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How do projectors work? Everything you need to know

How do projectors work? Everything you need to know

Projector Guide

How do projectors work? Everything you need to know

Shining a light on projector models, essential features, and set-up processes to help you get the best image quality possible

When you need to give a presentation to a large group of people, there’s no better tool than a projector to get your message across. But choosing the right projector requires an understanding of what makes them tick — things like the light source, brightness, and resolution all have a hand in shaping the overall picture quality.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do projectors work and how do I pick the right one for my business needs?” we have you covered. Our guide explains the differences between the most common projector varieties, how brightness affects image quality, and ways to quickly improve your projector setup.

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How do projectors work?

At its most basic level, a projector displays an image or video source onto a viewing surface by shining light through a magnifying lens. By placing the projector a set distance away from the projection screen, the projector uses the natural characteristics of light expansion and displacement to display an image.

    The most common modern projectors

  • Digital light processing (DLP) projectors are perfect for auditoriums, cinemas, and home theaters.
  • Light-emitting diode (LED) projectors are efficient, versatile, and relatively inexpensive, making them a good fit for the office or classroom.
  • Laser projectors offer the highest-quality image at a premium price tag.

What’s the difference between these projectors?

DLP projectors

DLP projectors are designed to reproduce high-quality moving images, making them the go-to choice for home or commercial movie theaters. These projectors shine a light through a color wheel, which then bounces off microscopic mirrors, through the lens, and onto the screen.

LED projectors

Instead of transforming white light into colors, an LED projector uses technology similar to modern televisions and light fixtures. LEDs can combine red, green, and blue colors from the source and generate a more vivid image with a broader range of colors. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) offer even higher-quality colors and better contrast.

Laser projectors

How do laser projectors work? Instead of relying on bulbs or diodes, these projectors rely on lasers to generate the color and image by bouncing off internal mirrors. Laser projectors don’t scatter light like other models, so images are much clearer over large distances. As a result, they also cost more than LED projectors.

How do digital projectors work, and which one is the right fit for your business? Learn more about these projectors in Laser Projector Vs Lamp, LED, and Other Displays: Which is Best?
 

Did You Know? The RICOH PJ WUL6690’s advanced laser light image projection and dust-proof design offer vibrant, high-quality image projection with long-lasting, maintenance-free operation.

Lumens: A bright idea

Whether you’re displaying orientation videos or showing off the latest sales figures, that information is meaningless if your audience can’t see it. That’s why brightness is one of the most critical factors for ensuring projected images and videos are displayed clearly, regardless of the image size. For projectors, this brightness level is measured in lumens — the greater the value, the brighter the image the projector can display.

  • Small meeting rooms with low or no lighting: 2,000-3,000 lumens.
  • Large conference rooms with low or no lighting: 3,000-4,000 lumens.
  • If the lights are on, add 1,000 lumens.
  • High-lumen projectors can reach up to 10,000 lumens and are especially useful in bright spaces or situations where you need to project images of 100” or more.

Other essential features to consider

Resolution

Similar to televisions and computer monitors, projector resolution is a value derived from the total number of pixels within the image. The greater the number of pixels, the sharper the image will be, especially at larger sizes.

Zoom and focus

Motorized zoom functions will allow you to adjust the image size, which can be especially handy if you don’t have control over projector or screen placement. When combined with an adjustable focus, the projector will ensure you have a crystal clear image, no matter what.

Curved image correction

Sometimes, you won’t have a completely flat surface to project an image onto. Curved image correction will take any awkward geometry into account and automatically smooth out the image so images remain legible.

Read more about the importance of checking lumen count in Projector Lumens: The What, Why, and How and What Sets High Lumen Projectors Apart? Everything You Need to Know. And learn about other features that can influence clarity, contrast, and color depth in 11 Most Important Features That Determine Projector Quality.

 

How to set up a projector

Once you’ve chosen a projector, it’s time to get it up and running. First and foremost, always check the projector manufacturer's instructions and follow them. This will often include:

  • Placing your projector on a level surface, pointing the lens at a projector screen or flat, neutral-colored wall.
  • Connecting a video source to the projector with an HDMI or SVGA cable (depending on the available ports).
  • Plugging the projector into a power source and turning all devices on.

While these instructions represent the quickest way to start displaying your presentation, you may need additional equipment or have to make adjustments for best results.

    Adjustable settings

  • Keystone adjustments align the image correctly on your screen, reducing imperfections in image geometry.
  • Focus adjustments ensure your image is crisp and readable at the intended distance from the screen.
  • Display modes alter the image quality to account for a variety of circumstances like sunlight or video content.

Additional equipment

Screen

While a plain white wall can do in a pinch, specialized projector screens are made of reflective fabric designed to improve your image's color and contrast quality. Screens come in various sizes, so choose one that fits your space and takes advantage of your projector’s output.

Projector mount

Ceiling mounts are usually best for permanent installations, like in a meeting room, and ensure the projected image has a clear path to the screen. Floor mounts are best if you plan on moving the projector from room to room — these will keep the projector steady and provide easier access to the screen while still offering versatility when needed.

Sound system

Most projectors aren’t equipped with powerful speakers, so invest in a sound solution that fits your needs. A simple soundbar can easily fill a small room with clear stereo sound or plug in a receiver and surround sound system to fill a larger space.

Read more about how to get a clear image out of your projector in no time in Projector Setup in 5 Simple Steps.

Did You Know? The RICOH PJ 6600 Series offers multiple input options, including HDMI 2.0 and HDBaseT, allowing maximum versatility and video quality regardless of cable.

Our recommendation: RICOH Projector PJ WUL6690

The RICOH Projector PJ WUL6690 redefines excellence in image quality and efficiency. Utilizing an innovative, high-quality laser image projection system, our projectors combine razor-sharp images with supreme color reproduction at anywhere between 30” and 300”. Built to last up to 20,000 hours without maintenance and with a brightness output of 9,600 lumens, the RICOH PJ WUL6690 represents the pinnacle of projector technology. Click here to learn more about our laser projector series, or buy now. 

 

 

Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only, and shall not be construed, or relied upon, as financial or legal advice. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings. Please consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific situation as regulations may be subject to change.

Shop Projectors Now

Digital imaging solutions built with your business in mind.

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