Home theater projectors give a whole new meaning to movies, television programs, and games. They replace any ordinary TV with much larger images, providing a better experience with high-quality visuals. In a previous post, we discussed choosing between a projector and an HDTV. In this article, we’ll focus on the benefits of choosing a projector and how to find one to meet your needs.
When trying to create a true home theater experience, nothing compares to a projector. You get life-sized images right there in your entertainment room. There are several technical factors to consider when shopping for a home theater projector. The following tips will assist you in the buying process to help deliver more consistent and smoother images.
Area Space and Lighting:One of the most important things to consider before buying a projector is the amount of space you have and the lighting conditions during projection. The more space you have, the larger the projection surface can be. Also, consider whether you will be watching content during the daytime or using it as a basement movie theater in predominantly dark conditions. Once you have a sense of these factors, you can move on to the technical details.
Aspect Ratio:Projectors usually come in a standard aspect ratio of 4:3 or a widescreen ratio of 16:9. The aspect ratio is the ratio between the width and height of the projected image. It's recommended that the projector’s aspect ratio matches the video source you'll be using. For example, if you're projecting from a 16:9 laptop, a 16:9 projector will provide the best results.
Wall Size:With a larger screen, visibility from the bottom can be an issue—everyone in the room should be able to see the entire screen. The bigger the projection size, the more noticeable the loss in image quality may be. An eight-foot wall is 96 inches. If we place the screen at ceiling height, the bottom of the screen image will be at 33.5 inches from the floor. Draw a line at 33.5 inches on your wall and ensure you can see the screen clearly from various seating positions.
Throw Ratio:The throw distance is how far the projector needs to be placed from the screen to produce a quality image. It’s calculated as the distance from the lens to the screen divided by the width of the screen. For instance, if a projector has a 4:1 throw ratio, every 4 feet of distance will increase the image width by 1 foot. Both throw ratio and throw distance should be considered when selecting a projector.
Keystone Correction:Keystone correction can adjust the image being projected so it displays flat on the screen. Digital devices can correct the shape of the image before it ever leaves the projector, while manual devices require users to adjust the angle themselves. Many projectors offer either manual or digital keystone correction to help achieve the best picture alignment.
Lens Shift:Lens shift offers flexibility in placing the projector. You can keep your projector stationary and shift the lens to the desired location. This feature provides a better viewing experience and placement flexibility.
These are just some of the considerations when choosing a projector that is right for you.
