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Guide to Video Projectors

Video Projector : What is it?

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Video projectors use lens systems to display images onto projection screens. They work by taking video signals from a source, such as a DVD or computer program, and converting them into viewable images. They project a bright light through the image and display a large version on the screen. They are available in different resolutions ranging from 800 x 600 to 1280 x 720 pixels.

Video projectors are commonly used in home theaters, classrooms, and conference rooms. They can be placed on shelves or desktops, or mounted onto walls or ceilings. Newer projectors often have adjustment features that correct color, sharpness, and other attributes of the image.

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Types Of Video Projectors

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Kinds of Video Projectors include the following:

Cathode ray tube (CRT) projectors

CRT projectors use three phosphor-coated tubes to break up and reconstruct the image from the three primary colors, red, green, and blue. A lens in front of the projector directs and focuses the image onto the viewing screen. They have excellent resolution and black level, which means that blacks are displayed as pure black instead of dark gray like other display technologies. They are fairly low-maintenance, but are usually bulky and non-portable. They are usually hard to view in bright ambient light.

Liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors

LCD projectors have halogen lamps that emit light at specific color temperatures, which is projected to three LCD panels for red, green, and blue light. The LCD panels are made up of individual pixels, which can block or permit light beams to generate a composite image. Their black levels vary depending on the color of the projection screen. Gray screens usually produce deeper blacks than white screens. They are the simplest and most affordable projection system, making them suitable for business and home theaters. They are more compact than CRT projectors, and can usually fit into a shelf or carrying case.

Digital light processing (DLP) projectors


DLP projectors use one or more digital micromirror devices (DMD), a semiconductor chip containing a matrix of tiny mirrors. Each mirror represents one pixel. The mirrors reflect the light toward or away from the lens, depending on the color and intensity of each pixel. This method allows a mirror to completely block out light, creating very deep blacks and high contrast. They may have one, two, or three DMDs. Single and double DMD models tend to flicker and cause eye fatigue, but triple-DMD problems are usually more steady. They can have resolutions as high as 1920 x 1080, making them ideal for high-definition TV (HDTV) displays. 

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Choosing Video Projectors (Buying Tips)

Brightness: Choose a video projector with a 1,000 ANSI lumen rating. This will generate images bright enough for use in home theaters. Choose a higher ANSI rating if you will be using larger screens or rooms.

Contrast ration: Choose a video projector with a high contrast ratio for deeper, more vibrant colors. Look for ratings of at least 1500:1, or higher if you have a high ANSI rating to keep images from getting washed out.

Inputs: Choose a video projector that connects to all common video sources. Look for those that accept both analog and digital devices. Common inputs are S-video, DVD, HDMI, and DVI. If you will be connecting the projector to a computer, look for VGA inputs as well. 

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Sources

Wikipedia: Video projector
Wikipedia: CRT
Wikipedia: LCD
Wikipedia: DLP
DIY Projector Company
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What Is It?
Types Of Video Projectors
Choosing Video Projectors (Buying Tips)
Related Products And Services
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