Projectors and Projector Supplies

Finding the right video projector for your presentation needs
By Toni Klym McLellan, Freelance Writer & Editor Toni Writes Many small businesses rely on presentations to promote products or services and for employee training. Audio-visual technology advances rapidly, and today's machines are smaller, lighter and easier to use than ever. Here's what you need to know to make the most of your presentations when using projectors and projector supplies. Before shopping for a video projector, assess your needs:

1. How often will my company give presentations?
2. What's our budget for new technology?
3. Will used equipment or an occasional rental suffice?
4. Will I need to take my projector on the road for off-site presentations?

 

Compare projectors by features and brands

Projectors for office use come in two basic types: liquid crystal display (LCD) and digital light processing (DLP), each with its pros and cons. Also consider weight, portability, brightness, resolution, warm-up time and audio capabilities.
Try: Small businesses with smaller budgets will appreciate CNet's reviews of the best budget projectors. PC Magazine lets you compare projectors by price, editor's rating and other criteria. When you're ready to shop, check out Projector Central or the Projector SuperStore. BuyerZone has advice on purchasing projectors.  Business.com provides vendors to compare on its video projectors page.

Don't forget the software

While Microsoft's PowerPoint is the big daddy of presentation software, don't dismiss other offerings to streamline or enliven your presentations.
Try: CNet reviews some of the top names in presentation software. ProjectorCentral offers a good listing of the many products available, including Apple Keynote 3 and Adobe Macromedia Breeze 5.

Projector supplies and accessories

Projector supplies and accessories include everything from carrying cases to wireless remotes, screens, lamps, mounts, switchers, cables, lenses and other items.
Try: The accessories section at ProjectorPros lists most of the add-ons you may want to consider. Check out manufacturer Web sites such as Dell and Sony to see what accessories they offer for your model.

Travel light with a portable projector

A bulky projector make travel a real hassle. Consider a sleek, lightweight model and keep your projector from being a pain in the neck (and back).
Try: Mitsubishi's line of ultraportable video projectors were designed with the business traveler in mind.  Review various portable projector suppliers on Business.com.

To travel event lighter, rent projectors

If visual presentations are not a regular part of your business, you may not need to own a video projector.
Try: See Business.com video projector rentals page for a list of outifts around the country which rent projectors, or their list of specialists in LCD projector rental.

• As with any technology, don't be swayed by all the bells and whistles that accompany your projector and presentation software. Often the simplest functions and elements will serve to keep your audience awake and interested.
• If your presentation software comes with an online or DVD-based tutorial, take the time to view it to make the most efficient use of the software's features.
• The last thing you want is a product failure while you're on the road: Be sure to carry an extra projector bulb and filter in your carrying case.
• Fold sticky address labels over each cable and power cord and note where they connect for easy set-up before each presentation.
• If your projector has a filter, make sure to clean it per the manufacturer's instructions to increase the projector's bulb life.