How to Choose the Right Projector for Gaming

When choosing a projector for gaming, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important ones to keep in mind:

 

  1. Resolution: The resolution of the projector is an important factor to consider, as it will affect the quality of the image displayed. For gaming, a minimum of 1080p resolution is recommended, although a 4K resolution would be ideal.
  2. Input lag: Input lag refers to the time it takes for the projector to process the signal from the gaming console or PC. The lower the input lag, the better the gaming experience will be. Look for projectors with input lag of 30 milliseconds or less.
  3. Brightness: The brightness of the projector is important, especially if you plan on gaming in a room with ambient light. Look for projectors with a brightness of at least 2,000 lumens.
  4. Contrast ratio: Contrast ratio refers to the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image. Higher contrast ratios will produce a more vivid and detailed image. Look for projectors with a contrast ratio of at least 10,000:1.
  5. Screen size and throw distance: Consider the size of the screen you want to project and the distance between the projector and the screen. Make sure the projector you choose can project an image that is the size you want from the distance you have available.
  6. Gaming-specific features: Some projectors come with gaming-specific features, such as low input lag modes, gaming presets, and frame interpolation. Look for projectors with these features if you want the best gaming experience.

 

Overall, when choosing a projector for gaming, you want to look for one with high resolution, low input lag, high brightness, high contrast ratio, and the ability to project an image the size you want from the distance you have available.

What is a Short-Throw Projector?

A short throw projector is a type of projector that can project a large image from a short distance away from the screen or wall. Typically, a short-throw projector can display an image with a diagonal size of 100 inches or more from a distance of just a few feet away. This makes it ideal for use in small or confined spaces where traditional projectors would require more room to project a large image. Short-throw projectors use specialized lenses to achieve this short projection distance, and they can be either mounted on the wall or placed on a table or stand. They are commonly used in home theaters, classrooms, and conference rooms.

 

Short-throw projectors are used by a wide range of individuals and organizations, including educators, businesses, and home theater enthusiasts.

 

In educational settings, short-throw projectors are often used in classrooms to display images, videos, and presentations. Because they can project a large image from a short distance away, they are ideal for small classrooms or lecture halls where space is limited.

 

In business settings, short-throw projectors are commonly used in conference rooms for presentations and meetings. They are also used in retail settings for digital signage and advertising displays.

 

Home theater enthusiasts also use short-throw projectors in their personal entertainment spaces. They can project a large image onto a wall or screen, creating a cinematic experience in a small space.

 

Short-throw projectors are space-saving, easy to install (require less space), easy to transport (smaller and lighter) and there is less likelihood of the projector casting shadows or glare on the screen.

The Difference Between LCD & DLP Projectors Versus Laser Projectors

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors are types of projectors that use traditional lamp-based technology. These projectors require metal-halide / UHP projector lamps. Laser projectors use lasers to produce their images. Each type of projector has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s difficult to say that one type is universally better than the others.

 

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when comparing LCD, DLP, and laser projectors:

  1. Image quality: All three types of projectors can produce high-quality images, but there may be differences in color accuracy, contrast, and brightness between them. Generally, laser projectors have better color accuracy, while LCD and DLP projectors may be brighter and higher contrast ratios.
  2. Durability: LCD and DLP projectors tend to be more durable than Laser projectors because the user can extend the life of the projector by purchasing a new lamp. Laser projectors tend to have longer lifespans than traditional lamp projectors.
  3. Maintenance: Traditional lamp-based projectors require more maintenance than laser projectors because the lamps need to be replaced periodically.
  4. Cost: Laser projectors tend to be more expensive than LCD and DLP projectors, although the cost of laser projectors has come down in recent years. Traditional lamp-based projectors are more affordable.
  5. Portability: LCD and DLP projectors tend to be more portable than laser projectors because they are smaller and lighter. Laser projectors are often larger and heavier, which can make them less suitable for portable use.

 

Consumers are often drawn to new technology, however, early adopters have left negative reviews; sighting less than average image quality and disappointing life expectancy. LED & Laser projectors were designed to be one-time-use only. The projectors were manufactured to last 20,000 hours and thereafter the entire projector would have to be replaced. The problem consumers encountered was that after the laser projector expired, they were displeased to learn that they had to buy another projector at a high price point ($5,000+).

 

There has been a resurgence in demand for LCD & DLP projectors that use UHP projector lamps.

 

Market trends indicate that end users prefer the ability to extend the life of their projectors by purchasing less expensive projector lamps. Consumers continue to use the same projector for over a decade with no diminishing return to image quality or performance.

 

Leading projector lamp manufacturers are investing capital to create and innovate technologies that will lead to amplified color projection and longer lifespan projector lamps. These investments indicate the future market for UHP projector lamps remains bullish. Therefore, the advantages of replacement UHP projector lamps from a price and quality prospective will remain attractive for the consumer.

 

Ultimately, the choice between LCD, DLP, and laser projectors depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need high color accuracy and contrast, a laser projector may be the best choice. If you need a more affordable option that can be easily transported, an LCD or DLP projector may be a better fit.

The Color Issues With Your Projector Lamp and How to Solve Them

Written by Correy Pelletier

 

Projector lamps primarily affect brightness. They are made of white light, which has a rainbow of colors. If you are experiencing color issues, it’s most likely the bulb is not the cause of these color problems.

 

The most common color problem is a complete washing of one color, such as pink, blue, or red. This problem is typically caused by a faulty prism in the projector or in the lamp housing. The lamp inside the projector projects bright white light, which projects through a series of prisms or pieces of glass that are designed to allow certain types of light or colors to come through.

 

There can be many prisms in your projector. In some projectors, there is also a prism attached to the front of the lamp module.

 

These prisms will heat up over time and change properties. They can also get burned or discolored, which causes the washing over effect of one color.

 

One solution to the washing of one color is you can go to a repair shop so they can diagnose the problem and replace the prisms in your projector.

 

Another solution is to replace the front glass prism at the front of the lamp module. If you were not experiencing this problem with your old lamp, try reusing your old prism and swap out the prism along with the new lamp.

 

There can be other reasons your projector is experiencing color problems, there may be liquid-crystal display (LCD) issues or it’s a color wheel problem. And fixing the LCD or color wheel issues can be costly. Your best bet is to see if it’s the prism first since it’s the cheaper and quicker fix.

 

Expert Tip: BenQ and Optoma projectors are known to use a prism at the front of most of their lamps. If you are experiencing color issues, call MyProjectorLamps support:1-888-785-2677. We can guide you through the process, so you don’t have to spend money on a repair that doesn’t necessarily need to happen.

When Should You Replace Your Projector Lamp?

Written by Correy Pelletier

 

Is your projector not turning on? Have you tried unplugging it and/or turning on the switch?

 

What are the LED indicator lights telling you? Check your manual to see which combination of lights and colors align with which problem or what one of the colors means. For example, some Panasonic dual-lamp projectors like the PT-DZ780 series have four main indicator lights on the front of it, LAMP 1, LAMP 2, TEMP, and FILTER. If one of the lamp indicator lights is solid red, then it’s reaching the end of its life and must be replaced soon. A flashing red light means the bulb is burnt out and must be replaced immediately, so your projector can turn back on. An example of a single lamp projector is the Panasonic PT-VW350 which has LAMP and WARNING light indicators. If the lamp indicator is a solid red, then it’s time to replace the lamp. If the light is blinking red, then a problem is detected in the lamp or the lamp’s power supply. The warning indicator has three options of lighting up, solid red, blinking red, and slowly blinking red. If the indicator is blinking solid red, then the inside temperature is high. If the indicator is blinking red, then it means the inside temperature is high and the projector is on standby. And if the indicator is blinking red slowly, then there’s an anomaly detected in the projector and the projector cannot be turned on. These indications are common with most projectors. Dual-lamp projectors are rare, but single-lamp projectors are more common. 

 

If you still get an image on your screen, have you checked to see how many hours the lamp has been used? You can check this on the menu and if it’s more than 2500 hours, you have used it over the average number of hours.

 

Is your lamp dim? If it’s used for personal or professional use, you might want to replace lamps if they are dim. As you use it more and more, the dimmer the lamp will get. If the images or lamp seem dim, it’s time to replace it.

 

Are you having color issues? This is not a lamp problem, but a lamp prism problem. For more information, see our article on color issues.

 

When you were using your projector did you hear a popping noise and then it went black? This means the bulb has blown and you should replace it. Refer to our article on how to replace a lamp and how to deal with a blown bulb.

 

Check out our article on troubleshooting tips as it may help you get up and running if you just replaced the lamp and it won’t work.

 

If you cannot solve it yourself, then call us at 1-888-785-2677. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives can help diagnose the issue and go through the manual with you to determine the problem. We can also help you find the correct replacement lamp if the lamp needs replacing.

What Happens When You Don’t Replace Your Projector Lamp?

Written by Correy Pelletier

 

When you insert your new projector lamp bulb, it’s very bright, but with every use, it gets dimmer in small increments. You won’t notice it in the beginning since the increments are small. Over time and as you use the projector and lamp for many hours, it will start to fade. You might not notice it’s fading and the only way to know the difference is a side-by-side comparison with another projector that has a new lamp.

 

If you choose to not replace your lamp, over time it will become dimmer. And you may be okay with watching on a dim projector until the end of its life, while others prefer to watch on a new bright screen until it gets below a certain brightness level.

 

If you don’t replace your lamp and you are reaching the end of its life, warnings may appear on your projector screen stating, “replace your lamp”. The lamp will still continue to work in most cases. In some projector models, however, there is a hard stop that is coded on the lamp or once it hits a certain number of hours, the projector will not turn on anymore. If that happens, you will be forced to purchase a new lamp and install it. 

 

When you install the new lamp, you will need to reset your lamp hour counter, since most machines will not know that you are putting in a new lamp. The projector lamps that have microchips will tell the projector that a new lamp is being installed and it will reset the hour counter automatically. 

 

If your projector model is a standard model or it doesn’t have a microchip or have an auto-shutdown when it hits a certain number of hours, then two things can happen at the end of your projector lamp’s life:

 

1.) The lamp fails to ignite and the projector will no longer turn on. This is the best-case scenario as you simply need to take out the lamp and replace it with a new one.

 

2.) The lamp blows during use and glass fragments are scattered inside your projector. 

 

 

What we at MyProjectorLamps recommend is to know approximately what your average hours of use will be for a projector and lamp. Take note: 

 

1.) Check your lamp hours often enough to know when it’s getting close to the end of its life.

 

2.) When you are within a few hundred hours, buy a new replacement lamp.

 

3.) Write down the current hours of your existing lamp before immediately replacing your old lamp. If the old lamp is still working, keep it as a backup. 

How to Prolong the Life of Your Projector Lamp

Written by Correy Pelletier

 

A projector lamp’s life can vary from user to user. Some users might get 1000 hours of life, while others might get 6000 hours of life. This depends on which bulb you’re using and how often you use the projector.

 

Aside from defective lamps, which account for 2% of all lamps and have a really short lamp life. The average life expectancy of a projector lamp is 2500 hours.

 

You can prolong the life of your projector lamp in these ways:

 

1. Environment

Run your projector in a cool room, such as a basement or air-conditioned room, which will extend your projector’s life. You will draw cool air into your projector to cool down the internal temperature.

Your lamp gets really hot during use. If you re-run it in a warmer environment, you may want to consider not running it until the room temperature is cooler. Or you could point an external fan towards the intake on the projector.

 

2. Run time or usage

It’s better to use your projector in short bursts, rather than for long periods of time. For example, you will get better lamp life if you run your projector for 3 hours at a time, once a day versus running it 12 hours in a row. Some companies and users have no choice but to run their projector for long periods like in sports bars or for weather monitoring systems. These users will have to replace their lamps more frequently because of long use.

 

3. Cleaning

Clean your air filter regularly, so it does not get clogged with dust. The more cool air it can draw in the better. If you live in a dustier environment, you will need to clean your projector filter more frequently. You can easily clean it by tapping out the duct or using light suction.

 

4. Eco-mode versus Normal Mode

Most projectors allow you to run it in ECO MODE, which means it will project a dimmer image to extend the lamp life. Some eco-modes can double the lamp life; however, you will not get as bright of a picture. You can select eco-mode in the on-screen menu.

 

5. Make sure other components are working properly, like the fans

If your fans are not working well, then your projector cannot draw air into the machine and the lamp compartment to cool it off. If you ever hear the fans struggling to turn or hear nothing at all, then it may not be functioning properly. You should take it to a local repairman for a diagnosis and get them fixed to extend your lamp’s life.

 

6. Never unplug your projector during use

Unplugging your projector before it has time to shut down will completely kill your lamp life. (The fans run for about 10 minutes after shut-down to keep cool air flowing to your lamp.) Make sure after you use the projector, you turn off the power button and wait until the fans have stopped before unplugging the projector. If you experience power loss while your projector is running, try to get a fan to blow air into the intake of the projector. Your bulb may blow or lose significant life if you unplug your projector during use.

BEST PROJECTORS FOR WATCHING SUPER BOWL LIII

Super Bowl LIII, featuring the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, will from air from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, February 3rd.  That means there’s still plenty of time to buy a new projector to watch the game in style.

To get the most out of your experience, you’ll need to make sure your projector is high enough in quality and provides clear images.  You also want a projector that can render an image large enough in order to enjoy the experience properly!  Other details to keep in mind are the number of lumens, the contrast ratio, and the fast motion refresh rates.

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Considering these factors, here are our top recommended projector models for viewing the Super Bowl:

BenQ TK800
This BenQ model’s 3,000 lumens should be bright enough for most living rooms, and its 4k resolution will provide a dazzling image.  In addition, the BenQ TK800 can project an image of up to 300 inches.  Another standout feature of this model is the “football mode,” which adjusts brightness and resolution to render more vivid colors and more accurate skin tones.

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Sony VPL-HW45ES
Among the benefits of the VPL-HW45ES is Sony’s Reality Creation technology, which enhances the quality of the images by selecting their best aspects and projecting them with a natural look; and Sony’s Creative Frame Interpolation, which smoothes the frames to keep up with fast-paced action, including sporting events.  In addition, it has 1,800 lumens, which will be enough for a home theater.

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Epson Home Cinema 5040UB
The motion refresh rate on the Epson Home Cinema 5040UB is superior in quality; fast motion refresh rates are important as they give you a nice smooth picture where you can track the ball.  Moreover, this Epson model features an excellent 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio, 2,500 lumens, and three 1080p LCD chips.  And with Epson’s 4k-Enhancement pixel-shifting technology, the projector’s image looks closer to true 4K than 1080p.

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Optoma HD27HDR
This Optoma model ticks all of the boxes while costing a lot less than its competitors.  It is a 4K projector that offers 3,400 lumens, and has a 50,000 to 1 contrast ratio.  The Optoma HD27HDR is bright enough to light up a 140-inch screen in the dark or a 100-inch screen in ambient light.

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If you already have a projector ready to go for viewing the Superbowl and the lamp needs replacing, MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered with an unbeatable selection of high-quality replacement lamps at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!

BEST PROJECTORS AND TIPS FOR HOSTING A COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY

With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to plan your company’s Christmas party.  In order to make it a party everyone will enjoy, you must consider several important decisions:  how much to spend per person; whether to hold the party in the office, a restaurant or other venue; and whether or not to allow your coworkers to bring family members.
 
christmas party 1
 
The main purpose of the Christmas party is to let off some steam at the end of a long year where everyone has worked very hard.  Thus, it is important to recognize certain people for their achievements with awards.  Why not hold a raffle or hand out prizes?  This kind of moment requires you to draw people’s attention away from their conversations, and the best way to do so is with a projector.
 
With these suggestions in mind, here are a few tips on how to host a company Christmas party with recommendations on the best projectors for a party atmosphere:
 

  1. Make a Budget

 
According to data collected by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Incorporated, 65 percent of companies surveyed in the U.S. planned to host a holiday party in 2018.  Of these, nearly 25 percent had plans to increase their party budgets compared to years prior.
 
How much should you spend on a Christmas party?  A good rule of thumb is to budget $75 per person.
 
christmas party 5
 
 

  1. Set a Date

 
This step will need to work with the venue you select (see next tip).  Keep in mind that a party at the end of the week signals to the staff that it will be more relaxed with plenty of alcoholic drinks.  Many companies are moving their parties to Monday or Tuesday nights to counteract that perception.
 
christmas party 2
 
 

  1. Book a Venue

 
The end of the year is a busy time for many venues as they will be booked for parties, weddings, dances, etc.  Book the venue as soon as possible and have a few open dates in mind.
 
christmas party 3
 
 

  1. Select a Menu and Bar Plan

 
This is where you can let your coworkers know that they are appreciated:  food and drink.  An overly elaborate menu and open bar may blow your budget, but it will pay dividends when it comes to overall job satisfaction.
 
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  1. Plan Activities

 
Use your projector to display staff photographs taken that year, to hold a raffle or to give out awards.  Making it an interactive experience is a good idea.
 
Top Banquet Room Projectors:
 
ViewSonic LS830
 
This ViewSonic model’s 4,500 lumens make it bright enough no matter where it is:  medium to large rooms, sports bars, and any room with high levels of ambient light.  This is a short throw projector that only requires a distance of 31.4 inches from the screen to project a 16:9 image at a size of 150 inches.
 
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Optoma EH500
With 4,700 lumens, the Optoma EH500 is slightly brighter and less expensive than the ViewSonic LS 830.  The Optoma EH 500’s 1920×1080 resolution and Full HD 3D compatibility will surely get your coworkers’ attention.
christmas party 8BenQ MH750
The BenQ MH750 has 4,500 lumens of brightness, 1920×1080 resolution, a short throw distance, and other attractive features for less than $1,000.  This model incorporates Colorific technology, which allows the projector to display over a billion colors!
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Whatever you choose this holiday season, make sure you have a back-up plan to avoid any disappointment by getting replacement lamps from MyProjectorLamps.com We offer the largest market in North America and have an unbeatable selection of high-quality replacement lamps at low, affordable prices. Shop with us today and save!

TOP PROJECTORS FOR WATCHING AMERICAN THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL

Thanksgiving is a time to kick back with friends and family, stuff yourself with lots of food and watch football!  This Thanksgiving, there will be a triple header of NFL match-ups that will begin airing around noon and will continue until the late evening.
 
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Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or flying solo, you’ll need to make sure your projector is high quality and provides clear images.  You also want a projector that can render an image large enough for everyone to see and enjoy.  And when it comes to image quality, a projector with lackluster lumens or a low contrast ratio just won’t do the job.
 
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With these factors in mind, here are our top recommended projectors for viewing football:
 
Epson Home Cinema 5040UB
 
The motion refresh rate on the Epson Home Cinema 5040UB is superior in quality; fast motion refresh rates are important as they give you a nice smooth picture where you can track the ball.  Moreover, this Epson model features an excellent 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio, 2,500 lumens, and three 1080p LCD chips.  And with Epson’s 4k-Enhancement pixel-shifting technology, the projector’s image looks closer to true 4K than 1080p.
 
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BenQ TK800
 
This BenQ model offers dazzling 4k resolution at a price far lower than other 4k projectors.  The projector’s 3,000 lumens should be bright enough for most living rooms.  In addition, the BenQ TK800 can project an image of up to 300 inches.
 
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Optoma UHD60
This 4K projector excels at showing action with sharp focus from side to side and top to bottom of the screen.  Its color balance is well tuned, and with an impressive 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio and 3,000 lumens of brightness, the picture will be perfect.  Furthermore, the Optoma UHD60 has the lowest audible noise rating among projectors of its kind and can project an image of up to 302 inches.
 
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If you already have a projector and the lamp needs replacing, MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered with an unbeatable selection of high-quality replacement lamps at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!