Different Types Of Multimedia Projectors: What Are The Differences

Projectors have been an indispensable part of every educational institute, auditorium, seminar hall, conference room, and office for decades. Existing in a variety of forms, multimedia projectors are used for multiple purposes ranging from conducting classroom lessons, conferences, meetings, seminars and even for infotainment at times. However, different areas of application require different types of multimedia projectors. For example, in cinema halls, high-resolution laser projectors because it requires heavy-duty performance on a very large screen. On the other hand, a simple Pico projector can make do in a small classroom of around 15 students.

In the world of projection technology, there are four main types including; DLP, LCD and LCOS. DLP stands for Digital Light Processing, LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display while LCOS means Liquid Crystal on Silicon. Also, there are laser projectors that rely on solid-state laser instead of lamp for its light source. Different types of projectors serve different types of areas of application and have a varied range in terms of price. Thus when choosing a projector, one has to be aware about their requirements and the budget they have in their mind.

In this blog post, we will discuss in details about the different types of projectors in the market, technology they use and their uses.

What is DLP Projector?  

As we discussed above, DLP stands for Digital Light Processing Projector which makes use of tiny mirrors that reflect light towards the screen. The setup includes a physical colour wheel that spins to generate sequential colours. DLP projectors can be single-chip or three-chip with red, green and blue DLP chips.

The light output of the DLP projectors is vibrant and highly suitable for environments with ambient lightings like classrooms and conference rooms.

DLP Projector: How it Works?

DLP projector consists of a chip that is made up of millions of microscopic mirrors, each of which is capable of independent adjustment. They can move towards or away from the light source to create a light or dark pixel. To create coloured images, the colour wheel rotates in order to create coloured pixels on the screen. Thus, the colours are displayed sequentially at a high rate than an observer sees a full coloured image. Most of the systems operate at up to 10x the frame rate.

DLP Projectors Uses

DLP Projectors are used for the following purposes in our home, school, and offices.

1. Used a business projector for conducting conferences and delivering presentations.
2. Used in home theatres for displaying movies, TV programs, playing video games, etc.
3. Used in command and control centers by telecommunications and utility companies.
4. In classrooms and hotels for lectures and launch events.

What are LCD Projectors?

LCD or Liquid Crystal Display is another common technology used in projectors. LCD Projectors use the same liquid crystal display technology that can be found in televisions and monitors as well. An LCD Projector creates images using multiple elaborate steps. They consist of three LCD panels which cast image using the three primary colours; red, green and blue. All three of the colours are simultaneously projected so that the image is completely coloured.

LCD Projectors: How Do They Work?

LCD Projectors use three liquid crystal displays, in which an image is created through multiple steps. A light source emits a  beam of white light which is passed to three mirrors which are specially shaped to reflect only particular wavelengths of light. Each coloured light beam is sent to an LCD panel, which receives an electrical signal. The signal commands the panel on how to arrange the pixels in the display to create the image. The same image is produced on the three LCD panels, but in different colours due to the source light falling on them. These different coloured images are then combined in a prism resulting in a single coloured image. Finally, the image goes through a lens before reflecting on the projection screen.

LCD Projectors Uses

LCD Projectors are highly used in the following areas:

1. Schools
2. Corporate Presentations
3. Exhibitions and Tradeshows
4. Home Theatres

YABER line-up of Multimedia Projectors includes DLP Projectors of Ultra Short Throw, Short Throw, Long Throw, and Portable Projector type. It speaks of high resolution, contrast ratio, brightness, lamp life, and long operational life.