Advice before you buy a projector for your school or college

So you have been asked to buy the right proejctor for your school or college. Where do you start. Well the good news is that we have an huge range of classroom or school hall projectors..

 A note on brightness

Lumens : Is brightest the best, not always. Projectors with a higher lumens will deal with more  ambient light , but  too bright might damage your eyes. So don't buy more than 2500 lumens for a classroom. And  if  using an interactive whiteboard such as a Smartboard with the projector it could  producing a glare effect. So 2500 lumens is more than plenty

 Go for short throw lens

There are now ultra short throw lens projectors which rid the need of an installation but they still are a little more expensive. If not choose a short throw lens projector which means you get a large image even if the projector’s near the front of the classroom. 

Security features

Your new projector will look great in your classroom but without security features it could easily be stolen.

 Things you can do

  • Toshiba offer models with removable control panels, which mean the projector is useless if it’s stolen, much like the removable panels that car stereos have.  
  • PIN code security and built in alarms are other features to look for.
  • If you’re using a ceiling mount why not buy a security cage instead.
  • Buy an orange projector, it is well known thtat they are difficult to resell on ebay!

 Resolution

The number of dots on the screen that make up the image. The more dots there are, the sharper the image is, so small text will be more readable.

SVGA is the lowest resolution . Adv- cheaper and in most cases still willproduce a good enough image

XGA is the basic standard at the moment. 1024 x 768 pixels. Ideal for detailed artwork or graphics

WXGA- basically wide screen XGA. So if you have recently brought a wiudescreen laptop or PC then this is the resolution for you

SXGA resolution is ultra-sharp. It’s normally only used for specialist applications, eg architecture, graphic design, and medical imagery.

 

 Visualisers (also known as  document cameras)

Visualiser

We think visualiser are an excellent addition to your projector. A visualiser is essentially a video camera that’s mounted pointing down, and is all set up to plug straight into your projector.  The projector then displays what the camera sees in real time.

You can put anything you like under the camera. Here’s some ideas;

  • An open textbook or magazine article. No more photocopying pages that will only get looked at once.
  • Write notes and draw sketches on paper, and project them at the same time. You can then photocopy your notes later for distributing to the class (unlike a whiteboard).
  • Science teachers can show experiments close up, and the whole class can watch at once - not just the keen ones that push to the front!
  • Primary school teachers can show writing close up, and show creative techniques.

Some projectors from Toshiba include built-in visualisers which tuck into the side of the projector casing when not in use. 

 Warranty

  • Some manufacturers do swap-out and on site warranties. If you are planning to ceiling mount your projector then  look for models that include a de-install and re-install warranty – it could save you a lot of hassle if you need a repair.
  • Warranty on the projector lamp as well as the warranty on the projector – they’re generally covered separately with a much shorter lamp warranty.

  Installation

If you require your projector installed then just ask us to quote by calling 01189 881111

 So if you require any further information or just want to order then cal lus on 01189 881111

E-commerce solution by Lynx