Choosing a Projector
Projectors, especially the high end home theatre models represent a significant purchase including the replacement cost of the projector lamp, which will eventually need replacement. For the novice, selecting the right projector for themselves is a journey which in many cases results in a wrong decision.
It is best to become at least a little bit educated about what the options are and the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of projectors on the market. High Definition projectors are now available and the standard choice, given the future of high definition broadcasts. There are basically three types of high definition projectors: LCD LCD (liquid crystal display) HDTV projector, DLP (stands for digital light processing) HDTV projector, and the latest technological development, the LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) HDTV projector.
An LCD projector: has a brighter sharper image {usually not distinguishable on videos but with detailed writing}, good color saturation {but sharpness is not always distinguishable between LCD and DL}, with certain resolutions and size of the image, pixilation may occur.
A DLP projector: does not have pixilation problems of an LCD, has a higher contrast ratios which results in black levels (provides a better image when the image is a night seen or of an indoor scene in a dim room), and is more portable as its size and weight will be less than LCD projectors. One drawback of DLP projectors is the so called rainbow effect which is viewable by some people but not others. Color artifacts, as they are called, become scattered over the screen and based on the viewer's eyeball characteristics, such artifacts are not visible, somewhat visible or so visible that the viewer cannot enjoy the video. However, DLP technology has progressed to the point that the rainbow effect has been virtually eliminated.
A LCOS based projectors are the latest development in projection technology and combines the basics of LCd and DLP technology to create an enhanced viewing experience. LCOS projectors: are not subject to pixilation, deliver richer colors, and will not create a rainbow effect. However, LCOS projectors are on the low end of contrast ratios, have a shorter bulb life and have a higher price tag.
While price is a very important factor in selecting a projector, it is important to make sure the model selected will meet you picture viewing needs.
Other considerations include: 1. what will be the room light conditions as rooms with un-shaded windows will require a high lumens rating; 2. if the unit will be ceiling mounted, will air conditioning be available as hot air rises and excessive heat may lessen the projector fan’s ability to cool the lamp; 3. type of bulb may vary between UHP - Ultra High Performance, UHE - Ultra High Efficiency (most common), or metal halide lamps; 4. how many and what type of connection ports there are; and 5. what size projector do you need (if portability is involved).
Caring for your projector is very important and knowing what to look out for to avoid damaging your investment is critical. Once source of information to assist you in the care of your projector is the provided at Taking Care of Your Projector.
While the cost of a DLP HDTV projector ranges around $2,000 and more, an LCD HDTV projector generally cost less than $2,000. Recently LCOS HDTV display has become popular given its higher resolution of 1920x1080 internal resolutions, although the cost of $5,000 to $20,000 is generally prohibitive.
Finally, note that the cost of replacement lamps range from $200 to $600 so inquire what that cost would be for your model.
