STACK #232 February 2024

TECH FEATURE

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Many classrooms and lecture theatres are already onto the benefits that projectors can provide for group learning. But they also offer many advantages as part of a student’s tech arsenal, whether solo or collaborating with study partners. Plus, of course, there are movie nights... Here’s a quick projector primer. Words Bec Summer PROJECT PROJECTOR

N o longer just the domain of cashed-up cinema buffs with space to burn, there are still a number of things to consider when looking into the big screen advantages that a projector offers. Light stuff Having a darkened room thankfully isn’t a necessity nowadays, with new projector technologies often allowing clear vision even in well-lit rooms. If you want to operate in bright rooms though, be sure to check how many lumens your prospective purchase delivers. This is an easy one, in that the higher the number, the better the brightness. On the go? Portability is a key consideration. Do you want to be able to pop your projector in a bag or backpack? There are models to cater for all uses now, but you’ll need to consider which features you require as well. If you’re after high-end home cinema capabilities, then you may wish to look at a less portable option. Screen up When it comes to projection surfaces, you have options. While a clean white wall will always

keep the picture rectangular and properly aligned. ‘Lens shift’ lets you move the image left, right, up, and down, while ‘keystone correction’ can adjust an angled image. ‘Auto screen fit’ will set everything for you automatically. Once again, these features vary between projectors.

work at a push, and some units can even correct images for coloured surfaces, either a portable screen on a tripod, or a fixed wall-mounted screen will deliver bests results. It depends, of course, on how much versatility you require. Size matters Most projectors offer varying screen sizes, depending upon how close the unit is to the surface upon which you’re projecting. Move it further back, and the image gets larger. If you’re space constrained, look for a short throw model, which can beam large pictures

Big art Think outside the square a little and a projector can be of use in spaces beyond of the usual. What about using one – or more - for a popup art project installation?

Sound advice Most projectors have built-in speakers, but if it’s a must-have option then make sure the model that you’re looking at can deliver sonically.

Photo credit: Christina Victoria Craft - Unsplash

Smart stuff We can talk to our tech nowadays, and some projectors offer this capability too. If this is a requirement for you, be sure to check that your prospective buy can speak with your preferred smart ecosystem.

from very close to where you want your picture. Projected images can range anywhere from 60 to 300 inches, but it does depend on the model. The right fit Blurry imagery is a thing of the past, as most projectors now have inbuilt adjustment tools to

32 FEBRUARY 2024

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