Projectors

Multimedia Projector Basics

A dependable multimedia projector has become a prerequisite for small businesses on the move. But like any other piece of advanced electronic equipment, you'll need to acquire some basic information about multimedia projectors before you make a purchase.

Today's multimedia projectors are a far cry from the products that dominated the marketplace a decade ago.

With versatile features designed for a broad range of business applications, you can count on the fact that someone makes a projector to fit your unique presentation requirements.

The process of finding the right projector for your business begins by gaining an understanding of multimedia projector basics. In a multimedia projector purchase the issue isn't just quality. You'll also need to analyze projectors based on your portability requirements, presentation needs and computing environment.

Product Categories

Before you start shopping for a projector, think about how your projector will be used. A projector that will travel with your employees has different requirements than one that will be permanently installed in a conference room. With that in mind, business projectors typically fall into three categories:

• Ultralight Projectors. If your projector absolutely must be portable, you should focus your search on ultralights. These are amazingly high quality projectors that are very small (often 3 lbs. or less) and have been designed to travel exceptionally well.
• Conference Room Projectors. Most small business projectors fall into the conference room (or multipurpose class). Although they are a bit heavier than ultralights, they are also brighter and offer other features that can enhance your presentation.
• Fixed Installation Projectors. Fixed installation projectors are the most expensive and most powerful class of projectors. They are permanently mounted to an auditorium wall or ceiling, and are often hardwired to computerized A/V system.

Projection Technologies

In addition to size and portability options, you'll also need to choose the type of projector technology that's right for your company.

• LCD Projection. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors are the most common projection option for small businesses. These projectors shine light through transparent cells using red, green or blue colored panels to produce high-resolution color imaging.
• DLP Projection. DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors reflect light against digital micromirror devices. This technology is common in ultralight and lightweight projectors.

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