LCD Projector

A liquid crystal display projector (LCD projector) utilizes advanced color translation technologies to project blue, green and red color pixels into images on your home theater screen. An LCD projector can come with interlaced or progressive translation, determined by the letter at the end of the description of the product's resolution. For example, a 1080i digital video projector uses interlaced ('i') technology to project the picture, meaning it sends alternating horizontal lines, half at a time. A 720p home projector uses progressive ('p') technology, meaning it translates all the pixels at the same time. For fast action like football or car racing, experts recommend progressive technology, while slower action viewing like golf are deemed better when watched with interlaced technology. When it comes down to it, advances in both arenas have made these systems virtually indistinguishable to the untrained (or even trained) eye. Choose a system that has features you want and fits in your price bracket. Beyond price, some features to consider when purchasing an LCD projector include brightness, color reproduction, and inputs. Without sufficient brightness, your projected images will look soft and unfocused, even with the curtains drawn. The ANSI Lumens rating determines brightness, and should be at least 1,000 Lumens. Accurate color reproduction is important as well. You should make note of natural flesh tones and depth of color. Also, from input to input, check for color shifts, as many systems will have this problem. Inputs should be compatible for all your home theater equipment, including your DVD player, VCR, home computer (often connected using VGA inputs), and stereo components.