Projector Technology Explained
Projector Resolution
Pixels are the dots that make up the projector image. The resolution is measured by the number of pixels that the projector is able to display and affects the accuracy of the projected image.
SVGA, XGA and SXGA are the most common RESOLUTIONS used in our projector hire equipment. The pixels for each type are:
Projector
Resolution |
Horizontal
Pixels |
Vertical
Pixels |
SVGA |
800 |
600 |
XGA |
1024 |
768 |
SXGA |
1280 |
1024 |
Basically, the more pixels the sharper the image.
If your computer runs a higher resolution than the projector you have on hire the projected image may be less sharp than on your computer. If your computer resolution is lower than the projector it is not a problem.
Most laptop computers are now XGA.
You can check and change your computer resolution:
On your laptop right click in a blank area of the Desktop and from the box that appears click ‘Properties’, click the 'Settings' tab. Look at the 'Screen Resolution' box - if this reads '800 x 600' you are running in SVGA mode, '1024 x 768' it is XGA and '1280 x 1024' it is SXGA mode. Move the slider to change the resolution.
Image Size
This is always measured diagonally across the projected image. The size of the image is determined by the distance of the projector from the projection surface. On most of the projector rental models supplied by Blaze there is also a zoom control to alter the image size without re-positioning the projector.
As an approximate guide the minimum distance from the projection surface is 1 Metre and a maximum of 10 Metres. Generally, at around 6 Metres the projector will still provide optimum performance.
As a broad guide at 3 Metres from the projection surface most projector hire models will provide an image measuring 2 Metres diagonally across.
Brightness
Brightness has become less of an issue as projector technology has improved. It is measured in 'ANSI Lumens'. The Blaze projector rental range features models all with more than 1000 Lumens. This is quite adequate for most situations without having to draw blinds.
Obviously for very large audiences you will need to hire a more powerful projector probably of around 2000 Lumens.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast is as important as brightness. It relates to how black the black parts of images, such as text, appear in the projected image.
An average contrast ratio is about 400:1. Blaze projector hire equipment has a minimum contrast ratio of 800:1 and some models are more than double that.
DLP™ Technology
Digital Light Processing™ usually referred to as DLP™ is the world's only all-digital display solution developed by Texas Instruments.
The advantages of DLP™ technology are:
- Produces smoother images for video.
- Higher contrast ratio is achievable.
- DLP projectors are generally more portable.
Broadly, a brighter better quality image is provided.
All Blaze projector hire equipment features DLP™ technology.
Keystone Correction
'Keystoning' is the name used to describe the tapered appearance of the projected image when the projector sits below or above the centre of the screen. Keystone correction corrects this by stretching the image at the bottom or top, resulting in a squarer, more professional image.
All of the projector hire models supplied by Blaze have a Keystone correction facility.
Size & Weight
If you need to travel to or in between presentations then size and weight are important to you. All Blaze projector hire equipment is truly described as ultra compact or ultra portable. All of our projector rental models have a footprint no bigger than a piece of A5 paper and weigh no more than 1.1 Kg.
All projector hire equipment is supplied in a small carry case with shoulder strap containing all the necessary cables, remote control with laser pointer and a User Manual CD. If you are also hiring a laptop computer we can supply a double-sided carry case, again with a shoulder strap, to conveniently hold the laptop and projector.
