Choosing an aspect ratio

When choosing a projector for a home or business application it is important to choose a projector with the correct native aspect ratio. If you need help deciding which aspect ratio is best for your needs please read the brief guide below or feel free to click on my store listed at the bottom of the guide and send me a quick message!

What is a native aspect ratio and what should I look for?
The native aspect ratio is the width to height ratio of the native displayed image. The most common aspect ratios are 4:3 (standard computer monitor and television), 16:9 (widescreen images), and 15:9 (Hybrid between 4:3 and 16:9). Most projectors are capable of producing an image in various aspect ratios but what we need to focus on is the native resolution.

What is the best aspect ratio for a dedicated home theater?
A 16:9 aspect ratio is the best choice for a home theater as this widescreen format was produced specifically for HDTV and widescreen DVDs.

What is the best aspect ratio for a multi-purpose projector?
Nearly all projectors are capable of displaying an image in a number of different aspect ratios, however, when displaying their non-native signals you will encounter black bars on the top or bottom of the screen. For example, if you have a native 4:3 projector and are viewing a widescreen movie the projector will produce black bars on the top and bottom of the image. If you plan on using your projector to produce video and computer data signals the best choice may be something with a 15:9 image. This will allow you to produce a native video and computer data signal without scaling.

What sources work best on a 4:3 aspect ratio?
Recommended applications for 4:3 aspect ratio include: Standard DVDs (not widescreen), Standard American television (NTSC), Computer data signals, VHS tapes, Older video game consoles and computer games.

What sources work best on a 16:9 aspect ratio?
Recommended applications for 16:9 aspect ratio include: Blu-ray, HD DVDs, Widescreen DVDs, HDTV broadcasts, Newer video game consoles and computer games.

Check out site www.projectorsupercenter.com for a wide selection of projectors to choose from to meet all your needs.

How bright of a projector do I need?

When searching for a Home Theater Projector most buyer's are inundated by a an endless supply of stats and specifications. One of the most important one is the lumen count or brightness of the projector. How bright of a projector do you really need for a home theater? Please read the guide below and feel free to click on my store link at the bottom of the guide.

How bright of a projector do I need for my home?

Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens for home theater projectors, the higher the lumen count, the brighter the projector. Home theater projectors typically range between 800 and 2,000 lumens. When determining the brightness of the projector one needs to consider the projector viewing environment. When it comes to home theater projectors, brighter is not always better. The ideal compromise is to find a unit that adequately produces enough light to fill your screen with a high contrast image, but not too much light as to create eye fatigue during extended viewing.

How big of screen will you be using?

Each projector has a set amount of lumens, the larger the image you are projecting the darker the image will be as lumens are spread over a bigger area. Conversely, the smaller the image, the brighter the image will be. That being said, the larger the screen, the brighter the projector will need to be.Will you be using a projector screen? If so, what is the gain? Projector screens are highly reflective and are manufactured to reflect the light from the projector back at the audience. A good projector screen can make a large difference in regards to image brightness. The reflectivity of a projector screen is measured in gain, the higher the gain, the more reflective the screen. Typical home theater screens have a gain of 1 to 1.5 and come in either white or gray. White screens result in a brighter picture while gray screens will result in a higher contrast ratio. For more information on choosing a screen check out our screen buying guide here.

How much ambient light will there be in the theater?

Finally, you need to consider the amount of ambient light in the theater from household lighting and windows. High to mid levels of ambient light will require a brighter projector (higher lumen count), whereas low levels of ambient light will allow you to get by with a lower lumen unit which usually have higher contrast ratios. A brighter picture will help compensate for the loss of contrast due to ambient light. Projector Supercenter recommends the following brightness levels for home theater units: Dedicated home theaters need a projector rated at 800 lumens or higher Rooms with low to medium ambient light will need at least 1300 lumens Areas with medium to high ambient light will need 2,000+ lumens depending on the application

How to Install a New Lamp?

How to Install a New Lamp?

There are many different models of projectors, but fortunately for you 99% of them have a fairly similar and simple lamp replacement process. Before we start, make sure you have purchased the correct lamp for the projector you own as each projector lamp is different.

1. Make sure the projector is powered down (if in use, wait at least 10 minutes for the lamp to cool) and for added precaution remove the power cable.

2. Turn the unit over and locate the lamp panel, once located, unscrew and remove the cover.

3. Unscrew the 2-3 screws holding the lamp in place and carefully slide the lamp out of the projector.

4. Remove the new lamp from its packaging. Make sure not to directly touch the lamp only the outer casing. Oils and debris from hands and fingers will cause "hot spotting" which will lead to overheating and ultimately decreased lamp life.

5. Alight the guides on the new lamp holder with the guides inside the unit and gently slide the lamp into place.

6. Insert and tighten the screws on each side of the lamp holder. When replacing the lamp housing make sure the new housing is secure and seated completely before operation.

7. Place the cover back on the unit and re-install the screws.

8. Plug the projector back into the power supply and restart the projector.

9. After the unit powers on, locate the lamp counter in the menu and reset the counter to zero.

10. Store the old lamp for back-up just in case the new lamp fails prematurely. Typically, if a lamp is going to fail prematurely you will know within the first 40 hours of usage.

Factory Refurbished projectors, FAQ

What are refurbished or factory re-certified products?

Refurbished products are manufacturer-certified products that have been returned to the manufacturer and reconditioned to new or like new condition. All refurbished projectors sold by Projector Supercenter undergo stringent reconditioning and testing processes at the factory and are backed by manufacturer warranties. Each projector is cleaned, quality checked, tested, and repacked by the respective manufacturer. Due to high quality standards and rigorous testing the quality of factory refurbished units is every bit as good as a brand new projector.

Why are refurbished projectors such a great value?

If affordability is a major concern or you simply want to save a little cash, factory refurbished projectors offer a great deal at a substantial discount without sacrificing quality. Factory refurbished projectors are manufacturer-certified products that have been returned to the manufacturer for one reason or another. Any projector that meets any of the following criteria will be cleaned, inspected, tested, and repackaged to new condition by the manufacturer and will be sold as refurbished with a manufacturer warranty.

Why are projector returned to the factory?

Essentially, any projector that is shipped back to the manufacturer for any reason whatsoever is opened, inspected, cleaned, tested, repackaged and finally sold as refurbished units. These items can no longer be sold as new even though the majority of units are in new condition and fully operational. Listed below are a few of the common reasons why a unit is returned to the manufacturer.

1. Customer returns:

Most manufactures have some sort of return policy; any products that are returned to the manufacturer must be sold as refurbished. Most of the time, there is nothing wrong with these units they were simply returned by the customer for whatever reason.

2. Shipping Damage:

Sometimes, packages are returned to the manufacturer due to damaged packaging. Although the projector inside is typically perfectly fine, who wants to put a damaged box on their store shelves?

3. Cosmetic damage:

For a variety of reasons, a projectors casing could have a scratch or other cosmetic blemish that does not affect performance. These units cannot be sold as new, so they are typically repackaged as refurbished. Many companies will actually remove the internal parts and place the projector in a new case before reselling as refurbished.

4. Demo or promotional units:

Some manufacturers allow stores to return demo units which they promptly recertify to new condition and resell as refurbished. In addition, manufactures are known to send promotional units to magazines and other online sites which review their products. Once the review has been written these units are returned and refurbished.

5. Factory defect:

Occasionally, a faulty optical system, power supply, processor or other mechanism may be installed into a batch of projectors making the unit defective. If this is not caught before leaving the factory, the manufacturer will typically have to do a recall to replace the faulty unit and then must sell as refurbished.

6. The box was opened:

If a package is opened in a store or other retail environment and returned to the manufacturer for repackaging the unit must be sold as refurbished. Although the unit has not even been powered on or removed from the package it must be sold as refurbished since it has been opened.

7. Overstock or discontinued items:

When a manufacturer releases a new product model, the older model are sometimes pulled from shelves and returned to the manufacturer. At this point the manufacturer simply reduces the price and sells the units as refurbished to quickly move the inventory.

Refurbished Projectors, a savvy bargain

Basically, whenever a projector is shipped back to the manufacturer for any reason, it is cleaned, inspected, tested, and repackaged for sale as refurbished. Due to the high quality standards and solid manufacturer warranties, refurbished projectors offer deep discounts without sacrificing quality or reliability. Due to an ever increasing market for business and home theater projectors the supply of refurbished projectors will continue to grow and Projector Supercenter will be here to offer substantial savings to our savvy consumers.

Often times consumers are wary of products marked “refurbished” for fear of a product defect. There is no reason why labeling a product refurbished should invoke such negative connotations. Every projector that is returned to the manufacturer for one reason or another undergoes strict product testing by qualified technicians to ensure every component is fully functional. Due to this individual attention and vigorous testing, refurbished units are every bit as reliable as new units. Typically, projectors are returned fully functional for any of the reasons listed above. In the event the product was returned due to a defect than someone purchased a new projector that was defective. Refurbished projectors will not have these same defects as they have been refurbished to new, fully functional condition making these units just as if not more than reliable than new units.

When buying a refurbished projector please make sure to purchase from a company that is authorized by the manufacturer to sell these projectors. Certain companies and individuals will sell refurbished projectors that have been refurbished outside of the factory by an unauthorized individual. These projectors will not be backed by manufacturer warranties and often times are refurbished with non-factory parts. Due to Projector Supercenter’s position within the industry we are able to partner directly with certain manufacturers to bring you factory refurbished units at unbelievable discounts. Projector Supercenter has the largest selection of factory refurbished DLP and LCD projectors online, please check out our selection. As quantities are often limited please don’t let an opportunity pass you by and always check back daily for an updated product list.

Do refurbished projectors come with a factory warranty?

Yes, all projectors listed for sale on Projector Supercenter are supported by manufacturer warranties. If purchasing from another online retailer please make sure to purchase from an authorized reseller as manufactures will typically only honor warranties for items purchased through an authorized retailer. Warranty length differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, below is a list of manufacturers with warranty terms and conditions.
BenQ: 1 year parts and labor, 90 day lamp warranty
NEC: 1 year parts and labor, 90 day lamp warranty
Mitsubishi: 1 year parts and labor, 90 day lamp warranty
EIKI: 1 year parts and labor, 90 day lamp warranty
Optoma: 90 days parts and labor
Hitachi: 1 year parts and labor, 90 day lamp warranty
Epson: Varies by model, 1-2 years parts and labor

Where can I get more information?

For more information view our FAQ on Refurbished projectors.

Do extended warranties work with refurbished products? 

Yes, extended warranties offered through CPS are valid for all new and factory recertified projectors and take effect immediately after the manufacturer warranty expires.

What is usually included with Refurbished Projectors?

Items included in box vary manufacturer to manufacturer. Below is a list of manufacturers we carry and what is included with your projector purchase.
NEC: The projector, power cable, VGA cable, remote, and remote batteries are included with every purchase. Additional cables, batteries, etc. may or may not be in the box. A user manual may be located online in Projector Supercenter’s product section if not included in the box.
BenQ, Mitsubishi, EIKI, Hitachi, Optoma, Epson, Casio: The Projector, all standard accessories, cables, cases, and manuals that are included with new units also come with the factory refurbished projectors.
**On rare occasions the manufacturer may accidently leave something out of the packaging. Please notify us of any missing accessories immediately upon delivery and we will contact the manufacturer to replace the missing accessories if possible.

Are all products shipped in manufacturer packaging?

Yes, all refurbished products come boxed in factory packaging. This packaging may, however differ from the new product packaging based on the manufacturer. On rare occasion if the product arrives at Projector Supercenter in less than optimal packaging we will repackage the item to make sure it arrives safely at your door.

Are all refurbished products reconditioned at the factory?

All projectors for sale at Projector Supercenter have been reconditioned by the manufacturer at the factory. Please be aware however that some retailers will sell refurbished products that are not factory refurbished. These units will not include a factory warranty and may not have been inspected or repaired with factory parts. If purchasing from a private seller or outlet please make sure to verify the origin of the unit to guarantee a quality purchase.

Why buy a refurbished projector?

Buying factory refurbished projectors offers all the quality of a brand new projector at a substantial discount to retail prices.

How to choose a Home Theater Projector.

How bright of a projector do I need for my home?

     Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens for home theater projectors, the higher the lumen count, the brighter the projector. Home theater projectors typically range between 800 and 2,000 lumens. When determining the brightness of the projector one needs to consider the projector viewing environment. When it comes to home theater projectors, brighter is not always better. The ideal compromise is to find a unit that adequately produces enough light to fill your screen with a high contrast image, but not too much light as to create eye fatigue during extended viewing.

How big of screen will you be using?
     Each projector has a set amount of lumens, the larger the image you are projecting the darker the image will be as lumens are spread over a bigger area. Conversely, the smaller the image, the brighter the image will be. That being said, the larger the screen, the brighter the projector will need to be.

Will you be using a projector screen? If so, what is the gain?
     Projector screens are highly reflective and are manufactured to reflect the light from the projector back at the audience. A good projector screen can make a large difference in regards to image brightness. The reflectivity of a projector screen is measured in gain, the higher the gain, the more reflective the screen. Typical home theater screens have a gain of 1 to 1.5 and come in either white or gray. White screens result in a brighter picture while gray screens will result in a higher contrast ratio. For more information on choosing a screen check out our screen buying guide here.

How much ambient light will there be in the theater?
     Finally, you need to consider the amount of ambient light in the theater from household lighting and windows. High to mid levels of ambient light will require a brighter projector (higher lumen count), whereas low levels of ambient light will allow you to get by with a lower lumen unit which usually have higher contrast ratios. A brighter picture will help compensate for the loss of contrast due to ambient light.

Projector Supercenter recommends the following brightness levels for home theater units:
     Dedicated home theaters need a projector rated at 800 lumens or higher
Rooms with low to medium ambient light will need at least 1300 lumens
Areas with medium to high ambient light will need 2,000+ lumens depending on the application

How does the contrast ratio affect image quality?

     The contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. The greater the distance the higher the contrast ratio. With home theater projectors, the contrast ratio is arguably the most important measurable quality. A high-contrast projector will produce a delightfully vivid image with crisp, deep blacks and well defined shadow detail. The contrast ratio is essential for choosing a projector which will create crisp, clear, and vivid images.

Is there anything I can do to get a higher contrast ratio?
     Yes, as you have likely noticed, commercial and high end movie theaters are always dark, including black walls and ceilings. Movie theaters and high end installations go through all this trouble because projectors look their best when there is no light in the room. In high end installations this even includes stray light reflected off of the projection screen. Stray and ambient light will reduce the contrast of the image and work to make the blacks appear more grey, essentially washing out the image.
     A projector does not projector black, black is the absence of light. Any light falling on the screen from a source other than the projector will raise the absolute black level and reduce the contrast. Ideally, a home theater should have little to no ambient light present. However, most people do not want to darken the walls of their home theater or multipurpose rooms just to achieve ideal theater conditions. The other option is to purchase a high-contrast gray screen which will improve black levels and the contrast ratio of the projector image. For the best possible image, proceed with any steps necessary to eliminate ambient light and reflective surfaces on the walls and ceiling.

What resolution is best for me?

     Another crucial factor to look for in a home theater projector is the projectors native resolution. A projectors native resolution is made up of the number of pixels it can display, for example, a full 1080P projector will have a native resolution of 1920x1080 which can produce 2,073,600 individual pixels. Generally, the higher resolution the projector, the higher the cost. Higher resolution projectors produce more detail and also reduce the visibility of pixel structure, two highly desirable qualities in a home theater projector.

Common home theater projector resolutions:
     1280x720 (720p):Home theater projectors which have a native resolution of 1280x720 (720p) are now within budget range and cost as little as $700. A 720p projector will offer excellent reproduction of DVD videos. They also offer the ability to reproduce 1080-line video, such as 1080p found on Blu-ray discs or 1080i found on broadcast HDTV. If you are serious about your home theater, consider nothing under 720p resolution.

     1280x768:This is a hybrid resolution which is ideal for applications in which video as well as computer signals will be used. This hybrid resolution allows you to produce video in the standard 1280x720p resolution as well as standard computer resolutions such as XGA (1024x768) and WXGA (1280x768) without scaling. This format is ideal for viewing video, computer, or web surfing. Note, this resolution has an aspect ratio of 15:9, not 16:9 like the other two resolutions on the list. When viewing a 16:9 video there will be tiny black bars on the top and bottom of the image. While these black bars are annoying while viewing video they are responsible for allowing the projector to produce XGA computer signals.

     1920x1080 (1080p):1080p will give your home theater the sharpest and most detailed image available today. These projectors will produce Blu-ray and 1080i HDTV broadcasts at full resolution without any scaling which will result in a beautiful, detailed image. Due to the high number of pixels (2,073,600) pixel structure is virtually non-existent. Currently, the cheapest 1080p projectors will set you back $1,000 while the high end models can creep up into the 10,000+ range. The best bang for your buck right now typically lies in the $2,000 - $3,000 range for home theater projectors.

Selecting the right resolution for your home theater:
     Depending on your budget, we recommend either a 720p or 1080p projector for 16:9 widescreen viewing. However, if you want your projector to double as a data projector, 1280x768 is an appealing alternative. With new units selling for as low as $700, 1280x720p is an attractive choice for creating a great theater on a budget. However, if you want the sharpest image quality and have the money to spend we would not recommend anything but the best, 1920x1080p. When selecting a projector it is also important to take into consideration the input sources. If you want full, uncompressed resolution from a Blu-ray player you will need to get a 1920x1080p projector. If you are only going to be watching DVD or similar resolution formats then you will be able to skate by with a 1280x720p unit just fine.

What is a native aspect ratio and what should I look for?

     The native aspect ratio is the width to height ratio of the native displayed image. The most common aspect ratios are 4:3 (standard computer monitor and television), 16:9 (widescreen images), and 15:9 (Hybrid between 4:3 and 16:9). Most projectors are capable of producing an image in various aspect ratios but what we need to focus on is the native resolution.

What is the best aspect ratio for a dedicated home theater?
     A 16:9 aspect ratio is the best choice for a home theater as this widescreen format was produced specifically for HDTV and widescreen DVDs.

What is the best aspect ratio for a multi-purpose projector?
     Nearly all projectors are capable of displaying an image in a number of different aspect ratios, however, when displaying their non-native signals you will encounter black bars on the top or bottom of the screen. For example, if you have a native 4:3 projector and are viewing a widescreen movie the projector will produce black bars on the top and bottom of the image. If you plan on using your projector to produce video and computer data signals the best choice may be something with a 15:9 image. This will allow you to produce a native video and computer data signal without scaling.

What sources work best on a 4:3 aspect ratio?
     Recommended applications for 4:3 aspect ratio include: Standard DVDs (not widescreen), Standard American television (NTSC), Computer data signals, VHS tapes, Older video game consoles and computer games.

What sources work best on a 16:9 aspect ratio?
     Recommended applications for 16:9 aspect ratio include: Blu-ray, HD DVDs, Widescreen DVDs, HDTV broadcasts, Newer video game consoles and computer games.

What cables and connections will give me the clearest image?

     To get top performance from your audio and video equipment it is essential to use the highest quality cables to connect your devices. Projector Supercenter recommends that your home theater projector have at least one of the following inputs to guarantee the clearest and sharpest image quality: component, DVI, or HDMI. The highest quality of these two are the HDMI and DVI, both of these cords have 19 dedicated channels for video and will produce the same image quality. Before purchasing any cables please check out the dedicated cable guide here. The guide will walk you through the different cables available as well as the maximum cable lengths to ensure optimal quality.

Where should I install my projector?

     Home theater installations can take a number of forms, you can mount the projector on the ceiling in front or behind the screen as well as set the projector on a shelf or table in front or behind the screen. Each option carries its respective pros and cons.

Should I mount the projector on the ceiling?
     Typically, mounting the projector on the ceiling will provide the most polished and aesthetically pleasing look to your theater. This will also keep the projector safe from accidental spills, eliminates running cords across the floor, as well as provides ideal ventilation for the projector which will improve the lamp life. Keeping the projector installed will also allow for little to no setup when you are ready to use the projector. The downside, however, is the unit becomes less portable as it is sometimes difficult or time consuming to un-mount the projector in the event you want to take it on the road or over to a friend's house.

     Ceiling mounting a projector also requires more planning, you will need to know the screen size you want to use as well as the throw distance required to produce the image. The larger the screen size you plan on using, the further the projector will need to be from the screen. Before purchasing a screen or mounting your unit make sure to research the throw distance necessary to produce the desired image size. When looking at a unit on Projector Supercenter's website click downloads and follow the link to an image calculator where you can look up these details for each specific model. Don't know how to use the projector image size calculator, click here to read how.

What about placing the projector on a shelf or table top?
     Placing the projector on a shelf or table you will give you the added flexibility to pick up and go at any point. The downside, however, is that you will have to set up and take down the projector more often and will also miss out on the nice polished look of a ceiling mounted projector. Be sure to leave enough room between the projector and any surfaces to allow proper ventilation. In addition, any noise from a table mounted projector will be more prominent as you will be on the same level as the projector. When choosing a projector for any home theater but specifically a table mounted unit make sure to purchase a unit with less than a 30dB noise rating.

Can't decide between ceiling or table top mounting?
     If you cannot decide between ceiling or table top mounting Projector Supercenter recommends a ceiling mount which will allow a quick release. A quick release mount will allow you to quickly remove and reattach the projector from the mount for those special occasions where you need to take the projector on the road. In addition, it is best to keep an extra set of cables handy for road trips. Cables running to a ceiling mounted projector are usually installed in the walls and difficult to access making a spare set of cables a necessity if you plan on using the projector at another location.

How far away does the projector need to be from the screen?
     To make projectors easier to use in a variety of rooms and applications, projectors are made with different zoom and throw ratios. When choosing a projector, first determine the image size you want to project on the wall or screen and then see if the projector you are looking at will produce the desired image size within the limits of the room size and throw distance that you have to work with. Also, when mounting or placing a projector it is best to position the unit as close as possible to the screen with the zoom fully opened. Zoom lenses offer greater placement flexibility and are necessary for many applications but can result in a lumen drop of %25-%40 at full zoom. If you want to maximize light output it is best to use the shortest throw distance the lens will allow.

What do I need to know about projector lamp life?

     Home theater projectors typically have lamp life between 2,000 and 4,000 hours. This specification is actually referring to the half life of the lamp which is the point in which the lamp produces 50% of the original new lamp brightness. Choosing a projector with a longer lamp life will result in paying less to maintain your projector. Replacement lamps typically cost somewhere between $200-$400. This clearly seems like a steep price to pay and might deter some users from purchasing a projector. However, it is good to note that this equates to roughly $.1-$.2 per hour for a 2,000 hr. unit or $.05-.1 per hour for a 4,000 hr. unit. The average home theater used for movies and special events is used 8-12 hrs. per week, this results in an average lamp life of around 4-5 years with a small monthly cost of $4-$6. Regular filter cleaning and proper use will increase the operational lamp life of your unit, to see hints and tips to extend your lamp life click here.

Are there any special features or capabilities I should look for?

     There are a number of different features and capabilities that will set one projector apart from another, these can include but are in no way limited to: Lens shift, Picture-in-Picture, Hollywood Quality Video tuning, Back lit remote controls, Internal scalers, screen triggers, Various image modes, dynamic iris', Noise reduction, Gamma and color management features, frame creation with motion blur, clarity processors, smooth screen technologies, auto input search and many many more. For a general overview and description of projector features please check out our guide listed here.

I have read the guide, now what?

     Now that you have read the home theater buyers guide you hopefully have a greater grasp on what you are looking for, take your time to peruse the home theater projectors available for sale by Projector Supercenter by simply clicking here. If you have any questions or want a recommendation for your particular situation please feel free to contact us with any questions, we are more than happy to help with your projector search. Above all, avoid buyer's remorse. There will always be a new projector/technology on the pipeline and it is easy to become discontent with your purchase. Do not let this worry you, sit back and enjoy your new home theater, that is after all the point of a home theater. Just relax and don't be afraid to become immersed in the drama, comedy, action, and excitement of viewing a movie on the largest screen you have ever had in your home!  Search now at Projector Supercenter