What to look for when buying an overhead projector

At first it may seem that there’s really "nothing to it" - buying an overhead projector that is. A projector is a projector, right?

Not so! An overhead projector is much more than just a light in a box. It’s a cost-effective electronic presentation tool that can enliven your meetings and add visual impact to your message. Selecting the right overhead projector can make a big difference in the success of your presentations.

Sure, you may be tempted to buy the first overhead projector that you find. But what you really need to ask yourself is, "Does the projector have the features that you and your colleagues will require to meet all your presentation needs?"

The following questions are designed to help you gain a better understanding of how you’ll use your projector as well as allow you to discover many of the features that you’ll encounter as you shop for a new overhead projector. With a little inspiration and investigation, you’ll soon have all the information you need to find the projector that meets your requirements and your budget.

I.  Who is your audience?

First you’ll need to determine who the intended audience will be for your presentations. Aside from influencing the level of material presented, identifying your audience helps you choose from among a host of projector features.

Say, for example, you will be using the projector primarily around children. You may want to consider selecting a rugged, stationary model in which the lens is housed in a closed head. A closed head helps protects the lens from curious little hands and dust. For older children and adult audiences a compact, open head model may be used. Since our focus is on the projector optics, following are a few things to keep in mind when reviewing projector lenses:
· Lens types: single/double/triple element: The more elements the higher quality of the image.
· Lens housing options: Open heads allows easy cleaning of mirror and easy focusing, closed heads reduces dust and offers greater protection for mirror and lens.
· Flip-up wide angle lens: Projects a larger image from a closer distance; perfect when space is limited.

II. What type of material will you be using on the overhead projector? And will you also be using an LCD projection panel?

It’s important to have an idea of the type of material that you’ll typically be projecting. Here you’re looking to estimate the level brightness that you’ll need for your material. For example, standard clear transparencies require a lower level of brightness than color transparencies or other color-rich materials.

An overhead projector’s brightness, which is measured in lumens, becomes of even greater importance when you plan to use LCD projection panels. Because it sits atop the overhead projector, an LCD panel requires the brightest light source available for the best possible image. To ensure your projector is bright enough to display your materials consider the following:
· Lumens/brightness/light source: The more lumens, the brighter the image. Some overhead projectors offer dual lumen settings to accommodate for various brightness requirements: 3200 Lumens -- 4000 Lumens.
· Lamp changer: Allows for easy, on-the-spot replacement lamp at the flip of a switch.
· Rotating head: Convenient for adjusting image to accommodate a variety of meeting venues, especially effective with LCD panels.
· High-powered cooling system: Keeps overhead projector cool during use, especially beneficial for brighter units and use with LCD panels.

III. Where do you expect to use yourprojection equipment?

Next, you’ll need to consider where your overhead projector will be used. Will you need to move the projector from room to room for each presentation or will it be a stationary tool used in a dedicated space like a classroom or meeting area. Here you’ll be looking at the portability of the projector. Several portability factors include:
· Size & weight: Sizes and weights to match function: sturdy stationary units or lightweight portable projector styles.
· Base design: Metal or plastic is available to accommodate both stationary and portable models. Metal is strong and very durable while plastic is strong by considerably lighter
· Foldaway design: This option provides for the lowering of the mast and lens thus allowing for easy transport and storage.
· Profile:  Portables have a lower profile that does not obstruct the audiences view of the screen.

IV. When or how often will you be making presentations with the overhead projector?

When and how often you use your overhead projector can affect the lamp life and the power of the projector. To make sure that you have the power behind your presentations consider the following:
· Electronic " soft-start " power supply: Delivers flicker-free images, lowers operating costs and, extends lamp life over 20% -- resulting in fewer lamp changes.
· Built-in AC outlets: This option provides an additional connection for other electronic presentation tools like LCD panels or accessories.
· Hi/Lo economy switch: Allows you to choose between lumen output settings and reduces lumen output for less strain on lamp.

V. How much does the overhead projector cost?   How can I get one?

In the end, the decision often comes down to price. This is the point, where you really can’t afford to make a mistake. You need to select the overhead projector with the right features at the right price. Dukane offers a full line of projection solutions with prices to fit most any budget and we offer you the best value. This allows you to make the most of your equipment investment by only paying for the features you want.

In addition, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable office products dealer or manufacturer’s representative. These professionals have the training and years of experience to help you walk through all of these questions and help you select the best projection solution for your facility.

Other key considerations:

Despite which model you choose, there are a few key things that you should look for in the company that makes the overhead projector:

· Reputation for producing reliable, high quality products
· Warranty on parts and service
· Leasing options
· Full line of projection solutions

Overhead projector shopping/check list

Optic
· single, double, triple
· flip-up wide angle
· 180 degree rotating head
· lens housing (open/closed)

Brightness
· lumens
· lamp type
· lamp changer
· hi/lo switch

Design & Portability · size
· weight
· foldaway/standard
· base design (metal/plastic)

Power
· electronic soft start power supply
· built-in AC outlets
· high-powered cooling system

Other key vendor considerations:
· Reputation for producing reliable, high quality products
· Made in USA products
· Warranty on parts and service
· Leasing options
· Full line of projection solutions