Projector Lamps and Accessories

          Lamps Information & Buying Guide

          1. What is a projector Lamp?

          Projector Accessories Information & Buying Guide

          1. 3D Glasses
          2. Air Filters
          3. AV Furniture
          4. Bags & Cases
          5. Cables
          6. Lenses
          7. Remote Controls (presentation)
          8. Remote Controls (replacement)
          9. Wireless Access

          Mount Information & Buying Guide

          1. What is a Projector Mount?

          Projection Screen Information & Buying Guide

          1. What is a Projection Screen?

          What is a Projector Lamp?
          Projector Lamp modules, typically referred to by just projector lamps or bulbs, which is technically not accurate but widely accepted and how we will refer to them from here on out. Projector Lamps are actually a HID (High Intensity Discharge) light system made up of: a powerful light bulb or “burner”, a light reflector, a lens all inside of a housing, typically plastic with connectors and sometimes its own fan. Being that they are HID bulbs/burners, they are very bright and efficient from a luminous perspective but they also usually contain mercury vapor, so you should always dispose/recycle your Projector Lamps properly. Projector Lamps are a user replaceable consumable that depending on the model, type of use and the maintenance of your projector will typically last between 1500-2500hrs but some can last up to 5000hrs before it will blow. Most projector users will need to replace their lamp on average at least twice over the lifetime of their projector. That doesn’t mean you won’t need to replace possibly than that due to either diminished brightness or failure which can happen due to usage or environmental factors. Back to the top.

          Tip: If your presentations are critical to your occupation, it’s not a bad Idea to have an extra bulb on hand in case one blows unexpectedly.

          Here are a few of the most common Projector Accessories:

          3D Glasses
          All of the readily available 3D capable projectors also require the use of 3D Glasses either (Active or Passive depends on the model of projector) for you to see the image in 3D. How does it work? Most 3D imagery is pretty simple and can be traced back to stereoscopic photography. Basically a 3D image is created by taking two pictures at similar angles then overlaying the two images so they are just offset a little, then when you view this image or video through 3D glasses, the glasses blend or combine the two images into one image which creates the illusion of depth. Now you can also do this with different colored layers of the image but they are all similar principles that your 3D glasses combine to create an amazing 3D effect. There are many different types of glasses but they break down into passive or active. Passive glasses generally use polarized lenses that have different viewing angles. Active glasses work via an electronic shutter system that opens and closes essentially shutting of the input to one eye or the other in an alternating pattern to create the 3D effect. Back to the top.

          Something to consider when choosing a 3D solution, Some people can get headaches, nausea or even in extreme cases have been known to experience a seizure from the active glasses. For this reason and the cost difference (active glasses require batteries and can cost as much as $150-$200) most people prefer the passive systems even though some believe the active systems provide a better 3D experience. Back to the top.

          Air Filters
          If your projector uses an air filter (Mostly just LCD projectors do) to ensure the best performance you must clean it on a regular basis because dust collects on the air filter. This dust clogs the filter and decreases the cooling air flow in your projector and prevents proper ventilation and can cause overheating, which can damage the projector. Overtime the filter we need to be changed as just cleaning it will only prolong it’s optimum performance life so long. If your projector resides in a very dusty area you will need to clean and replace the filter more often than in less dusty environments. Back to the top.

          AV Furniture
          AV furniture can be anything from: TV stands, Speaker Stands, Audio Racks to the infamous AV Cart and much more.

          Bags & Cases
          There are many Bags, carrying and shipping cases made for projectors, including: laptop, backpack, rolling, weather proof, and so on. Since most portable or Mobile projectors are similar you can generally not only use a bag/case designed for a laptop but most of the time you can find one that will fit both you projector and a laptop in most styles.  Depending on your needs we can help you pick one. Back to the top.

          To get the best performance from you Audio, Video and IT be sure to get cables and equipment specifically designed to work with your solution. The reason is cables are a key part of your AV solution, depending on where you are running them and how far you are running them may dictate the type and/or quality of cable you get. For instance, perhaps you will need a signal amplifier, because if you want to run HDMI video cable more than 30’ it is recommended that you use a HDMI Amplifier or else you may get no signal. Let us help you get the correct cables. Back to the top.

          A few Projectors have interchangeable lenses, typically these are projectors “Installation” Projectors for large conference to auditorium sized rooms, they usually have all the bells and whistles and lots of power and generally you have the option to purchase the projector with or without a lens.  There are long-throw, short-throw, standard, and zoom lenses to purchase allowing you to choose the specific lens you need for you AV Solution. If you have questions about projector lenses call us today. Back to the top.

          Remote Controls (presentation)
          Wireless Presentation Remote controls allow you control your presentation when you are not at your computer, think of them as a mobile mouse or input device that you can walk around with. There are some that are very basic with only slide controls and possibly a built-in laser pointer to units that have a built-in LCD timer so you can stay on track during you presentation. They are great tools that will enhance your presentations. Back to the top.

          Remote Controls (replacement)
          Every projector comes with a remote control, how else can you turn it on if it’s mounted 10’ off the ground? Like most remote controls people lose them, break them and or wear them out. We carry a full line of OEM replacement remotes for projectors, search by the MFR part number or give us a call we be glad to help. Back to the top.

          Wireless Access
          Some projectors have wireless network capability built-in and other have optional wireless devices that you can either connect to your projector, computer or both. In certain situations and environments wireless connectivity may not only be your best solution but it might be your only solution. Now this doesn’t mean you are going to be able to stream 1080p HD through all of these devices, some are only designed to allow you to control the projector or perhaps due a static presentation. But there are some devices out there that will allow you to transmit Full motion HD video wirelessly and there are certainly more to come. Back to the top.

          What is a Projector Mount?
          Choosing the correct combination of projector mount and accessories for your installation is a key component to getting the ideal viewing performance from Projector.  If you don’t mount your projector at correct height and angle you may not be able to get the best image from your projector, even though most projectors allow for keystoning and angle correction you will have a better image of you mount your projector at the correct height, orientation/angle to start with. There are many mounting accessories that can help you achieve this. In most applications you will start with a flush ceiling mount and that may be all you will need. Some installations, depending on the room you are mounting your projector in you may need additional mounting accessories which could include: False Ceiling Plates, Standard Ceiling Plates, Anti Vibration Ceiling Plates, I-beam/Truss Adapters, Unistrut Plates, Extension columns, wall mounts, short throw wall mounts, security mounts, projector enclosures.  Back to the top.

          What is Projection Screen?
          A Projection screen is a Textile fabric and support system used for displaying a projected image on. The surface/texture, material and color of the screen can vary depending on its purpose, environment and/or brightness or contrast desired of the projected image. Screens are made for both front and rear projection. Front projection is like in a movie theater where the projector is looked in front of the viewing screen projecting on to its surface. Rear Projection is when the projector is located behind the screen and the projector is projecting through the screen. In addition to screen variations there are also installation, type and support system variations such as: Manual (pull down), Electric, Rear, Portable, Fixed or Framed, Wall mounted, Ceiling mounted, Ceiling recessed, folding, tripod, pull up and Outdoor. Call us and we will help you get the right screen for you application.

          Projecting on to a screen (as opposed to just the wall) will improve the image you see (in color, contrast and brightness) by 30-70% depending on the walls surface finish, color and reflective nature. Which means a $50 entry level/basic screen could improve your projector performances immensely. Back to the top.

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