As more and more people consider upgrading their existing television to a larger screen high definition model, a number of consumers are choosing to avoid traditional plasma or LCD based HDTV's to DLP or LCD based video projectors. The differences between a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) video projector and a Digital Light Processing (DLP) video projector are significant only in the way they create the image. For most home users, the advances made in both projection methods over the last few years have made both be very acceptable ways of creating very large and very high resolution images for a home theater system. Despite these advantages there are some very significant physical and financial caveats to purchasing a video projector over a more traditional wall mounted HDTV. Consider the following items when researching such a purchase.
Video Projectors and Screens:
One of the nicest things about video projectors over LCD or Plasma based HDTV sets is their relatively diminutive size. An average consumer oriented video projector will measure little more in size than a toaster, but they require two significant modifications to a typical home theater setup. First, the projector must have a well designed projection screen in order to project images at full resolution and clarity. While a blank white wall will work, it is almost always a better idea to purchase a commercial projection screen as wall colors and reflectivity can vary greatly.
Ceiling Mounted Video Projectors vs. Tabletop Video Projectors:
Some homeowners choose to simply leave the projector on a table where it is convenient and where electrical, computer, and other connections already exist. When considering this option remember that all video projectors have an internal fan and some can be quite noisy. If the projector is placed on a table next to the seating area the hum of this fan will always be present. For this reason it is better to find a way to mount or hide the projector so that the fan will not affect the enjoyment of the wonderful giant screen picture.
Ambient Light Is A Very Bad Thing:
In all cases, the location that is chosen must be in a relatively dark room. While much can be done with specially coated projection screens and high lumen projectors, video projectors are never appropriate for a room that receives lots of direct sunlight. Even ambient light from other sources in the home can affect the picture that is projected. Before making the jump to a home video projector always thoroughly test the room it is to be installed in to make sure that the amount of light that will fall on the projection surface can be completely controlled.
Video Projectors and Screens:
One of the nicest things about video projectors over LCD or Plasma based HDTV sets is their relatively diminutive size. An average consumer oriented video projector will measure little more in size than a toaster, but they require two significant modifications to a typical home theater setup. First, the projector must have a well designed projection screen in order to project images at full resolution and clarity. While a blank white wall will work, it is almost always a better idea to purchase a commercial projection screen as wall colors and reflectivity can vary greatly.
Ceiling Mounted Video Projectors vs. Tabletop Video Projectors:
Some homeowners choose to simply leave the projector on a table where it is convenient and where electrical, computer, and other connections already exist. When considering this option remember that all video projectors have an internal fan and some can be quite noisy. If the projector is placed on a table next to the seating area the hum of this fan will always be present. For this reason it is better to find a way to mount or hide the projector so that the fan will not affect the enjoyment of the wonderful giant screen picture.
Ambient Light Is A Very Bad Thing:
In all cases, the location that is chosen must be in a relatively dark room. While much can be done with specially coated projection screens and high lumen projectors, video projectors are never appropriate for a room that receives lots of direct sunlight. Even ambient light from other sources in the home can affect the picture that is projected. Before making the jump to a home video projector always thoroughly test the room it is to be installed in to make sure that the amount of light that will fall on the projection surface can be completely controlled.
