How to Choose the Right Projector
Planners face a dizzying array of options when it comes to choosing the proper projector for their meeting. It helps to understand some basic terminology and technology, which the crew at PHX Productions was happy to provide to us.
Resolution Requirements
First, determine what kind of resolution you need. Resolution is the clarity of the picture produced by the projector. The resolution you need depends on the computer your speaker will be using. The projector’s resolution must be equal to the monitor’s resolution. Most desktop computer monitors have 800 by 600 pixel displays or SVGA resolution. Laptops usually have 1024 by 768 (XGA resolution) or an even higher screen resolution of 1280 by 1024 (SXGA). If you want the projector to support laptops, you’ll need a projector with XGA resolution, rather than SVGA.
If your speaker will be projecting video PowerPoint or other information that requires highly detailed image projection, you will need a projector with SXGA resolution.
Brightness Considerations
When you are renting a digital light processing (DLP) or LCD projector, you will need to match the brightness of the projector to the size of your audience and room. Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. Most projectors run between 500 and 12,000 lumens. If you are in a large conference room and you need an image bright enough to be seen from a distance without dimming the lights, you’ll need higher lumens since the light from the projector disperses over distance. Consider how large the projected image must be in order for the audience to see it clearly and whether you want to have the lights on during projection to allow attendees to take notes. Presentations with the lights on are the most desirable because the speaker can interact and demonstrate off-screen with the audience.
Another consideration is portability of the projector. Lower lumen models are the most portable since they are smaller and lighter than high lumen devices.
Rules of Thumb
A 2,000 lumen projector is very common and makes a great choice for meetings and dinner presentations with an audience of as many as 100. A projector with a 3,000 lumen output is ideal for audiences of up to 250 or any smaller gathering where the extra brightness would help counterbalance an outside light source. With 5,000 lumens, you can expect to accommodate any medium-sized event, such as one that might be held at a convention center, a small concert hall or even an outdoor venue with as many as 500 people.
When you rent a 10,000 lumen projector, you can expect a machine with amazing specs that would be perfect for large-scale corporate events or for a public gathering in a full-sized auditorium. Audiences can range well into the thousands. These high-end projectors can even be stacked to provide more than 20,000 lumens of power.
For more information on PHX Productions go to www.phxproductionsaz.com.