Why to buy a projector with 3D compatibility?
3D projectors add depth to the images to make them more life-like and realistic. This is useful when explaining complicated designs in architecture and education. The resulting pictures also have better resolution and superior quality with less blurring of motion.
These projectors also allow you to configure and increase the image on your screen to simulate a real-life theatre, or bring your favorite character to life.
Additionally, larger images are more comfortable to view with 3D projectors which reflect light as opposed to ordinary televisions which emit light. They also reduce eye strain.
Lastly, they allow us to maximize space since most projectors are compact in size and can be mounted on ceilings. You can also take them with you anywhere due to their light weight. They can work with multiple devices such as VGA, SD, HDMI, wireless, MHL and AV, among others.
In summary, 3D projectors are a good investment which provide an awesome cost-benefit ratio.
Features to consider before buying a 3D projector
Paying attention to the following features when shopping for the best 3D projector will help you make the best selection and optimize your viewing experience. They are the features that bring the “pro” in 3D projectors.
Display technology
There are two main types of display technologies used in modern 3D projectors; DLP and LCD.
DLP technology which is featured in BenQ TK800 is the most common type used in projectors and movie theatres. It utilizes micro mirrors and a color wheel to produce brighter images than LCD with less motion blur due to low lag time, but less vivid black than LCD. It is also prone to the rainbow effect since it uses a color wheel.
LCD uses technology that is similar to the one in televisions and does not consist of moving parts, unlike the mirrors and color wheel in DLP projectors. LCD makes use of high-intensity light beam for more vivid black images and better contrast.
Using three-chip design in 3DLP and 3LCD, as opposed to a single-chip design, offers the most superior quality with better color saturation as seen in Epson Home Cinema 2040. This technology is mostly found in high-end models.
Brightness, contrast, resolution
Brightness is one of the most important attributes in a 3D projector and one of the distinguishing features of affordable and expensive projectors. A projector can never be too bright since it is always easier to reduce its brightness than to increase it.
Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. The number of lumens should be determined by the amount of ambient light in your viewing room as well as the size of your screen. The more the light and the larger your screen, the higher the level of brightness required. Generally, a projector with a minimum of 3,000 lumens would suffice in most situations.
Contrast ratio is calculated by comparing the difference in brightness between black and white images, with a high ratio indicating greater quality of pictures with better color and clarity. The entry-level SeoJack Portable 3D Projector has a contrast ratio of 2,200:1 while Epson Home Cinema 2040 has 35,000:1.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that can be transmitted, with a high number yielding pictures with finer and more extensive details. For instance, the BenQ TK800, a 4K projector, has an incredible resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
Keystone correction
Keystone correction allows you to align and position the projected image horizontally, vertically, or diagonally into the correct rectangular image when your projector is placed at an angle to the screen instead of perpendicular to it. The amount of correction differs in degrees from one model to another.
Throw ratio
Throw distance refers to the distance between your screen and the projector while throw ratio refers to the throw distance compared to the width of your screen, which is denoted as throw distance divided by the width of the screen.
For instance, BenQ MW535A has a throw ratio of 1.55:1 – 1.86:1. This allows it to project 120 inches from as close as 13 feet. If you don’t have much room, then an ultra short throw projector will work best.
Screen size
Screen size refers to the diagonal distance of your screen and is measured in inches. When it comes to screen size, bigger is always better. Knowing the ideal size of the screen will help you choose the right projector because the amount of magnification varies from one model to another and using the wrong projector may magnify the image but decrease its brightness.
Warranty and bulb lifetime
Also called a lamp, a bulb refers to the source of light. Projectors use lamps with LED, metal halide, or LED/laser technology for illumination. The bulb life can range from 2000 to more than 4000 hours in metal halide projectors and 20,000 hours in LED projectors.
Laser models are the brightest, followed by metal halide lamps while LED lamps are quieter with better colors and a longer lifespan than metal halide lamps.
Since lamp warranty starts from purchase day and not usage day, it is best to test it out as soon as you buy it in order to replace it in case it is defective. Warranty also covers dead pixels, by the way.
Extra features
Ports: The number of ports will determine the type and number of devices that can be used for input and output purposes as well as connectivity. This includes HDMI, VGA, MHL, AV, SD, Wi-Fi, composite, S-video, 3.5mm and USB. It gives you more flexibility to pair your projector with several devices.
Weight: A projector that is light in weight provides convenient portability and storage. You can mount it anywhere and have entertainment on the move. Luckily, majority of 3D projectors are relatively light.
Dimensions: Similar to weight, a compact size improves portability and can fit easily in limited spaces.
Built-in speaker: Although projectors are not loud enough to be used as home theatres on their own, an integrated speaker can easily be paired with external ones or home theatre to amplify it. Some feature enhanced audio enhancements for better sound. SeoJack Portable 3D Projector has SRS Sound System to improve the sound quality.
Tips on how to enjoy your 3D movie night
- Check the existing ambient light and regulate it, if need be. This may be out of your control in an outdoor environment; in this case you will need a projector with exceptional brightness to overcome it.
- Check your manual for the throw ratio to know the exact distance you should place the projector from the screen.
- Place the projector on a flat surface that is perpendicular to the screen to avoid distortion of images.
- Connect your projector to the media player or 3D-enabled device, such as 3D TV, Blu-ray Discs or 3D-enabled cables for satellite subscription.
- If the projector has to be angled to the screen, you can use keystone correction to position the skewed image in a rectangular format. Use the zoom function to fit the image to the screen, and then adjust the focus for sharpness.
- You can select one of the preset modes, such as cinema, and then adjust contrast and brightness to your liking.
- Next, connect the projector to an external sound system.
- Lastly, wear your 3D glasses and enjoy the immersive cinema experience.
