Video Projectors and Screens
Size matters. Yes, in video too. That’s why there’s always a long line at the local IMAX theater. You become much more emotionally involved when movies, sports, and even your favorite video games are viewed on a really big screen. There’s a connection with the action and the characters that’s totally absent on a smaller screen. I know this sounds cliché, but you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action. But just because a picture is big doesn’t means it’s good. At one time or another, most of us have tried watching a football game on an tired, old, washed out video projector and screen at a bar or restaurant. I know in my case, after five minutes of video torture, I was out the door looking for another TV to watch. Today, it’s a whole new ball game. Video projectors have benefited from new technologies that make them brighter, more detailed, easier to live with, and even less expensive (don’t we love that!).
Sounds complicated. How do I live with all that equipment?
I admit, video projectors are not for everyone. First, much like a movie theater, the room lighting must be controlled. It doesn’t have to pitch black, but a room with multiple windows during daylight hours is not going to work. So you must have a way to dim the lighting. Next you have to find a place in the room at a distance from the screen to place the video projector. Setting it on a table is fine, but most users prefer something a little less obtrusive. Sound Advice offers a range of video projection mounting systems. Some simply hang the projector conveniently from the ceiling, But for a totally stealth installation, check out the motorized mounts that hide the projector away inside the ceiling and drop it down only when turned on. Sound Advice can do the same thing with the video screen. We can install a simple wall-mount screen, or a motorized screen that dramatically descends when the video projector is turned on. And what’s wrong with a little drama on movie night? Obviously, a great deal knowledge and experience is important when planning video projection system, so arrange for a Sound Advice system designer to explain all the options and make your dream system become reality.
Sounds great for home theater. What else do I need?
Because they don’t incorporate built-in speakers, you’ll need separate home theater audio system with just about any video projector. But keep in mind that even plasma and LED flat-panel televisions can’t really be enjoyed without a good separate audio system either. A big exciting video image deserves sound that’s just as big and exciting. Great sound is THE home theater experience; don’t skimp on the important stuff.
Ok, how does all this work?
In many ways, it’s just like a movie theater. The video projector simply beams a video image onto a separate video screen. It does that by taking a very bright light and shining it through, or reflected from, a video imaging chip. These chips can use LED, LCoS, or DLP technologies. Which of the three is really not all that important. What is important is a detailed, film like image that knocks your socks off every time it’s turned on. Let your Sound Advice sales consultant lead you through all the technology stuff and help you zero in on the perfect projector system for your room.
What about the screen? Is it important?
You may have heard about, or seen for yourself, a video projector beaming onto a simple white-painted wall. And yes, it will work. But it’s kind of like running a Lotus sports car on skinny whitewall tires. You are been very wasteful of the performance potential (both the TV and the car).
A modern video projection screen is a marvel of technology. The special screen coatings actually amplify the light that shines on it, ensuring the brightest possible video images, even when ambient light from light fixtures or windows is more than ideal. True, rich color is also highly dependent on the video screen, so make sure you the screen you select is up to the high standards of the video projector. Again, your Sound Advice sales consultant is your source for everything video projector related, including the all-important video screen.
Anything else I need to know?
Selecting the best video projection system for your needs can be complicated. The room size, light characteristics, projector mounting limitations, and screen parameters must all be carefully considered. Sound Advice has been selling and installing video projection systems since the first consumer video projector was introduced: the Advent Videobeam 1000. A lot has changed since that early, crude attempt. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is that Sound Advice is place to go for the best products, service, and oh yes, video projection systems. Arrange a Free In-Home Consultation today and see for yourself.
