings. Treat the projector screen as an integral part of your system and buy it together with your projector. Visit stores and insist on demonstrations with a variety of lcd projector and screen combinations.

Choosing a good quality, moderate gain (1.4-1.6) projector screen can decrease the cost and increase the performance of your system. A cheap lcd projector can produce a bright, clear image at higher than expected light levels. So whilst your projector screen may cost more, overall you save.

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