Mini Home Theater

Digital Projectors

Digital Projectors

Expert's Guide To Buying A Digital Projector For Education Or Business

Buying a digital projector means focusing on seven key points that give a price and performance comparison across brands.

The problem is manufacturers try and muddy the market by making comparison difficult.

Before considering any projector, make a mental note of what the digital projector will do for your business or organisation, where it will be used and the budget.

This sets parameters for the reseller that lets them make sensible recommendations.

For each digital projector, cross-compare these seven key points by award points out of 10 for each category that should give one or two products that meet the specification required:

Resolution

The higher the screen resolution in pixels is reflected in a higher digital projector price. Match the projector to the place where it will be used and what will be displayed.

PowerPoint presentations in small rooms or classrooms are generally fine at a low resolution.

Brightness

These depend on the light output, measured in lumens. A projector output of less than 1000 lumens may not give a clear image. Presentations in rooms with bright lighting left on probably need a high-performing LCD projector.

Contrast

Contrast is the ratio between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. Look for a ratio of 400:1 or more to get a balanced image.

Portability

If a digital projector is static, weight doesn't matter, but if someone has to carry the equipment around together with leads and cables, a lightweight model in a tough case is better. Portable digital projectors can weigh in at less than 5lbs, but less weight can come with a heavy price tag.

Connectivity

Check out the devices that need an input on the projector and make sure the model has the right jacks and plugs plus a couple spare. Consider the computer that will input as well - is it a Mac or a Windows machine and will the digital projector's software and/or drivers run on it?
All these factors have to be considered to make sure a projector delivers maximum usability.

Lamp life

Replacing digital projector lamps is expensive. Look for a machine that has a listed lamp life of 2000 hours and any power saving options as extras like lamp management features to extend lamp life.

Warranty

Other key points that affect price are projector and lamp warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty generally pushes the digital projector price up.

Don’t forget to check out the support that’s available from the reseller and the availability of spare lamps.

If the cost is much less than expected, find out if the projector is cheaper because it’s an end-of-line and whether a new model is due.

Should the price come in more than expected, the digital projector could be a new model with early takers paying over the odds so the maker can reclaim R&D costs.

Lastly, don’t make a quick decision – ask the reseller to provide a range of choices and request a demo in the room where the digital projector will be installed if possible.

DefaultFeatured itemsBestsellingAverage customer review: high to lowPrice: low to highPrice: high to lowAlphabetical: A to Z

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj 12.1MP Digital Camera with Built-In Projector and 5x Wide-Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom List Price: $349.95 Sale Price: $149.00 You save: $200.95 (57%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Nikon Coolpix S1000pj 12.1MP Digital Camera with Built-in Projector and 5x Wide-Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom - 26186 Features 12.1-megapixel resolution for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches World's first camera with an ultra-small, built-in projector provides new ways for enjoying your pictures anytime and anywhere 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; 5-way VR image stabilization system Bright 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD; Scene Auto Selector and Smart Portrait System Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Nikon Coolpix S1100pj 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3-Inch LCD and Built-in Projector (Black) List Price: $349.00 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Nikon S1100PJ-Black-Built-in Projector in a Compact Camera. Incredible built-in projector. 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor for stunning image quality. 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens. 3-inch Touch (460,000-dot) Clear Color Display.5-way VR Image Stabilization System. HD (720p) movie recording with one-touch control button. Features Incredible built-in projector; 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor 5x wide-angle optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens 3-inch touch-screen display; 5-way VR Image Stabilization system HD (720p)movie recording with One-Touch control button Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory card (not included)

Torpedo Entertainment Digital Movie Game Projector - AL100 / AL-100 List Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $109.99 You save: $189.01 (63%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The Torpedo Digital Projector projects a huge image right on your wall or ceilingIt works with your DVD player gaming console digital camera MP3 player computer TV or cable/satellite boxDelivering a diagonal projection size of over 6 the Torpedo is perfect for getting the most out of your video games movies and other media Features This Torpedo Game and Entertainment Projector has more than a six-foot diagonal projection Can project movies and video games on the wall or the ceiling Works with DVD players, Wii, X-Box, Nintendo, Playstation, Digital Cameras, iPod, Computers, TV, Cable or Satellite Box and many more This high quality torpedo game and entertainment projector enables you to view photos, watch movies, see video games and more Requires a 35 watt bulb (included), which is easy and inexpensive to replace

ViewSonic PJD5122 SVGA DLP Projector -120Hz/3D Ready, 2500 Lumens, 3000:1 DCR List Price: $649.00 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The PJD5122 delivers 2500 lumens with an 800 x 600 SVGA native resolution. It offers a variety of features including manual zoom/focus and auto vertical keystone correction as well as multiple computer and video inputs, yet it is very easy to set up and use. There are 8 default picture modes including Daylight, Cinema, ViewMatch, Blackboard, Whiteboard and Greenboard. The ECO mode function reduces the fan noise output for less distraction during important presentations and even extends the lamp life up to 6,000 hours. The PJD5122 offers both security bar and Kensington lock port for increased theft deterrence. Features 5.1 lb projector weight, 800 x 600 SVGA resolution 2500 Lumens and 3000:1 CR, 0.55" Digital Micromirror Device Manual focus and zoom (1.1X), Multiple inputs (Inc. RGB Out) Digital keystone correction, 5 Watt Integrated Speaker Lamp life: 4000/6000 hrs (N/Eco)

3M Pocket Projector (3M MPro160) Sale Price: $359.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The new 3M Pocket Projector MP160 is an ideal tool for people who don't need on-board memory or additional connectivity. Combining 30 lumens of brightness, full color gamut and SVGA resolution with 2 hour battery life, the MP160 merges an attractive feature-set with an affordable price. With its bright crisp images and robust built-in sound you can use it for business presentations, family gatherings, school lessons - anything you would use a projector for. It connects to virtually any gadget - computer, cell phone, iPod/iPhone or PDA to share files, photos, and movies virtually anywhere. Features Brilliant full color, 30 lumen SGVA Image Two integrated, three-quarter watt stereo speakers with audio out Compatible with virtually any device with video output, including digital cameras, laptops, DVD and MP3 players and game consoles. Projects up to 80" images LED light source with 20,000 hour life means the unit is environmentally friendly and there is no need for a replacement bulb

Transfer System Do-it-Yourself Conversion of Your Vintage Projector Home Movies, Slides, Photos to Your Digital Camera or DVD - Limited Quantity Available Sale Price: $89.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description This Deluxe Video Transfer System has been custom designed to let you optically convert movies or slides from your movie projector (8mm, Super 8, 16mm), your slide projector (35mm), or photos to your video camera then onward to digital or DVD depending on your hardware or software. An easy and economical way to transfer treasured home movies. Using your Movie Transfer system in tandem with your projector and camera will bring professional results at a fraction of the cost. Now you can appreciate the high quality of nostalgic memories on videotape, DVD, or your computer after the original films and slides have decayed.Think of the advantages by doing it yourself. Only you know proper scenes to transfer. A professional movie transfer service may be costly with no attention given to detail.The Movie Transfer System is delivered fully assembled and ready to use. First, you unpack your old home movies, slides, photos and bring out your projector. Place the projector on a table and aim the lens toward the window side the Movie Transfer System. Then, your video camera is placed facing the built-in macro lens. It's time to begin production at a push of a button. This purchase does not include the projector and camera.Once your movies are transferred to your camera the options include; 1) simply use your initial camera production, 2) transfer your camera production onto DVD using your DVD player recorder, 3) transfer onto Digital DVD with your software-editing package. Adding narration or music with your equipment is an option in the final production phase.You can also convert prints/photos (up to 4" by 6"). Built-in macro optics and an internal lighting system bring out the color and help assure correct focus of your video camera on the image being converted.No power is required when transferring Movies or Slides. When transferring photos, use batteries or a power supply (neither included).An elaborate full-color instructional guide is included. Features Custom rear projection screen designed for the highest definition. Interior front-surface mirror system. Crisp, sharp, and vibrant. Specially-designed optical array with macro-lens. Elaborate full-color instruction manual. Sturdy storage box. Adjustable-height table pod.

FAVI RioHD-LED-2 Mini Projector List Price: $247.00 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description LED projector as featured by PC Magazine. The RioHD-LED-2 by FAVI Entertainment offers the perfect balance in performance and affordability for business professionals, educators, gamers and home theater enthusiasts alike.Its revolutionary LED2 technology provides 20,000 hours or 14 years of lamp life (average of 4 hours per day). while boasting 4 times the brightness of a standard pico projectors. The quick connect VGA and portable design make it ideal for laptop presentations. At less than 3 lbs it easily travels with you to work. Bring your projector home for a family movie night or host the entire neighborhood for a drive-in movie by connecting it to your vehicle's 19V power source. *Recommend a FAVI floor stand projection screen for outdoor use. Features Supports 1080p/1080i/720p resolutions Weighs less than 3 lbs; fits nicely in laptop case Over 5 times as bright as standard LED projectors; LED lamp lasts an incredible 20,000 hours or 14 years (@ 4 hours a day) Connections: 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x Composite A/V, 1 x Component, 1 x S-Video, 1 x headphone/stereo jack Accessories Included: 1 x VGA Cable, 1 x Remote Control, 1 x Composite A/V Cable, 1 x 19V Power Adapter & 1 x User Guide;

3M Pocket Projector MPRO120--.33LBS List Price: $385.00 Sale Price: $147.88 You save: $237.12 (62%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The 3M™ MPro120 Pocket Projector is a next-generation handheld, battery-operated projector. Whether you’re making an impromptu business presentation or sharing photos with friends, the MPro120 allows you to project images and videos on almost any wall, almost anywhere. Images can be displayed on-the-fly from computers, netbooks or MP3 players, iPods, iPhone and digital cameras. Project image sizes from 8” to 50”. Built-in speakers provide sound. The energy-saving LED light lasts 20,000 hours and provides up to 12 lumens of brightness without ever needing to change a lamp. Features a robust battery life of two to four hours (enough to watch a full length film). The MPro120 is ready to use out of the box and comes with Computer and Video Cables, a protective bag, re-chargeable battery, a table-top tripod , a universal power supply, and a 1 year warranty. The optional adapter cable for Apple products (iPod, iPhone, iTouch) helps you easily connect to share pictures and videos with friends and family. Best of all, it fits in your pocket. Features The 3M MPro120 projects images from 8 to 50 inches Two integrated, half-watt stereo speakers help transform the MPro120 into a self-contained presentation device Projects eight to 50-inch still or moving image stored on a video capable pass-through device Uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon(LCOS) technology for superb image quality and minimization of component size. LED light source with 20,000 hour life means the unit is environmentally friendly and there is no need for a replacement bulb

CTA Digital Portable Projector with iPhone Cable Sale Price: $99.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Project your home movies with the feel of a movie theater with the Mini Projector from CTA Digital. This Mini Projector is a portable solution for displaying movies up to 86 inches in size. This projector supports many of the digital common files from its SD card reader, USB key reader or A/V input. Connect your DVD player or even view the pictures on your SD Card via the SD card reader and A/V inputs on the side of the docking base. This small projector can be powered by the typical household wall outlet or can be docked on the portable base. The dock contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery; so you can charge at home and take this hand sized item with you on the road. With the included wireless remote control in one hand and popcorn in the other, you are ready to experience the epic cinema feel all from this tiny projector! Features Rechargeable Battery or AC power Displays an attractive 36 inch display Plays MP3, MP4, JPEG files via USB and SD card reader Portable, rechargeable docking base Built in speaker

Nikon Coolpix S1100pj 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3-Inch LCD and Built-in Projector (Green) List Price: $349.00 Sale Price: Too low to display   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Nikon S1100PJ-Green-Built-in Projector in a Compact Camera. Incredible built-in projector. 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor for stunning image quality. 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens. 3-inch Touch (460,000-dot) Clear Color Display.5-way VR Image Stabilization System. HD (720p) movie recording with one-touch control button. Features Incredible built-in projector; 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor 5x wide-angle optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens 3-inch touch-screen display; 5-way VR Image Stabilization system HD (720p)movie recording with One-Touch control button Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory card (not included)