STACK #224 June 2023

TECH FEATURE

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Mini marvels

THROW A SHOW

M ini projectors, while compact, can still beam big screen sizes, and often include preloaded screening apps, inbuilt speakers and wireless connectivity. They can be quickly set up and are simple to operate. Lightweight and portable, convenient and affordable, minis suit a variety of uses, from workplace and school presentations to general home use. And smaller fans mean they are quieter than their larger counterparts.

Throw refers to the distance between a

projector and the screen/ wall and is determined by the type of lens.

DYK?

French filmmakers Louis and Auguste Lumiére created the first cinema projector for commercial screenings in 1895. The ‘Cinematographe’ also functioned as a film camera and photo developer.

L ong throw projectors are designed to be positioned at a distance of around three to five metres from the screen/wall – usually in a ceiling mount – and generally suit large home theatres and living spaces, or boardrooms. Short Throw and Ultra-Short Throw projectors – sometimes referred to as ‘Laser Cinema’ or ‘Laser TV’ – use a series of lenses to beam a large image from a very short distance. Simply place them on an entertainment unit where a TV would sit. Short Throw projectors can be set one to three metres from a screen/wall, while Ultra Short Throw can sit even closer and work best when positioned just over a metre away. They are ideal if space is limited and more convenient than using a ceiling mount to get the desired screen size – and people can’t walk through the beam! Short and Ultra-Short Throw projectors generally feature increased brightness, the smart functionality of TVs, and are optimal for viewing content in 4K resolution with HDR.

Can a projector replace your TV? TVs keep getting bigger, but there’s nothing quite like recreating the ambience of the cinema experience at home on a massive 100”+ screen with a projector.

P rojectors are often brought out just for special events like big sports matches and group movie nights, but that immersive big screen luxury can be enjoyed all the time, whatever you’re watching. Replacing your TV with a projector might sound like a radical move, but there are a lot of good reasons to make the switch. Projectors can be a lot more affordable than a big screen TV and more versatile – especially if you opt for the portable variety. They also have TVs beat when it comes to big screen sizes, with an average 100–150 inches available. But if you don’t have the wall space for a massive picture, variable screen sizes give you the flexibility to fit the screen to suit the room. They are also a good alternative to a big TV when space is limited. All you need is ample wall real estate. Short and Ultra-Short Throw projectors are an ideal replacement for a TV, as they sit close to a

streaming apps preloaded, voice assistants, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and HDMI ports to add external video and audio devices. But before you offload the TV in favour of a projector, the most important thing to consider is the lighting conditions in the room where it will be permanently set up, as this can impact daytime viewing. Most modern projectors will perform well in brightly lit rooms (check the ANSI lumen count), but if the room has a lot of ambient light – that’s not significantly reduced even with the blinds down – picture brightness and clarity will be decreased. Ensure the room can be sufficiently darkened for all-day use. Ultimately, a projector can indeed

replace a TV, but both can also comfortably coexist in the same

wall and can be positioned atop an existing entertainment unit. Many modern projectors share the functionality of smart TVs, with major

household – a TV in the lounge room and a projector in a dedicated home theatre/media room, or vice versa.

34 JUNE 2023

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