Buying Guides

We've put together easy-to-read buying guides on dozens of products to help make your shopping experience a little easier. Still have questions? Don't hesitate to call our knowledgeable sales team at 1-800-260-2776.

Digital Projectors Buying Guide

It's hard to cut through all the technical language when shopping for classroom AV equipment. Let us make it easier for you. Here are a few key factors you'll want to consider when buying digital projectors for your school:

Projection Distance

Projection distance is an important factor in choosing the appropriate projector for your space. To determine which projector is right for you, you will need to calculate your desired throw ratio. Throw ratio refers to the distance from the projector to the screen. First, measure the width of your screen. Then measure the distance between the place where you'd like your projector to sit and your screen. Divide your calculated distance by the width of your screen, and you'll determine your throw ratio.

Short-throw projectors do not have a zoom lens, so they are the best option when you are working with a small throw ratio, a room with limited space, or if you prefer to position your projector very close to your screen (18"-24"). Short-throw projectors can also be mounted to the wall behind your screen, using a short throw mount. Short-throw projectors work best with smaller screen sizes (8 feet or less).

Long-throw (standard) projectors are the best option when working with a higher throw ratio, in larger rooms or when there is more distance between the projector and screen. When using a long-throw projector, image size varies more than that of short-throw projectors. Image size will depend on the placement of the projector and the size of your screen.

Brightness

You'll want to make sure that your digital projector is bright enough for your space. If you are using your projector in the home or in a small office space, you will need a projector that produces at least 1,500 lumens. When using a projector in a classroom environment, or any space where the lighting can be dimmed, a projector that produces at least 3,000 lumens is ideal. For use in a larger space like a lecture hall or auditorium, you will need a projector that produces at least 4,500 lumens. Extra-large spaces like stadiums or theaters require a projector that produces at least 20,000 lumens. Some projectors feature switchable modes that automatically adjust brightness for different projection surfaces, such as blackboards and markerboards.

Resolution

Before choosing the digital projector that's right for you, you'll want to consider the projector's resolution. Resolution refers to the number of lines or pixels that make up the projected image – the higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image. You'll find that all our digital projectors feature a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or higher, perfect for projecting on projector screens, whiteboards and chalkboards.

Network Connectivity

Many digital projectors feature an RJ-45 port. This simply means that multiple projectors in your school can be networked to a single computer that monitors lamp life, filter changes and more. Network connectivity is important if you will be managing a large number of projectors and don't have time to check filters and bulbs on a regular basis.

Data Input

Digital projectors can be wired to your video and computer equipment. HDMI is standard for most projectors, but many projectors offer addition inputs for VGA or s-video so they can still be used with older AV systems. Wireless data inputs let you give presentations without a computer. You'll find two types of wireless data input connections: USB readers and SD card slots.

USB readers allow you to input data from a USB flash drive, so you don't even need a computer in the classroom. Simply save your presentation to a flash drive and insert it into the projector.

SD cards work in a similar fashion. Images and videos can be stored on an SD card and simply inserted into the projector during lessons.

Mounted vs. Portable

Mounted - If you'll only be using your projector in one classroom, you may choose to mount it to the wall or ceiling. Once your projector is set up and securely mounted, you won't need to adjust it each time you use it. Mounting also keeps the projector out of your way and protects it against theft and damage.

Portable - If your projector will be needed in multiple classrooms, keep it portable. All of our portable digital projectors are extremely lightweight, so they're a cinch to carry from room to room.

If you know what you're looking for, browse our selection of Digital Projectors to find low prices on the equipment that you need.

Still have questions about digital projectors or aren't sure which one is right for you? Just give our knowledgeable sales team a call at 1-800-260-2776. We are always happy to assist you.

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