How much should you pay for your projector

The main factor when anyone is looking at buying a projector is how much will it cost. This price range of a projector really reflects on the quality of the projector you will be getting. For anyone looking for a barebones home theater projector you will see a cost generally around $500 to $1000. This is a huge improvement from just 5 years ago when projectors starting price were around $2000. As projectors become more mainstream the prices have dropped dramatically. It is no longer a luxury item that is only affordable to the super rich and businesses, but now is a mainstream item that you can now buy a projector at almost any electronic store.

If you take a quick look over to Amazon.com you will see a long list of projectors that cost around $500. In fact 9 out of the top 10 projectors cost around $500! This is what confuses a lot of people when they are buying a projector. They often see deals like these and wonder why I should spend more on a projector when I can buy one for $500. Well for one thing a $500 projector is not really meant to be used as a home theater projector to display movies and definitely not blue ray. Almost all of these projectors have a native resolution of 800x600 for presentations. The entire projector is made for businesses to use for slide shows, not to play movies. So yes you can buy a $500 projector, but will you be happy, probably not.

The next main price range for a projector is usually around $700 to $1200. This is where you get into the really nice 720p (1280x720) projectors. They are actually designed to be used as a home theater projector. With this price you will see a lot nicer specs on the contrast ratio, lumen output, etc. The big improvement though is you now have an HD projector that can play movies at their native resolution of 1280 x 720. You will be amazed at how nice it is to see a movie on such a large screen and it look so good. These projectors will be able to run everything very smoothly from HD television, to watching DVD’s, and they are even a pretty good blu ray projector.

For a top of the line projector expect to spend $1200+. These are when you truly get to see the almighty power of a home theater projector. You will be watching a movie with your jaw dropped because of the true beauty of the picture being displayed. At this price range lighting and screen size will almost never be an issue because of the high lumen output. You will also notice a cleaner, darker, and crisper image that matches the quality of many high definition televisions. The main difference though is you will be able to play movies at 1080p. The fact is 1080p is not all it is cut out to be in home theater projectors. The true difference with 1080p is when it comes to watching blu ray movies. Blu ray is the only thing that truly broadcasts at 1080p. Make sure to check out our article to hear more about 720p vs 1080p. So if money is not an issue and you want the best image then this is your price range.

The last thing to remember when buying a projector is there is other expenses you need to consider. For one thing a projector uses a projector lamp that does not last as long as your average tv. An average projector lamp lasts around 2000 hours and costs around $400. Now this 2000 hours is when you almost have to replace it because its lumen output will become worse and worse as time goes on.

Another thing you need to consider is a projector screen. Yes you can just use a wall to project your image on, but if you want a better image you should really consider buying a projector screen. For more information check out post: what to look for in a projector screen.

I hope this helped feel free to leave a comment if you have any more questions.

Mitsubishi unveiled XD95U XGA Micro Projector

Mitsubishi has just unveiled a new high quality micro projector called the XD95U. Even though it might not be the lightest and smallest projector out does not mean it is not small. Weighing in at only 3.3 pounds and measuring 7.5 by 8.1 inches the XD95U Micro Projector is a small and very portable projector. It will certainly become a must have for business meetings because it comes with an impressive 2200 ANSI lumens. With such a high lumen output the XD95U allows users to present in almost any lighting situation. It is also has an instant shut-down feature that allows the user to make a quick exit without chancing damage to the projectors bulb.

The XD95U XGA Micro Projector comes with a relatively high resolution of 1024 x 768 resolution, making it one of the best quality micro projectors out on the market. It also delivers a contrast ratio of 2000:1. With the high lumen output the projector is able to produce up to a 200-inch viewing screen. Expect to see the XD95U out next month with a suggested retail price of $1,495.

Toshiba Makes A Projector That Talks

Toshiba has invented the first projector that comes with a new feature called voice guidance. Here is what it does: “The Voice Guidance feature provides ease of use, preventative maintenance updates and a lower total cost of ownership. The voice guidance system in the TLP-X200U directs users with an audible message through the projector’s operating instructions and system warnings, such as the on/off status, lamp life, air filter checks, and cooling fan status.” Source

Pretty much in plain terms the projector talks to you and warns you when something is wrong and tells you the state of a certain thing. Pretty much that is all this projector has to offer is less than useful gadgets and awful specs. It weighs 4.4pounds, it is wireless, has 3,000 ANSI lumens, 600: 1 contrast ratio, and a 1024 x 768 native resolution.

Retail prices on a projector that talks is $1,739, the price seems high for todays market. You can get a a projector with similar specs for a much more reasonable price of around $1000. So it looks like the main selling point here is the projectors voice guidance feature.

1080p vs. 720p - Which is Better?

As of right now, 1080p is all the rage for any type of home theater entertainment system. Whether its a 1080p projector or a 1080p Plasma TV, they are selling like hotcakes due to their ability to provide the best video processing method on the market as well as some of the best pictures. Despite all the hype and enthusiasm surrounding the 1080p format, many users are finding that 720p is still the way to go.

Probably the biggest factor in deciding between 1080p or 720p is of course price. Quality 720p projectors have been falling in price and can now be found for under $1,500 and as low as $1,000. Standard 1080p projectors generally go for about $2,000 and prices can go as high as $4,000. In todays economy, many buyers are sensitive to price and some buyers don't see a $600-$800 difference between 1080p and 720p.

In addition, unless you have upgraded to Blu-ray you will not be seeing the full effects of a 1080p projector. If your viewing material is primarily DVDs with HD sports broadcasting, a 1080p projector will give almost no visual advantage in image quality and will be nearly identical to a 720p projector. The additional resolution won't add to the image quality of an HD sports braodcast since the actual resolution of the signals is limited to 720 lines per frame.

The story is a bit different when dealing with prime time television programming such as seen on NBC or CBS which primarily broadcast in 1080i. While a 1080p projector has the potential to create a sharper and clearer image when compared to a 720p projector, the difference won't be very big. The reality is that a 1080p projector will only give a slight advantage when viewing standard definition DVD's, TV, and HD broadcasting. For price conscious consumers not necessarily looking into Blu-ray, 720p is the way to go.

Panasonic PT AE3000 Reviewed

The Panasonic PT AE3000 is one of the best 1080P Projectors to date and it has a price tag to mach it. With the stunningly low cost of $3,499, Panasonic has set a whole new bar on pricing a top quality 1080P Projector. Where today’s market consists of $10,000 1080P projectors Panasonic is able to contend and if not beat them with a price tag of only $3500. So to start this review here is a quick list of the specs of the new Panasonic PT-AE3000:

Cost: $3499
Lumens Output: 1600 Lumens
Contrast Ratio: 60,000: 1
ANSI Contrast Ratio: 446: 1 (Sounds low, but is in fact the highest contrast ratio to date on a LCD Projector)
Video Compatibility: 1080P
Native Screen Ratio: 16:9
Connection Panel: Three HDMI 1.3 ports, one 15-pin VGA input, two sets of 3-RCA YPbPr component video, one composite video, one S-video, one 9-pin D-sub serial (RS-232c).

Well now that we know a little bit more about the specs on the projector lets talk a little about the numerous features that come with it. One new great feature is it comes with a new lens memory that can easily convert 16:9 widescreen format to the 2.35:1 format. It also comes with a new feature called side-by-side comparison. This feature is really amazing because it lets you tweak an image so that it looks better and when you are done you can compare it to the original image to see if you like the changes you have made. Also a feature that Panasonic is famous for is their smooth screen filter. Projectors are notorious for having pixilation problems, but smooth screen filter removes all signs of pixilation. These are just a few of the best features that come with the new Panasonic PT AE3000.

The Panasonic AE3000 is a must buy for anyone who wants the best projector. Everything is great on this new projector. I cannot find one true flaw about this projector. Everything is great about the AE3000 from the price, to the specs, to the features, and it even looks great. What more can you ask for in a home theater projector.

Mitsubishi announces FL6900U Projector

Mitsubishi Digital Electonics will release the high-brightness 1080p resolution FL6900U projector this month. It will be priced at $9,995, and is the ultimate in commercial projectors. Featuring a built-in anti-theft alarm, this projector is designed for public settings with high ambient lighting.

The FL6900U can project a 1080p high-definition picture up to 250-inches measured diagonally. It boasts a brightness of 4000 lumens, and is perfect for applications ranging from classrooms and conference rooms to restaurants and sports bars. The alarm is an excellent addition since projectors in many of these locations are prone to theft. It is quiet enough to run in a whisper-quiet library without disturbance, estimated at approximately 29 decibels. Installation is quick and easy, with automated focusing and correction. The projector comes with a three-year warranty on parts and labor. Mitsubishi guarantees the utmost in quality and versatility with its most recent introduction, the FL6900U.

LG Releases HS102 Projector that runs on Rechargeable Battery and comes with Divx Player

It is about time that we see a projector run on rechargeable batteries that are similar to that of a laptop’s battery! The LG HS102 comes with a two hour rechargeable battery. The only problem: it is only available in Korea right now. The projector comes with a Divx player built straight into the projector that plays files straight from a USB device. Some quick specs for the projector include a native resolution of 800 x 600, it supports both 4:3/19:9 screen ratios, contrast ratio of 2,000:1, and 150 lumen output. The specs are not too great, but the price is only $550. LG has not announced when the HS102 Projector will be coming over to the states yet.

Dell M109S Pocket Projector

Palm projectors have been seen on the net for a while now, but Dell is the first to offer a pocket projector to the mass market. The Dell M109S projector is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (3.64” x 4.12” x 1.46”). The specs are nothing spectacular with a brightness of 55 lumens, resolution of 858x600 and a throw distance of 8 feet, but who cares when the projector is smaller than my hand. The main selling point on M109S is that it is tiny and has a weight of only .8 pounds and lets not forget the price either. With a pricetag of only $500 this is one gadget that will be on many tech enthusiasts holiday shopping list.

What is a long throw Lens?

A long throw lens is a special type of lens that allows a projector to be placed farther back without stretching out the screen as far as a normal lens would. Long throw lenses are usually external lenses that are mounted on in front of the normal lens, like a pair of glasses. Some projectors will come stock with a long throw lens, but this is very rare and are often from name brands you cannot trust. Typically you can find a long throw lens from any where from $1000 for a very cheap one to all the way up to $5000 for a high quality lens for very long distances.

A long throw lens is typically used in a larger facility like a church. A church for example would not want a bulky projector in the middle of the church, but would rather have it placed in the back of the church where it is far out of site. Also University lecture halls, reception halls, and convention centers are often a common place for long throw lens due to the buildings large size. Another common place you might see a long throw lens is a school auditorium. If you have ever looked at the very back top corner of a school auditorium there is usually a sound and video box where a projector is placed. Now think of how big that projectors screen would be if it did not use a long throw lens, so in most cases like this a long throw lens a must have.

One last reminder when planning your budget and seeing how much money you want to spend. Consider whether or not you want a long throw lens.

What to Look for in a Projector Screen

As projectors grow in popularity for home theater use, many people are deciding to get their money's worth and are completing the home theater package by buying projector screens. But just like projectors, projector screens vary from model to model and some of these differences shouldn't be ignored.

Like most products for sale, there are cheap, inexpensive options as well as higher priced, more expensive projector screens. The most glaring differences between the two being the quality of the material used in manufacturing and the quality of construction by the manufacturer. For fixed frame screens spending the extra cash usually translates to a more durable and taut screen. For screens built with extra sturdiness this means the screen will retain its shape longer, and will not warp from being held taught. Screens that are built with less sturdy material will often begin to lose shape over time and the screen material will become loose as it stretches which will result in a distorted image.

Velvet borders are also common in projector screens as they prevent light leaks off the side of the screen and provide the screen with a more finished look. As price goes up with a screen usually the quality and durability of the fabric used increases with it. Another fact to note is that many of the cheaper projector screen options are often manufactured outside of the United States. Draper and Da-Lite are two popular screen makers who offer tremendous products.

For those of you wondering just how much many projector screens are expected to cost, here is a general price breakdown for a few of the most popular screen options.

* Gallon of Matte White Paint: $20
* Screen Material (DIY screens): $12 per square foot ($300 for a 92-inch screen)
* Low cost Fixed or Pull Down Screen: $149 - $799
* Fixed Screen with Border: $549 - $2,199 (Draper Onyx)
* Electric Screen: $799 and up.

Source: Projector People

Epson EH-DM2 Reviewed

Epson has just announced a new projector called the Epson EH-DM2. The Epson EH-DM2 adds a twist in today’s world of projectors by now trying to market a projector as an all in one media player. Inside the new Epson EH-DM2 you will find a DVD player, 8w speakers, 1 USB port for photos, and a projector. This new concept sounds like a cheap bundle package you would find in the bargain section at Wal-Mart, but projector specs are not that bad either. The projector comes with 1,200 lumens of brightness, an HD compatible resolution, and it boasts 3LCD technology. 3LCD technology is pretty much a fancy new LCD projector that supposedly removes rainbow affects and offers more colors than known to mankind. The part that I like the most is the price of this new projector, with a cost of only $900 it sounds like almost to good of a deal.

How Many Lumens Do I Need?

A question that is asked over and over when it comes to projectors is how many lumens do I need? Well to answer this question we might want to start out by talking about what are lumens. Lumens is quite simply the measure of light output of projectors. Today’s projectors usually range in the number of lumens from around 1,000 to up to 10,000 Lumens. Another key item to remember when looking at the number of lumens is make sure measurement is in ANSI lumens. ANSI Lumens is a standard use of Lumen Measurement that was established by the American Nation Standards Institute. Some projector companies will try to make their numbers seem higher than they actually are using different methods to measure their lumens.

Ok now that we know a little bit more about lumens lets talk about how many lumens you will actually need for your projector. For starters to save money on your projector make sure you have controlled lighting. This is essential when setting up a projector because without controlled lighting you will need a lot of lumens to make your projectors image appear. Now if you do have controlled lighting here is a quick way to find the suggested lumens. The number of lumens tend to go with the size of your screen. For a 60-80 inch screen I would suggest 1000-2000 lumens, for a 80-120 inch screen your going to need around 2500-3500 lumens, and for anything bigger than 120 inches you are going to need 3500+ lumens.

Still unsure about how many lumens you need or have another question about projectors well feel free to call Rentourprojectors.com What better person to call about projectors than someone who deals with projectors everyday and has over 20 years of experience.

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Projector Tips for PC Gaming

People have been playing video games on computers since before consoles where even invented. Today PC's are the top choice for gaming enthusiasts and casual players alike. However, those who are looking for the best possible gaming experience are turning to projectors for high definition, high resolution, immersive displays for their personal computers. For those of you wanting to purchase a projector and get the most out of your gaming experience, here are a few things to consider when looking at all the different projectors.

The first and foremost thing to consider when looking at projectors is the inherent video delay that will come with every projector. The transmission of the video signal is not instantaneous and there can be a brief and sometimes noticeable delay between the time a video signal reaches the projector and the time it is displayed on the screen. This is primarily caused by the projector having to scale a non-native resolution.

Many times users will not even notice any type of video delay when not playing games highly dependent on exact timing, such as World of Warcraft, Age of Empires or other non-fps type games. Even then, many popular first-person shooter games are not negatively impacted by video delays due to the actual delay being under 100 milliseconds. However if you are considering playing mutliplayer over the internet, video delay is something you should highly consider.

In online games there is a side effect of network play known as lag, which is caused by the delay of computers communicating with one another. One thing to note is that network lag will be far more noticeable than video lag, but if you purchase a projector that doesn't fare well in response times your multiplayer experience may not be the most enjoyable due to combined video and network lag.

If the video delay is starting to turn you off from projectors, don't sweat it. There is an easy way to completely eliminate or greatly reduce the inherent video delay. This is accomplished by simply sending the projector a signal that does not need to be re-scaled. In other words, if you have a 1280x800 resolution projector, perfect in-game video resolutions would be 1280x800, 1280x768, 720p resolutions, and XGA resolutions - all without needing to perform any re-scaling and keeping video delay to a minimum.

Apart from the usual concerns about contrast ratio, color, and lumen output, video delay should be the number one priority when looking at projectors for gaming as video delay could make or break the projector. When looking at projectors for gaming the most important aspects to look at will be native resolution, as you will be wanting to send a native signal whenever possible and the native resolution will dictate which in-game settings to use, and regular projector refresh rates.

Source: Pojector Central

NEC announces 2 new mobile projectors

NEC announced this has introduced two new projector models. Weighing at a remarkable 3.5 pounds the new NP41 and NP61 are better known as mobile projectors. With the dimensions of 9.7x7.1x2.9 in the two new mobile projectors are considerably smaller and lighter than most new projectors of today.

The two new mobile projectors are aimed at people wanting to take the mobile projector with their laptop on the road. These mobile projectors though are on the same level of quality as home theater projectors with a brightness of 2,300 and 3,000 Lumens and a contrast ratio of 1,600:1 with a 1024x768 maximum resolution.

The only difference that we could find between the 2 projectors seems to be the brightness with the NP41 having 2,300 lumens and a price of $999 compared to the NP61 having 3,000 lumens and a price of $1,399. Expect to see these two mobile projectors out early this fall.