Like any piece of technology, LCD projectors are only as effective as the person using them. You can have the best LCD projector in the world and if it’s not set up properly, your presentation is not going to be successful. So it’s in the best interest of everyone that uses the projector to receive LCD projectors education and training.

Luckily training to use LCD projectors doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Most LCD projectors education and training is available online and some good training is actually free. So before you give your next presentation at work, learn all you can about operating standard LCD projectors. You should know how to:

1. Choose the right size LCD projectors for any conference room.

2. Set up and operate your LCD projector so that it communicates with your laptop or computer.

3. Troubleshoot any problems in a matter of minutes so you don’t lose the attention of your audience.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find specialized training for LCD projectors and their operation

The use of LCD projectors is growing dramatically and there is a growing demand for training information. You can either take classes or do a self-study with online information.

I recommend: Train yourself from the information from GuidesandTutorials.com. It provides in-depth information about setting up standard LCD projectors, as well as the operation of projection equipment. Take one of the many classes available from InfoComm International. There are courses that teach the basics of standard LCD projectors, and how to use a large screen LCD projector at your place of business, or you can take courses that train you to install LCD projectors.

Receive training in LCD projectors from technical support outlets

You can either contact your LCD projectors manufacturer for training information or find generic training available online. It's also possible to find training for your entire staff through technical support.

I recommend: In addition to being suppliers of LCD projectors, SMARTSolution Technologies can train you and your staff to effectively use your liquid crystal display projectors. They offer both on- and off-site LCD projectors education and training. The support staff at Projector123.com has several basic training diagrams available. If you have a standard LCD projector, you can probably find the solution to your problem.

Use manuals from LCD projectors for training

No matter what kind of LCD projectors education and training you have, there are times when you need specific information for your LCD projector. That's when you need the manual for training. If you have a used LCD projector, it's not uncommon for the manual to be misplaced.

I recommend: If you have a NEC Display Solutions LCD computer projector, you can use the NEC manual finder tool to find online manuals for your model of liquid crystal display projector. Epson, provider of LCD projectors and other electronic devices, offers access to manuals online as well. This is a good way to replace lost manuals for used LCD projectors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep all training materials for LCD projectors in an easy-to-access location. That way you can find and fix problems in a matter of minutes.

Whether you are shopping for new liquid crystal display projectors (LCDs) or used LCD projectors, choose the right size and characteristics for your business.

People who travel or make frequent presentations use portable LCD projectors. They weigh about three pounds and are similar in brightness and extra features to standard LCD projectors.

Conference room or standard LCD projectors are heavier but often come with extra features such as extra computer or video ports, or remote mousing.

Businesses usually install large screen projectors in a permanent location when performance is the key issue. A large screen LCD projector can be used in large, bright rooms where ordinary projectors might be difficult to see. Consider these options when shopping:

1. Used LCD projectors can give you more features for your money.
2. Replacement bulbs can be expensive. When comparing projectors, if the brightness is the same, choose the LCD projector with the lower wattage bulb.
3. Ask suppliers of LCD projectors about the “economy” mode that lowers energy costs and make lamps last longer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare LCD projectors

Lightweight projectors rated at less than 1000 lumens may be insufficient if projected onto walls rather than screens, and PowerPoint presentations may appear faded in semi-dark rooms with too small a projector. A rough rule of thumb is 1,000 to 2,000 lumens for portable LCD projectors and 2,000 to 4,000 lumens for standard LCD projectors. Theater sized projectors require 5,000 lumens or more.

I recommend: Learn how to choose a projector at United Visual Tech Tips, and then compare LCD projectors and supplies at Projector Warehouse

Decide how your LCD projector will be used

Determine which size LCD projector you need and what you have budgeted for this purchase. You may do very well purchasing a used LCD projector from a reputable seller. Some suppliers of used LCD projectors for sale offer discounted 'opened box' or returned products.

I recommend: Review several sources before making your decision. There are good lists of LCD projectors and supplies at ProjectorCentral, and CNET's website is a good source for budget LCD projectors and used LCD projectors.

Decide what LCD projector features you need

Make sure your new LCD projector is compatible with your computers. Zoom and contrast features allow you to adjust the image to accommodate a variety of settings. Learn about these and other features before you shop

I recommend: Learn more about the features you need at Dukane Audio Visual. Find used LCD projectors and obtain bids for the projector you want at The Buyer's Guide to Business Projectors: Key Features

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A good rule of thumb is to buy an LCD projector with only the features you need and not a lot of extras that you will probably never use.

Making a selection or purchase of LCD projectors can be tricky if you don't know what to look for or how to ask for what you need. Knowing and understanding the proper LCD projectors key terms can help you communicate efficiently with a sales associate or customer service representative. LCD projectors key terms can include lumens,
contrast, illumination, connectivity, aspect ratio
and external peripherals.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Lumens

Lumens are the measure of the perceived power that light gives off. They refer to the measure of brightness in an LCD projector.

I recommend: Find out from United Visual how brightness in lumens differs in various LCD projectors. See how the size of the room and darkness play a role in what brightness level you should be looking for.

Contrast

Contrast helps differentiate objects from their background. Contrast in an LCD projector helps differentiate the color and brightness of two objects that are within the same field of view.

I recommend: Find out more about contrast from Dukane Audio Visual. Learn about defining the depth of an image and more.

Illumination

Illumination refers to the application of light. Make sure that the illumination of your LCD projector fills the screen evenly and doesn't give you dark corners or dark spots.

I recommend: Find out about illumination in LCD projectors from Electronics-Manufacturers.

Connectivity

Connectivity refers to what items your LCD projector will hook up to.

I recommend: Viewsonic has many PC and video connectivity options for your presentation needs. It is also very versatile in that it will also, for example, connect to a USB flash drive and project without a PC.

Aspect ratio

The aspect ratio is the height to width ratio of your LCD projection image. Standard images used to be 3x4, but many are changing to a 16x9 ratio.

I recommend: See how Guides and Tutorials discusses LCD projection aspect ratios.

External peripherals

External peripherals, sometimes referred to as confidence monitors or floor monitors, are monitors that are attached to the LCD unit that allow the presenter to see what is being presented without having to turn around. This is especially helpful for large-scale, big-production events, especially those that are being recorded for rebroadcast as they allow the moderator to keep all focus forward.

I recommend: Evans Audio Visual shows and describes an excellent example of a speaker confidence monitor.