If your business requires any sort of presentations, a quality multimedia projector allows you to effectively share your material without hassle. There are many models to choose from, but most projectors fall into one of three basic categories: fixed installation projectors cannot be moved; portable models can easily travel with you; and conference room models are bulky, but can be transported from room to room.

In addition to thinking about projector size, you need to choose between LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors. LCD projectors shine light through transparent cells, while DLP models reflect light against hundreds of digital micromirror devices (DMD)—small mirrors—to produce images.. While DLP models often produce crisper images, LCD projectors tend to offer higher contrast. If your business needs projectors, consider the following:

1. Contacting manufacturers to get customized multimedia projectors.

2. Buying from retailers to enjoy easy shopping and an array of product choices.

3. Renting in order to try out models or to use a higher-powered projector for an important event without breaking the bank.

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

Contact manufacturers to get the exact type of multimedia projectors you need

Manufacturers often allow businesses to customize their projectors and offer great business to business sales. In some cases, manufacturers will work with you to ensure that you understand how to use your projector and that your projector is compatible with your current technologies.

I recommend: Epson features portable and larger multimedia projectors in a variety of styles and price ranges. Their projector options also allow you to create a customized model. Dell offers high-performance, entry-level and portable multimedia projectors, as well as projector accessories. The company allows you to customize your purchase so that it meets your needs.

Find a retail multimedia projectors provider for best selection and ease of shopping

Retailers often provide the best selection of multimedia projectors--you can choose from various manufacturers, models, price ranges and features by purchasing through a retailer. Many retailers also make it easy for you to buy online or over the phone and have comprehensive return polices and warranties that make buying hassle-free.

I recommend: Alternative View sells Panasonic, NEC and other projector models. Their handy online comparison feature allows you to compare up to three models to find the multimedia projectors information you need. J&R sells many domestic and imported projectors. J&R's corporate sales division makes it easy for businesses to order these projectors in bulk.

Rent multimedia projectors for a special presentation or to test different models

Even if your company makes frequent presentations, renting a multimedia projector is a good idea. Renting allows you to test out different models and types of projectors before you buy, allowing you to better determine which models might work best for you. If you already have a projector but need a higher-end model or a portable model for one presentation, renting is the obvious choice. Just make sure you test out the rented model and can use it effectively before the big day.

I recommend: Mercury Sound and Lighting rents Benue DLP projectors, LCD projectors, portable projectors and other types of multimedia projectors. AV Advantage rents LCD multimedia projectors. The company offers Sanyo, Sharp, Mitsubishi and other recognized name brand projectors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking through a multimedia projectors list or catalog, you may notice that manufacturers and retailers refer to 'lumens.' Lumens, which measure brightness, are an important multimedia projector feature. Brightness ranges from 1,000 lumens to 10,000 lumens for fixed projectors. If you will be showing PowerPoint presentations on the road, find multimedia projectors with 1,000 to 2,000 lumens. For presentataions in larger rooms with more saturated light, you will need 2,000 to 4,000 lumens. Large venues sometimes require 4,000 to 5,000 lumens or more.