some video projector newbie questions
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 17:16
I understand that the answer to most of these questions is going to be "it depends on <instert something here>", so I'll try to be very specific as I need some real answers so I'll know what are the proper ones to buy. I can't just find and rent all the different kinds of video projectors and test each one in all my settings they are going to be used to make a decision. I also understand that there is no single true answer to some of the questions, but the most probable solution or the solution you think is best based on your experience is a good answer too.
1. DLP or LCD?
I think I understand how both technologies work and also cons of each. I will list them here and please tell me whether I'm missing some important info.
1) DLP's color wheel causes "rainbow effect" for some people.
2) Each micromirror on the DLP chip can be damaged and appear as either black or white dot in the projection and the only way to fix it is replacing the DLP chip. Damage to LCD chips (panels) is less frequent.
3) LCDs individual pixels have a lot more noticeable gap between each other as the projection distance increases.
4) The contrast is generally better on same price DLP than LCD projectors.
Aside from these both types of projectors use the same lamps, same lenses and same input/output.
From what I've gathered the rainbow effect and the LCD dots isn't a huge problem for most people and DLP chip damage is not very frequent and replacement chip is not expensive ($50-$100). So many people prefer DLP projectors just for the better contrast, in general.
Is this accurate? If you disagree, please mention why.
2. Lenses.
I know there are short throw and long throw lenes. But I don't know what is the general min/max distances for each. I also don't know whether they are standardized, meaning lenses from one projector or at least one projector manufacturer can be used on other video projectors.
3. Lamps.
Same as with lenses I don't know if they are standardized. I wouldn't want to buy a projector for which replacement lenses/lamps will be hard to find or be expensive for example after being discontinued.
4. How many lumens?
I understand that this depends on distance, projection size, amount of ambient light and the projected video itself and how much bright is bright enough for each person. But I hope you can give some educated guess if you've used projectors in the situations I'll describe here.
5M – 25m distance. Mostly indoors (discos, lounges) but hope to project on small buildings too (advertisements, cultural buildings or during openings of shops/restaurants/etc).
1. DLP or LCD?
I think I understand how both technologies work and also cons of each. I will list them here and please tell me whether I'm missing some important info.
1) DLP's color wheel causes "rainbow effect" for some people.
2) Each micromirror on the DLP chip can be damaged and appear as either black or white dot in the projection and the only way to fix it is replacing the DLP chip. Damage to LCD chips (panels) is less frequent.
3) LCDs individual pixels have a lot more noticeable gap between each other as the projection distance increases.
4) The contrast is generally better on same price DLP than LCD projectors.
Aside from these both types of projectors use the same lamps, same lenses and same input/output.
From what I've gathered the rainbow effect and the LCD dots isn't a huge problem for most people and DLP chip damage is not very frequent and replacement chip is not expensive ($50-$100). So many people prefer DLP projectors just for the better contrast, in general.
Is this accurate? If you disagree, please mention why.
2. Lenses.
I know there are short throw and long throw lenes. But I don't know what is the general min/max distances for each. I also don't know whether they are standardized, meaning lenses from one projector or at least one projector manufacturer can be used on other video projectors.
3. Lamps.
Same as with lenses I don't know if they are standardized. I wouldn't want to buy a projector for which replacement lenses/lamps will be hard to find or be expensive for example after being discontinued.
4. How many lumens?
I understand that this depends on distance, projection size, amount of ambient light and the projected video itself and how much bright is bright enough for each person. But I hope you can give some educated guess if you've used projectors in the situations I'll describe here.
5M – 25m distance. Mostly indoors (discos, lounges) but hope to project on small buildings too (advertisements, cultural buildings or during openings of shops/restaurants/etc).