Projectors Explained: How They Work, Types, Technologies, Features, Applications and the Best Brands - Part 2

In Part 1 of this two-part article, we’ve extensively explained how projectors work, different projector technologies, various classifications of projectors, the key components of a projector, important specifications of a projector that a user needs to understand, and much more. 

In this second and concluding part, we’ll dive into the other important features of projectors that buyers should pay attention to, the place of projector screens in the scheme of things and a look at the leading projector brands and what they offer.

Important Projector Features Buyers Should Understand

Beyond the basic specifications already covered in Part-1, modern projectors can have a surprisingly extensive feature set. Most are useful tools to enhance ease of use and performance of the projector. Here are some of them:

Keystone correction

Corrects the trapezoidal distortion that can occur when a projector is not perfectly perpendicular to the screen. Keystone correction can be vertical or horizontal or both. It can also be auto or manual. It fixes a skewed, trapezoidal image into a proper rectangle. Not every projector has keystone correction. 

Lens shift

Moves the projected image optically without physically moving the projector. Lens shift is meant to prevent image distortion. It physically moves the lens inside the projector to redirect light, meaning your image stays sharp with full native resolution.

Lens shift is generally preferable to relying heavily on digital correction because it preserves the image geometry more effectively.

Optical zoom

Optical zoom lets you resize the projector’s image without moving the projector. Its benefit is that it allows you to adjust the size of the projected image without losing quality. With optical zoom, the image stays sharp at all zoom levels. Though this can increase the product cost, it’s more beneficial than digital zoom, as it retains image quality.

Digital zoom

Changes image size electronically but may reduce usable image quality. Digital zoom uses internal software or a processing chip to crop, stretch, and electronically resize the video frame before it reaches the projection lens. The downside is that the final can picture look pixelated, blurry, or soft. That’s because digital zoom stretches the image and can cause loss of resolution.

Auto focus

Auto focus eliminates the need for the time-consuming and at times frustrating manual focusing of a projector. A projector with auto focus will use built-in sensors and advanced algorithms to automatically adjust projector image focus, such that the content is sharp and clear, all done within seconds of being turned on. It automatically adjusts the lens for sharpness, saving setup time and ensuring the image is in focus. 

Wireless projection

This allows compatible devices to send content without a physical video cable. If a projector has wireless connectivity, it means your wireless devices like smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc, can connect and display to the projector, without any cable being connected. The connection will be via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, mainly.

Wireless connectivity will matter if you don’t want cable cluster in the space, but note that projectors with wireless feature are fewer in number and tend to cost more.   

Network control

With network control setup, IT administrators remotely manage, monitor, and configure digital projectors over a local area network (LAN) or wireless network. Check if you’d. need such control

Split screen

Projectors with split-screen feature are able to simultaneously display two or more separate image sources side-by-side on a single projected surface. For instance, image from three different laptops and a smartphone can show on a projector screen at the same time, each taking a quarter segment of the screen. This boosts multitasking. Not every projector comes with native, built-in split-screen feature, though for projectors that don’t have, some workarounds with external tools can still achieve that effect.

Edge blending

Allows multiple projectors to combine their images into one larger seamless image. If a single projector cannot provide enough size, resolution, or brightness to cover a large display surface, it may require using two or more projectors to overlap and form one seamless image. That works with edge blending technique. This feature is available in some high-end professional-grade projectors.

Image warping

Allows projection onto curved or irregular surfaces. We you project onto a curved wall, a corner, or from an angle, the image likely stretches, bows, or skews. Warping is a correction process to deal with that. Again, this is an advanced feature that will be found in some high-end projectors.

3D

Certain projectors support stereoscopic 3D content. The 3D feature enables a projector to project stereoscopic images onto a screen or wall to create a realistic sense of depth and three-dimensional immersion. Not every projector is labelled a True 3D or 3D-ready, so not every projector will render 3D image.

HDR

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This video technology works to expand the range of contrast and color of projected images so the image can look more vivid and lifelike. Not every projector has this feature.

High Dynamic Range can provide greater dynamic range and richer highlight/shadow reproduction when the projector and source support it.

Native Resolution vs Supported Resolution

This is an important distinction when buying a projector.

A projector may advertise that it supports a particular input resolution without actually displaying that resolution natively.

For example, a projector may accept a 4K signal but have a lower native imaging resolution and process that 4K input.

Therefore, buyers should distinguish between "Supports 4K input" and "Native 4K resolution."

This distinction is particularly important when comparing premium home cinema and professional projectors.

Why the Projection Screen Matters

A projector is only one part of a projection system. The screen, or lack of it, can have a major impact on the final image.

Important screen characteristics include:

• Screen size
• Screen material
• Gain
• Viewing angle
• Colour
• Ambient-light rejection
• Fixed-frame vs motorized
• Manual vs electric
• Wall-mounted vs ceiling-mounted
• Tensioned vs non-tensioned

This is particularly important because projecting onto a poor surface can undermine the performance of an otherwise excellent projector.

A high-quality projector paired with an appropriate screen can produce a substantially better result than simply projecting onto an ordinary wall.

Projector + Screen vs Television

Projectors and televisions solve the large-display problem differently.

A television creates its own image on a physical display panel. A projector creates an image and sends it onto another surface.

This gives projectors a major characteristic:

Very large image sizes without requiring an equally enormous physical display panel.

A projector can therefore be particularly attractive for:

• Large classrooms
• Auditoriums
• Churches
• Conference halls
• Home cinemas
• Events
• Large-format presentations

On the other hand, televisions and interactive flat panels generally have advantages in:

• Daylight visibility
• Simple installation
• Instant-on operation
• Integrated display surface
• Resistance to ambient-light washout

The appropriate choice depends heavily on the environment and intended use.

Leading Reputable Projector Brands

There are many projector manufacturers, but several names have established substantial reputations across different parts of the market.

Epson

Epson is particularly prominent in:

• Education
• Business
• Home cinema
• Large venues
• Installation

The company is strongly associated with 3LCD technology and maintains extensive projector ranges for both business/education and home entertainment. (Epson projectors).

BenQ

BenQ has a substantial projector portfolio covering:

• Business
• Education
• Home cinema
• Gaming
• Portable entertainment

Its projector portfolio is heavily associated with DLP technology. (BenQ projectors).

Sony

Sony is particularly notable for:

• Premium home cinema
• Professional projection
• Gaming Projectors
• Large venues
• Business 
• Education
• Simulation

Sony uses SXRD (Sony's branded version of LCoS or Liquid Crystal on Silicon) for its high-end home theater projectors, and 3LCD (BrightEra 3LCD) for many of its business, education, and installation projectors. (Sony projectors)

Panasonic

Panasonic Connect has a broad professional projector portfolio covering:

• Education
• Business
• Installation
• Large venues
• Rental/staging
• Simulation

Its current range includes both LCD and DLP models, with laser illumination widely used throughout the portfolio. (Panasonic projectors)

ViewSonic

ViewSonic offers projectors for:

• Business
• Education
• Home entertainment
• Installation
• Gaming and specialized applications

Its current range includes DLP projectors using lamp, LED and laser light sources. (ViewSonic projectors)

Optoma

Optoma is another established name in projection, particularly across:

• Business
• Education
• Home entertainment
• Large-screen applications

Its portfolio has historically been strongly associated with DLP technology. (Optoma projectors)

Barco

Barco operates heavily toward professional and specialized projection.

Its projector portfolio includes:

• Large venues
• Cinema
• Simulation
• Rental/staging
• Fixed installation

Its current professional portfolio includes systems ranging from installation projectors to extremely high-brightness large-venue and cinema systems. (Barco Projectors)

A Simple Projector Classification Map

One of the easiest ways to understand the projector market is to realize that a single projector can belong to several classifications at the same time.

For example:

4K + Laser + DLP + Ultra-Short-Throw + Home Cinema + Wireless

That is not six different types of projector.

It is one projector described according to six different characteristics.

Here's the framework:

Projector Classification Examples

• By imaging technology DLP, 3LCD, LCoS/SXRD
• By light source Lamp, LED, Laser, Hybrid
• By throw ratio Standard throw, Short throw, Ultra-short throw
• By resolution XGA, WXGA, Full HD, WUXGA, 4K
• By application Business, Classroom, Home Cinema, Large Venue
• By connectivity Wired, Wireless, Networked
• By portability Fixed installation, Portable
• By interaction Standard, Interactive
• By venue Home, Office, School, Church, Auditorium, Cinema
• By specialized use Simulation, Projection Mapping, Digital Signage

This is one of the most important concepts for anyone shopping for a projector.

So, What Makes a Good Projector?

There isn't a single specification that makes a projector "good."

A projector should be evaluated against the environment in which it will operate.

The key questions are:

1. What will it be used for?

Presentation? Movies? Teaching? Gaming? Church? Events?

2. How large should the image be?

A 100-inch classroom image and a 300-inch auditorium image create very different requirements.

3. How much ambient light is present?

The brighter the environment, generally the more important adequate projector brightness becomes.

4. How far can the projector be placed from the screen?

This determines the appropriate throw ratio.

5. What resolution is actually required?

A classroom displaying PowerPoint slides may have different requirements from a dedicated 4K home cinema.

6. How frequently will it operate?

A projector used for several hours every day may benefit greatly from a long-life laser light source.

7. What connectivity is required?

HDMI may be sufficient for one installation, while another may require wireless presentation, network control and multiple inputs.

8. What screen will be used?

Projector and screen should be treated as one visual system.

The Future of Projection

Projection technology continues to evolve. Several trends are particularly significant:

• Laser is becoming increasingly important

Lamp-based projection remains relevant, but laser technology has become increasingly widespread across business, education, home cinema and professional installation.

• 4K is increasing in demand and slowly more accessible

The cost of 4K projection remains quite high in the Nigerian market. However, it’s no longer restricted exclusively to commercial cinema and ultra-premium installations. Given the far richer images 4K can deliver, those who can afford are increasing shooting for it.

• Ultra-short throw is expanding

UST technology is helping projectors compete in spaces where conventional projectors were difficult to install. When space is a big issue, the UST projector gets it sorted.

• Smart functionality is increasing

Modern projectors increasingly incorporate:

• Streaming
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Smart operating systems
• Wireless screen mirroring
• Automatic image adjustment

• More Nigerians Want Home Viewing on Large Screen

Home theatre, including portable rechargeable battery operated units, are increasingly sought for, as more people want to watch football, other sports, movies, etc, on larger displays at home.

• Projection is becoming more specialized

Beyond ordinary presentations and movies, projectors are increasingly being used for:

• Immersive experiences
• Simulation
• Projection mapping
• Museums
• Large-format visualization
• Digital signage
• Interactive learning

Final Thoughts on Projectors and Projection Technology

A projector is much more than a device that "shows a computer screen on a wall."

It is an optical display system consisting of a light source, imaging technology, image processor and projection lens, supported by electronics, cooling, connectivity and control systems.

The projector market can initially appear confusing because manufacturers classify products in different ways. But once the classifications are separated, it becomes much easier to understand.

A projector can simultaneously be:

DLP + laser + 4K + short throw + wireless + business

or:

3LCD + laser + WUXGA + standard throw + classroom

or:

SXRD + laser + native 4K + home cinema.

The key to choosing the right projector is therefore not simply asking:

"Which projector is the best?"

Instead, the better question is:

"Which projector is best suited to this particular room, screen size, content, lighting condition and application?"

That is the foundation for making an informed projector decision.