Friday, January 16, 2009

Refurbished Projector A More Affordable Alternative

Refurbished Projector - A More Affordable Alternative
By Clifford Tan

If affordability is a major concern to you, refurbished projector might be the best way to go.

While it would be nice if everybody could afford to buy the top-of-the-line home projection theater, it is understood that not everybody can.

There are many viable alternatives when considering the components of a home projection theater.

One of the best ways to do this is with a factory refurbished home projector. You can get all the quality of a brand new projection unit without the high cost often associated with them.

Frequently, people will have a minor problem with any product when enough of them are sold. Given the wide spectrum available in home projection theater components, home projectors are being sold in record numbers.

When a projector or one of its components is not functioning exactly right, it is returned to the factory where it is refurbished. This does not mean the consumer is getting a damaged projector. In fact, the truth is quite the opposite. The quality of a factory refurbished home theater projector is every bit as good as a brand new projector.

Factory refurbished means that the home projector or whatever component of the home projection theater system, has been returned to the factory for one reason or another. This is usually for a very minor problem. Perhaps a lamp was not working properly, or a cooling fan or some other small component of the projector was not functioning at one hundred percent. When the home projector is returned to factory for refurbishing, qualified technicians will test every component of the now refurbished projector to make sure it is operating as well as (or in this case better than) a brand new home theater projector.

After the projector is refurbished from top to bottom, inside and out, it is sold again at a substantially discounted price. This means that the product has been completely tested at the factory it was made in, by the people who made it, and they have now guaranteed that the refurbished projector is as good as a new projection unit.

Any of the brand name producers of home projection theater systems will have the occasional factory refurbished projector. If you are looking for a certain type of projector you will need to check that companys web site to obtain the information about their refurbished home projection theater components.

If you do not see any information regarding factory refurbished projectors, or the specific home theater projection unit you are looking for, the company will still list contact information on their site. It may be necessary to contact them in order to find the exact refurbished projector model you are looking for.

If you are in the market for a new home theater projection system, factory refurbished projectors are a very good way to start. This will allow the consumer to purchase brand new home theater product from brand name companies and make sure that they get the home theater projector that is right for their needs.

While the refurbished product lines are not commonly available and you have to search to find them, buying a refurbished video projector from whatever brand name company can save the consumer a lot of money.

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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Consumer Electronic Information: The Basics of the DLP Projector

Consumer Electronic Information: The Basics of the DLP Projector
By Simon Canfield

Projectors have come a long way in the past few decades. The desktop fossils that were once used to show home moviesor classroom filmstrips are a thing of the past. With todays technology, you can now experience a projected movie that emulates a full-blown theater flick, without thetime, effort and hassle of standing in line at the local cinema.

DLP projectors also known as Digital Light Processing projectors have brought the proverbial silver screen to the home front. The fact that some theaters actually use this type of technology for feature movie projection makes this truer than you might imagine. After being digitally converted and placed on an optical disk much in the same way as DVD technology is produced the images are fed intothe projector and sent to the movie screen. The main difference is that DLP projectors offer a high definition experience, as opposed to that of a DVD. The result is a picture that very nearly rivals the quality of a 70mm projection, but without the imperfections.

The color accuracy of the DLP system is outstanding, with an end result that beats LCD technology. Some of the advantages that make a DLP the projector of choice are its low power consumption, compactness, micro-mirror construction (which is responsible for the high level screen resolution), high contrast and brightness. All in all, this is the closest that anyone can come to having a bona fide cinema within the confines of their home.

With every set of pros, youll always find some cons lurking in the shadows. Such is the case with the DLP projector. For those who are particularly sensitive to certain visual effects, the DLP design produces a type of rainbow effect, which could serve as a distraction when looking from one side of the screen to the other during viewing. This will play out as a brief splash of colors, which is simply a result of the type of technology thats used in the production of the DLP. Most people dont even notice this color display, but those who are in tune to that sort of thing may see it as an annoyance.

While this is also true for LCD projectors, consumers mightbe disappointed to know that DLP projectors need to have their light source changed after every 1,000 to 2,000 viewing hours. All in all, though, this is nothing new and, when you consider the higher quality that this type ofsystem offers, it shouldnt be seen as much of an inconvenience at all.

Perhaps the most inhibitive aspect to the acquisition of a home theater system, such as the DLP, is that the cost willtypically fall within the range of $5,000 to $10,000 for the mid-range systems, once you purchase everything that youll need in order to complete the set-up. In addition to that, youll have to consider the cost of the rest of your home theater system, since these figures only factor in the DLP expenses.

For those who can afford to do so, the DLP projector is an excellent investment, despite its few downfalls. While no projection system is perfect, DLP is currently the most popular set-up on the market and provides a powerful theater experience for those who arent inhibited by space or finances.

(c) 2005 Simon Canfield - All Rights Reserved

Simon Canfield is a hi-tech enthusiast and freelance author.

AllAboutHeadPhones.comBigScreenTVsecrets.com

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

How You Can Increase The Lifespan Of Your Projector Bulb Or Lamp

How You Can Increase The Lifespan Of Your Projector Bulb Or Lamp
By Clifford Tan

The replacement of projector bulbs is an all-too-frequent occurrence for anybody that has owned a home theater projector for any length of time. While a two thousand hour lifespan may sound like a lifetime to some people, rest assured it is not long before the projector lamp will need replacing. There are however, some general tips that can help to expand the life of a headlamp for the projection unit.

Do not touch the lamp with bare hands
One of the most frequent problems encountered is people replacing the bulbs with their bare hands. While this is fine for an ordinary light bulb, it is not a good practice for a projector lamp. The lamp in a projection unit burns much hotter than any regular light bulbs. The effects of touching it with bare skin are equally magnified and problematic.

Touching a projector bulb with the bare skin leaves traces of oil on the lamp surface. While this may seem a very minor detail, it is detrimental both to the bulb and the quality of the resulting multimedia display. The oils will get burnt onto the lamp and drastically reduce the lifespan. As the oil is baked into the surface, it actually diffuses the light being projected, reducing the lumens actually being sent to the refractive surfaces. The light will not be enough to project the image that has come to be expected from the home theater projection system. While the problem may not be noticeable at first, over the course of a little time, the quality will degrade to the point of not being viewable.

Turn off the projector power after turning off the lamp
It is highly recommended to turn the power on the projector to the off position only after having turned off the lamp and allowing it to cool. This will allow the cooling fans to do the job they were designed to do. While rapid cooling and heating result in repeated contractions and expansions of the bulb filament, it is much better that it be done more quickly with the cooling fans. Likewise, turning the projector on and allowing the cooling fans to run for a moment before turning on the lamp will help as well. This will add hours to bulb life expectancy and allow for longer hours of viewing pleasure on the home theater projection system.

Constant Movements
Constantly bumping or moving the projector, especially while it is hot can be very detrimental to the projector lamp. The filament in the bulb loses almost all tensile strength when it is heated during normal usage. It is much the same as the filament in a camp lantern. The principle is the same; the filament effectively becomes almost the same consistency as ash, making it extremely vulnerable to damage when it is hot. Even after proper cooling, the lamp filament is very sensitive. Care should be taken when moving the projector for whatever reason. While it is always a good idea to be careful with electronic equipment, some aspects of the home projector are actually a bit more sensitive.

It will usually be necessary to move the projector when cleaning the filters. As always, it is a good idea to move it carefully without jerking it around or bumping it any more than needed. Taking an extra moment or two to check the projector mount and make sure it is still securely fastened can also be beneficial and prevent slips and movement which may otherwise be harmful.

With a little care and a little preventative maintenance, the projector lamps will still need to be changed, but not nearly as often.

Note: This article may be republish for use in websites as long as the author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact.

Clifford Tan, a Home Theater enthusiast and owner of the website Home Projector Advisor offering projector reviews, advice and many useful tips and hints to business and home consumers looking to purchase a home projectors. To find out alot more information about home projection system, visit the site http://www.home-projector-advisor.com

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Monday, November 24, 2008

Shall We Consider A Cheap Projector?

Shall We Consider A Cheap Projector?
By Clifford Tan

What exactly defines a cheap projector? Different people will have varying opinions in regard to this matter. For some people it implies a lack of quality where for some others, it will mean an opportunity to have high quality at a substantially reduced price. Finding a cheap projector does not require any forfeiture of quality. If it does, then the buyer should beware and shop around more. Cheap projectors are readily available featuring all of the benefits to establish a nice home theater system.

The DIY or Do It Yourself projector is a popular alternative for many people who could not otherwise afford a home projection system. While it does have some drawbacks for those who are not so mechanically inclined, it also has many benefits. If an individual has a rudimentary knowledge of electronics, this can be a good choice. There are many available plans for this type of project. Parts can be a little more difficult to find, but it can be done with a little research and some phone calls. While it is not a fix-all solution, it is a viable alternative if you are looking for a cheap projector.

Online auctions are another way of getting around the high cost of some quality projectors. When looking at auctions, it is best to note details in the description. Avoid any type of auction where any damage may be expressed or implied. There is no need in trying to find a cheap projector that will have to be repaired. More often than not, these projects end up in a closet or garage somewhere and never get finished, usually due to the high cost of fixing them.

It is a wise decision to look for auctions from people who have upgraded their theater systems or otherwise have a reasonable explanation for being rid of the projector. Most online auction sites have contact information available, so if there are unanswered questions, it is best to ask them BEFORE you bid. If the seller will not answer questions or answers them incompletely or indirectly, do not worry. It is probably not a good idea to bid on it either. The seller may often avoid specifics when there is damage that affects the performance of the projector. It is substantially better to lose a bid on a good projector than it is to win a bid on a damaged item. There will always be more auctions and more cheap projectors available.

One category that is often overlooked is a cheap alternative in home projector systems. These are commonly referred to as pre-made projectors. These are usually factory assembled DIY projectors. Often, a company that buys and sells projectors and parts will have better deals than the average person can get by buying their parts in bulk. Some of these companies have people that put together cheap projectors and sell them, generally on the internet, but sometimes on online auctions and by other means as well. If a person is not mechanically inclined, but still wants the benefit of a cheap projector, this is a very good alternative.

Note: This article may be republish for use in websites as long as the author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact.

Clifford Tan, a Home Theater enthusiast and owner of the website Home Projector Advisor offering projector reviews, advice and many useful tips and hints to business and home consumers looking to purchase a home projectors. To find out alot more information about home projection system, visit the site http://www.home-projector-advisor.com.

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Choosing a Digital Projector

Choosing a Digital Projector
By Luke Kent

There are tons of digital projectors available and they are constantly dropping in price. However, when choosing a projectorfor yourself or your school there are a few practical things you should remember.

When choosing a projector you need to consider under whatcircumstances will you be presenting slide shows. The strength ofa projector's brightness is measured in units called lumens. Projectors range between 650-5000 lumens. The higher the lumensthe brighter the projector. Projectors that are less than 1000 lumens may not be great in a room with a lot of ambient light.For a classroom you should consider buying a projector with greater than 1000 lumens. If the projector will be used forlarger presentations, for 100 or more people, a projector withgreater than 3000 lumens may be needed.

A great accessory to your projector is a wireless mouse. Thesehave dropped considerably in price and allow the educator toface their audience when presenting the slide show. Whenchoosing a wireless mouse choose one that has a long rangeso that you can walk around when presenting.

Many projectors also come with remotes that help the presentermake adjustments to the slide shows quickly during the presentationwithout having to fiddle with the projector.

Remember when buying a projector analyze you needs first. You maynot need to spend as much as you think or you may need to spendthe extra cash to get a projector that suits your needs.

For more product reviews and teaching tips visit our site below.

Mr. L. Kent is an experienced educator and the lead consultant of http://MrKent.Net - Education Technology Made Simple. Feel free to visit the site and/or subscribe to our fantastic monthly newsletter at http://mrkent.net/php/?p=subscribe .

Luke Kent provides assistance to other educators by offering his interesting seminar, Teaching with Technology: A Fun Workshop for Technology Challenged Teachers. To book a seminar or a consultation visit http://MrKent.Net .

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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Choosing A Conference Room Projector

Choosing A Conference Room Projector
By Jim Gelder

When it comes to choosing a conference room projector, you probably want to run and hide! Thats because most of us dont know much about projectors to begin with and dont know the first thing about how to select one thats appropriate for a conference roomor any room for that matter.

Thankfully, theres the Internet. Within minutes, you can have all the information on choosing a conference room projector that you could ever want.

Sorting through all that information, though, can seem overwhelming. So its good to have some questions in mind as you do the research necessary to find the perfect projector for your conference room.

Some questions you want to ask are:

How difficult is operating the projector?
Is the projector portable or will it need to have a permanent mounting? Which type fits my conference room needs best?
What types of presentations will the projector be used for?
How much does the projector cost?
Does that cost fit my for buying a new conference room projector?
Is there a service contract available for the projector?
What is the repair policy for the projector?
Is the company Im thinking of buying the projector from a reputable and reliable one?
Will the projector require any special maintenance or periodic service checks?
Are any special supplies needed for the projector?
Is the size appropriate for the conference room?
If its portable, how much does it weigh?
Should I rent, lease, or buy?
Is the quality of the brightness satisfactory for the size of my conference room?
Do I need to save the receipt so that I can take the purchase off on my taxes?

These are just a few questions to help you on your way to purchasing (or leasing) a conference room projector. Just remember that cost does not always indicate quality. You can buy a wildly expensive projector that is all wrong for your needs. The opposite is true too: you can get a great projector that fits your needs for a moderate, or even small, investment.

The trick is in researching projectors and taking the time to read some consumer reviews that are easily found on the web. Before you do anything, though, have a budget in mind and have some idea of what youll be using your projector for. This will help guide your research and make it go more quicklyand be much more effective to boot!

Jim Gelder is a contributing writer for http://www.projectorian.com a website dedicated to offering information about projectors, projector rentals and also features a listing of local projector rental companies

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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Projector Screens

Projector Screens
By Jennifer Bailey

When there is a projection of a video or an image, the presence of a projector screen is inevitable. A projector screen is a specially made flat screen to be hung on the wall or erected vertically, where the image is reflected, so that the image size is enlarged. The surfaces of such screens are usually rough, and colored white.

There are a number of types of projector screens. They are home cinema projector screens, portable projector screens, manual projector screens, electric projector screens, fixed frame projector screens and also movie board home cinema projection screens.

Home cinema projector screens are the screens with the viewable screen central to the eye. Some of the products that are popular include: CinElpro Electric Projection Screens (230cm), Cinema Electrol Projection Screens (190cm), Diplomat Channel Fix Electric Screens (290cm) and Diplomat Channel Fix Manual Video and Screen Formats (290cm).

Portable projector screens are for temporary positioning or for occasional use. These screens are easy to carry to various places. Most of the screens are foldable and are usually carried in coils. Some of the products that are popular are: Fast fold (427cm), Leader Portable Floor Screens (177cm), Movielux Compact Portable Floor Screens (160cm), Picture King Standard and Video Format Tripod Screens (244cm), and Professional Tripod Screen (240cm).

Manual projector screens can be pulled down and recoiled back from the ceiling, or wall mounted. Some of the products are Proscreen Manual Wall Screens (280cm) and Slim Screen Manual Wall Screens (200cm).

Electric projector screens have motorized drop and retraction through the use of wired switches or remote controls.

Fixed frame projector screens are permanently fixed frame screens. Some of the products are Cinema Contour Professional Framed Projection Screens (488cm) and Designer CineFix Home Cinema Projection Screens (200cm).

Projector Screens provides detailed information on Projector Screens, Video Projector Screens, Home Theater Projector Screens, Electric Projector Screens and more. Projector Screens is affiliated with Large Format Flatbed Scanners.

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