How to Choose an LCD Projector for Classroom Use
Classroom projectors allow teachers to engage students by showing videos, images and text. With falling technology costs, more schools are adding LCD projectors to their classroom equipment.
Finding the right education projector requires looking at several factors. For example, ambient light is critical in determining how bright a projector should be.
Brightness
The brightness of a projector determines how well it can display images in varying classroom lighting conditions. A projector that is too bright can be hard on students’ eyes in a darkened room and one that is too low in brightness may appear washed out in a lit room.
To ensure you get the best image quality possible, choose a projector with a high contrast ratio that can deliver crisp, vibrant images. You also want to consider the brightness of your classroom space to make sure that the projector can accommodate the screen size you desire.
The best projectors for classrooms typically have two lumen ratings, one for white brightness and the other for color brightness. It is important to understand the difference between these because there can be large variations in white and color brightness between different projects and brands. Also look for a projector with keystone correction, which allows you to correct distortions that can occur when the projector is not aligned with the screen. This can improve image clarity and reduce the need for screen calibration.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is one of the most important measurements of display quality. It represents the difference between a projector’s brightest white and darkest black. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the images will look. Unfortunately, many manufacturers’ claims about contrast are often misleading or meaningless. To make an informed decision about which projector to buy, read online reviews by reputable influencers and participate in industry forums with other users.
To pick the right education projector for your classroom, start by assessing your installation conditions and student needs. For example, if you’ll use the projector in large spaces or with ambient light, opt for a model that delivers 4,000-6,000 lumens. This will allow the image to be seen even in light-controlled rooms without sacrificing clarity. In addition, opt for a model that offers deep, rich blacks and doesn’t show a grayish tint. Also, consider the number of students and whether you’ll use the projector for interactivity. If you’ll be using it for art and visual installations, a higher contrast ratio will help the art stand out with deeper colors and better detail.
Image Size
Compared to flat-screen displays, projection systems are larger and often brighter. This makes them easier on the eyes and can help reduce classroom fatigue and discomfort. Unlike monitors that have to wifi projektor be repositioned or tilted as students move around, a projector’s screen stays stationary and is easy for everyone to see.
Resolution is another key feature to consider when choosing an education projector. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image will be. Higher-resolution models are also compatible with high-definition source content and require less scaling than lower-resolution units.
Some education projectors include built-in array microphones that can pick up a teacher’s voice from up to 15 feet away. These are particularly useful for large-group collaboration and interactive lessons. Combining an LCD projector with an interactive whiteboard or a drawing tablet PC lets teachers mark up projected images and save their notes to file for later use or distribution. This feature is ideal for art classes to illustrate a work of art or for math and science class to draw diagrams that demonstrate a concept.
Image Quality
A projector’s image quality is key when used in a classroom. A high contrast ratio is important, but so is color accuracy and resolution. Some classrooms benefit from a brighter projection than others, so look for a projector with brightness levels that are appropriate for the room’s lighting.
Projectors can display any type of multimedia presentation or streaming or downloaded video. They can also show images and text from a computer screen in a large format that is clear to students seated at various angles.
Some older LCD model projectors require regular filter cleaning, which adds to the cost of ownership. These models also have a tendency to turn yellow and lose their clarity. Many schools have opted for maintenance free laser-based alternatives that have longer lamp life and require less cleaning. These units are known as smart projectors and provide teachers with new ways to reach their students. Some of these include using Google earth to teach geography or streamed videos for foreign language learning. They also enable students to play interactive games and work collaboratively in groups.
Audio
The best classroom projectors have speakers that are louder than those on interactive displays projector for daylight so teachers can be heard even when the projector is several feet away. They also feature noise ratings, so that teachers can choose the lowest-noise model for use in smaller rooms where the sound might be more distracting to students.
Look for projectors with dual HDMI inputs, which can allow two different devices to be connected at the same time – ideal for classrooms with multiple laptops and tablets. Some have a convenient dongle compartment that keeps wireless media dongles safe and secure while in use.
Unlike traditional film projectors, some of the best education projectors have a built-in microphone to capture teacher voice and mix it with audio from YouTube videos or other source content being displayed on the screen for instant lecture capture that can be shared with students. Some models even include a document camera for scanning and displaying documents, photos and other material.
Some models have a widescreen resolution of 1920×1200, which is the higher-end version of 1080p and offers added pixels to the image for crisper details. Others offer 4K ultra-high definition (UHD), which is similar to what you might see on a TV and is ideal for specialized topics that require more detail.