| 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.
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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
Overhead
projector | Overhead
projector explained | How
to buy an overhead projector |
Why
choose an LCD projector? | Choosing
the right projector for your meeting |
Choosing
a Visual Presenter
| Everything
about Overhead Projectors
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laser Projection
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