Choosing the right projector for school can be a difficult decision, as types and prices vary quite a bit. From affordable options to professional-grade prices, there are plenty of options. The problem is that performance varies wildly as well. This guide aims to be the solution by offering everything you need to know about purchasing the right projector for your school.
A decent projector can be a great way to have the advantages of a large screen without taking up classroom space. For example, a ceiling-mounted projector, as the name suggests, is out of everyone's reach and is only noticeable when in use. Short-throw projectors are ideal for use in smaller spaces and can also be mobile options for use in multiple classrooms as needed.
There are variations in resolution, brightness, color, contrast, light type, and maintenance needs, and some devices even offer touch recognition for interactivity. A good starting point is to think about who will be using the projector and for what tasks, which will help you narrow down the ideal options.
Consider our The best projectors for schools Guide to finding the model that best suits you.
What type of projector for school is best?
There are several types of projectors available that are worth considering before you get started. The main categories are ceiling-mounted, floor-standing, and short-throw projectors. These categories refer to how the projector is installed in the room.
Ceiling mounted It's ideal for a permanent installation that doesn't take up any real space in the room, is remotely controlled for instant access, and connects wirelessly to the Internet. It's not ideal for wired connections unless your IT department has connected it to a terminal for lower-level access.
Standing It has a similar shape and must be placed on a table to project its image. But it is more portable and gives you the option to use it in more than one place. Plus, you can easily plug it directly into the wall.
Short shoot Projectors are ideal for smaller spaces where the distance between the projector and the wall or tabletop is much smaller without losing quality or distorting the viewing angle. You can expect to pay a higher price for these models, but they are super portable, easy to plug in, and typically offer clear, bright images.
Screen quality
The display you get varies depending on the model type, with higher or lower resolutions in each category. However, there are more things to consider to get the ideal display output.
Glow This is arguably the most important factor to consider, especially if you're going to be using it in a bright, daylight classroom. Projector companies give this figure in lumens, and the higher it is, the better the results. Laser projectors offer very bright options in this case, and they typically last longer too. Aim for 3,000 lumens or more in darker rooms and 5,000 or more for brightly lit classrooms.
Color is an important factor as the more you get, the more vibrancy and richness the image will be displayed. Many also offer High dynamic range (HDR), This means that the contrast will also be excellent, which adds up to a more immersive experience. If you plan to watch videos on the projector, this is an especially important aspect to consider.
Resolution This is an important factor to consider, as you'll need a higher pixel count if you plan to use it as a larger display. The larger the image, the more blocky it will look if the resolution isn't very good. You'll want to get a 1080p resolution as a minimum, but 4K resolution is ideal, as this can then be scaled up to 100 inches and beyond without much loss of quality.
Type of light
The light source varies in projectors between a bulb-powered model, a laser-based device, or LED options.
Traditionally mercury-based bulbs offer a lifespan of around 5,000 hours before needing replacement, while LED and laser options last much longer, approaching 60,000 hours of lifespan before needing attention.
LED and laser options are more expensive up front, but have lower maintenance and operating costs. They are also safer and more environmentally friendly, and may prove more affordable in the long run.
It's also worth noting that laser projectors can deliver many more colors and better contrast and definition for a final image that is often superior to that of bulbs.
Connectivity
Most projectors now connect via Wi-Fi, but it's also worth thinking about whether you'll need access to ports. Will you need to connect external drives, laptops, flash drives and the like? Will Blu-ray players or consoles be used with the projector?
Most projectors come with HDMI and VGA connections, as well as LAN and USB Internet ports, and are highly compatible with most devices.
It's also worth thinking about sound. Many projectors come with built-in speakers, but they're not always the best quality. You may be able to save money and get a better audio setup by using speakers that are already in the school, so consider audio connectivity if you go this route.
Prices
The cost you are willing to pay for your school projector, or many schools, is of course an important factor. As mentioned, it is important to consider initial costs, ongoing costs, and eventual replacement figures.
You may have been considering new displays at school and by opting for a higher resolution projector, perhaps with touch interactivity, you can avoid purchasing interactive boards also.
Be sure to check the warranty and coverage, as some models offer extended periods to provide peace of mind while suggesting they are built to last.
