If you're in the market for a projector and screen, there are a lot of specifications and terms that can be confusing. In this guide, we'll break down the different factors you should consider when choosing a projector and screen, and explain what each specification means.
Projector
Resolution: This is the number of pixels on the screen, and it's usually displayed as two numbers, such as 1920 x 1080. The first number represents the number of pixels horizontally, while the second represents the number vertically. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image will be.
Brightness: This is measured in lumens and refers to the amount of light the projector produces. The brighter the projector, the easier it will be to see the image in a well-lit room. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 2,000 lumens, but if you have a dedicated home theater room, you can go for a higher brightness level.
Contrast ratio: This is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. A higher contrast ratio means that the image will have more depth and detail, with richer colors and darker blacks.
Throw ratio: This is the ratio between the distance of the projector from the screen and the width of the image. A short-throw projector will project a larger image at a shorter distance, while a long-throw projector will require more distance to achieve the same size image.
Keystone correction: This feature allows you to adjust the shape of the image to correct for distortion caused by the projector's angle. This is important if you can't place the projector directly in front of the screen.
Screen
Gain: This measures the reflectivity of the screen and determines how much light is reflected back to the audience. A high gain screen will reflect more light, resulting in a brighter image, but it may also cause hotspotting, where the center of the image is brighter than the edges.
Viewing angle: This refers to the range of angles from which the screen can be viewed without losing image quality. A wider viewing angle is ideal for larger rooms or if you have a lot of people watching from different angles.
Screen size: This is the size of the screen, measured diagonally. The ideal screen size will depend on the size of your room and the distance between the screen and the audience.
Aspect ratio: This is the ratio between the width and height of the screen. The most common aspect ratio is 16:9, which is ideal for movies and TV shows. However, if you plan on using the screen for presentations or gaming, you may want to consider a different aspect ratio.
Material: Screens can be made of various materials, including vinyl, fabric, and glass. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider which one will work best for your needs.
In conclusion, when choosing a projector and screen, it's important to consider factors such as resolution, brightness, contrast ratio, throw ratio, keystone correction, gain, viewing angle, screen size, aspect ratio, and material. By understanding these specifications and how they impact image quality, you can make an informed decision that will result in the best possible viewing experience for your home or business.