What brightness level do I require?
Brightness with all digital projectors is universally measured in ANSI Lumens. The brightness level required in a standard size classroom can range considerably, depending on the screen size and ambient light. Traditionally a brightness level or 2000 ANSI Lumens is sufficient for a decent screen size in a lit room. Your viewing environment will be a major factor in determining how bright your projector must be. A lower brightness can still be used, however the ambient light in the room may have to be lowered or the screen size reduced to ensure a clear image.
Required brightness levels will vary depending on ambient light and screen size. In larger rooms (ie The school hall or a large lecture theatre) where a large screen size is required (200-300" diagonal) 3000 Lumens or more is recommended to ensure the image does not look faint or washed. Keep in mind that brighter projectors also tend to use more power, are louder, and can be relatively heavy (3-6kg). Small & Portable projectors are available, however these rarely exceed 2000 Lumens.
What Resolution is right for me? [top] A Native Resolution is essentially a measurement for the number of pixels being projected. The most common measurements for education projectors are
SVGA - 800x600
XGA - 1024x768
When using your projector for detailed images/graphs, where small fonts are being used, or when a large screen size is required, we recommend an XGA native resolution. An XGA resolution will project more pixels and therefore a more detailed image than its SVGA alternative. For a basic presentation or video projector, that will not be projecting onto large screen sizes, a
resolution of SVGA will be quite suitable. You may notice some pixelation or grid squares when using a SVGA projector on a large sized screen (over 2 metres in length).
How portable should my projector be? [top] With advancing technology, projectors are now smaller and more portable than ever before. Many new projectors weigh in at only 1kg and take up less room than a notebook computer. Currently the bulk of education projectors weigh in at approx 2-3kg with the the portable versions weighing 1-1.9kg. Many hall or lecture theatre projectors weigh in between 5-8kg, however these are difficult to move and therefore should be permantely fixed or mounted.
Smaller or more portable projectors are perfect for professors, teachers, and teacher aides that require to move the unit to several different locations a day. Tradionally more portable projectors have had less features and inputs however new releases are proving that even the smallest of projectors can still offer a high level of usability. This can be seen in Epson's EMP-765 projector that weigh's 1.8kg but still manages to offer PC Free and Wireless connectivity all inbuilt.
What do the PC Free and Wireless features mean ? [top] PC Free and Wireless functions are two relatively new technologies to be found with presentation projectors.
PC Free allows the unit to project a presentation, image or some video files without the need to connect a computer or any other AV device. The correctly formatted files can be loaded onto a USB flash drive or SD Card, which is then connected directly to the projector. (Please check the PC Free inputs before purchasing, some PC Free projectors only offer a USB input while others only accept a memory card). The projector can only read some file types and therefore a standard PowerPoint presentation must be correctly formatted. Software comes with these projectors that can do this for you. PC Free is a great option for teachers that have many sessions or presentations a day and do not wish to carry around both a projector and a notebook computer.
Wireless connectivity allows the projector to connect to a computer without the need for cabling. If your notebook has a wireless feature you can log into the projector using the Wi-Fi feature. If you have an existing Wireless LAN your projector can be connected to this allowing easy connection from virtually any connected computer.
Is there anything else to look out for? [top] Before you begin your search for a projector, it is important to know exactly what you wish to use your projector for. Are you planning on using it solely for presentations? Or will you be taking it home in the evenings for some home movies? This can become a factor especially when selecting a DLP or LCD projector. LCD have traditionally been more popular for businesses with better colour reproduction and accuracy, however the newer DLP technology has a much higher constrast ratio making it better for multi-use (movies & presentations). If you plan to use your projector for many movies, especially in a dark room, a DLP unit is recommended.
Another feature to be aware of is Keystone correction. When a projector is placed at an angle to the wall, the screen is no longer square. Most projectors offer Keystone correction that will correct this however there are limits on the amount of correction. If you have questions regarding keystone please don't hesitate to call us.
Before purchasing, whether from us or a competitor, please feel free to contact us to discuss the projector you are thinking of purchasing. We like to ensure you are getting the projector thats right for your needs. Many AV resellers and even some projector specialists only hold some models and therefore attempt to sell what they have in stock. At Just Projectors we have a massive quantity of stock available, stored in distribution warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. We are therefore never pressured to sell one particular model or 'what we have lying around'.
Yes. Once you have decided on the products you require, you may forward your schools offical purchase order to our faxline 1300 362 089. Please ensure your purchase order includes billing and delivery instructions plus is signed by an authorised person. Payment terms for most education facilities is 30 days, however restrictions may apply depending on order size and trading history.
What projectors do you recommend for educators? [top]
BENQ MP612 DLP Multi Purpose PROJECTOR
As one of the best value projectors on the market, the new BenQ MP611 not only has a great modern appearance but a lamp life of up to 4000 hours. It's the perfect value option for those who would like to do a bit of everything with their projector. It offers an exceptional brightness rating of 2500 ANSI Lumens making it great for business presentations, home movies, retail advertising and even watching the footy on a Saturday afternoon.
The unit uses the latest DLP technology with a 5 segment colour wheel eliminating rainbow effects seen in its predecessors (PB6110, PB6210) and some older DLP models.
This projector is relatively easy to carry around with a small chassis, 2.5kg weight and a high quality soft carry case included. It comes with the required base mounting holes so can be ceiling mounted if required. A universal mount will cost approximately $169.
Epson EMP-1715 TFT Portable Projector- PC FREE, Wireless
This 1.7kg dynamo can pump out an incredible 2700 Lumens brightness which is great for even heavily lit rooms. The XGA resolution gives perfect detail for even large screen sizes
The Wireless lan feature allows you to transfer presentations, photos and moving graphics (from MPEG files) without being restricted by cables.
Mobile presentations are incredibly easy with the Epson EMP-1715. PC-free capability means users can connect a range of USB-enabled devices such as thumb drives. For quick and easy slide-show presentations at weddings, business conferences or training seminars the EMP-1715 can project pictures, MPEG2 files and presentations without the need for a PC.
When you have finished your presentation, simply switch off and pack away. With the instant off button there's no waiting around for the projector to cool down.
When we first saw the XJ-S31 we knew it would be a big hit, a super slim, high powered projector, perfect for the business professional who is always on the move.
The Casio XJ-S31 is the slimest projector ever, thin enough to easily fit in a briefcase with room to spare. Don't be fooled by the small size though, whilst the unit is incredibly portable and easy to use, it is extemely powerful.
The XJ-S31 has some serious power, it features a surprising 2000 lumens brightness allowing for presentations in lit rooms. The unit also has a 1800:1 contrast ratio providing good deep colour and rich blacks. Casio has also included a handy 2X optical zoom function, giving you more flexibility, great for presentations in smaller rooms or where there isn't much space for placement of the projector.
Casio XJ-S36 Ultra Slim Portable Projector with PC-Free Function
Additionaly the XJ-S36 has PC-Free presentations allowing you to present JPEG picture files or AVI video without a laptop. You can even use PC Free for Powerpoint presentations (after a little bit of formating with the Casio software) perfect for repetetive presentations when you can set up a few presentations on a USB memory stick and present strait from the unit.
Epson EB-W6 LCD Multi Purpose Widescreen PROJECTOR
The EB-W6 is the first in a new line of projectors from Epson that utilize the iris system to get more contrast. Most LCD projectors will give you about 400:1 contrast but the new EB-W6 has a whopping 2000:1 contrast for excellent black levels and rich dark shading while giving you the advantage of the LCD projectors' great colour reproduction.
The EB-W6 isn't just a one trick pony it is packed with good features that really apply to the mult-use user. They have included the WXGA resolution which gives you more detail, and a widescreen native picture perfect for newer laptops and movies which are both made for widescreen viewing. On the input side of things the EB-W6 has the added benefit of an SD card reader to present pictures direct without a computer, and the new USB link function which allows for users on the go to "auto connect" the projector through a USB cable allowing for quicker setup.
Aside from the movies the EB-W6 is perfect for the presenter on the go with quick power on avoiding long warm up times and instant off avoiding long cool downs while adding on the extra layer of safety in case of a blackouts. The Lamp life is also good at 3000 hours on high brightness mode and 4000 on economic with a 2000 lumen brightness allowing for presentations in lit rooms. Lamp cost is exceptional at $269 making for great long term value.
It is relatively easy to carry around with a high quality soft carry case included. It comes with the required base mounting holes so can be ceiling mounted. A universal mount will cost approximately $169.
INFOCUS IN2106 DLP Multi Purpose Widescreen PROJECTOR
The Infocus IN2106 is much like the IN2104 above but has a higher resolution image in the widescreen aspect ratio making it a more modern projector and more suited to modern programd or movies. It is also designed for prolonged use with low maintenance features so there is no filters to replace and no screens to clean. The Lamp life is also quite decent at 2500 hours in high brightness mode and 3000 in economic but while this isn't a massively long lamp life the lamps themselves are priced at only $299 making it one of the cheapest to replace in that brightness level.
A 2500 lumen brightness coupled with an WXGA resolution makes the IN2106 great for larger image sizes or presentations in rooms with natural light coming in. It also has a 2000:1 contrast ratio giving it the ability to display true black shades and rich dark colours allowing high detail in darker presentations, movies, or home theatre applications.
This new Infocus unit uses the latest DLP technology with a 5 segment colour wheel eliminating rainbow effects seen in its predecessors (IN24+, IN26+) and some older DLP models.
With a great set of features and a large set of inputs the IN2106 is economical and perfect for business use as well as multipurpose use. It is relatively easy to carry around with a soft carry case included. It comes with the required base mounting holes so can be ceiling mounted. A universal mount will cost approximately $169.
VIEWSONIC PJ560D DLP High Brightness Multi Purpose Projector
Viewsonic have always specialised in high brightness projectors and yet again they have released a real power house. The PJ560D has a massive brightness of 3200 lumens with a high resolution of XGA allowing for projection in even brightly lit rooms, halls or churches with large image sizes. Surprisingly the lamp life is exceptional at 3500 hours in high brightness mode and 4000 in economic mode.
Viewsonic haven't just installed a monstrous lamp, the PJ560D also has a 2500:1 contrast ratio giving it the ability to display true black shades and rich dark colours allowing higher detail in darker presentations, movies, or home theatre applications. The new PJ560D uses the latest DLP technology with a 5 segment colour wheel eliminating rainbow effects seen in its predecessors and some older DLP models.
With a great set of features and a large set of inputs the PJ560D is economical and perfect for settings where natural light is an issue as well as multipurpose use. It is easy to carry around at 2.7kg in weight and comes a soft carry case .
To back the new release Viewsonic have also given it an exceptional warranty of 3 years and have warranted the lamp for 12 months. It comes with the required base mounting holes so can be ceiling mounted. A universal mount will cost approximately $169.
The SP831 is a feature packed large venue widescreen projector, it is bright, has some of the best colours available and offers many great features. The unit has an awe inspiring 4000 ANSI lumen brightness level, perfect for even large venue use where a bright room and large screen size are a must. The SP831 features a detailed WXGA resolution, perfect for larger screen sizes and detailed pictures, video, or presentations. It also has a 2000:1 contrast ratio, giving it the ability to display true black shades and rich dark colours, resulting in high detail in darker presentations, movies, and home theatre applications.
The BenQ SP831 utilises the latest DLP technology with a 6 segment colour wheel eliminating rainbow effects seen in its predecessors (PB8250, PB8260) and some older DLP models. Combined with 10-bit image processing, which accurately renders over 1.07 billion colours, the SP831 can also adjust colour layers for enhanced image quality and faithfully reproduce colours.
Although the SP831 is incredibly powerful it is whisper quiet with an amazing noise level of just 31dB on economic mode and 33dB on high brightness mode. As an added bonus the SP831 includes both Vertical and Horizontal Keystone correction, allowing much more flexibility with placement. You can have it not only above or below the screen but also to either side.
For presenters with better things to do than waiting for a projector to cool down, BenQ have added "Off & Go" to the features list on the SP831, allowing you to unplug and pack up without having to wait around for cooling.
The unit also includes a fully featured remote with laser pointer. The SP831 comes with the required base mounting holes so can be ceiling mounted. A universal mount will cost approximately $169.
