| Once
you’ve decided to buy a projector, the next decision
to make is what kind of projector. There are several types
from which to choose, and the right one will give you the
most overall value for your purchase dollar.
Choosing the wrong projector can result in
frustration, embarrassment and, worst of all, the projector
sitting in a corner, seldom used. Generally speaking, your
options fall into three categories: multimedia projectors,
visualizers and overhead projectors.
Each type of projection device has specific
strengths, which can be used to your advantage in making a
presentation. So it’s a good idea to give some thought
to the following questions before making that all-important
projector selection.
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1. How technologically savvy am I?
2. While multimedia projectors deliver dynamic
and appealing presentations, they are dependent on computers
and software. If you are not comfortable with this technology
and how to ensure communication between your computer and
the projector, even minor glitches can be unnerving.
A visualizer or video imager combines projection
and camera technology into one device. Depending on the features,
these units can project computer-generated images, literature,
photos, slides or 3D objects. At the other end of the complexity
spectrum are overhead projectors - very simple and intuitive
to use. They are not dependent on a computer or software and
are usually very reliable.
Consider an overhead as a back up in meeting
rooms already equipped with multimedia projectors. What kind
of presentations will I be making with this projector?
# For visual impact, nothing beats a multimedia projector.
An adept presenter can integrate all sorts of eye-catching
graphics, sound and motion into a slide show using readily
available software. If you need to really impress your audience
with a dazzling presentation, then a multimedia projector
will best meet your needs.
If you need to be able to display computer-generated
images, documents, transparencies, photos, slides and 3-D
objects and would like the convenience of a single device,
a visualizer may be your best choice. If impressing your audience
isn’t a high priority and you are looking for a flexible
medium that makes it easy to make notes, changes, receive
feedback and move quickly back and forth in your presentation,
then consider an overhead projector. Overheads are wonderful
for impromptu presentations, too: just grab a stack of transparencies
and a transparency pen and go! How portable does my projector
need to be?
# Consider where you will be using your projector:
in one location, in multiple locations in the same building
or will you be traveling to remote locations? Multimedia projectors
come in a dizzying array of sizes, with units designed for
permanent installation weighing upwards of 25 pounds. Desktop
projectors weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and are designed
for use on tabletops or carts and can be easily transported
from room to room.
Ultraportables tip the scale at less than
10 pounds and are best for mobile presenters who travel frequently.
Visualizers or video imagers are generally used in a fixed
location, although they can be transported from room to room
on carts. Overhead projectors come in both stationary and
portable models, both of which can be used on a desktop or
a cart. A traveling presenter can carry a portable overhead,
although the most portable overhead is still bulkier and heavier
than the newer ultraportable multimedia projectors. Will I
be presenting at my home office or at some remote location?
# If you will be presenting primarily at
a known location, such as your home office, the availability
of a reliable projector is not likely to present a problem.
Unfortunately, the quality of the projectors available at
hotels, conference centers, other businesses and training
centers can vary widely.
Working around a poor multimedia projector
can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially if you’ve
put together a dynamite presentation for a big meeting. Visualizers
or video imagers are still considered to be relatively new
to the presentation market and may be less available than
multimedia projectors. The quality of overhead projectors
at remote sites is usually a bit less variable, and overheads
are pretty widely available. Unless you plan to carry your
multimedia projector with you, an overhead projector-based
presentation could be less risky.
And speaking of portability, if you will need
to make impressive, computer based presentations on the road
and want the security of taking your own projector, a multimedia
projector is probably your best choice. The newer ultraportable
units can weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to
fit right into your briefcase. What is my budget for purchasing
a projector?
# Another consideration, and an important
one, is the amount of money you can spend on the initial outlay
for a projector. Multimedia projectors can be purchased for
$2,000 and higher. The brighter, smaller and higher resolution
products will be more costly. Most usually come with the required
cabling and a remote control. You will also need a computer
or some type and software with which to create presentations.
There are multimedia projectors now on the
market that have built-in document cameras, giving presenters
some of the visualizer functionality. Visualizers are generally
available for $1,500 and higher, depending on the camera quality
and available features. Overhead projectors are available
for anywhere from $100 up to $1,000 or more, depending on
brightness and features. What is my budget for supplies and
maintenance costs?
After you’ve purchased the projector,
there will be costs to use and maintain it. Multimedia projectors
don’t cost much to use, because the presentation itself
is re-usable and software based. But make sure to investigate
the lamp life and lamp replacement costs - some multimedia
projectors use expensive lamps that can only be replaced by
authorized service personnel and may be difficult to obtain.
Supplies costs associated with the visualizer
will depend on how it is used, but should be relatively low
overall. If you opt for an overhead projector, make sure to
account for the purchase of transparencies. Color transparencies
can be expensive to produce, especially if you can’t
re-use them. Many overhead projectors, especially the less
expensive ones, have user-replaceable lamps that are widely
available.
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 | Digital
laser Projection |
Keys
for Dynamic Public Speaking
|
