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How to choose the perfect video projector: The complete guide January 2024

Comment choisir le parfait vidéo projecteur : Le guide complet 2023
The video projector is essential for any movie buff who dreams of a personal home cinema or for any professional who wants to captivate his audience during presentations. It can also be an excellent choice for gamers who want to enjoy their video games on the big screen. You will find different models of video projectors on our site.
But how do you choose the video projector that best suits your needs? From full HD resolution to HDMI connectivity, including lumens and technology, we will help you understand what to look for when purchasing a video projector.


Ideal Resolutions for Streaming

@jedeeshop The#resolution of a #videoprojector ♬ original sound - Jedee's | Video projector

  • SD (Standard Definition): 856x480p, less bandwidth demanding, ideal if you have a limited Internet connection, you will still be able to enjoy smooth streaming
  • qHD (quarter High Definition): 960x540p, better image quality than SD, perfect resolution for occasional use.
  • FHD (Full High Definition) : 1920 x 1080p, ideal for home cinema and gaming. It offers a clear and sharp image with lots of detail.
  • QHD (Quad High Definition): 2560 x 1440 pixels, QHD offers superior image quality, ideal for the most demanding movie buffs and gamers.
  • UHD (Ultra High Definition): Often called 4K, this resolution offers incredible image clarity with its 3840 x 2160 pixels. It is recommended for an unparalleled cinematic experience at home.


It is important to note that the native resolution of the pico-projector is the one at which it can project without having to reduce or enlarge the image. An image projected in a resolution other than the projector's native resolution may be less clear due to compression or stretching of the image. Therefore, it is best to choose a projector whose native resolution matches that of the content you plan to project most often.

Brightness and Lumens – How They Determine the Image Quality of Your Projector

The brightness of a video projector, measured in ANSI lumens, is a determining factor in the quality of the projected image. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the image will be.

Environment :

The number of lumens required will depend on the environment in which you plan to use the video projector.
  • For a dark room: 1,000 to 2,000 lumens may be sufficient.
  • For a brighter space: 3,500 lumens or more may be needed.
The surface you project onto also impacts perceived brightness. A specific projection screen can improve brightness, while a regular wall can dim it.


Projection size and distance:

If you plan to project on a large screen, or from a distance, a projector with a higher lumen count will be necessary for a clear and bright image.

That said, the quality of the projection does not depend solely on the brightness. Another essential aspect to consider is keystone correction , also called Keystone correction. This feature is essential when you are unable to position the projector directly in front of the screen.

Indeed, when the projector is tilted, this can cause the image to distort into a trapezoid rather than a rectangle. Keystone correction corrects this distortion and obtains a perfectly rectangular image.

There are two types of Keystone correction: vertical and horizontal. Most projectors offer vertical correction, but for maximum flexibility, look for a projector that also offers horizontal correction.

Comparison of LED, LCD and LASER technologies: Advantages and Disadvantages

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Benefits :

  • Long lifespan up to 20,000 hours
  • Energy saving
  • Fast start-up time
  • Quieter because they require less cooling

Disadvantages:

  • Usually costs more to purchase
  • Less bright than LCD or LASER projectors


LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)


Benefits :

  • Excellent image quality with vivid, natural colors
  • Very bright, ideal for well-lit environments

Disadvantages:

  • Shorter lifespan than LED or LASER video projectors
  • More regular maintenance to prevent dust that can build up on LCD panels and affect image quality

LASER


Benefits :

  • Very long lifespan, often comparable to that of LED projectors
  • Excellent brightness, superior to that of LCD video projectors
  • Very high quality images with accurate colors and excellent black depth

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive to buy.
  • Larger and heavier than LED or LCD projectors.

The crucial role of contrast in a video projector

Contrast is a determining factor in image quality when it comes to pico projectors. Simply put, contrast is the difference in brightness between the brightest and darkest areas of an image. The higher the contrast ratio, the more rich detail the image displays, especially in dark or brightly lit scenes.


Low contrast, a major concern:


With low contrast , dark scenes can appear gray and washed out, losing their intensity. Likewise, very bright scenes may lack detail, appearing too bright. Colors may also appear dull and lack nuance.


High contrast, dynamic image:

Conversely, a smart projector offering high contrast will provide a more dynamic, vivid and realistic image. You'll enjoy a deeper depth of field, adding an extra level of detail to your viewing experience.

Adapt the contrast to your environment:

  • Well-lit room, a higher contrast ratio will be necessary.

  • In a dark room, a more modest contrast ratio may be sufficient.

Connectivity and port

  • HDMI: Ideal for Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and laptops, ensures high definition image quality.
  • USB: Connects USB drives and other storage devices, can power devices like a Chromecast dongle or streaming stick.
  • Micro SD: Practical for projecting content stored on a micro SD card directly.
  • Wifi: Allows you to stream content wirelessly from various devices, with apps like Miracast for wireless transmission of your device's screen.
  • Bluetooth: Used to connect the mini projector to external speakers, a mouse or a keyboard for better sound quality and easy operation.
  • Fiber: Present on certain high-end smart projectors, useful for an ultra-fast internet connection to broadcast content in 4K without latency.
  • Android : Allows you to download applications directly to the projector and easily navigate menus and settings with a friendly user interface.
  • AirPlay: Apple technology for streaming content wirelessly from an iOS device to the video projector, ideal for users of Apple products.
  • Chromecast: Google technology for streaming content from a wide variety of devices. If integrated into the projector, it allows you to broadcast videos, images and presentations directly.
  • 3.5mm audio output: Essential if you plan to use an external audio system to improve the sound quality of your projections.



In short, the diversity of connectivity options makes your pico-projector more versatile and practical. It is important to choose a video projector that is compatible with the technologies you use most often to optimize your projection experience.

What focal length for your video projector?


When we talk about smart projectors, the concept of focal length is not always the easiest to understand. However, this characteristic is essential: it will influence the projection distance and therefore, the size of the image that you can obtain. Let's see in detail what it is.

@jedeeshop #videoprojecteur ♬ original sound - Jedee's | Video projector

  • Short throw projectors: Perfect for small rooms, like offices or bedrooms.
  • Ultra short throw projectors: If your space is particularly small, an ultra short throw projector could be your best friend.
  • Long throw projectors: For large conference or home theater rooms.



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