LCD Projector Buyer's Guide
Linda Morgan Davis
Formerly of the Lovelace Sandia Health System, Medical Library,
Albuquerque, NM
LCD stands for liquid crystal display and comes in many forms, sizes and resolutions. The primary purpose of a LCD is to present a digital image for viewing. A common use of LCDs is as a display on a notebook computer. LCD projectors are used to present images on a screen or viewing surface from a computer or laptop computer.
Are you a first time purchaser of a LCD projector? It's not as complicated as it might seem. Keep these features in mind when choosing a projector:
- Resolution
- Brightness
- Weight
- Lamp Life
- Warranty
Resolution
Resolution can be defined as the number of pixels used by a projector to create an image. The higher the resolution, the better the sharpness and clarity of the picture on the screen.
| Resolution | Pixels | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| SVGA | 800 x 600 | least expensive option; lowest of all resolutions |
| XGA | 1024 x 768 | most popular; more expensive than SVGA but prices are dropping |
| SXGA | 1280 x 1024 | geared toward high end personal computers; acute resolution of small details |
| UXGA | 1600 x 1200 | high resolution |
Pick a resolution that is adequate for your presentation. If PowerPoint Presentations are your main use for a LCD, you can save money by going with a lower (SVGA) resolution. XGA may be the resolution you need if you are presenting numerical data or detailed technical presentations such as blueprints or engineering specifications.
Brightness
Brightness is the visual perception with which an area appears to emit more or less light. It is measured in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) lumens. Lumens range from 300 to 3300, with 3300 being the brightest.
| Lumen Range | Comments |
|---|---|
| 700 - 1000 lumens | Usually the least expensive projectors. The low lumen range requires presentations to be made in a dark or dimly lit room. |
| 1000 - 2000 lumens | Projectors in this range are for normal business conference or classroom use. Some reduced lighting may be required in the room but not total darkness. |
| 2000 - 3000 lumens | Projectors in this range are for large room and classrooms. Lights may be left on. |
| 3500 and higher lumens | Used for nightclubs, concert halls and auditoriums. |
Knowing your application for the projector before purchase is the best advice in the brightness category.
Weight
Weight may be an important feature when purchasing a LCD. If you travel extensively you might want to consider a light weight model. A heavier model with more features may be what you need if you are using the LCD on a permanent schedule in a classroom.
Weight classes include:
- Pico-Portable so small it will fit in a briefcase or laptop case. Brightness range: 800 - 1500 lumens Weight range: under 4.4 pounds
- Micro-Portable ideal for traveling. Some features such as remote control and power Focus may not be available. Brightness range: 800 - 1500 lumens Weight range: 4.5 to 6.5 pounds
- Ultra-Portable may be the best choice for a traveling presenter because it will adapt to a small or medium size room and offers features a micro-portable may not. Brightness range: 1000 - 2000 lumens Weight range: 6.6 to 11 pounds
- Portable designed for permanent or portable applications. Brightness range: 1500 - 3000 lumens Weight range: 10 to 19 pounds
- Conference Room designed for professional presentations and may include custom features. Brightness range: 3000 - 7000 lumens Weight range: over 22 pounds
Lamp Life
Lamp life is commonly discussed in terms of half life. This means the manufacturer's limit on what they feel is the quality life of the lamp. Generally 2,000 hours is the half life of the lamp. If the half life is stated as 2,000 hours, it will last much longer but the brightness of the image may deteriorate.
Warranty
Warranty or warranties will vary from brand to brand. They usually have at least one year of coverage of all parts except the lamp. The lamp will often have a 90 day warranty. Some manufacturers also offer a 24 hour replacement service, often for an additional fee.
If you purchase from a discount online vendor be certain the warranty issued is the manufacturer's warranty and not the discounters. There may be a significant difference in coverage of parts.
Manufacturers
All of these manufacturers have websites with information and specifications on all the models in their product line.
NOTE: Questions or comments about the contents of this article should
be addressed to the author, Linda Morgan Davis at ldavis@cabq.gov
