Home cinema projectors are now increasingly affordable, with most homes being able to buy one if they want it. These projectors can replace your TV with a much larger screen and can be moved around to project high-quality images. So, you can now enjoy a true cinema experience in the comfort of your very own home!
However, there are certain things to keep in mind when shopping for a home theater projector. So, here goes…
1) Know the different types of projectors: There are two basic types of projectors – those with Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology and those with Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology. Both of these are very different.
DLP projectors use mirrors to project their images. These mirrors shine the light onto a chip with microscopic mirrors called the digital micromirror device. The light is then reflected off of the mirrors and through the projector lens.
The LCD projector passes light through three LCD panels. These are red, blue, or green. As the light passes through these panels, the pixels can either be opened to allow light through or closed off. The combining of open and closed pixels produces a wide range of colors that are projected as the moving image.
2) Know the aspect ratio of your projector: So, what is an aspect ratio? Simple, the aspect ratio is the rectangular shape of the video image. A wide-screen TV has a 16:9 ratio, while a standard TV has a 4:3 ratio. Each projector or TV is formatted for one or the other. Also, TV programs and DVDs all have their own ratios.
3) Know your projector’s brightness: The projector’s brightness is measured in lumens. Typically a projector will have between 800 and 3,000 lumens. You will perceive the brightness of the image based on the light output of the projector and the reflectiveness of the screen. The image should be bright enough to be sharp and clear without fatiguing the eyes. You should choose the number of lumens depending on the lighting in the room.
4) Know your projector’s resolution: The resolution of a projector is determined by the number of pixels projected. The higher the resolution, the clearer and sharper the image will be. Some examples of resolutions are 1280 x 720 and also 1920 x 1080.
5) Know the types of keystone correction: If your projector has keystone correction, it can adjust the image being projected so that it displays flat on the screen. Most projectors come with either manual keystone correction or with digital keystone correction. Digital devices can correct the shape of the image before it leaves the projector. Manual devices will require you to adjust the angles yourselves.
6) Know the throw ratio: The throw ratio is how far back the projector needs to be placed from the screen in order to project quality images. The throw ratio is defined as the distance from the lens to the screen divided by the width of the screen. You should select a projector with a throw ratio that will work for the room where it will be located.
Now you know more about what to look for when buying a home theater projector in India. Do shop around, including online, and choose the home cinema projector of your choice. Here’s to a happy home cinema viewing!
