Features of laser projectors

More recently, laser projectors could only be found in cinemas and clubs, today they are widely used in offices and homes. Due to the high quality of the image, such devices allow not only showing presentations, videos, but also watching your favorite films in the family circle. Since this type of equipment is presented on the market in a huge assortment, you need to be able to choose the right model correctly, taking into account not only technical characteristics, price, but also reviews about the manufacturer.

A laser projector is a special device designed to reproduce images on large screens. Its basis is a laser beam, in monochrome models it is one, and in polychrome - three, the beam is focused by means of a special stencil, which can be in the form of a slide or an image. Falling on such a stencil and passing through it, the beam on the installed screen projects the desired image. In addition to the stencil and the beam, a complex mirror system is included in the design of the laser projector, it acts as a converter and creates certain angles of deflection of the emitted light. Thus, the principle of operation of this device is similar to the operation of televisions.

In comparison with lamp devices, laser devices "draw" an image without shining through the finished picture.

This device also allows high-quality images to be recreated even on uneven surfaces, since each pixel is individually projected by laser pulses that do not require additional focusing.

Despite the fact that laser projectors appeared on the market not so long ago, they have managed to change significantly over this period of time. Manufacturers produce a huge selection of models that satisfy any user needs.

All of the above types have their own technical capabilities, size and price.

This is a kind of projectors designed for use in educational institutions, business centers and cafes, that is, for rooms with backlight (additional source of illumination). The main purpose of such devices is to "interrupt" the light and display the necessary information on the screen with high quality. The average luminous flux (brightness) of this type of projectors is up to 3000 lumens, this figure directly depends on the level of ambient light in the room and the parameters of the device itself.

This is a programmable projector that can only work under ideal conditions. To obtain a high-quality image, the presence of external light sources must be completely excluded in the room. Just like an LED home theater projector, a laser projector has good color reproduction and many settings to control the video signal and color. Unlike office options, it is intended not only for the reproduction of graphics and text.The main advantage of this type is considered to be a low noise level, as well as the ability to install in any room. In addition, home theater devices have a stylish design and fit perfectly into modern room interiors.

They are a special kind of projectors that are heavy, large and have high brightness. They are used, as a rule, in large rooms, as well as for creating projections on structures and for outdoor installations. Like an animation projector, an installation projector has many additional features that allow you to create lighting effects. They are often installed for a holiday or a solemn event. Such devices are produced in a protective robust case, they are easy to install, transport, although they weigh about 20 kg.

This type of projectors is considered the most unique. As in other laser devices, a laser is responsible for creating an image in them, which "draws" the right and left pictures on two silicon mirrors. At the same time, special LCD panels are glued to such mirrors to polarize light. Thanks to this playback technology, it is possible to use 3D glasses while watching. The main disadvantage of 3D projectors is the high cost.

Today, laser projectors are presented on the market in a huge assortment, while the models differ from each other not only in technical characteristics, but also in quality and price. Here are the best models that have received many positive reviews.

• Panasonic PT-RZ470E. This ultra-compact new product from the Chinese manufacturer weighs only 700 g and supports 3D mode. The principle of operation of the projector is based on the original technology "LED sources + laser-porfor", that is, the design provides for the presence of not only a laser, but also an LED lamp. This model is ideal for both home theater and business applications. The main advantages of this model are versatility (you can connect headphones, game consoles, smartphones and computers), a convenient control panel. Disadvantages - the lack of Russification, a slot for memory cards, and during video playback from the Internet, the image may slightly "slow down".

• LG HF80JS. This model is presented by a Taiwanese company. This projector has a wide projection, so it can be installed flush against a wall. The main feature of this device is considered to be that it does not scatter light to the sides and does not blind the speaker. The device supports 3D-mode, thanks to the brightness of 1500 ANSI-lumens, it can be used not only for presentations, but also for watching films. The advantages of the model include: the presence of more than 10 outputs, including, including LAN and HDMI, the ability to connect to a computer, audio systems, equipping with two 20 W speakers and a convenient control panel. Cons - heavy (weighs about 5 kg), the complexity of using the Internet, flaws in color rendition (the image may initially have a shift in cold tones).

• Xiaomi MiJia. This device from a Chinese manufacturer is great for home theater use. It weighs 7 kilograms, has high quality and impressive characteristics, among which you can distinguish a good Full HD expansion and a luminous flux of 5000 lumens. The projection size along the diagonal of the screen is from 107 to 381 cm, the laser resource is long and exceeds 25,000 hours. The advantages of the device are stylish appearance, convenient use, high-quality picture reproduction. As for the shortcomings, there is only one - a high price.

• Vivitek D555. This projector model is considered budget. Despite the ability to display images in Full HD, the device has an average technical characteristics.It is recommended to buy it for offices, although you can also use it at home to watch movies (in this case, you need to additionally install a 90-inch screen). This projector also has good brightness levels (3000 lumens) and contrast (15000: 1). If we consider the advantages of this device, then only affordable cost can be attributed to them.

• Acer V6810. This is a laser projector that can be purchased at an affordable price. The device provides high-quality picture reproduction in 4K UHD, while the expansion of its matrix is ​​only 1920 * 1080. Since the V6810 has a brightness of 2,200 lumens and a contrast ratio of 10,000: 1, it is recommended to install it with 220 ”screens.

• Benq LK970. This model is the most technologically advanced and expensive device with a 2716 * 1528 expansion matrix and the ability to display a projection in 4K format. The maximum brightness of the projector is 5000 lumens, contrast ratio is 100000: 1 and diagonal is 508 cm. This unit can be connected to TVs and computers. The advantage of the model is that the laser provides the necessary sharpness, thanks to which any scenes will look exactly the same as in the cinema. In addition, the laser power can be easily adjusted manually.

• Viewsonic LS700HD. This is a laser projector from an American brand that demonstrates excellent dynamic contrast and has a brightness of 3500 lumens. The main advantages of the model, users refer to the high response speed and good interface set, there is also support for Smart TV. There are no downsides.

Since a laser projector is in most cases an expensive technique, it is worth paying attention to many parameters when buying it.

• The color brightness of the projector. It directly depends on the distance of the device to the screen (when it decreases, the brightness increases proportionally) and the level of ambient light. Each model of projectors has its own indicator of brightness, it is measured in lumens. If you plan to use the device for watching movies in a darkened room, then you can purchase models with a brightness of 1500 lumens, while the screen diagonal should not be less than 130 inches. As for the use of the projector in well-lit rooms, models with a luminous flux of 3000 lumens are considered the ideal choice. The only thing is that in the place where the device is installed, there should be a slight darkening.

• Contrast. This indicator is the ratio of the brightness of white to black. When the projector is located in well-lit rooms, contrast is determined by the maximum brightness of the device. In this case, the black areas of the picture will be overexposed by external lighting. Contrast plays a huge role for cinemas, where the hall is well darkened for watching films. The higher its value, the greater the dynamic range will be.

• Permission. It is not recommended to buy projectors with an aspect ratio lower than HD. To have a high quality image, it is better to pay a little extra.

• Power. This is the most important indicator of the device, since the maximum brightness and saturation of the final picture depend on it. It is advisable to buy models with a power of 1 W of red, blue and green colors, which ultimately amounts to a final figure of 3 W.

• Scanning speed and angle. The higher the first parameter, the better the device. To view images in good quality, you need to choose a projector with a scanning speed of at least 30 kpps. It should be noted that the scanning speed depends on the angle, the working value of which should be from 40 to 60 degrees.

• Projection modes. Manufacturers produce devices with vertical and horizontal keystone correction, depending on this, the device can be installed at a certain angle, not strictly perpendicular to the screen.Today, projectors are distinguished with desktop, front, ceiling and rear projections. The first type must be chosen if the device is to be installed below or at the level of the screen, the second - in front of an opaque screen, the third is suspended from the ceiling, and the fourth is placed behind a transparent screen.

• 3D support. This feature is not available on all models. When choosing a projector with 3D support, it is important to check with the seller which technology is used for the display: passive or active. In the first case, the projector outputs lines in turn for the left and right eyes, and in the second, the frame rate is halved.

• Interfaces and connectors. It is advisable to give preference to models with VGA and HDMI connectors, and the presence of outputs for multichannel audio connection to a computer does not hurt either. The usability of the interface also plays a huge role.

• Networking capabilities. Most models are available with wireless projection capability. They cost a little more, but have more advanced functionality.

It is very good if the device comes with a remote control. We should also pay special attention to the manufacturer and its guarantees.

It is important that the manufacturer's service centers are available in the city where the device is purchased. In addition, it is important to carefully study the reviews of the models and trust only trusted manufacturers.

Despite the fact that laser projectors have appeared on the market recently, they managed to get a lot of both positive and negative reviews. Most users have appreciated the unlimited resource of the laser source, which averages up to 20,000 hours. In addition, in comparison with lamp models, laser ones have excellent contrast, brightness and expansion. Doctors also speak positively about this type of projectors, since the reflected light is absolutely safe for the organs of vision. Some users were unhappy with budget models, which have a rainbow effect in the form of blue, green and red outlines visible against a light background.

How to choose a laser projector, see the video.