I want to buy a projector? How do I know which one is better?

Question

When one buys a computer, one looks for the computer's hard drive, RAM, CPU, and so on.

What about when it's a projector? What should I look for? LCD or DLP?

Answer 1

Easy, unlike computers it is really easy for you to tell the difference between whats better and worse. Just go to the store and look at it! SEE which one looks better... not so hard right? In A/V Specs dont tell you anything! yes, a 1080P projector is always going to look better than a standard definition projector but the specs wont help you tell you what 1080P projector looks better than another 1080P projector. factors to consider when buying a projector even after you check them out at the store, is lumes, throw-distance and resolution. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Projectors range from $600 to $250000 in the consumer arena. It's hard to figure from your question, but here's a couple ideas. Most theater projectors range from $5000 to $40000.

The battle for best display is being fought between 3 chip LCoS and 3 chip DLP. If you have limited lighting control in your room, the DLP is a better choice. You will need the extra driving force of the DLP to overcome the ambient light. If you have good control over light, the LCoS (similar to LCD only much better) will deliver the smoothest, most realistic picture. 3 chip LCoS is actually cheaper than 3 chip DLP which makes it an even nicer choice. Look at JVC.

Single chip DLP has a high speed motorized color wheel inside. Any time you add electromechanical devices to electronics, you diminish reliability.

Other things to look at:

Contrast ratio

We can't distinguish light to dark beyond 2000:1 at any given moment, but over time our eyes can adjust as high as 20000:1. So, a near black screen that immediately goes 20000 times brighter at once will "clip" our sensors in our eyes, but we will eventually adjust to it.

Brightness, measured in ANSI lumens, lux or candellas per sq. meter. Higher is generally better.

Throw distance is important to figure screen size and location

Bulb replacement cost

Loudness of the cooling fan

Formats: 2.35:1 is a nice addition to the standard 16:9 since most large production films are shot in it. Also, film is 24 frames per second instead of video's 30 fps. (or it's multiples.) It's good if the projector can switch back and forth.

Resolution: 1080x1920 native is the standard now.

Calibration: The better projectors can be set to D65, or 6504 kelvin for white. This is important for accurate display. There are minor variations on this theme. Check with a calibrator you trust.

If you're looking at projectors under $5k, you won't find most of what I'm recommending so keep an eye on the contrast and brightness, and the practical issues mentioned above.

Don't forget the popcorn machine!