Projectors display large, clear images that keep teammates engaged and on the same page

Collaboration is the core of any great business. The more in sync employees are, the more efficiently they can work together to produce great work. That’s why companies invest in tools that improve communication. Maintaining that coordination keeps the gears turning smoothly.

Getting everyone on the same page is the first step in collaboration. That's where top-shelf business projectors shine. From exciting presentations to improved information retention, here are some of the ways projectors can power collaboration.

4 ways projectors raise the bar for meetings

1. Improved communication on large teams

Boats only move forward when the whole crew rows in the same direction. Similarly, successful projects start by aligning everyone on strategy, tactics, and goals. As teams grow, that becomes more challenging — especially without a suitably sized presentation screen. Presentations are a time-honored (and time-efficient) way of aligning, but they rely on employees reading what’s on display. Workers who can’t see the presentation may miss critical information about the project.

Projectors are a cost-effective way to scale up presentations. Their large display areas and clear images ensure everyone in the room can parse the images and text on display. High lumen counts help them maintain that effectiveness even in bright environments.

Projectors are also effective in less formal settings. When teams need to brainstorm ideas or discuss strategies, they can use projectors to display critical information. Having diagrams, statistics, and background details on hand can keep those conversations focused and productive.

2. More engaged audiences

Making sure employees can see the screen is only part of the challenge. The presentation must also hold their attention for the whole meeting. Static visuals such as whiteboard illustrations or paper printouts aren’t very engaging. Employees may focus on them initially, then start to ignore them as their attention drifts. Not only does that hurt their information retention, but it robs them of an opportunity to ask clarifying questions. The misunderstandings that result can slow work down later on.

Projectors can counteract that drift with dynamic visuals. A well-made slide deck displayed via projector can incorporate colors, photos, animations, and videos. Thanks to laser technology, those visuals will appear crisp and detailed. Vibrant and varied visuals can keep employee attention on the task at hand.

3. Increased information retention

Multiple studies have shown that visual aids help people learn. By tying ideas to those cues, we retain more information while using less brain power.

Think about how many corporate logos you can identify by sight. Not only do these symbols call their owners’ names to mind, but they also carry a wealth of associations. When you see a logo, you automatically recall facts and experiences tied to that logo’s brand.

Employees are much more likely to remember the details of a presentation if those details are tied to imagery. With a projector, you can leverage that increased retention. Show icons and logos to represent complex ideas. Use charts to transform numbers into a narrative. Photos, illustrations, and videos can give ideas emotional heft — another driver of memory.

4. More meeting flexibility

Conference rooms are a limited resource. There may not always be one available when you need it. That can leave you scrambling for a way to get team members on the same page, direct discussion, and share important information quickly.

Where TV screens and monitors are fixed in place, projectors — especially compact and short throw models — are easy to reposition. Newer models use durable laser lights and sport simple, plug-and-play interfaces that make for swift setup. All you need to project your presentation is an electrical outlet, a laptop, an HDMI cable, and a wall.

Meeting outside of the conference room often means dealing with more ambient light. It also means giving up your controlled A/V setup. The most versatile projectors boast high lumen counts to outshine ambient light. They also include built-in speakers to preserve your video and audio elements no matter where you meet.

Our recommendation: RICOH compact and short throw projectors

Ricoh's line of projectors includes several options built to optimize office work over the long haul. With innovative laser light sources, they can operate for up to 40,000 hours without maintenance.

With its small footprint and built-in 16-watt speaker, the RICOH PJ WUL5A50 is a versatile option that brings your presentation to life in most meeting environments. From just 8.5 feet away, it can project a crystal-clear image measuring 100 inches at 5,200 lumens. With a little more distance, it can cast a crystal clear 300-inch image. That helps even employees on the far end of the room catch every detail.

Pressed for space? The RICOH PJ WUL5A40ST uses short-throw technology to project a 100-inch screen from just 3.2 feet away. Its zero-offset lens makes it a great fit for rooms with limited square footage or low ceilings.

Shop the full selection of RICOH Laser Projectors today.

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