Top 10 tips for using a projector

Projectors are known to offer the most engaging and enthralling big-screen entertainment. A lot goes into setting up a projector and achieving that experience, such as finding a suitable space, figuring out the right settings, and more. However, the end result is well worth it. 

In our guide below, we will dig into the top 10 tips you should keep in mind when using a projector.

1.      Find the right spot

When using a projector, finding the right spot to either place or mount it is the first and most important step.

Whether you place your projector on a table or mount it on the ceiling, you must consider several parameters. These include the space available for the projection, how far you want to keep the projector from the projection surface, whether the projection path is free of obstacles or not and more.

It is worth mentioning that the further away the projector is from the projection screen, the larger and dimmer the image. In addition, individual pixels of the image could be exposed.

2.      Adjust height

For the image to be projected at the centre of the wall, it must be placed or mounted at just the right height.

In most projectors, the image is projected above the centre of the lens. This means that whether the projector is close to the floor  or mounted on a ceiling, the image will be close to the centre of the wall or screen.

If, however, you want to place your projector some fair distance from both floor or ceiling, you should look for either no upwards throw or lens shift.

3.      Set up a screen

Before permanently mounting your projector, it is essential to set up your projector screen (if you have one).

A screen is always a better option than a wall as it provides a uniform blank surface and reflects your projector’s light better than a wall, delivering a brighter image.

Run a trial with your projector and screen to ensure you have correctly got your distances and sizes.

4.      Choosing the right projector technology

There are three different technologies to consider when setting up your home or office projector; DLP, LCD, and LED.

DLPs provide better response time, sharp images, and 3D output capabilities, supporting both active and passive projection. On the other hand, LCDs are cost-effective, offer better saturation, and suit larger venues.

When it comes to LED projectors, they are maintenance-free, deliver better colour, and, more importantly, boast a lifespan of over 20,000 hours.

Although LED projectors generate less heat than their counterparts due to their small size, they have limited brightness. Therefore, they are typically not recommended for rooms with ambient light. 

5.      Put everything in place and turn it on

Before you secure your projector and screen,  it is vital to make sure that everything is functional using an HDMI cable.

With everything connected, you must ensure that your system can handle its maximum capacity. If, for example, you own a 4K projector, stream 4K content to ensure that your system can handle that resolution.

With that being done, put everything in place.

6.      Make sure that everything lines up

Once all the equipment is in place, turn off the lights and turn on your projector. See where the edges of the image are to see if everything lines up.

You must ensure that the image is rectangular, as it indicates that the projection is perpendicular to the screen.

Note that it is best to steer clear of using keystone adjustments as it electronically manipulates the image to make it rectangular at the expense of resolution and image quality.

7.      Finish setting up

Now that you have made sure that everything is functional and the image alignment is on-point, you should move on to mounting the projector and the screen.

While you are at it, tuck away any cords or cables to prevent a trip hazard.

8.      Choose the right picture mode

Projectors, like TVs, come with various preset picture modes. Choosing the right one can greatly impact the overall picture quality.

For a dark room, you should typically choose “Movie” or “Cinema” picture mode. On the other hand, if there is ambient light in the room as well, a brighter mode, like Vivid or Dynamic, is best.

Besides the picture mode, there are two other related settings to consider.

Firstly, there is the lamp mode. This mode controls how bright the image is. Generally, the brighter the image, the better its quality. However, there may be a lot of fan noise, and the lamp doesn’t last as long. If the lamp mode is put on “Dynamic”, the lamp power will vary depending on what is on screen. However, on the flip side, you will hear the fan ramping up and down as the brightness varies.

Secondly, there is the iris setting. When turned on, the iris darkens the darker images and brightens the brighter ones. Although there is no improvement in the contrast ratio, it makes high, grey-like black levels less noticeable with darker content. Anyhow, not all projectors come with the iris feature.

Furthermore, if you are using your projector primarily for gaming, consider switching on the game mode, which significantly reduces the input lag.

9.      Get external Speakers

The internal, built-in speakers of projectors are usually not that powerful and, therefore, cannot be relied on for the proper distribution of sound throughout the room.

A full-on sound system is an additional cost, but it is your best option for optimal results. If you don’t have the space in your room to place such a system, try going for a decent Bluetooth speaker. Your projector needs to have a built-in Bluetooth or an external Bluetooth transmitter.

10. Get started the right way

Now that everything is in place turn off the lights for the projected images to look their best.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

FAQs

Can you use a projector outside?

Yes, you can use a projector outside.

However, when using it during the day, the less shade it is in, the more lumens it will require to display a clear image. As a general rule of thumb, for outdoor use, you should have a projector having lumens of more than 3000.

How do you watch a film on a projector?

Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port of the media player and plug the other end into the HDMI port of the projector.

In case your media player is instead the mobile type, use the appropriate cable and port on your projector.

Can I connect my smartphone to a projector?

Yes, you can. Most projectors still use HDMI as their standard input port, but nowadays, a simple adapter can connect your smartphone to your projector with a cable.

Once you get the cable connected, you must change the source to start screen mirroring from your smartphone to a projector.

Summary

When setting up a projector, there are critical things that you should do. These include finding the right spot for the projector, adjusting its height, choosing the correct picture mode, acquiring external speakers and a projector screen, and more.

If you follow the tips above correctly, you will have no problem using a projector at home or office.