By Otto Tromm
High Definition projection is a definite step forward when you want to have a home theatre that rivals the best commercial theatres.
The specifications for an HD projector are well defined, so you know exactly which projector is a full HD projector and which one isn't. Just by looking at the specifications.
Projection screens are a different story all together. There are no real specifications to begin with. Sure, you have gain and viewing angles, but since a projection screen can only reflect what the projector puts out, it's hard to compare. Especially when you add the impact of ambient light to the equation. (ambient light is all light that is not coming from the projector).
So how can you get the right projection screen for your HD projector?
First of all, you have to realize that there are no HD projection screens. There is no industry standard that determines which projection screen would or would not be high definition. Nor is that possible, because with an HD projector a projection screen would then be HD, but with a standard projector it would not be.
So now that we have determined that an HD projection screen does not exist, what do you look for when you want to have the most from your HD projector?
1. A wrinkle-free fabric. V-shapes and horizontal lines are common with some projection screens. But, this is a no-go for an HD set-up, since any distortion in a razor sharp image can be seen immediately. The best screen types are fixed frame screens and electric or tensioned electric projection screens. Manual screens are cheap, but rarely offer a level of planarity that results in a distortion-free projection.
2. A smooth fabric. Some fabrics are coarse in the sense that the projection layer sprayed onto the carrier material has a clear structure. This interferes with the projection, since with an HD projection, the structure will be visible. This is not only annoying, but takes the realism out of the movies you project.
If you look at these two factors, you are guaranteed to have a perfect projection screen. Don't believe HD or HD ready labels stuck onto a projection screen or displayed on a site.
And, if possible, visit a showroom where you can see the differences between fabrics and see how they perform. If that's no option, ask for fabric samples, as many manufacturers make these available, free of charge, so you can see what the material is like, without ever leaving your home.
So an HD projection screen is a fantasy, but you can get a screen that will make the most of your projector.
As an award winning projection screen designer and founder of Beamax projection screens, Otto Tromm knows what matters when you want to get the most from your projection screen.
More importantly, he recognises the value of industrial design, so that you can have a projection screen in your own home, without it dominating the room.
To find a projector screen that matches your room, budget and projector, go to http://www.beamax.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Otto_Tromm
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Projector Lamp Advice
By S Oneill
Projector lamps
New projectors are supplied with a new lamp fitted, which for the average projector lasts around 2,000 hours. For business use, using a projector 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, the lamp should last over a year.
Replacement lamps or lamp modules
Majority of projector lamp manufacturers give a 3 months RTB warranty on new lamps. This warranty commences from date of purchase/invoice.
Lamps or lamp modules
Manufacturers lamps vary, but can be sold as "lamp only" or as a lamp module, as shown above.
When replacing a new lamp into the existing lamp module housing, a suitably qualified electrician or on-site professional should only undertake it. It is important to ensure the terminals are not over tightened as the ceramic can be cracked and reduce the electronic insulation of the bulb. Similarly, if the bulb is under tightened, it can cause arcing on the terminal, which puts undue load on the ballast that can lead to failure.
Lamp modules are more commonplace and can be likened to car headlights, where you buy the "unit" which just slots in. To replace a lamp module, you simply undue the necessary screws on your projector, lift out the old lamp module, insert the new lamp module and tighten the screws. Obviously, specific instructions on how to replace bulb modules will vary slightly from projector to projector, so the instruction manual should be consulted and the replacement undertaken by a suitably qualified person.
Useful tips on prolonging lamp life
Never touch the lamp with your fingers, always use a cloth for handling. Deposits from fingerprints cause temperature "hot spots" and temperature gradient stresses the glass often resulting in earlier lamp failure.
Keep the air filters of your projector clean as block filters make the lamp overheat, possibly causing earlier lamp failure. There should always be good airflow around the projector.
Always switch off the projector using the remote control and not by disconnecting the power. The projector will invariably go into a cool down mode where the image is turned off and the fan accelerates to cool the lamp in a controlled manner. The temperature of an operating lamp is many 1,000's of degrees, so if you disconnect the power to the projector, prior to the above process, the glass in the lamp will cool unevenly and will result in stress fracture, causing early lamp failure. We are led to believe that you can shorten your projector lamp life by up to 50% simply by disconnecting the power instead of switching off the projector by remote control and allowing the natural cooling process to take place.
Lamp failure can also be due to mechanical shock and vibration. A hot lamp filament is fragile and you should always ensure the unit is turned off and the lamp is cool before moving the projector.
If your projector has a high/low lamp/lamp switch, you can extend your average lamp life by using the "low lamp/lamp" position whenever possible.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Oneill
Projector lamps
New projectors are supplied with a new lamp fitted, which for the average projector lasts around 2,000 hours. For business use, using a projector 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, the lamp should last over a year.
Replacement lamps or lamp modules
Majority of projector lamp manufacturers give a 3 months RTB warranty on new lamps. This warranty commences from date of purchase/invoice.
Lamps or lamp modules
Manufacturers lamps vary, but can be sold as "lamp only" or as a lamp module, as shown above.
When replacing a new lamp into the existing lamp module housing, a suitably qualified electrician or on-site professional should only undertake it. It is important to ensure the terminals are not over tightened as the ceramic can be cracked and reduce the electronic insulation of the bulb. Similarly, if the bulb is under tightened, it can cause arcing on the terminal, which puts undue load on the ballast that can lead to failure.
Lamp modules are more commonplace and can be likened to car headlights, where you buy the "unit" which just slots in. To replace a lamp module, you simply undue the necessary screws on your projector, lift out the old lamp module, insert the new lamp module and tighten the screws. Obviously, specific instructions on how to replace bulb modules will vary slightly from projector to projector, so the instruction manual should be consulted and the replacement undertaken by a suitably qualified person.
Useful tips on prolonging lamp life
Never touch the lamp with your fingers, always use a cloth for handling. Deposits from fingerprints cause temperature "hot spots" and temperature gradient stresses the glass often resulting in earlier lamp failure.
Keep the air filters of your projector clean as block filters make the lamp overheat, possibly causing earlier lamp failure. There should always be good airflow around the projector.
Always switch off the projector using the remote control and not by disconnecting the power. The projector will invariably go into a cool down mode where the image is turned off and the fan accelerates to cool the lamp in a controlled manner. The temperature of an operating lamp is many 1,000's of degrees, so if you disconnect the power to the projector, prior to the above process, the glass in the lamp will cool unevenly and will result in stress fracture, causing early lamp failure. We are led to believe that you can shorten your projector lamp life by up to 50% simply by disconnecting the power instead of switching off the projector by remote control and allowing the natural cooling process to take place.
Lamp failure can also be due to mechanical shock and vibration. A hot lamp filament is fragile and you should always ensure the unit is turned off and the lamp is cool before moving the projector.
If your projector has a high/low lamp/lamp switch, you can extend your average lamp life by using the "low lamp/lamp" position whenever possible.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Oneill
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