A Multi-Purpose projector can be described as one that is used for a variety of purposes; including corporate presentations, video, home movies, XBOX/PS2, and retail displays. These projectors generally have a higher contrast ratio and brightness level (suitable for many different locations), plus many also have an extended lamp life in order to minimise the long-term operational costs.
DLP have traditionally been the better alternative for multi-purpose projectors (with a much higher contrast), however some newer LCD models have sparked some interest for both video and data use. This is explained further in the information below.
What brightness level do I require?
Brightness with all digital projectors is universally measured in ANSI Lumens. As multi-use projectors are used in varying environments its difficult to give an exact required brightness level. If you are planning to use your projector primarily for home movies and only occasionally for presentations then a brightness level as low as 1500 ANSI Lumens will be quite suitable. If you would like to use your projector in meeting rooms or would like to use it in a lit room, than a brightness level between 1800 and 2500 ANSI Lumens is recommended.
What Resolution is right for me? [top] A Native Resolution is essentially a measurement for the number of pixels being projected. A multi-use projector usually have one of the below resolutions.
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 movie projector that will not be projecting onto large screen sizes, a resolution of SVGA will be suitable. You may notice some pixelation or grid squares when using a SVGA projector on a large sized screen (2metres + 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 multi-use projectors weigh approximately 2-3kg with the the portable versions weighing 1-1.5kg.
Whilst the standard weight of 2-3kg is still very light and relatively easy to carry around, if you are constantly on-the-move, a light weight mobile projector may be preferred.
Should I get a DLP or LCD Projector ? [top] LCD & DLP are two different types of projector technologies. The LCD type uses 3 small LCD panels to create the projected image, wheres the DLP type uses a spinning wheel of different colours to create the image. Whilst DLP is a newer technology, it does not neccessarily mean its better for all uses.
LCD has tradionally been better with colour reproduction than the DLP alternative. The LCD panels are able to create more precise and exact colours, however due to restrictions with the technology, are also unable to create an absolute black resulting in a low constrast ratio. A DLP projector is able to project darker images in more detail as they generally offer a higher contrast ratio.
A multi-use projector must be be good for presentations as well as for movies. Whilst LCD projectors offer excellent colour and may be better for video in a lit room, if you are planning on using your new projector in a dark room for movies, DLP (with its higher contrast ratio) will be the better alternative.
DLP technology uses a spinning wheel of different colour segments that flash each colour separately onto the screen at extremely fast speeds, so fast infact that the human eye cannot identify the individual colour instead seeing the end image. On some DLP projectors there is what is known as a rainbow effect, where some people see faint lines of varying colours. This is only a minor problem that occurs in some 4 segment DLP projectors and most people do not even notice it. Newer DLP projectors feature a 5 colour segment wheel that helps reduce the chance of ever seeing a 'rainbow' on the screen.
Whilst the chance of seeing a 'rainbow' is very low we recommend purchasing a 5 segment projector just to be on the safe side.
What is dual aspect ratio ? [top] Every digital projector has a native aspect ratio, or a ratio the projector was built for. An aspect ratio for Australian projectors is usually either 16:9 or 4:3. A 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard widescreen image that most DVD's and HDTV are encoded in. Standard free-to-air television is encoded in 4:3 format.
Many multi-use projectors not only have a native aspect ratio but have a second aspect ratio that can be selected. Having this dual aspect ratio is important if you would like to use the projector in 4:3 for a presentation but then wish to play a widescreen movie.
Be aware that when selecting the secondary aspect ratio, the projector will create a smaller screen, ie. if changing from 16:9 (native) to 4:3, it will simply cut off the sides to create a more squared image. If your projector is 4:3 (native) and you are changing to 16:9 widescreen, the projector will cut off the top and bottom of the screen in order to create a wider image. As the screen size is now smaller, the projector may have to be repositioned to create the desired screen size.
What projectors do you recommend for multi-use? [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.
The MP623 is one of the most economical high performance projectors on the market. With a powerfull 2700 lumen brightness perfect for large screen sizes in heavily lit rooms the MP623 offers an incredible 4000 Hour lamp life on eco mode. Amazingly even with a powerfull lamp it has a 26dB noise level on economic mode and 31dB on normal mode, better than many home theatre models. It features a detailed XGA resolution perfect for larger screen sizes and detailed pictures, video, or presentations. It also has a 2500:1 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.
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.
With a great set of features the MP623 is perfect for business use and as a multipurpose model is also designed to double up as a home theatre unit. 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.
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.
