LCD projector rentals are ideal for businesses that want to make the occasional professional presentation without spending big money on a projector. As convenient as projector rentals are, for most businesses, there comes a time when a purchase becomes necessary.
Before you buy, you might want to try a few more rentals, just to see which features you value most in a projector. Your projector rentals agent will likely have several models – from low to high end – that you can try in an actual business setting. Below are some of the factors you might want to evaluate before buying.
What to Look For in an LCD Projector
As with any electronic device, size is a factor. If you are planning to take your projector on the road a lot, you might want to consider an ultraportable model. The very smallest models will cost more, but there are some that are affordable.
To accommodate the smaller size and lighter weight, manufacturers need to cut back on other features, so be sure to check all of the specs carefully. For example, Dell has a pocket projector that literally fits into the palm of your hand, but its contrast ratio, brightness and resolution are quite low. The lower specs might be okay, depending on your requirements, but always check to make sure you are getting the projection capabilities you need.
If weight and portability are not an issue, you can move onto larger projectors. You will find a very wide range of prices and specs, so here are a few key things to look for:
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Brightness – Brightness is measured in Lumens, and the higher the number, the better the brightness. Anything under 1,000 Lumens will likely have trouble delivering crisp colour in a very dark room. Larger conference rooms generally need a projector in the range of 2,000 to 4,000 Lumens. If the lights will be on in the room you are presenting in, you need a higher brightness rating.
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Resolution – Always check the native resolution of a projector. Many can work with a range of resolutions, but the native resolution is the one with which it performs best. The resolution should match that of your computer. As with brightness, the higher the resolution, the clearer the picture. Of course, higher resolution also means a higher price.
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Contrast Ratio – This ratio tells you the difference between the whitest whites and the darkest blacks. The higher the ratio, the more depth there will be in the image. High contrast ratios are especially important for video presentations. The Dell projector, mentioned earlier, has a contrast ratio of 800:1 – a decent contrast but far less than others in the Dell lineup, which begin at 1800:1 and up.
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Lamp – Check the specs on the lamp. Some types of lamp are more expensive to replace (in the hundreds of dollars). Projector manufacturers include the life expectancy of the lamp, so be sure to weigh that number against the other specs. Lamps that need frequent replacing will add to your overall costs
The Bottom Line on LCD Projectors
Budget is a big factor in your decision to buy an LCD projector. But a bargain basement price will likely mean a sacrifice in quality. Be sure to shop around before making your purchase. A slightly higher price now may mean longer life and better performance in the long run. And if the item you want is really out of reach, you can continue to rely on LCD projector rentals for your most important presentations.
