How to choose a multimedia projector?

Cozy photos, in which a family is watching a movie through a projector, seem to be the perfect picture of a comfortable family vacation. Watching a movie on TV doesn't seem so atmospheric and romantic anymore. This is how the idea often arises to buy a projector at home instead of a TV, so that movie screenings for the whole family can be made a good tradition. Although such a device is used far from only at home, and is used successfully. If, of course, the buyer guessed right with the model and chose a really cool multimedia projector.

A projector is a device that produces information on a large screen from a translucent medium (electronic or film). The technology by which the projector works has been known for a long time, it was used in the so-called "analog era". Those first projectors were used at lectures, conferences, presentations to demonstrate material. We are talking about overhead projectors and slide projectors (i.e. slide devices).

A multimedia projector is the most modern technical object in the designated group of devices. It is compact and versatile, and, most importantly, it can transmit not only static, but also video. It is the video projector that creates the home theater, and in the working environment it transmits large-scale advertising and information installations.

The technical characteristics of the multimedia projector are constantly being improved, new functions appear in the devices, which means that the scope of the technology is expanding.

A little about the principle of operation of the device.

• A picture coming from the original device is projected onto the screen at multiple magnification. In analog designs, a light flux passed through the transparent picture, and the same picture appeared on the screen, only in a diffused form, that is, in magnification. In the described digital device, the original data are files that are stored on a digital medium.
• Thanks to the built-in inputs, you can connect a tablet, a laptop, a computer, and a camera to the multimedia projector. Image transmission is possible from almost any memory card or disc.

Projectors differ in signal transmission technologies (more on that below), and in other technical characteristics. The resolution of the matrix, the power of the luminous flux, and, finally, the compactness are evaluated at the time of purchase. For example, the clarity of the picture on the screen depends on the resolution of the gadget. The more pixels in the matrix system, the better the picture quality. But the higher the resolution of the model, the higher the cost.

Additional equipment or options that are possible in a particular model may also matter. The number and characteristics of input and output connectors, holes, and zoom lenses are evaluated. Important for some projectors and a wireless communication system that works with the transfer of information and not only. Selected models are equipped with included speakers, remote control, laser pointer, etc.

The choice is based on the purpose of the technical means: the more requirements for the image and the comfort of working with it, the more an upgraded device should be bought.

Key parameters and additional options form the buyer's choice. He looks at the basic specifications of the device and decides which projector will be his purchase.

The principle of operation of a laser projector is the projection by the device of changing laser beams onto the screen. The body of such a projector contains the laser itself, as well as a galvanometric scanner or an acousto-optic color changer. It also contains dichroic mirrors and other optical elements.

Such devices make it possible to draw on different planes laser graphics of high intensity and clarity. We are talking about holograms, textual information, logos, 3D shapes and drawings. The laser projector is controlled via the DMX protocol or using a digital-to-analog converter.

The power consumption of this device is low, the life of this gadget is almost unlimited. In addition, laser projectors are economical and easy to service. It transmits the picture to the big screen, even if it is located at a very short distance from it. But the laser device also has a tangible disadvantage: its brightness is insufficient, and the price is not raised for every buyer.

This abbreviation stands for Liquid Cristal on Silicon. Typically used by projector manufacturers such as Sony and JVC. This type of device combines the functionalities of DLP and LED. Liquid crystal panels are used as a matrix in these projectors, only the image reflected from the panels penetrates into the lens, and not through.

What are the advantages of such projectors:

• maximum possible resolution;
• large filling of the matrix working field due to small intercrystalline intervals;
• cooling layer as part of the structure;
• the possibility of using powerful light sources.

This is a professional equipment that provides the best image quality to date.

Digital Light Processing technology became known in 1994, and its developers have already created their own organization. The system is based on 3 matrices, which consist of micromirrors, not silicone crystals. It turns out that the luminous flux goes from the lamp to the lens not in a direct way, but reflected (from the matrix elements). The light rays are transformed into light points of the picture, they go from the mirrors to the lens, and then to the screen. The dark points pass into the light absorber. The color image comes out like this: on the way to the matrix, the stream of light goes through color filters (blue, green and red). These devices are lightweight and therefore portable. They are also distinguished by high contrast indicators, the possibility of many years of use, as well as minimal service.

It's also worth remembering the early projector technology that has been around for decades. It is a CRT technology that works with a cathode ray tube at its core. True, these designs are considered too heavy today, and the brightness level of these projectors is limited.

The choice of a digital projector by many consumers is still based not on the type of device, but on the popularity of certain models.

This list includes devices that experts consider to be top-end video projectors. Their popularity is predicted to be the highest this year.

Such a projector can be considered advanced, the quality of its picture will pleasantly surprise the consumer. The projector works with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The light source in this model is an LED matrix, which has many advantages. The resource of the lamps is not satisfactory, the focal length of the projector is reduced, it is simply placed in front of itself and it is considered a replacement for the monitor. The picture is bright and contrasting.The package contains built-in speakers, an autofocus system, and an Android platform. Of the small minuses - the lack of optical zoom of the picture and minor flaws in the firmware. The projector will cost the buyer about 50 thousand rubles.

And this is already a super-affordable model for a wide buyer, for which you will not even have to pay 5 thousand (it costs about 4.8-4.9 thousand rubles). An excellent portable purchase with a simple functional list, but in many cases it will suffice. Resolution - 800x400 pixels, a simple multimedia player that takes the maximum number of formats. The only drawback of the device is the noisy fan. And so for a very affordable price, the buyer buys a projector with good build quality, built-in player and nice design.

It is pleasant to note that this is a Russian development, assembled, as is common today, in China. The device is not cheap - 35 thousand rubles, and at the same time with a modest resolution - 640 x 480 pixels. The parameters of the maximum projection diagonal are 3.8 m. But the main thing in the device is its impressive light weight. Lightweight "Kinokubik" weighs only 300 g. Finally, the device works in close integration with the online service Ivi. And also "Kinokubik" has a powerful battery that allows the projector to work autonomously for 5 hours. The device also has 32 GB of internal memory. If, nevertheless, to be objective, the price for "Kinokubik" is a little overpriced, but the model confidently shows excellent sales volumes.

Taiwanese products are well known to the domestic buyer. And this projector can be considered an excellent purchase for home use. The resolution of the projector is 1920 x 1080 pixels. Supports 3D content model. A special lamp is included in the device to maintain increased brightness and flicker-free glow. Of the minuses, it can be noted except that the lack of adjustment of the horizontal trapezoid. The purchase will cost almost 27 thousand rubles.

The list will be incomplete if you do not include in it a very advanced and completely immodest price model of the Korean projector. The resolution of the model corresponds to the 4K standard. The light source here is a hybrid Laser-LED. Finally, the exterior of the projector is quite impressive - a matte plastic parallelepiped with a carrying handle. And this is not just a stylish solution: it allows you to position the projector as you like - horizontally, vertically, mount it on a wall or on a ceiling. Without a doubt, the projector is considered one of the best smart devices on the market.

The models are presented in a wide price range, which will allow consumers with different financial capabilities to take advantage of this rating.

Councils for choosing a gadget.

1. Mobility, size. It is advisable to deal with this immediately. Mobile models will not weigh more than 2kg and are configured for wireless interfaces. But for compactness, you almost always have to count on a picture.
2. Light sources and image output technologies. The section "Views" details what projectors can be. In short, laser projectors are more powerful and are more commonly used in premium models. Semiconductor projectors provide pure color and low power consumption. Hybrid sources are the most promising, but they have appeared relatively recently, so innovations have to pay with big money.
3. Resolution, brightness and contrast. These parameters affect the quality of the picture. And here the purpose of the projector plays the main role, what will be displayed on it: graphs and diagrams, or mainly films and cartoons at home.If the projector is used often, serves as an important tool in the presentation of working material, is in demand in the office, the models may not be from the budget.

For projector selection errors, see the following video.