Things to Know Before Purchasing a Projector

In our years of purchasing, installing, and maintaining projectors, it has become apparent that not all projectors are made equal. The race to the bottom-line has muddied the waters, but there is more to consider than just costs. Below are some things to consider when purchasing a new projector, whether you’re looking for a high-end system or the simplest options.

• White Output vs. Color Output: One significant thing to consider is that the lumen output (or the measurement of brightness) of a projector has a matching color output as well.  Many of the low-cost brands provide a high-lumen output that only measures white light output. If you choose one of these projector systems, you may be disappointed with the final color spectrum of your projected content. In our experience, we suggest making sure the white brightness and the color brightness have matching lumen ratings to ensure your content is brightly and vividly displayed.

• Lens: The next most significant thing to consider is the quality of the optics on the projector. Many of the low-cost options have lower standard glass, and those quality losses will be noticeable when in use. If the edges of the image are not sharp, this is usually an indicator of a lower quality lens.

• Features: Many of the things that make a projector versatile and practical come from the additional features the seller provides as standard on specific systems. The fewer the features, the more work and money it may cost to use the projector later on. Many of the higher quality brands provide internal, IP-based software to control the projector, shift the lens, digitally zoom up or down, or even some high-end features such as inner-edge blending or quick corner setups. In the end, saving money on the front end may not be the most cost-efficient option. A simple, lower-end system may take hours to set up, or additional gear may need to be purchased in order to function effectively, while a high-end projector may offer the same features standard. 

When it comes to complex equipment like a projector, it’s not worth it to skimp out on a low-quality system, especially when it will just end up costing more later on. We recommend finding a projector company with Top 5 rankings in the industry to ensure a good buying experience. Keep in mind the lumen vs. color output, the lens glass quality, and standard features. If a top-ranked company is positive on all three categories and meets your budget, then you have a winner. Remember to stay brand agnostic but solution-based to come out a winner every time!