About Computers & Movie Projectors
Projecting images from a computer using a digital movie projector is one way to present information to a large group or display a large-format video in a home theater or classroom setting. Connecting a computer and movie projector is a simple process, but choosing the best projector requires research and smart shopping.
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Uses
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There are many reasons to set up a computer and movie projector system. One is instruction, where a projected image takes the place of a blackboard or transparency projector, allowing the instructor to display images, Web pages and video content. Projectors are also useful in a business setting, displaying slide shows or live images for video teleconferencing. Finally, projectors have a place in the home as the center of a home theater, displaying movies and online video content.
Connections
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Most digital movie projectors connect to a PC or laptop using a standard video connection, just like a conventional monitor. The two most common connection standards are VGA and DVI, each of which is widely supported on different brands of computers. Even in cases where a computer lacks the appropriate output to drive a projector, users can purchase a small adapter to convert an analog VGA signal to a digital DVI signal, or convert DVI to VGA.
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Compatability
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Newer computers work with the majority of movie projectors, regardless of the brand or operating system. Projectors may come with a driver, which is a piece of software on a CD that will allow the computer to recognize and engage with the projector to control settings and send content for display. Adding additional components, such as a DVD or Blu-ray disc player, or a stereo speaker system, may require adding a receiver to handle the various connection types.
Projector Types
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Buyers can choose from several distinctly different types of digital movie projectors. The most common type are LCD projectors, which use the same liquid crystal display technology as most flat-screen monitors. More recent DLP technology uses a matrix of tiny mirrors to create more vibrant colors and a sharper image. Portable Pico projectors use DLP technology to produce a projector that is small enough to transport easily but still produces a high-quality image.
Features
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Besides the method for producing color, there are several other notable features that set projectors apart from one another. One important feature is resolution. Higher-resolution projectors produce images that are sharper even when viewed from up close. Another consideration is the contrast ratio, which represents the difference between the darkest black and the lightest white the projector can display. Projectors with higher contrast ratios and greater resolution cost more, but do a better job or mimicking computer monitors in terms of image quality.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit glass of water on table with projector behind image by Dmitry Goygel-Sokol from Fotolia.com
