Types of projectors: A guide to benefits, uses, and more

Today, there are more ways than ever to share a message. An email, a text, or even an announcement over the loudspeaker all have their place. Yet, to unite a group of people in one place around a single, clear idea, there are few more helpful devices than a projector.

These adaptable tools can turn a flat, white surface into the center of a productive conversation. But finding the right one for your business means knowing what to look for and how you plan to use it. This projector buying guide will introduce you to the types of projectors you should know about so you can make the best choice.

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Choosing the right projector for your purpose
Short-throw vs. standard projectors
Benefits of office projectors
Different ways to use a projector
Projectors for educational use
Projectors for golf simulators
Our recommendation: RICOH Laser Projectors

There are many factors beyond projector cost to consider as you start your search. Different types of projectors will be better suited for different purposes. However, certain characteristics are desirable across the board. Here are some of the most important features to keep in mind.

Important projector setup considerations

Where to position your projector
How to focus the image
Whether to use a dedicated screen

3 essential projector features

Throw distance

Every projector has a minimum distance from which it can project to a wall or screen clearly. Short-throw projectors only need a few feet of space, making them better suited for smaller rooms. Ultra short-throw models can cut that distance down to just a few inches.

Bright picture

You shouldn’t have to turn off all the lights and cover the windows to see your projector’s image. Look for a projector with a brightness of at least 4,000 lumens to ensure a good image in a range of conditions.

Advanced light source

The most common light source for many types of projectors used to be mercury bulb lamps. LED light sources have since become common. For the highest possible image quality, a modern laser projector may be the best choice.

Read more about projector features in How to Pick the Right HD Projector For Your Needs.

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Short-throw vs. standard projectors

Standard projectors work well for large venues, but their higher throw distances make them less suitable for more intimate spaces. If you’re planning to use your projector in offices and meeting rooms, short-throw projectors are better suited to those environments.

What to know about throw distance

Standard projectors typically require eight to ten feet between the projector and the screen.
Short-throw projectors decrease that distance without sacrificing image quality. For example, the RICOH PJ WUL5A40ST short-throw projector can produce 150-inch displays with a throw distance of just 4.8 feet.
Ultra short-throw projectors cut throw distance even further, making them appropriate for the tightest spaces.

Projector use cases

Standard projectors

These are ideal for auditoriums, theaters, public events, and advertising displays. Be conscious of where you set your projector up and avoid spots where foot traffic will cast shadows on the screen.

Short-throw projectors

When you need to make a big impact in a small space, use a short-throw projector. These are your best bet for conference rooms, trade shows, and impromptu presentations.

Ultra short-throw projectors

If space is at a premium, ultra short-throw projectors are your best bet. Some need only a few inches of throw distance to display a large image.

Learn more about finding the right projector for your space in Standard vs. Short-Throw Projectors: How to Pick the Perfect Fit.

Choosing to buy projector models built for an office environment can come with many benefits. Whether you’re planning to host presentations in conference rooms or kick off brainstorms in the middle of the office floor, they can help. Here are some of the biggest reasons to invest in an office projector.

Where to use an office projector

Conference room
Open meeting spaces
Break room (for entertainment and more)

3 reasons to invest in a projector for your office

Make an impact

Facts and figures are important, but so is how you deliver your message. Choose a projector that can deliver vibrant colors and clear details. This way, each part of a presentation will make the maximum impact on its audience.

Imrprove organization

Emails get missed, and instant messages aren’t always a priority. There’s no substitute for getting everyone together for a presentation that ensures everyone is on the same page.

Build for the future

As businesses digitize, more and more information lives online. Don’t waste resources printing out announcements and other digital media. Instead, use a projector to share the message where it’s needed most.

Read more about projectors for your business in 5 Reasons to Invest in an Office Projector and 4 Benefits a Conference Room Projector Brings to the Table.

Did You Know? Looking for where to buy projectors? Let our guide help you find the best options.

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Different ways to use a projector

A projector’s image has fewer limitations than traditional displays like TV screens or computer monitors. That means a projector isn’t limited to the conference room alone. In fact, with the right type of projector, you may not even need a flat surface to make a great image.

Key features for an adaptable projector

Compact size and lightweight
Powerful brightness for a variety of settings
360-degree projection for easy mounting

3 use cases for versatile projectors

Traveling presentations

Doing business away from the office? That’s no reason to sacrifice the quality of your presentations. Compact and lightweight projectors can fit in a suitcase and only require power and an HDMI connection to function.

Outdoor events

Setting up a display outdoors can be tough logistically. But if you have power and a suitable surface, you have what you need to project a great image. That way, you can spend more time sharing your message and less time setting up.

Entertainment

Different types of projectors are made for different purposes. That said, choosing an adaptable projector means you could use the same one for the conference room and the break room. Give visitors and employees a chance to relax with fun videos and photo showcases.

Read more about about versatile projector uses in 6 Compelling Use Cases for a Business Projector and How Large Venue Projectors Bring People Together.

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Projectors for educational use

Modern lesson plans call for mixed media approaches. Detailed diagrams and moving demonstrations of complex topics aren’t the kind of thing you can fit on a whiteboard. Fortunately, many types of projectors are well-suited for use in the classroom. They can help engage students in ways more traditional approaches may not.

Potential uses for a classroom projector

Sharing educational videos
Hosting interactive presentations
Inviting students to contribute

3 reasons to use modern projectors in the classroom

Balancing attention

Hosting a presentation from a laptop and projector means less time working on a whiteboard. When teachers spend more time facing their class, they can spend more time engaging.

More compelling lessons

Different types of learners benefit from different types of instruction. A projector allows teachers to offer text, images, and sound all with one device. It can bring potentially dry subjects to life.

Student involvement

Read more about educational projectors in 7 Reasons to Make a Classroom Projector Part of Your Syllabus.

Did You Know? Looking for the ideal potable display to take your next trip? The new RICOH Portable Monitor Series may be just what you need.

About one in seven Americans played golf in 2022, but it’s not always possible to get out to the green. Fortunately, modern golf simulators are easier to set up than ever before. That’s thanks in no small part to modern projector technology. Here’s how to get your own golf simulator started for your work or residence.

Reasons to build a golf simulator setup

A great rain-or-shine activity
A reliable way to practice for dedicated golfers
An easy-to-facilitate perk for employees, or to enjoy at home

Essential pieces of golf simulator equipment

Suitable projector

Want to make sure your green is really green? Look for a projector with a high lumen count and crystal-clear image projection. Ideally, it should also come in a compact frame to fit the rest of the setup.

Launch monitor and net

The launch monitor measures your ball’s initial impact and flight to simulate how it will travel. Also, look for a suitable screen enclosure or net to safely catch the ball and get you ready for your next stroke.

Software

Specialized software unites the data from the launch monitor with the image on the projector to simulate a swing. Different types of golf simulator software offer unique experiences, including online play and a range of courses.

Read more about projectors for golf simulators in How a Golf Simulator Projector Brings the Green to You.

Our recommendation: RICOH Laser Projectors

High image quality and versatility make some types of projectors ideal for a wide variety of tasks. In our opinion, the line of RICOH Laser Projectors offers the best combination of a great picture and easy, adaptable setup. With compact laser projectors that have a small footprint suitable for table or desktop setup, short-throw laser projectors that project large images from minimal distances, and high-end laser projectors that light up large spaces, you can find a great fit for your use case (or cases). Check out the full range of RICOH Laser Projectors to learn more.

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.

Types of projectors: A guide to benefits, uses, and more

Projector Guide