How to choose a projector for home and school: ranking of the best

What is a projector, and how it works

Structurally, the projector is similar to the set-top box. In fact, the way it is. He receives an input signal, converts it and outputs are shown on a special screen. Types of the received signal can be a lot, thanks to the various ports and interfaces. You can connect your computer, video cameras, cameras, flash drives, and more. The image is projected on a special roll wall projection screen. While their views may be different.

Where it is used and how the projector

Scope of the projector is the same as that of the long diagonal of the monitor or TV. You can install at home and watch TV, use as a second monitor for your computer. Very often, the projectors are used in education to demonstrate the visual aids.

The principle of operation of the projector depends on the technology, which it is applied. The market is dominated by two - DLP and 3LCD. 3LCD for imaging using 3 LCD matrix. They received the light broken with the help of mirrors, filters 3 different colors: red, green and blue. At the end of a special prism collects the generated image in one and sends it to the lens. Due to the distribution of colors such technology has high brightness, less noise and less power consumption. But such projections are more massive, are larger pixels on the screen and require the care of filters.

The DLP uses a matrix with a large number of mirrors, through which light passes, is then passed to a special light wheel and eventually forms a picture. Unlike multimatrix projectors, DLP in one time unit displays a portion of the total image composed of the same color. Replaced by alternates, they merge into a single image in the eyes of man. DLP projectors image clearer and sharper, having a smaller pixel size, and the instruments themselves are smaller and lighter. However, in environments with high illumination brightness greater amount is required from them as well as devices longer noisy.

There is one more technology in the popular projectors, - LCoS. This LCD and DLP a hybrid. Mainly used in industrial, expensive projectors that can display the image at large distances and screens.

Projector Features

The scope of use of the projector is versatile, and depending on the orientation, each device has its specific characteristics and parameters. Walk through the main points.

Brightness

As such, there is no brightness in projectors. There is a light that is called brightness. It is measured in lumens and showing the amount of light energy transferred per unit time. Translated into Russian, it can be said that the larger the value, the better the image will be seen on the screen, even in daylight. For example, for a night or evening comfortable viewing will be enough, and 1500 lumens. Average office or school projector produces about 3,000 lumens.

color brightness

This option will not work on their own to adjust. In essence, it depends on the characteristics of the original matrices. You can only say that multimatrix projectors can reproduce colors more vivid and colorful.

Contrast

Contrast projectors shows brightness ratio of white luminance to black. In fact, it is quite an ambiguous option. In a brightly lit room contrast ratio does not affect the image. Therefore, the most relevant contrast home theater when viewing in the absence of ambient light. To find a projector with good contrast for areas with sufficient lighting, you need to pay attention to models with high brightness.

Resolution

As with any device with a display resolution of displays in projectors of any number of pixels may be composed image. The higher the value, the better. But you need to choose on the basis of material sources. For example, if you want to play videos in FullHD format, you will need permission in 1920 × 1080. However, the most widespread resolution value sufficient for presentations and demonstrations, - 800 × 480. 4K projectors for home theater are quite rare, and their value may be in the region of 500 000 rubles.

projection distance

The projector's performance usually indicates the distance at which he can project the picture. Select this option costs based on size of the room in which the unit will be installed. By the way, some models can be equipped with interchangeable lenses that can change the projection distance.

connectors

Typically, this technique has a standard set of connectors for connecting to a laptop or PC. Particular attention can be turned on unless the presence of USB, which will be read directly from a flash drive.

ATTENTION!(Click to see)

additional functionality

Additional features include settings associated with these functions:

• connection to the network. In that case, if the device has its own operating system, the projector can almost freely reproduce any content from the network. Otherwise it can be connected through a phone or any other device "in the air";
• lamp life. Typically, in the characteristics indicated number of hours required for lamp failure. On the duration of the resource affected by the presence of the particle filter and cooling system;
• 3D. On the projector, you can watch videos in 3D. The device must be able to "understand" the format of a stereo pair, which comes from the outside. If the projector is interested in 3D, you should look at models, especially for this area. Such devices may project images of two different lenses;
• service. Each projector comprises a dust filter. It protects the lamps, mirrors, filters and internal components from dust. To clean the dust filter in the DLP models will have to contact the service, and 3LCD can cope on their own;
• sound. Almost all models support sound. Rarer 5.1 format projectors. So if you are interested in high-quality sound, it is necessary to focus on this our attention.

Features projectors for schools

The main objective of projectors for education - the visual information. It does not require high-resolution, detail and contrast. On average, schools can choose the projector with a light stream in 3000-6000 lumens. This will be enough for more or less bright images even in high light conditions.

Technology, for which you can select the projector for schools, based on the estimated budget. If you want to buy a multimedia projector for schools at the best price, it is worth paying attention to functionality. if he is able to read from flash drives, expand Monitor desktop? And whether it will be in demand in the job? If the projector to a computer, it is necessary to note the presence of an HDMI or VGA ports.

Which projector choose for your home theater

For home use as a theater to the selection of the projector is to approach more closely. For best picture quality, you need to pay attention to every important parameter. Contrast for home projector will be relevant. After all, you can adjust the illumination by closing curtains or viewing in the evening hours. Therefore it is better to choose a model with the highest rate.

Resolution also plays a big role. The more pixels the projector can display, the more clear and detailed image will be. Should choose a model with the highest resolution that can afford the budget.

Noise - an indicator rather ambiguous. For some, it may seem annoying, but some do not care. Some universal recipes when choosing a projector noise there.

The large number of connectors will greatly simplify the connection process to a variety of devices. It is worth paying attention to it. Modern projectors for home theater, started by different technologies - 3LCD or DLP, almost equal in the parameters, so much of a difference which one to choose, no.

Cheap and high quality mini projector for home and school

We have chosen some interesting models of mini-projectors, which are suitable for both home and for school.

Optoma HD131X - compact video projector for home

FullHD projector with DLP technology. Supports HDTV and 3D functions. Declared lamp life of 6,000 hours in economy mode. Projection distance may vary from 1.2 to 10 m, that fully satisfy virtually any size room.

Contrast Ratio - 20000: 1. Luminous flux of 2,000 lumens is not the highest value, but such a contrast in the room picture should be rich and bright without additional lighting. The input signal may be in the range of from 480i to 1080p.

2 of the interfaces available VGA, 2HDMI, and composite components. There is a USB connector and a classic RS-232. The projector can be purchased for 78 000 rubles on average.

Here is the reviews of the Optoma HD131X:

BenQ TH670 - an excellent projector for home and school

Portable projector with a wide range of possibilities. The maximum resolution is 1920 × 1080. He is able to play 3D and HDTV. The lamp life of 10,000 hours claimed in economy mode and 4000 hours in a usual.

model contrast ratio of 10,000: 1, light stream - 3000 lumens. There is a function keystone correction that will correct an image even when the projector is standing at an angle to the screen. The maximum supported size of the input data - 1080p. A set of standard connectors - VGA, HDMI, Composite, Component, mini jack and RCA. To view content from a USB drive has a USB connector. Noise does not exceed 31 dB.

Epson EH-TW5300

3LCD projector with high contrast ratio of 35,000: 1. Luminous flux in normal mode - 2200 lumens in Economy - 1500 lumens. Resolution is within FullHD - 1920 × 1080. Lamp is ready to serve over 7,500 hours in economy mode and 4,000 hours in the simple. Projection distance ranges from 1 to 11 meters, which should be enough for the house, and for large schools classrooms. With MHL technology can output data from the mobile phone's screen. Noise does not exceed 37 dB.

NEC M230X

A good device as a projector for presentations in schools and offices. Maximum resolution is 1024 × 768. The lamp can work in the mode of saving over 5,000 hours. Throw distance is in the range from 0.7 m to 14.5 Contrast - 2000:. 1, and the light flux - 2300 lm. The input signal may take up to 1080i. Nothing unusual there connectors: 2 VGA, HDMI, S-Video, composite, component, RCA. To connect to a network has an Ethernet port. Noise - 34 dB. Buy this projector for schools can be expensive, just 32,000 rubles.

Cheap home cinema projectors

Next we will look at a selection of projectors, aimed primarily at the picture quality and viewing it at home.

XGIMI Z4 Aurora

Simple and inexpensive solution for the home. Resolution is not the greatest - of 1024 × 800. Applied technology - DLP. Contrast is also low, and combined with the lower value of the luminous flux, you may need to create a view for complete darkness conditions. Of special interfaces should highlight the presence of Ethernet and Wi-Fi. His memory in the device to 16GB, there is support for AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth 4.0.

Sony VPL-HW55ES

LCoS projector for a home for a fairly high price. Let's see what Sony offers the company for 220 000 rubles.: FullHD, wide format, HDTV support and 3D. Contrast declared very high - 120000: 1. Wherein the light flux 1700 lm limited. That is, it is desirable to view spends with zadornutymi curtains. The projector can correct the image when there is an angle to the screen. LCoS technology is able to transmit a very bright, juicy and detailed picture.

Vivitek H1180

Portable DLP projector for home. Standard for resolution is 1920 × 1080 FullHD. Includes support for 3D and HDTV. The lamp can last from 4500 to 6000 hours depending on the operating mode. The contrast is 10,000: 1. When the luminous flux 2000 lm to be a good effect even in the presence of ambient light. Range of input formats ranges from 480i to 1080p. Projector noise 33 dB. To play content from flash drives, there are two USB ports.

Sharp XV-Z17000

DLP projector with a 6-segment light wheel. Resolution - 1920 × 1080. Lamps should be enough for 3,000 hours in economy mode. Contrast declared 40,000: 1. Luminous flux Average - 1600 lm. With such a contrast DLP projector should be nice to show themselves even in daylight. There is an automatic correction of distortion, all the necessary connectors for connection and glasses for 3D included.

How to choose a projector for home and school, not overpaying

For your convenience, we have compiled a small comparative table of specifications and prices, which will help you better navigate and understand how much cost projectors for school or home.

Hopefully this article has helped you to understand how much cost projectors for home, what they look like, and what to look for when choosing. If you want to share your experience, feel free to leave your messages and questions in the comments.