LCD Projectors

Choose the best liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors and features for your needs

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

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.

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.

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

• 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.

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