How to choose your projector

‍Are you in the market for a new projector? Whether you're looking for a projector for home theater, video games or a projector for professional presentations, there are many factors to consider.

Choosing the right projector can make a big difference to your viewing experience. Here's everything you need to know to choose the ideal projector for your needs.

Choose the right projector for your specific needs

The first thing to consider when choosing a projector is its intended use. Different types of projectors are optimized for different tasks, so it's important to choose one designed for your specific needs.

Home theater projectors

If you're looking for a projector for your home theater, it's best to opt for a model optimized for this type of use. Home theater projectors are designed to produce high-quality images with accurate colors and deep blacks. They are generally quieter than other types of projectors, which puts the emphasis on sound quality.

Video game projectors

Gaming projectors are designed with low input lag and fast refresh rates such as 120 Hz, which is important for a smooth gaming experience. They also tend to be brighter than home theater projectors, which is important if you're gaming in a room where ambient light is important. Epson's new Home Cinema Series 3LCD 4K Projector, model 2350, is the perfect example, with its 20 ms latency and exceptional color quality. The latter even allows us to broadcast 

Professional presentation projectors

If you're looking for a projector for presentations, you need one that's bright enough to be used in a well-lit room. It should also be easy to install and use, and compatible with the devices you'll be using for your presentations.

Factors to consider when choosing a spotlight

Once you've determined the type of projector you need, there are several factors to consider when choosing a specific model.

Brightness

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a projector is its brightness. The brightness of a projector is measured in lumens. If you're using your projector in a room with a lot of ambient light, you'll need to choose a projector with a high lumen count.

Resolution

A projector's resolution corresponds to the number of pixels it can display. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image. If you use your projector for movies or games, you'll need to choose a high-resolution projector.

Projection distance

The projection distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. It's important to take this into account when choosing a projector, as it determines the size of the image. If you have a small room, you'll need to choose a projector with a short projection distance, like Epson's EpiqVision Ultra LS800 laser projector, which can be positioned up to 17.3" from the wall for a 100-inch image. Whereas if you have more space, you'll need to choose a projector with a longer projection distance, such as the Pro Cinema 4050 model, which, depending on the size of the image required, requires between 58'' and 498'' of distance.

Connectivity

You need to choose a projector that's compatible with the devices you'll be using, whether it's a laptop, game console or streaming device. Common connectivity options include HDMI, VGA, USB and wireless.

Understanding lumens and contrast ratio

When choosing a projector, you'll need to understand lumens and contrast ratio. Here's what you need to know about each of these terms.

Lumens

Lumens measure the brightness of a projector. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the projector. For a home theater projector, lumens should be at least 1,500, while for a presentation projector, lumens should be at least 2,500.

Contrast ratio

The contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and lightest parts of an image. The higher the contrast ratio, the more detail you can see in the image. For a home theater projector, the contrast ratio should be at least 2,000:1, while for a presentation projector, it should be at least 5,000:1.

Projector resolution options

Projectors offer a variety of resolution options, including HD, 4K, and more. Here's what you need to know about each of these options.

HD

HD projectors have a resolution of 1920x1080, which corresponds to most HDTVs. They produce sharp, detailed images and are a good choice for movies and games.

4K

4K projectors have a resolution of 3840x2160, or four times HD resolution. They produce incredibly sharp, detailed images and are a good choice for mid-range home theater installations.

Projector connectivity options

When choosing a projector, it's important to consider the connectivity options available. Here are some of the most common connectivity options.

HDMI

HDMI is the most common connectivity option for projectors. It allows you to connect your projector to a wide variety of devices, including laptops, game consoles and streaming devices.

VGA

VGA is an older connectivity option that is still commonly used. It allows you to connect your projector to a wide variety of devices, including older laptops and desktops.

USB

USB connectivity lets you connect your projector to a variety of devices, including flash drives and external hard drives. This is useful if you want to play media files directly from a storage device.

Wireless

Some projectors also feature wireless connectivity options, allowing you to connect to your projector via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Our spotlight brands

Epson

Epson is a well-known brand that produces a wide variety of projectors. They are renowned for their high-quality images and reliable performance.

Sony

Sony is a high-end brand that produces projectors for home theater. They are known for their incredibly sharp, detailed images and high contrast ratio.

Samsung

Samsung projectors are designed to meet the needs of both personal and professional users. Samsung uses advanced imaging technology to ensure that its projectors deliver crisp, clear, true-to-life images. Whether you're watching a movie or giving a presentation, you can be sure that the images displayed on a Samsung projector will be of the highest quality. Another key feature of Samsung projectors is their energy efficiency. Samsung has implemented innovative technologies in its projectors to ensure that they consume less energy without compromising performance.

Accessories for spotlights

Once you've chosen your projector, you may want to consider the accessories you'll need to enhance your viewing experience.

Screens

A screen offers a better visual experience than projection on a wall. Screens are available in a wide variety of sizes and materials, so you can choose the one that best suits your space.

Supports

A bracket allows you to attach your projector securely to the ceiling or wall. This is important if you want to ensure that your projector is stable and won't tip over.

Cables

You'll need cables to connect your projector to your devices. Make sure you have the right cables for your specific installation.

Conclusion

Choosing a projector can be a daunting task, but by taking into account the factors discussed in this guide, you'll be well on your way to finding your projector.

Whether you're looking for a home theater projector, a projector for video games or a projector for presentations, there's one that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Ask our in-store advisors for advice, and they'll help you make the best choice for you.