Pro Projection

The paradox of projector choice

The more there is to choose from, the harder it can be to choose right. Pro projector technology has come on in leaps and bounds, but with so many options on the market, it’s never been more important to pinpoint exactly what you need and exactly how it’s going to be used.

The criteria

Venue dimensions, frequency of use, maintenance accessibility, and budget are just some of the factors you should consider when choosing a projector and screen, and it’s also extremely common for venues to underestimate the extent of their ambient light.

Nevertheless, projection can produce fantastic, rich and versatile images that are realistically limitless in scale when it comes to commercial application. Whatever you want to achieve, the pro projection specialists at Hutchison-t have the technical and creative expertise to design a viable projector solution that will maximise your venue potential and wow your clientele.

Light source: lamps versus lasers and LED

Older model projectors may be cheaper to buy, but traditional incandescent lamps run hot and lamp life can be very short. Replacement bulbs don’t come cheap either, and the need for a cooling system will push energy bills up if it comes in for heavy use. But in corporate environments in particular, they’re still a cost-effective choice.

LED and laser light sources offer significantly extended lifespans, energy efficiency and improved running costs. Naturally, these technology improvements are reflected in the price, but with years of additional run-time and reduced maintenance, they can be a wise investment in high-usage applications.

LED is particularly economical, and with little to no warm-up or cool-down time, it’s the technology of choice for small or portable projectors. The tradeoff? A limited image size and lower brightness that requires a darkened room. On the other hand, RB and RGB laser light offer bright, intense colours that suit large scale applications.

Projection tech: LCD versus DLP

Once light is generated, it needs to be projected to form an image on a screen. The two main options include:

LCD – ideal for larger rooms and spaces owing to its compatibility with zoom lenses and lens shift. LCD projectors will produce bright and vibrant images even in well-lit environments, but can be clunky and component-heavy, prone to pixel burnout. and replacement parts will set you back.
DLP projectors –high colour integrity, brightness, image quality, and precision alignment over an extended lifespan. 3-chip DLP projectors – the top dog of projector technology - produce the sharpest images around with maximum colour saturation. Compact and economical to run, but be prepared to pay big at the outset.

Still confused?

Hutchison-t understand how to apply the right projection technology for a quality visual solution regardless of your project’s limitations. We’ll get to know your vision, and can design and install functional projector solutions for your operational needs - everything from extended performance and stable operation in a non-stop environment, to curved and multi-projector edge blending for scales simply not achievable using flat screen TVs.