Choosing the right projector for your meeting
Once you’ve decided to buy a projector, the next decision to make is what
kind of projector. There are several types from which to choose, and the right one will
give you the most overall value for your purchase dollar. Choosing the wrong projector can
result in frustration, embarrassment and, worst of all, the projector sitting in a corner,
seldom used. Generally speaking, your options fall into three categories: multimedia
projectors, visualizers and overhead projectors. Each type of projection device has
specific strengths, which can be used to your advantage in making a presentation. So
it’s a good idea to give some thought to the following questions before making that
all-important projector selection.
- How technologically savvy am I?
While multimedia projectors deliver dynamic and
appealing presentations, they are dependent on computers and software. If you are not
comfortable with this technology and how to ensure communication between your computer and
the projector, even minor glitches can be unnerving. A visualizer or video imager combines
projection and camera technology into one device. Depending on the features, these units
can project computer-generated images, literature, photos, slides or 3D objects. At the
other end of the complexity spectrum are overhead projectors - very simple and intuitive
to use. They are not dependent on a computer or software and are usually very reliable.
Consider an overhead as a back up in meeting rooms already equipped with multimedia
projectors.
- What kind of presentations will I be making with this projector?
For
visual impact, nothing beats a multimedia projector. An adept presenter can integrate all
sorts of eye-catching graphics, sound and motion into a slide show using readily available
software. If you need to really impress your audience with a dazzling presentation, then a
multimedia projector will best meet your needs. If you need to be able to display
computer-generated images, documents, transparencies, photos, slides and 3-D objects and
would like the convenience of a single device, a visualizer may be your best choice. If
impressing your audience isn’t a high priority and you are looking for a flexible
medium that makes it easy to make notes, changes, receive feedback and move quickly back
and forth in your presentation, then consider an overhead projector. Overheads are
wonderful for impromptu presentations, too: just grab a stack of transparencies and a
transparency pen and go!
- How portable does my projector need to be?
Consider where you
will be using your projector: in one location, in multiple locations in the same building
or will you be traveling to remote locations? Multimedia projectors come in a dizzying
array of sizes, with units designed for permanent installation weighing upwards of 25
pounds. Desktop projectors weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and are designed for use on
tabletops or carts and can be easily transported from room to room. Ultraportables tip the
scale at less than 10 pounds and are best for mobile presenters who travel frequently.
Visualizers or video imagers are generally used in a fixed location, although they can be
transported from room to room on carts. Overhead projectors come in both stationary and
portable models, both of which can be used on a desktop or a cart. A traveling presenter
can carry a portable overhead, although the most portable overhead is still bulkier and
heavier than the newer ultraportable multimedia projectors.
- Will I be presenting at my home office or at some remote location?
If you will be presenting primarily at a known location, such as your home office, the
availability of a reliable projector is not likely to present a problem. Unfortunately,
the quality of the projectors available at hotels, conference centers, other businesses
and training centers can vary widely. Working around a poor multimedia projector can be
frustrating and embarrassing, especially if you’ve put together a dynamite
presentation for a big meeting. Visualizers or video imagers are still considered to be
relatively new to the presentation market and may be less available than multimedia
projectors. The quality of overhead projectors at remote sites is usually a bit less
variable, and overheads are pretty widely available. Unless you plan to carry your
multimedia projector with you, an overhead projector-based presentation could be less
risky. And speaking of portability, if you will need to make impressive, computer based
presentations on the road and want the security of taking your own projector, a multimedia
projector is probably your best choice. The newer ultraportable units can weigh less than
6 pounds and are small enough to fit right into your briefcase.
- What is my budget for purchasing a projector?
Another
consideration, and an important one, is the amount of money you can spend on the initial
outlay for a projector. Multimedia projectors can be purchased for $2,000 and higher. The
brighter, smaller and higher resolution products will be more costly. Most usually come
with the required cabling and a remote control. You will also need a computer or some type
and software with which to create presentations. There are multimedia projectors now on
the market that have built-in document cameras, giving presenters some of the visualizer
functionality. Visualizers are generally available for $1,500 and higher, depending on the
camera quality and available features. Overhead projectors are available for anywhere from
$100 up to $1,000 or more, depending on brightness and features.
- What is my budget for supplies and maintenance costs?
After
you’ve purchased the projector, there will be costs to use and maintain it.
Multimedia projectors don’t cost much to use, because the presentation itself is
re-usable and software based. But make sure to investigate the lamp life and lamp
replacement costs - some multimedia projectors use expensive lamps that can only be
replaced by authorized service personnel and may be difficult to obtain. Supplies costs
associated with the visualizer will depend on how it is used, but should be relatively low
overall. If you opt for an overhead projector, make sure to account for the purchase of
transparencies. Color transparencies can be expensive to produce, especially if you
can’t re-use them. Many overhead projectors, especially the less expensive ones, have
user-replaceable lamps that are widely available.
Once you’ve decided which kind of projector best suits your needs, the next
step is to examine the features, functions and costs of the various models available and
match them to your budget, presentation environment and presentation medium. Check out the
companion articles on this website: How to Buy an Overhead
Projector and How to Buy an LCD Projector.
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