Projectors 101 – Back to the basics.

Projectors and presentations. What once was complex and burdensome is now simple and effortless. Advances in image and information processing technologies have led to the introduction of powerful portable business and home theater projector systems. Projectors today are easy to transport and operate, and can use electronically stored information, even motion-picture video, for impressive, effective business presentations and home theater use. Below, we breakdown the basics of projectors – technology, categories, use, and buying advice – and how innovation is revolutionizing your presentations in the office and at home.

Projectors & Technology – How it all works.

Modern-day business and home theater projector systems receive an electric signal (either analog or digital) from a data source (computer, VCR, DVD, etc.) and transform that signal into an image, projecting it onto a screen. To do so, the signal must first be converted into a digital signal. If sent as analog, it is passed through an analog-to-digital signal converter. Then the digital signal is ready to be processed into an image for projection. To date, there are two technologies used in business and home theater models to display images: liquid-crystal display (LCD Projector) and Digital Light Processing™ (DLP Projector).

LCD Projectors

In a LCD projector, the digital signal is processed with polysilicon panels. A light source is passed through a series of dichroic mirrors to separate the various color wavelengths and then through the polysilicon panels, where activated pixels process the light into a compiler, through the lens and finally onto the screen.

DLP Projectors

In a DLP projector, the digital signal is processed with a DMD™ chip. The light source is passed through a color wheel and onto the DMD™ chip, which is then reflected through the lens and onto the screen. The introduction of this innovative technology has led to the further miniaturization of business and home theater projector systems.

Example Uses – From home theaters to conference rooms.

Advances in circuitry miniaturization have enabled business and home theater projector systems to grow increasingly smaller in size while maintaining, and in some cases surpassing, the power and performance of previous models. With more technological breakthroughs, the projector industry will undoubtedly unveil even smaller, lighter, and more powerful projector models that allow you to transform virtually any location into a presentation venue.

Features – What to consider when buying a projector.

Projector size and weight are extremely important when considering which model to buy. But there are other features you should consider when searching for the best business or home theater projector to meet your needs. Features such as sufficient image brightness (ANSI lumen rating), connectivity (single or multiple data source ports) and functions incorporated for improved performance and operation ease. Once you know the degree of mobility and level of performance required for your presentation needs, you'll be able to locate the ideal model.

To visit Mitsubishi's Projector Showroom, where you can view our extensive line of projectors for your business and home theater needs, click here.