Ease of Use
Most of today’s projectors are very easy to use. They come with two to three cords (power, PS II mouse, USB, and audio/video cables). The projector and cords will pack into a bag small enough to carry on the plane, or place in the back seat.
Take a NEC Technology Tour: NEC Projector Tour
Today’s projectors are plug-and-play, user-friendly and they can be set-up in a matter of minutes. Even with the challenges of a constantly changing environment, in most cases all you will need is a power outlet.
DLP and LCD Technology
Most projectors use LCD technology. This splits light into the primary colors red, green and blue. Each color is then directed through an LCD display acting as a ‘light valve’ and the light is then reassembled. There is an LCD display for each individual pixel and each primary color. DLP technology involves the use of huge numbers of tiny quadratic mirrors arrayed on a Texas Instruments DMD chip. Only when a mirror is tilted will it reflect the light shining onto it back towards the screen. This very high-frequency switching on and off of points of light is not perceived by the human eye and allows different shades of color to be portrayed. The colors are generated by a color ribbon featuring the primary colors red, green and blue.
To see a study on this techology, click on the link: A Comparison of Competing Technologies Used In Data Projectors
Should I purchase an LCD or DLP projector?
It depends on the installation environment. In environments with more ambient light, we recommend choosing DLP. For the greatest flexibility, choose an NEC projector that features both technologies.
Brightness
Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. Entry level portables now start at 1100 ANSI lumens, all the way up to a stunning 4200. A projector with at least 1000 ANSI lumens is desirable for use in rooms where there will be ambient light. Older model used projectors with 800 lumens or less, require low or lights off presentations. Using a projector with 2500 or more ANSI lumens would put you ahead of the pack. These brighter projectors have now become the industry standard.
Image Quality
A lot of people think first about resolution when considering image quality. In order to get the best image, simply match your projector’s resolution to your laptop’s resolution. New laptops are moving away from SVGA into XGA resolutions which is something to bear in mind.
Consider What You’re Projecting:
| Presentation Content | Minimum Resolution Recommended | Projector Class Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Power Point | 800 X 600 | SVGA |
| Internet, Spreadsheets, CAD | 1024 X 768 | XGA |
| Photos, High Resolution Graphics | 1280 X 1024 | SXGA |
Contrast ratio
Contrast ratio is the ratio between the brightest and darkest areas of the image. If you think this doesn’t matter, turn the contrast setting on your computer monitor to its most extreme and see what kind of picture you get. Contrast lends crispness to an image. A projector’s contrast ratio should be 400:1 or higher for cleanest video image or the most intelligible computer image. Remember that room light significantly impacts contrast.
Almost all projectors accept composite and s-video. For the best video image quality, component video is the best choice. New DVD players offer component video, as do some satellite systems. On projector spec sheets this feature may be called component video, (Y,R-Y,B-Y) or YPbPr.
Portability
Portable projectors now run between 2 and 13 pounds. The lightest weight projectors are convenient to carry, however may not have the same brightness, image quality, or features of the heavier projectors. If you’re moving the projector between classes or offices, weight is usually not a big consideration. If you’re traveling with your projector however, weight may be something to seriously consider. While a pound or two may not sound like much, consider carying a projector from the office to a taxi, onto an airplane, back in the taxi and then to the hotel along with a laptop, brief case, suitcase and hopefully your notes. A sturdy hardcase is recommended for anyone who travels by air. Consider one with wheels to consolidate your load.
Warranty
Projector warranties range from 1-3 years on parts and labor depending on the manufacturer. When offered, standard bulb coverage tends to be 90 days. If you travel frequently or if your operation depends on a working projector you’ll want to check into warranties that cover 1-3 day instant repair or exchange. With NEC, they attempt to repair defective projectors rather than replace them. During the first year of ownership of your projector, you may utilize their InstaCare warranty coverage program. This program offers your choice of 3 business day repairs or next business day exchange of your projector. NEC Display Solutions will continue to service its products, even after the standard warranty expires. In the event that a product fails outside of the warranty period, you can contact 800.836.0655 and a technical service & support representative will provide you with the billable repair options available to you.
NEC Star Student helps institutions acquire visual displays needed to share information, engage and move students to new levels of discovery without straining their budget. Not only does NEC enable your school with the most advanced display technologies, but we do so with discounts worthy of a gold star! 
Education customers who enroll in NEC Star Student also receive the following:
- Take advantage of special education pricing from your preferred reseller and equip your school with the latest in display technology.
- By registering your NEC projector purchases, you receive a FREE additional warranty on the following products, when purchasing through your preferred reseller:
- FREE additional projector warranty coverage when product is registered
- Two(2) FREE additional years of parts and labor/4 years total (NP216/NP510WS/NP610S/NP310/NP410/NP410W/NP510/NP510W, M260X, M300X, M260W, M300W, M300XS, M300WS, U300X, U310W, V300X, V260X)
- One(1) FREE additional year of parts and labor/3years total (NP43/NP64/NP115/NP215/V260)
Product registrations for additional warranty must be registered by the month following the month of purchase (i.e. April purchases, must be registered by end of May, in order to recieve extended warranty coverage). The Total Trade program gives you the flexibility to overcome aging technology and tight budgets so that you can always be on top of the latest trends. Trade in your old technology and receive money off your next NEC display purchase. For a fee, NEC Lamp Protect provides you with lamp protection for up to three (3) years on eligible products. Read Terms and Conditions for NEC Lamp Protect program.
Intangibles
Projector manufacturers continuously improve their products and add features that can make your presenting life easier and more successful. Some examples are: eco-modes, memory cards for computer-less presentation, digital keystone correction for versatility in projector placement, digital zoom and digital freeze for visual poignancy, wireless mouse control, on-screen pointer, multiple computer inputs for complex presentations, built-in security cameras, and wireless/wired LAN options. Call us at Points West Audio Visual Ltd. or email us at info@pointswestav.com and we can guide you through the available options.