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Using and Choosing a Projector or Large Screen TV

What are the benefits?

You can use ProSelect on a computer with a regular screen (including laptops), or a computer connected to a large screen monitor, TV or Data projector. However, apart from the visual impact of a larger screen, we recommend using it with a large screen or projector because you can then take advantage of "Select Size" view which enables you to project your prints and layouts (collages) at actual size and instantly compare different sizes. Many photographers have found that this feature has a very positive impact on their sales results.

Should I use a Projector or Big Screen TV?

Good question! The photography community is quite divided on this - some swear that projection is better while others claim that a big screen TV works better for them.

Some of the factors to consider:

  • Do you need to display very large prints or layouts? With a projector, the display area is larger (see "How big do you need to go" below).
  • Can you control the lighting? Big screen TVs such as plasmas work better in brighter environments.
  • How much do you want to spend? The difference is getting smaller but projectors are generally less expensive especially compared to very large screen TVs.
  • Is your viewing room big enough? To take advantage of a projector you may need more space depending on the model of projector you choose.
  • Do you need portability? Obviously projectors have an advantage in this regard - especially if you need to return them for service!

How big do you need to go?

A common large print size that photographers sell is a 30"x40" while some studios are selling prints up to 40"x60" in size.

To buy a big screen TV that has a large enough screen to display an image that is 40" tall, you need a very large TV. Since there are very few large 4:3 ratio TVs sold any more, you would generally end up purchasing a high definition TV which has an aspect ratio of 16:9. To show a 40" high image on one of these TVs would require a 82"plus diagonal sized unit which are still very expensive.

Using a 4:3 ratio BUSINESS PROJECTOR with a screen that is 60" wide and approximately 46" tall, you can easily show a  30"x40" portrait and landscape orientated images without spilling outside the borders of the screen, as well as a 60"x40" landscape image.

Choosing a Projector

Tom Newman from ProjectorsForPhotographers.com kindly provided the information in the following sections to help you with your decisions:

Minimum requirements for a projector

Native resolution Minimum of XGA (1024x768) or SXGA (1400x1050)
Lumens (light output) At least 1600 lumens (preferably 2000 lumens or more depending on the size of the room, and the ability to control sunlight).
Contrast ratio At least 1300 to 1 in a DLP projector, or 800 to 1 in a LCD projector.
Keystone correction Your projector must have vertical keystone correction, and even better if it has vertical and horizontal keystone correction.
Aspect ratio contol Your projector must have the ability to be adjusted to display a square image exactly square. This is usually as simple as having height and/or width adjustment controls. If not, you will find your clients looking too short or too tall.
FAN noise Obviously you don't want a projector with a noisy fan 55 dB or less is good, 40 dB or less is great !!
Connectivity You must have at least one RGB (15 pin) input on your projector, or 2 if you want to hook a second computer to the projector. A DVI input can be used if your computer has a DVI output.
Warranty Any good projector should come with a least a 2 year warranty, preferably 3 years.

Here are some very good rules to follow when buying a projector

There are two common (and bad) mistakes photographers often make when choosing a projector:

  1. They buy a HOME THEATER PROJECTOR instead of a business data projector. Although home theater projectors are great for watching DVD movies, or high definition TV, they are a poor choice for showing computer images. They generally have very low LUMENS and have the wrong aspect ratio for presentation soft ware. Unfortunately most manufacturers don't advertise their business projectors separately from their home theater projectors and this can make it confusing.
  2. Many photographers buy a SVGA (800 x 600) resolution projector. Although these projectors have very low and attractive prices, they aren't compatible with most photography presentation software (including ProSelect), not to mention the lower resolution looks poor at best.

Should I buy a LCD or DLP projector?

This is another area for healthy debate! In general there are pluses and minus's for both types. LCDs have been around for years while DLP projectors are a relatively new technology created by Texas Instruments Inc.

  • LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors use 3 separate glass panels internally.
  • DLP (digital light processing) uses a DLP chip , which is a reflective surface with thousands of mirrors.

In general, LCD projectors are being made less and DLP projectors are on the increase. For the first time since DLP technology was released, this year (2006) more DLP units are available on the market than LCD units. The advantages of DLP are mainly higher contrast levels and the absence of SCREEN DOOR EFFECT that many LCD projectors seem to display (the feeling your looking through a screen door, because of the square pixels ). The DLP projectors seem to deliver a softer picture, without pixelation. However the LCD owners seem to claim a slightly sharper image. One drawback to DLP projectors is THE RAINBOW EFFECT, however only some people can see this effect and usually only with moving action on a home theater DLP projector viewing live action from a dvd or tv signal.

Choosing a Big Screen TV

Minimum requirements for a Big Screen TV

Native resolution Should be a minimum 1280 x 720
TV Type Should be a 16:9 ratio HIGH DEFINITION TV
Size of TV This TV should be as large as possible at least 67" diagonal or bigger. (Currently the largest size of an LCD screen TV is around 52" diagonal so you would be looking for a Plasma or DLP TV)
Connectivity The TV should have a RGB Computer input (15 pin), or DVI input (but only if your computer has a DVI output)

Weight Considerations

Something to keep in mind is that 65", 70", and 80" plasma TV  are VERY heavy, since they are filled with liquid plasma. Sets of this size may weigh up 200-300lbs (90-135kgs) and must be attached to a wall very carefully in order to support their weight.

Where you can get more information...