mdtausifamz

How to Wirelessly Connect to Projectors [from Laptop or Phone]

by

Modern projectors can connect to a source device through a hard-wired cable or through a wireless connection. Wireless connection is possible with almost all devices in modern use – PC, laptops, Android or iPhones and even gaming devices like the PS4 or the Xbox through the following ways:

  1. Connecting through direct Wi-Fi (projectors with in-built Wi-Fi system)
  2. Through a Bluetooth connection (Bluetooth-enabled projectors)
  3. Using an external app for wireless connections
  4. Plugging in the projector, a USB device that receives a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signal (used for projectors without in-built Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability)

This article provides all the information you need to connect your devices to your projector through a wireless signal. In case you want to know more about the different types of wired connection options to a projector, then you can read our blog here.

Advantages of Wireless Connections

A wireless connection to a projector can have several advantages:

1. People find wireless connections very convenient because they allow connection to the internet without having to physically connect. For example, if the connection signal is strong enough, a PC or laptop, or inversely the projector, with a wireless connection between them can be moved about without the limitation of a physical tether. So you can shift your projector to a room other than where the PC is located.

2. Wired connections require the availability of cables to achieve the transmission of signals. Not only availability but also adding another cable to the existing jumble of wires attached to the projector is a problem for many.

3. Availability of cables is one thing. Availability of the right type of cable for the right connection ports is another. When you want a cable, you will have to consider whether your android phone needs a USB-C connection or whether you need a different connector if you have an iPhone. Are you looking for an HDMI cable or do you need an MHL cable? It is not practical to keep an assortment of cables to cater to the different connection options.

Many people prefer to connect wirelessly because they consider it quick and convenient – only takes a few clicks and a few seconds.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connections

Most wireless projectors have their own built-in wireless capabilities. This can mean two things. Either you can hook up your projector to your home Wi-Fi system and through that, you can stream your movie to your projector through an app provided by the manufacturer.

Alternatively, you can directly connect your mobile or laptop directly to the Wi-Fi of the projector, independent of your home Wi-Fi, and share your content to the projector screen.

Bluetooth-enabled projectors can receive data and stream videos if you pair your mobile or laptop with the projector. This will require the Bluetooth mode turned on in your mobile and the projector. The projector will not require any extra hardware. You need to keep in mind that Bluetooth devices may have a limited distance range for connectivity.

In case your projector does not support Bluetooth, dongles are available in the market that connect to the projector’s USB port and allow reception of Bluetooth signals.

External Apps and Devices [Chromecast, Airplay, Miracast]

Google Chromecast, Airplay and Miracast technologies are the most popularly used methods of casting (or transmitting) a video from your laptop to the projector. These are not only used for projectors but also for TVs, sound systems, etc.

They utilize WI-FI signals of their own, ie independent of any home or office Wi-Fi, to cast video or image data and stream to the projector or TV. The system transmits at speeds and quality equivalent to HDMI cables.

The receiving device may have Chromecast, Miracast or Airplay capabilities already built into it. In that case, you don’t need any extra hardware for wireless streaming of videos from your phone to the projector.

Chromecast

Chromecast is available on android devices or wherever Google Chrome is available on Window PCs. In case the projector does not have built-in software, you will need to purchase a Chromecast device that attaches to the projector and allows the reception of data from your mobile. The device has one cable that gets connected to the HDMI port of your projector and a second power cable that gets plugged into an electrical outlet.

Airplay

Airplay is the Apple alternative to Chromecast. Airplay uses an independent Wi-Fi signal to mirror or share from your Mac, iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV device connected to your projector, for example, or a projector with in-built Airplay features. In the absence of built-in Airplay connectivity, an Apple TV device can be used at the projector end.

Miracast

Miracast mirrors the content of a screen to the projector which has in-built WI-Fi available. Most modern Windows (Windows 10) and Android (Android 4.2 and later) devices already have built-in Miracast connection capabilities. Miracast also caters to iOS devices. There are no Miracast special or dedicated physical dongles or devices that can be used with projectors without in-built Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

A wireless connection to projector from laptop or phone is now as convenient as can be. We have gone through all the major modes of wireless connectivity depending upon the projector’s capabilities. For many this is the best way to connect their devices to the projector.

Projectors for Daylight Viewing – Guide to Important Specs for Daytime Use

by

Using a projector during the daytime in a well-lit room or the outdoors can present its own problems. The image quality and viewing experience deteriorate considerably. Bright colors appear washed out. Instead of deep blacks, dark areas in the image tend toward grey. The Solution: Selection of an appropriate projector with higher brightness and contrast ratio specs. A projector screen suitable for daylight viewing will further help resolve the image quality issue.

The Problem with Daylight Projector Viewing

You want to watch movies with your family and friends in the backyard in fine sunny weather or are looking for a camping projector. Maybe you’re planning to show a video of the bride and groom at your friend’s outdoor wedding party. Or you are looking for a projector you want to use in your living room where you can’t always turn the lights off.

In all these scenarios, you’ll need a projector that can beat the sunlight and let you have good picture quality. In this article, we discuss the issues faced when you are using a projector in well-lit areas or direct sunlight. We elaborate on the solutions and provide further recommendations to enhance your experience for daylight viewing.

Why Ambient Light Affects Projector Images

Your projector essentially throws out a beam of light onto the screen. In a dark room, the projector image or light on the screen does not get mixed or diluted by any external light source. So most of the projector throw reaches the screen and is reflected in its pristine form. In areas with strong ambient light, the projected beam gets weakened by interference from external light and the image color saturation gets affected. The contrast ratio is not as great as it is in darker conditions

So there is competition between the projector light on the screen and the external light source. In outdoor daylight, the brightness of the external light is even higher and this dilutes the projector beam further. One way of letting the projector light win this competition is to use a high brightness projector or a high “lumen” projector.

Lumens are the unit of measure used to specify a projector’s brightness capabilities. The higher the lumen number, the higher the intensity of light that the projector throws out.

(For more details about this and other projector features and specifications, please read our Projector Buying Guide)

How Many Lumens For an Outdoor Projector?

Below is a good guide for the projector brightness needed for various settings:

  • Indoor use with low (lights out and windows covered) to normal ambient light – minimum 1500 Lumens
  • Indoor use with normal to high ambient light – minimum 3000 Lumens
  • Outdoor use, daylight projector viewing – minimum 4000 Lumens. However, the minimum number will increase the greater the distance between projector and screen, as in very large outdoor venues.

The Screen Matters

Certain screens can deflect ambient light in a direction away from the viewer. These Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) Screens selectively reflect the projector image back to the viewer as long as the projector is positioned in a particular way relative to the screen.

Consequently, ALR screens provide the advantage that projectors with lower lumen brightness can be used to give sharper images with better color saturation. 

Things You can do for an Existing Projector

So we’ve discussed the brightness factor and the screen requirements. But other important considerations will help improve image quality in the daylight.

Place the projection screen on the side of the room where the least amount of light falls on the screen. If you use a projector outdoors, place the projector screen in a shaded area or under a temporary awning or canopy to reduce the direct sunlight falling on the screen. This will help you get better images even with relatively lower projector brightness.

Additionally, If a smaller image size can be tolerated, it is advisable to place the projector closer to the screen. With the increase in image light intensity on the screen due to the close proximity of the projector, you will get a better quality image. Contrast will also be better.

However, for a bigger venue, a larger screen is required making it necessary to place the projector further away from the screen. The image quality is badly affected. If the projector needs to be placed some length away from the screen, your only options are a brighter projector and/or an ALR screen.

Other Things you should care about in Daylight projection

There are some important considerations for projectors used in outdoor viewing.

Projectors are not designed for external use for long periods of time. Because of the higher ambient temperatures outdoors, the projector unit tends to heat up. This is detrimental to the electronics in the unit and, therefore, the life of the projector. Especially the bulb, which faces the biggest brunt of the heat, will require earlier placement.

It is also for this reason projectors should not be installed in a fixed mounting outside. You may decide upon a portable projector for camping or backyard use.

If the projector is required for outdoor use, you may not have a direct electrical outlet to power your projector. Consider a portable projector with internal batteries that can be charged to provide more than 3 hours of viewing. However, keep in mind that portable projectors running on built-in batteries are not able to provide the best brightness, and therefore, the best images. So using a more powerful projector and arranging an extension cord to a power outlet is a better idea.

Conclusion

We’ve discussed the various specifications required to improve your daylight projector viewing experience. Projectors do not like external light. If you can’t dim the light and want to use the projector for your living room or your camping trip, the right projector brightness and screen type combination are the most important considerations.

Best 4K Projectors 2023

by

1. Optoma CinemaX P2

SPECIFICATIONS
Projection system: Laser, DLP
Resolutions: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Brightness: 30000 lumens
Size: 22.7 x 15.1 x 5.1 in

Pros

  • High picture quality
  • Ultrashort Throw design
  • Excellent built-in 40W speaker system
  • Living room-friendly look

Cons

  • Doesn’t support full DC-P3 color gamut
  • Limited smart app features

2. Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO

SPECIFICATIONS
Projection system: 3LCD
Resolutions: 4K
Brightness: 2,600 lumens
Size: 20.5 x 7.6 x 17.6 inches

Pros

  • One of the best picture qualities around in brightness, contrast and vibrant colors
  • Hardware zoom and lens shift, extensive settings capabilities
  • Low noise

Cons

  • Pricey, worth it only if picture and video quality is your highest priority
  • Will require external sound system

3. Epson Home Cinema 3200 4K PRO

SPECIFICATIONS
Projection system: Lamp, 3LCD
Resolutions: 4,096 x 2160 (4K)
Brightness: 2,900 lumens
Size: 13.0 x 16.1 x 6.5 in

Pros

  • High Picture quality, excellent contrast
  • High brightness for adequately lit rooms

Cons

  • No built-in speaker

Best Portable Projectors 2023

by

1. Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K

SPECIFICATIONS
Projection system: Laser DLP
Resolutions: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Brightness: 2400 lumens
Size: 10.4 x 8.7 x 6.5 in

Pros

  • Excellent brightness, sufficient for adequately lighted room
  • Compact size and weight of 10.6 lb gives convenient portability
  • Built-in speakers

Cons

  • No battery powering limits portability to locations with electrical supply

2. Anker Nebula Solar Portable

SPECIFICATIONS
Projection system: DLP
Resolutions: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 400 lumens
Size: 7.6 x 7.6 x 2.3 inches

Pros

  • High quality picture at affordable price
  • Very lightweight at 5.2 lb
  • In-built-battery with estimated 3 hour life
  • Bluetooth speaker

Cons

  • Not suitable for daylight viewing, low brightness

3. Epson EF12 EpiqVision Mini

SPECIFICATIONS
Projection system: Laser LCD
Resolutions: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 1,000 lumens
Size: 6.9 x 6.9 x 5.0 in

Pros

  • Great design and very light-weight for portability, 4.7 lb
  • Excellent picture quality for full HD, Pictures upto 150”
  • Good sound from built-in Yamaha speakers
  • Android connectivity, built-in Chromecast
  • Energy efficient compared to other projectors

Cons

  • Great for movies and sports, but not for gaming due to lag
  • Comparatively Pricey

Guide to Outdoor Projectors: Enjoy your Backyard Movie Experience

by

Outdoor projectors for watching movies are quite different from those for indoor viewing. For outdoor use, you need to consider certain additional specifications for the projector as well as the screen. The most important projector specs are projector resolution, projector brightness, screen size and connectivity features. For daylight projector viewing you will need special screens that enhance image brightness. Additionally, you need to account for wind and other weather conditions when setting up an outdoor theater.

We discuss how to use a projector outside and other important factors so that you can enjoy your backyard projector and screen to the full.

What’s so different about Outdoor Movie Projectors?

An indoor home theater is set up keeping in mind the advantages of a controlled ambience. Lights can be turned off and windows can be covered. This means that, in low light, low brightness projectors with better contrast ratios give us images and colors that are vibrant and that have deeper blacks.

Outdoor projectors, on the other hand, have to fight off ambient light. If you plan to watch a movie in the daytime, sunlight falling on the screen interferes with the image and makes the picture look washed out and faded. This issue of image quality is less severe if you plan night-time viewing, but lights from windows, street lights or even the moonlight contribute to degrading the viewing experience.

The input source of your projector needs to be kept in mind. In your backyard, you will need a projector that provides the necessary connectivity to the device that transmits the video.

Furthermore, electrical connections are not a problem indoors because you will find a suitable and nearby outlet to plug in the power cable. Not so, for outdoors. An electrical outlet may be too far away requiring long lengths of cables – or other alternatives have to be considered.

Screens are part and parcel of the home theater set-up. Special screens for better images. In the outdoors, screens also have to be installed such that they can withstand even a light breeze. Therefore, additional screen installation aspects have to be considered for the outdoors compared to indoor setups.

Because you have considerable space outdoors, you might want to accommodate a larger gathering. A bigger screen will provide the best viewing experience. The projector’s ability to provide a large picture with the appropriate resolution and brightness becomes all the more important.

Not only your outdoor projector and screen but also the sound volume and quality also come into play. Here arises the question of whether to use built-in speakers vs external speakers.

You will find a lot of guidelines in our Projector Buying Guide Article here. But as you can see, enjoying your movie in the great outdoors (I’m only referring to your backyard) requires you to take into consideration a lot of important factors not needed for indoor home theaters.

Specs for Projector, Screen – How to Choose a Projector for Outdoor Use

As you read through this guide, you will find that when selecting a projector, there is an intertwining of the most important specifications regarding the projector, the screen, the space available in the backyard and the ambient conditions. One specification or requirement affects the rest. A holistic approach is required where all factors are considered simultaneously. You will, therefore, find that some specifications are grouped together in our discussions below.

Brightness Specs for Outdoor Projection

Ambient light is an important factor for projecting images outdoors. The amount of ambient light present can affect the visibility of the projection, and a high contrast ratio will make the projection more visible in brighter conditions.

Lumens are the unit of measure used to specify a projector’s brightness capabilities. The higher the lumen number, the higher the intensity of light or brightness that the projector throws out.

Indoor use requires projectors to provide a minimum of 1500 Lumens while around 3000 Lumens is a good value to aim for.

An outdoor projector in the daytime, however, requires higher brightness at a minimum of 4000 lumens. However, the minimum lumens for projecting outside will increase, the greater the distance between projector and screen. This would certainly be a factor in very large outdoor venues. As a general rule, a 7000 to 9000-lumen projector will cover most daylight scenarios as the recommended outdoor lumens. In the outdoors, the higher the projector brightness, the better.

For a detailed understanding of daytime projector use, you’ll find a lot of help and steps you can take to improve daylight projector viewing in our article on………

If you plan to restrict your viewing to nighttime only, 3000 to 6000 lumens are highly adequate.

Outdoor Projector Screen Size

A large outdoor screen can turn your backyard into a theater, while a smaller movie screen is perfect for a more intimate outdoor viewing experience.

A projector needs to be placed some distance from the screen so that a large enough image is projected. The closer the projector is to the screen, the smaller the image will be. You’ll want to make sure that you choose the right “throw ratio” specification for your projector.

The throw ratio is the relationship between the distance from the projector to the screen and the width of the image.  

Standard projectors are long-throw projectors with a ratio of usually around 1.2:1 This means that for every foot of image width you wish to achieve, you need to place the projector 1.2 feet further away from the screen. So for an image 5 feet wide, a 1.2:1 throw ratio requires you to place the projector 6 feet away.

You can also purchase a short-throw projector if space is limited. Short throw projectors have a throw ratio that can go down to 0.5:1, meaning that for every foot of image width required, the projector need only be 0.5 feet away from the screen. With an image size and the distance of the projector from the screen, you will be able to decide upon the throw ratio of the projector you need.

While the screen size required relates to the projector position relative to the screen and the throw ratio, it also depends upon the audience’s seating distance. If you have a specific area and viewing distance in mind, simple rules-of-thumb can help you decide what screen size you may need to use.

When viewing 1080 resolutions you will need to limit your seating distance to between 3 times to 5 times the height of the image. For 4K you can reduce the minimum viewing distance to a multiple of 1.5 times the image height. 

In effect, you need to decide the screen size based on the gathering of family and friends you can accommodate or inversely decide upon the projector resolution based on the spacing. A large screen requires a high resolution and bright enough projector. 

As we mentioned earlier, specifications are intertwined and here we just saw how screen size is affected by a combination of projector throw ratio, resolution and viewing distance.

Portability and Connectivity

A projector used outdoors cannot be installed on a fixed mounting. Projectors are not designed to withstand high or very low temperatures, outdoor dust or even humidity on a long-term basis. The components are too delicate. Therefore, you will always have to shift the projector indoors after use.

This means that both features of portability and connectivity – and their associated issues – become an important consideration.

Portability can mean a battery-powered projector. But unless you want to take your projector for a camping trip, battery-powered units are not recommended at all. Batteries do not last long enough and their lower power also means that projector brightness (and therefore image) is compromised. For backyard projector viewing, you should have enough brightness and enough length of power cable or extension cord to connect to an appropriate electrical outlet.

Wireless connectivity is thankfully available in most modern projectors together with HDMI ports.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections are the most popular means of wireless connectivity to allow you to stream Netflix from your mobile or other devices or connect a speaker using Bluetooth. HDMI ports allow connection with casting devices like Chromecast or Airplay. A USB port on the projector can be used to plug in a portable external drive that may contain the videos you wish to watch

To read more about wireless connection, find out more in our article ….. here.

Outdoor Projector Screen Types

An outdoor projector screen is a must-have. A bedsheet or a painted wall will not do at all and will only waste the investment you made on your projector. Two factors play an important role in screen selection – the screen type for image quality and the screen type for installation method.

Ambient Light Rejecting Screens for Image Quality

Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) Screens are special screens that are highly useful in daytime viewing whether indoors or outdoors. ALR screens selectively reflect the projector image to the viewer as long as the projector is positioned in a particular way relative to the screen. Contrary to the projector light, ambient light falling from other directions is directed away from the viewer.

ALR screens are a special projector screen material with a special texture. They provide the advantage of being less affected by sunlight so that projectors with lower lumen brightness can be used to give sharper images with better color saturation. Consequently, ALR screens give a better outdoor movie experience and the lower projector lumens make the projector more versatile and suitable for indoor use as well. This ALR screen advantage should not be discounted.

Screen Gain for Image Quality

Screen Gain is an important parameter that affects the brightness of the image on the projector screen. The gain is a measure of how much light the screen reflects. The higher the gain, the brighter the image will be.

A gain value of 1.0 implies the screen reflects light at the same brightness at which it falls upon the screen. A gain higher than 1.0 means the reflected light is brighter than the original light. A gain lower than 1.0 implies light is absorbed by the screen material and the reflected light is less bright than the original light.

For standard projector screens, the gain is typically between 1.0 and 2.0. Once again, the higher the gain, the lower the lumens projector you can go for.

Screen Types based on Installation

Since even a light breeze can make screens unstable, proper installation measures should be made. Anchoring the screen is imperative. If the screen is set up next to a wall, the stability factor increases.

Overall, there are three main types of screens based on installation method: fixed, foldable and inflatable. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Fixed screens are best if the movie nights are very frequent. They are more expensive, but they’re also more durable. Retractable screens are also available that have an electrical motor that rolls up the screen into a durable casing when not required.

Foldable screens are highly portable and come in unbelievably small pouches. The frame needs to be set up and the screen attached – a process that may not be very difficult if a good brand of foldable screen is opted for. Best used for temporary and infrequent use.

Inflatable screens are less expensive and easier to set up. An air pump is used to inflate the screen and the pump stays on if the screen is a bigger size. Unfortunately, these are not very durable as pin holes can easily form and if the air pump is constantly running, a low but possibly irritating sound will constantly be heard.

Speakers for Outdoor Projectors

For a smaller audience, the projector’s built-in speakers may suffice as some projectors have better quality speakers than others. You will have to do your research here. For larger gatherings, a higher-powered external speaker either hard-wired or connected through Bluetooth will become necessary. Of course, Bluetooth speakers are not limited in placement like wired speakers would be.

There’s more to think about regarding speaker placement. Outdoor speakers can be placed on the ground or on stands. Stands will give you more flexibility when it comes to placement, but they’re also more expensive. Ground speakers are less expensive and easier to install, but they don’t offer as much flexibility.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot to consider before you set up your outdoor movie theater. Projector specs, type of screen and the space available all come into play and are discussed in this guide. Keep these things in mind before your purchase and you’ll be sure to find and build a perfect outdoor projector setup for your needs.

Projector Paint vs Screen

by

Many people believe that because they’ve bought a great projector, they’ll get a great image and they just need to cast the video on any white flat vertical surface. Well, that is not true!

It’s not just the projector but the projector-screen dynamic duo which gives you images that are vibrant, with rich colors, deep blacks, and high definition.

But to what extent does a projector screen improve picture quality when we compare them to other alternatives? Are the other options good enough that we can save money on expensive screens?

In this article, we look at projector screens and alternatives – especially screen paint even blankets – to find out which ones fare better and in what circumstances should you go for the alternatives.

What do you need from a good Screen?

The purpose of a projector screen is to reflect the light emitted from the lens of projector back to the viewer. The reflection that forms on the screen is the image that the viewer sees. The projector screen needs to provide that image in the best possible form, clarity, brightness and color to the extent desired.

So what would we consider as qualities of an ideal projector screen? Let’s list them down:

  1. The projector should reflect all the light from the projector. In reality some light is absorbed by the screen material.
  2. The reflected light from the projector should all be directed to the viewer and not to any other direction.
  3. Any ambient light falling onto the screen (ie not from the projector) should not be reflected at all back to the viewer. Either it should be reflected to a direction other than the user or it should be absorbed completely. This ensures that the projector image is not diminished by light from the ceiling or window that would wash out the image.
  4. The surface of the screen should be completely flat without imperfections, especially without any waviness or any small kinks. Any waviness distorts the image and kinks are likely to cast shadows on the image.

This is the perfect screen! We’ve listed what we need but let’s compare each of these points and see how screens perform in reality.

What are the Advantages of Commercial Projector Screens?

Commercial projector screens (which we will refer to as just projector screens from here onward) come in various sizes and shapes, and can be made of different materials. Some projector screens are designed to be hung on a wall, while others are freestanding. The type of screen you choose will depend on your needs and preferences.

Selective Reflectivity

In the market, you will get projector screens made of a variety of materials. Most projector screens are made of canvas, rubber or plastic base with a coating that enhances the reflectivity of light and improves the viewing experience. 

Standard Matte projector screens have good reflectivity based on the above construction. Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens are special screens that further enhance viewing experience by reflecting ambient light away from the viewer. This diminishes the washing down effect of surrounding light making ALR screens ideal for use in conditions where daytime viewing is desired or where room lights are required to be switched on.

A subcategory of ALR screens are the Ceiling Light Rejecting (CLR) screens. These selectively reflect away any light falling on the screen from an upward direction.

All these features allow you to optimize the projector you need for an excellent viewing experience. With ALR screens, you will not require high brightness projectors because the screen selectively reflects most of the desired light (ie the projector light) back to the viewer.

Projectors with less brightness will provide better contrast ratios and a richer image while at the same time the projector cost will reduce. You will also be able to use the same projector in the daytime with high picture quality without having the need to draw curtains or switch off too many lights.

Surface Evenness

Another advantage or projector screens is that they are well tensioned so that the surface is as flat as possible. As long as you do not damage the screen, the manufacturing process ensures that there are no kinks on the surface.

Downside to a Projector Screen

The downside is the price. It is the most expensive option in hundreds of dollars. If you are setting up your home theatre or want use your projector for gaming then you should not downgrade to any other alternative and the price is worth it.

In general, any good quality projector screen fulfills projector screen quality requirements on all counts and as you will see is the best technical option compared to other alternatives.

Projector Paint vs Projector Screen

If you initially have a white painted wall to cast your image, projector paint will make a lot of difference. Projector paint is highly reflective compared to ordinary white paint and improves the brightness of the casted image considerably. You can use projector paint on wall, wood or even cloth.

As mentioned earlier, smoothness and “flatness” are important characteristics. So you will need to prepare the wall to make it free of imperfections. Unfortunately, however much you may try, you will not achieve the smoothness of a tensioned projector screen.

While projector paint will improve reflectivity, it is by no means selective. So you will continue to get ambient light reflection mixed with the projector light reflection, unlike with ALR screens. Projector screens therefore fare much better but the catch here is that you’ll get your projector paint in much less than a $100.

Is Black or White Better for Projector Paint

White projector paint, no doubt, gives the best reflectivity.

However, grey or silver paint is also available. These help to increase the depth of black especially if the projector brightness is very high.

Black is the least recommended as reflectivity is highly reduced and images become too dark.

Conclusion

You will have seen how much better a projector screen is for achieving the best out of your projector. This is especially true if you have purchased a high quality projector and you wish to enhance your movie or gaming experience.

Projector paint is a cheaper and good alternative in certain circumstances. For example, in a classroom setting where a presentation of mostly text is displayed. If the use is less formal or does not require high definition or color quality, using projector paint is good enough.

Types of Projector Mounts [Complete Guide]

by

When setting up your projection system, you will realize that positioning arrangements for the projector need serious consideration. There are several ways a projector can be placed in the room – and each placement method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

A projector mount (ie, the device that holds the projector in its place) helps keep a projector immobile so that it doesn’t move once you have positioned it correctly for your projector screen. You may also want it placed in a way that it is not disturbed by children or pets.

Alternatively, you may consider that you want to move it about often and, therefore, a different sort of support is necessary.

To understand projector mounts, we explain, in this article, several types and categories according to their features. If you have to decide upon a type of projector mount, you need to know what is available in the market and what features you can take advantage of.

Projector Mounts – Placement based

There are several different types of projector mounts available based on where you will place the projector. Each has its own benefits.

  1. Ceiling mounts,
  2. Wall mounts, and
  3. Table mounts

Both ceiling and wall mounts are the most popular type of mount, as they allow you to align the projector easily and keep it maintained in its position.

These mounts also keep the projector out of the way – there is no obstruction of vision, they do not take up valuable floor space and are not easily disturbed by people passing across the room. Since some projectors have mount attachment points at the bottom of the projector, they are installed upside down on the ceiling. Make sure that for such projectors, there is a feature to invert the image on the screen.

If the ceiling is too low, then low profile mounts can be used that effectively seem to stick the projector to the ceiling. If even that does not work, instead of having the projector suspended below head height in the middle of the room, using a projector wall mount is the better option as it positions the projector to one side of the room.

There are certain specialized types of projector ceiling mounts. A sliding projector mount is a mount that allows a projector to be moved along an overhead track. This type of mount is often used in classrooms and conference rooms, where it can be used to project images onto a screen or whiteboard at different distances. Sliding projector mounts typically have built-in adjustment mechanisms that allow the user to fine-tune the position of the projector.

Another specialized type is the hidden projector ceiling mounts. These motorized ceiling mounts hide the projector in the ceiling cavity and using a remote allow you to lower it to a required height. These mounts keep the projector safe in terms of security and keep them out of sight and out of the way when not in use.

Table mounts, projector carts, tripods or shelves are less common, but they can be used where you need to move the projector around easily. However, the tables are not fixed to the floor and it only needs a curious child or pet to have the projector fall over. Therefore, these are more useful in an office environment. The table itself may be mobile (ie with wheels) and with adjustable height. For security, provision for lockable cabinet doors may be available.

Projector Mount – Build and Weight Capacity

The weight and size of the projector will determine the type (wall or ceiling) and size of the mount needed. It is important to buy a projector mount that is made specifically for the size and weight of your projector, as this will ensure that it stays securely in place.

Ceiling mounts have the capability to hold heavier projectors. However, adjustable projector wall mounts have limitations in their range. This is because the horizontal extension acts as a cantilever, and the greater the weight of the projector, the wall bracket is more likely to pry off the wall.

Another important tip. Check out the weight and type of material of the mount itself. Some materials are more durable than others, which means they will last longer. The mount body made of plastic may be strong enough for your projector but for heavier ones you will require metal bodies. It is important to choose a material that is strong enough to hold your projector, but not too heavy so it does not damage your walls.

Drywalls will require careful consideration of how a wall mount can be installed, e.g. using drywall anchors. But watch out, if your projector may be too heavy for drywalls even with anchors, then mount your projector from the ceiling.

Projector Mount Parts

The projector ceiling and wall mount comprise three major components as part of their construction:

  1. the ceiling bracket or wall bracket, ie the part that attaches to the solid immovable surface – ceiling or wall,
  2. the detachable projector mount bracket, ie the part that attaches to the projector.
  3. the extendable arm between the two brackets, this is an option that may or may not be available. The arm connects between the two brackets.

Some projector mounts allow fine adjustments to the projector for angle and position to project the image in the desired location, while others are fixed in place. Projector brackets with adjustment capabilities are perfect for use in classrooms and conference rooms.

An extendable arm in a projector mounts further increases maneuverability. It makes the mount more versatile allowing giving you a range of sometimes a few feet in which you can adjust the projector’s position to get the perfect projection spot and angle.

Maneuverability features to look for in a projector mount include the ability to move the projector in several directions and angles – adjustable height, rotation, tilt and swivel capabilities. Rotation refers to the ability to move the direction of the lens to the walls other than the direction of the screen, while tilt refers to moving the lens upwards or downwards. Swivel adjusts the horizontal angle of the image, ie moves one side of the projector up or down.

A projector mount may have all these movement capabilities but with some, the possible adjustments may be less limited than with others. So you will need to understand what range of angles the mount can provide and to what lengths can the arm be extendable.

Projector Mounts – Compatibility

Before you make a final selection of the projector mount, you will need to check whether the projector bracket does indeed fit onto your projector. Projector mounts can come in different sizes and styles to accommodate different types of projectors. Some projector mounts are designed for specific models of projectors, while others are universal and can be used with many types of projectors.

Universal projector mounts have claws that can be adjusted to fit most projector mounting holes or attachment points. However, it is still possible that universal mounts are not compatible with your projector so that you will have to check with the projector manufacturer to find out which mounts are relevant for their brand. 

Conclusion

The most important thing is to make sure that you choose the right mount, that is one that has all important features and capacities that match your projector. Hopefully, this guide will ensure that you check out all the options available before making a purchase.

Portable Projectors for Camping [A Full Guide]

by

Projectors are getting smaller and smaller with time to the extent that you can find a large variety of portable projectors and miniprojectors in the market. While these started out with mediocre specs, the game has now changed. With much better resolution and brightness now available, portable projectors have gained a lot of popularity with campers who do want to take some tech with them to the great outdoors.

Portable camping projector setups have some important specs over and above regular projectors. Just as important are projector screens that need to be suitable for portability. If you are planning a movie night for your next camping trip, read this full guide to help you select the right projector and screen combination.

To find out more about other types of projectors and details on projector specs read our article on…..

Important Features in an Outdoor Projector for Camping

When you think about portable projectors, the significance of the weight of the projector comes immediately to mind. You don’t want to lug around too much extra weight when hiking, so the lighter the better. But there are other things besides compactness and weight that a good projector needs to have to serve you well. Let’s list them out:

  1. Portability /light-weight
  2. Long battery life
  3. High enough brightness
  4. Resolution
  5. Easy Connectivity
  6. Sound quality of built-in Speakers

We’ll be discussing all these features required of mini or portable projectors for camping in detail.

Portability for Projectors

Portability means lightweight and compactness.

Mini projectors for camping with appropriate brightness and batteries can be found with weights down to somewhat less than 2 lb. On average most good projectors will weigh around 3 lb.

Dimensions and shapes vary a lot. Some are flat boxes, others are tall boxes and yet others are cylinders. Generally, you will find two sides of a portable projector measuring more or less 6 inches with the third dimension quite slim – an excellent size to slip into an internal backpack pocket.

Projectors with Long Battery Life

Projectors with built-in batteries are a no-no for regular use in your home theater. They do not provide enough power to cater to high-level specs like brightness. However, the portability need is high for camping projectors and those with internal batteries are really the ones that are the best option.

Generally, battery powered projectors for camping are provided with power time that can last from 2 hours to 4 hours with movies. Projectors with even 6-hour batteries on a single charge are available in the market. Long battery life is obtained with LED projectors that are not so bright, have lower image quality and are restricted to nighttime viewing. Everything in life is a balancing act!

Projector Brightness

Outdoor movie watching in daylight means that you need a very powerful projector with high lumens, the measure for projector brightness. A low-lumen projector will cause your image to appear washed out – not the best viewing experience.

A 4000-lumen projector is excellent for daylight viewing as it can combat sunlight which is the main factor for making the image appear washed out. You will learn a lot about projectors for daylight viewing in our article on …….

But you’re unlikely to get that sort of lumens for a portable outdoor camping projector at a decent price. Look out for something at 2,500 lumens. This will give you a good image if your screen is not very large, ie around 40 to 60 inches in diagonal length (60 inches is still pretty big for a camping screen in my opinion) and the projector is as near as possible to the screen so that the projector light intensity on the screen is as high as possible.

If you restrict yourself to nighttime viewing or to viewing inside a camping tent, a 1500-lumen projector will do you quite well and is ideal for camping. The lower brightness means that other image quality parameters like contrast ratio will be higher (deeper blacks) and the overall price of the projector will be more affordable.

Projector Resolution

The larger the image you want, the higher the resolution you will need to get for your projectors. Portable projectors are available in the following resolutions:

  1. 1080 (Full HD)
  2. 720 (HD Ready)
  3. 480

Of course, price increases with higher resolutions. If you are a group of four or fewer people, a smaller screen and a 720-resolution projector is an excellent option. However, you may be a movie buff and want to go for 1080 with large screens.

Even though for camping purposes, people consider portability and brightness over resolution, I would personally like to stick with 720 or higher resolutions and not go for the 480 resolution. Modern projectors are getting better and making a purchase with the low spec does not make sense to us. However, nothing is written in stone.

Easy Connectivity

You’ll want your projector to have an HDMI port and a USB port to hook up devices containing videos. These devices may include external storage drives and USB sticks. HDMI ports are useful for MHDL cables that connect with your phone.

But the best connectivity features are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. No hassles with carrying or connecting wires. Wirelessly connect your mobile device and stream a movie. Or hook up with Netflix with a few clicks.

Whatever connectivity you prefer, make sure that the projector is compatible with your existing devices. More about different wireless connectivity available in projectors in our article…..

Sound for Portable Projectors

Built-in speakers can be an important feature. You get a whole range of sound volume and quality, ranging from “meh” to pretty good for a small group of people. You’ll have to do some research yourself because what sounds good to some may not be good enough for others.

Again for larger groups or just better sound quality, Bluetooth wireless portable speakers are the way to go. These are also rechargeable and need not be expensive.

Whichever option you select keep in mind that a 4W speaker is a minimum you should go for. But, if possible, check them out before purchase because you may find out you personally prefer stronger and louder ones. Also keep in mind, that what you hear in a store is diluted by external noise. The same speaker will seem louder in the silence of your camping site.

If you’re a loner on a hiking trip, you can consider a good pair of headphones that can connect to the projector. Much more compact and easy to carry.

Pico Projectors

A separate category of projectors called pico or pocket projectors are even smaller than portable or mini projectors. They can weigh less than a pound and can easily be held in the palm of your hand. With one advantage comes many disadvantages. Their size does not allow them to carry high resolution or high lumens specifications – so picture quality is compromised compared to mini projectors. And God forbid, the sound quality! We discuss pico projectors in a separate guide here……….

Camping Projector Screens

What’s a good projector without a good screen? A projector screen is a must-have for any movie night under the stars. A portable projector screen that’s easy to set up and take down lets you enjoy your favorite films anywhere.

Some people prefer to project their videos inside a tent and don’t bother with a separate screen. The images obtained using a projector with the tent wall are okay but not that great. The tent material is really not designed for screening and the likely slope of the tent wall means that the image will not be a rectangle but a trapezium. Keystone correction may be available (but not always so) in your portable projector to correct this shape anomaly. If there are creases on the tent wall, you can’t do much about that either. But all this is okay for some.

If you get hold of a portable projector screen for camping, you’ll find a significant improvement in the quality of the image. A simple screen will not give issues mentioned with tent walls above, like image shape issues and wrinkles. Because the screen material is designed for projectors, the image will have better color saturation and will be more vibrant than using a make-shift alternative.

The frames stretch the screens so they are sturdy and not wrinkled. The screens themselves are suitable for outdoor use and easily washable. You’ll find several foldable screens on the market that can be set up by a single person in less than 5 minutes. 

When packed up, the folded screens together with the frame components are quite small and light to carry, possibly 5 lb for a 60-inch screen.

Conclusion

Camping gear is all about portability. Good projectors are all about technology. Portable projectors for camping that deliver a great performance meld these two features together. This guide has gone through the most important qualities – compactness, good image quality specs, connectivity, and sound – that you need to keep foremost to select the portable projector that delivers.

How to Connect a PS4, Laptop or Phone to a Projector with Cable

by

Want to connect your iPhone or Android device to your projector to have a look at your family picnic snaps? Or want to connect your PS4 to the projector to enjoy an immersive gaming experience on the big screen?

Thankfully, projectors nowadays provide numerous options for connectivity to the input source, whether for images or video. You can hook up your laptop, iPhone or PS4 (maybe you are already using the PS5) to your projector through a wired connection and enjoy your movie or gaming experience in only a few steps.

Steps to connect your device to a projector using a cable

Step 1: Switch off your projector.

Step 2: Plug the appropriate side of the cable into the projector input port. This could be the VGA, HDMI or USB port as per the cable type.

Step 3: Connect the other side of the cable to the output connection of your image source or input device whether it is a laptop, mobile or gaming device.

Step 4: Switch on the projector.

Step 5: Your projector will have an input search button most likely viewable in the settings through the remote. Either the projector will automatically select the right input source or you will have to manually select one. This may be VGA, HDMI, or USB mode depending upon the port you have connected the cable to. The image from your input device will now appear on your projector screen.

The above are the five simple steps for connecting your device to the projector whichever type of cable or connection port you wish to use.

But be aware. There’s many a slip twixt the cup and the lip. To be able to easily complete these steps you will have to verify one important thing beforehand.

Which types of connection ports are available on the projector and on the input device? Are they both the same or are they different types?

So let’s do some further exploring

Wired Connectivity options on the Projector side

There are quite a few ways to connect a projector with a device through a wired connection. Wired connection ports and cables can come in the following forms:

  1. VGA
  2. HDMI
  3. USB
  4. MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) cable

Before you can connect your device you will need to check which type of connections your projector supports. Reading the projector manual and a quick look at the ports available on the projector will make things clear.

Wired connectivity options on phones, laptops and gaming devices

Just as you need to know what ports are available on the projector, you also need to check what connection type you have on your input or source device.

Laptops are likely to have all four connection types listed above. HDMI connections are the simplest to arrange and provide one of the best image quality transfer.

However, phones will only have USB connectivity. An Android phone will have either a micro-USB or a USB-C port. An iPhone will require a cable with the standard 8-pin Lightning connection. Based on the projector USB port, the other side of the cable will most likely need to be the regular USB rectangular type A connector.

The ports on your gaming device depend upon the device itself. If you have an Xbox or a PS4, you will find both an HDMI-out port and a USB port to connect your cable. Once again, HDMI cable connections are the easiest to use.

MHL cables are designed to have a micro-USB or USB-C connection on one side for the phone and an HDMI connection on the other for the projector.

If the Connections ports differ

There is always a possibility that your projector does not have a USB port making direct cabling between a mobile phone and projector difficult. This issue requires that you will need an adaptor that will act as a go-between for the change in connection types.

You will be covered by adaptors if you are facing the following connection interface

  • Micro-USB or USB-C on an android phone and HDMI on the projector. You will need either an adaptor or you can use an MHL cable.
  • Some android phones, tablets and laptops have a micro or mini HDMI connection. You can easily purchase appropriate cables with micro/mini HDMI connection on one side and a full HDMI connection on the other side for the projector.
  • Lightning connector on the iPhone or iPad and HDMI on the projector. You will need a Lightning to HDMI adaptor
  • Phone to VGA on a projector. USB to VGA or Lightning to VGA adaptors are available in the market
  • HDMI on laptop or gaming console and VGA on the projector. You will need an HDMI to VGA adaptor. Both

VGA, HDMI and USB data transfer speeds

VGA ports are an older connection type (data transfer speed of 6.75 Gbps) while modern projectors will have an HDMI port and/or a USB port which are faster speed connections.

HDMI generation 2.0 cables can transfer speeds of up to 18 Gbps.

As far as USBs are concerned, the latest and now most used USB connection type is USB-C. C refers to the shape of the connection and is considered the interface type.

USB ports have seen some speed improvements since the USB 3.0 was launched as the first to transfer videos. The speed specification is referred to in numbers e.g you will mostly find USB 3.1 and the more advanced USB 3.2 (data transfer speed of 20 Gbps) on a lot of modern projector devices.

USB 3.2 cables transfer at speeds slightly higher than HDMI 2.0. Next-generation USB4 cables are also now available providing data transfer at 40 Gbps.

In order to achieve full data transfer speeds, the source device ports and the projector ports both need to be compatible with the speeds for which the cables are designed. Otherwise only a maximum speed based on the bottleneck port will be achieved.

Conclusion

Whatever connection ports you find on your phone, laptop or gaming device, you can find the right cable or adaptor to hook it up to your projector. Making the connection is a matter of 5 easy steps which we have outlined above.

How to Clean a Projector Screen the Right Way

by

Is the resolution of the images on your projector screen not as brilliant as usual? Are you worried about the functioning of your projector? Before you panic, know that your problem may be as trivial as dust and dirt, and you don’t necessarily need to buy a new projector screen. You can easily ensure that your projector image remains crystal-clear with some basic knowledge of projector screen upkeep. The quality of the projected image depends upon how well it reflects onto the screen, so projector owners should learn how to clean their screens the right way for a mind-blowing home theatre experience.

How Often Does a Projector Screen Need to be Cleaned?

As a general rule of thumb, you should be cleaning dust off the screen every 3 months to maintain dazzling image quality.

How often you should clean the projector screen may also depend on how often you use it. It could be a good idea to give it a quick wipe after every use, provided that you do it the right way. At other times, you may need to carry out a deeper screen cleaning, or you might find yourself facing a more serious stain. There are some specific rules you need to follow to clean your screen to make sure you don’t damage it. This article will take you through the cleaning process and give you all the do’s and don’ts .

Steps to a Clean Projector Screen, Simplified.

Removing dust from a projector screen is a piece of cake. You may want to invest in a can of compressed air and use it to blow away the settled dust. Don’t directly wipe a very dusty screen with a liquid cleaner. It will get sticky and smudgy – you definitely don’t want that. A clean microfiber cloth can be used to dust the screen surface as well.

Another hack is to use a piece of masking tape to gently tap on the screen with to remove stubborn dust. Just make sure you don’t accidentally scratch the surface of the screen. A paid of latex gloves would come in handy here.

You can go on to use a soft cloth dipped in a mild soap and water solution to gently wipe the screen in horizontal strokes. All-purpose surface cleaners make good substitutes but you have to be wary of harsh chemicals. Make sure the cloth is also lint-free and non-abrasive.

Finally, use another clean microfiber cloth to help the screen dry. Congratulations! Your projection screen is now squeaky clean.

Facing More Stubborn Stains?

All you need is rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and a good old Q-tip to solve this problem. Let the alcohol soak the Q-tip completely and rub it on the spot with a gentle pressure. Don’t clean the whole projection screen with the alcohol – it’s strong and should be used for “spot treatment” only.

When you’ve removed the stain, use the other side of the Q-tip to dry off the wet spot.

What About Ambient Light Rejecting Screens?

These advanced, high-quality versions need extra care if you want to make sure you don’t damage the screen. You must never rub on an ALR screen. Wipe if you must, but with gentle pressure and never in a circular motion. It’s best to wipe left to right to clean the screen safely. Sticky stains can be removed with a 1:1 ratio of Formula 409 and water. Keep any other potentially damaging solvents away from the screen.

Remember never to roll up a projection screen while it is still wet.