How to Choose an LCD Projector for Classroom Use

Classroom projectors let teachers display digital images to students from a central location. They’re easy to use and can help improve student engagement.

Look for a classroom projector with a high brightness rating. This ensures that the projected image is visible in a variety of lighting conditions.

LED models offer a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, VGA and USB ports. Many also feature Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) support to connect Android devices.

Brightness

Whether you’re presenting multimedia presentations or streaming or downloaded video, your classroom projector needs to be bright enough for everyone in the room to see. Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens, and a higher number means a brighter image. A high ANSI lumen rating also allows your education projector to better compete with ambient lighting, which can interfere with the display.

A high contrast ratio is also important because it measures the difference between an image’s white and black components. A high ratio means your projector will be able to show brighter whites and darker blacks without sacrificing detail or clarity. The type of content you’ll be displaying will also influence your projector brightness requirements, as some content requires more vibrant colors and a high contrast ratio to be properly displayed.

Taking the time to assess your needs and installation environment will help you pick an education projector that you’ll be satisfied with for years to come. You’ll want to consider your room size, how much interactivity you’ll need, and what types of images or videos you plan on using. Make sure you can get to your projector easily for regular maintenance, too. Some models include remote network management that saves IT staff time by allowing them to monitor and control multiple classroom projectors from a single computer.

Contrast

Compared to traditional flat-screen displays, projectors can offer higher contrast and resolution. Higher resolution reduces or eliminates visible pixelation, which makes for sharper images at closer viewing distances. Higher-resolution models are also more compatible with high-definition source content.

Most projectors use LCD or DLP technology. While LCD projectors had the edge over DLP projectors in the past, recent advancements have made them both competitive at an affordable price point.

When assessing a classroom projector, you’ll want to take into account the brightness and contrast levels as well as the connectivity options (inputs / outputs and memory card slots). A good quality LED (Liquid Crystal Display) model will provide superior color accuracy and brightness, while providing lower power consumption and generating less heat than lamp-based models.

It’s important to know that the contrast ratings on many new projectors are misleading. Many manufacturers will list a full white screen and a full black screen contrast rating, but wifi projektor this isn’t an accurate representation of how the projector performs in real-world applications.

You’ll also want to look into the warranty of a classroom projector before making a purchase. A good warranty will cover parts and labor for a certain period of time. Many teachers will also benefit from a training program on how to connect, configure and operate the projector. This way, they’ll be prepared for unforeseen problems in the classroom.

Image Size

The image size of an education projector is a key consideration. Compared to a flat panel display, which has a fixed screen, a projector can create images much larger. It also offers a wider viewing angle.

In classrooms, which are seldom completely dark, the higher the lumen rating of a projector, the better. Current projectors range from 3,000 to 4,000 lumens, which is enough for most applications. Projectors under 3,000 lumens require a completely dark environment, while those over 6,000 lumens can be used with most classroom lighting.

Resolution is another important feature of a classroom projector. Higher resolution models reduce or eliminate visible pixelation, and they’re more compatible with high-definition source content.

Most education projectors offer at least a VGA connector for a computer and an HDMI or composite video input for video equipment. Some feature dual HDMI ports to allow for simultaneous connection of two devices and to minimize the time spent switching between inputs. Some also have Mobile High-Definition Link-enabled HDMI ports to support projection from mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Some classroom projectors have a built-in array microphone to pickup teacher voice, even from students sitting at the back of the room. This can be useful in large classes, where it’s difficult projector for daylight for teachers to see and reach all of their students.

Sound

Teachers use projectors to display multimedia presentations that supplement their lecture material, such as a video clip of the solar system or an animation of an evolutionary timeline. Students can also create their own PowerPoint presentations and project them on the screen for all to see.

Some classroom projectors have built-in audio, but others require the use of a separate sound system for the best results. In any case, make sure the audio is clear and loud enough for the classroom size.

Many new LED projectors have comprehensive connectivity that includes HDMI, VGA, and USB ports for connecting any device. Many are compatible with wireless HDMI dongles to cut down on cable management. They also feature instant power on and keystone correction so that the projector will be ready to go within seconds. They also have a long lifespan, typically delivering up to 30,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free laser light.

Using the latest LCD projectors can open up new learning experiences that would be difficult or impossible with older equipment. For example, students can use a new projector with a webcam to connect with schools in other countries for collaborative lessons in geography and foreign languages.

Mount Wachusett Community College has a reputation for using cutting-edge technology in its classrooms. The two-year higher education institute, located in Leominster and Gardner, MA, recently added dozens of Sony projectors to its labs and classrooms. These models are ideal for education because they offer the brightness and contrast necessary for classrooms, as well as features that make them easy to set up, operate, and maintain.