Projector Buying Guide for Educators: Considerations for Colleges and Universities
The impact of technology continues to grow in higher education settings for lessons, collaboration, and experiences as learning trends change. A few of the most important tools in modern classrooms and lecture halls are projectors. Projectors are now ubiquitous in college and university classrooms; whether they are displaying slides, showing videos, or sharing interactive content, projectors have become an expectation. With so many projectors on the market, there are some tips for identifying the best projector for a college or university.
As an educator, this article will focus on dimensions that colleges and universities should consider when purchasing projectors for classrooms and lecture halls in order to enhance student learning.
1. Brightness (Lumens)
Brightness is one of the most important features to consider when buying a projector for educational purposes. Brightness is often described in terms of lumens, which indicates how well the content will be viewed in different lighting scenarios, which is particularly significant in lecture halls or classrooms that have large windows and/or a lot of natural light.
• Small Classrooms (20-50 students) - A small classroom with controlled light would be satisfied with a projector that has at least 2500-3000 lumens.
• Medium Classroom (50-100 students) - A medium-sized lecture hall would want to seek out a projector with at least 3000-4000 lumens, which will be clear even with some ambient light.
• Large Classroom (100+ students) - A large auditorium or lecture hall should have at least a projector with 4500+ lumens so that all students, even in the back row, can clearly see the content being displayed.
Tip: If it is possible to get the classroom dark, but the space has large windows, lean towards brighter lumens..
2. Resolution
Resolution is a significant consideration for both projector purchases and classroom use, as higher resolution projectors will create sharper images. Higher resolution is particularly important when presenting visuals with detailed graphs, charts or small text.
• Standard Definition (SVGA – 800x600): This resolution is adequate for simple text presentations, but may not be appropriate for any detailed graphics. It is probably not the best option for a university classroom setting in this day and age.
• WXGA (1280x800): This is a good balance of quality and cost of projector for straightforward presentations and basic multimedia. A good choice in classrooms other than high tech.
• Full HD (1080p –1920x1080): The best choice when you are showing a video, detailed images or other dynamic media content. A 1080p projector is a popular resolution choice for most university teaching - it has the highest quality image for the cost.
• 4K (3840x2160): Preferred choice for detailed and specific content like medical imaging and engineering and architecture images. Although more expensive and larger physical projectors, it is appropriate for graduate classroom use where precision and detail are important.
Tip - For classroom use in many universities - a 1080p projector will do just fine for general use, unless your building a program in one of the specialized areas (i.e., architecture, art, engineering, etc.) where appropriate use would suggest the use of a 4k projector.
3. Portability
Portability is a central issue in higher education as it allows flexibility. Professors often shuffle from classroom to lecture hall, and thinking about the portability of a projector may come into play.
• Portable Projectors: A portable projector packs light, weighing in around 3-6 pounds, making it easy to transport. These compact projectors are ideal for a professor that must quickly set up or pack up in contrived time frames.
• Mounted Projectors: If you are using a new projector in a lecture hall, or large classroom that uses a permanent set-up, you may want to opt to install a ceiling-mounted projector for a stream-lined hands free operation. Keep in mind, this style of installation is less mobile, and you will want to have an installation professional.
Tip: If your campus has pre-determined classrooms for specific courses, the professor may want to explore a ceiling-mounted projector. For small classrooms, or multi-use spaces, a portable projector maintains the benefits of functionality without forsaking presentation quality..
4. Connectivity Options
Lastly, higher education-focused projectors should offer a balance of connectivity options to allow seamless usage with different devices and media source(s), e.g., diversity passwords for all campus students, data access, etc. Making sure your projector offers multiple connectivity options will only enhance integration into your campus's technological ecosystem.
• HDMI Ports: HDMI is the standard port for most devices, as it offers the highest audio and visual quality. Ensure you can plug into two devices at the same time with two ports.
• USB Ports: USB ports are helpful to allow access from a USB drive, or attachment of peripherals for presentation during class.
• VGA ports: While HDMI is the most common port, it should be noted that some laptops/media equipment are older and should still have VGA port access.
• Wireless connectivity: Many younger projectors also offer wireless connections to let professors connect their devices, e.g. laptops or tablets in a seamless manner. Wireless is the best option win providing a fluid presentation to your audience.
• Bluetooth: Additionally, some projectors are partnered with a Bluetooth system to allow audio access or remote capability.
Tip: Always ensure that your new projector is compatible with all devices and systems used on your campus. You may buy a projector with multiple connectivity options to future-proofing your purchase.
5. Throw Distance
The throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen and dictates how large the image is going to be. This aspect is especially important when considering a projector to different classroom sizes.
• Short-throw Projectors: These projectors can create a large image from a short distance. They work well in classrooms without the ability to place the projector that far away from the screen.
• Long-throw Projectors: These projectors work well for larger lecture halls or auditoriums that have the projector from a distance further away from the screen.
• Ultra Short throw projectors: Ultra short throw projectors can provide a large image from a very short distance, sometimes directly mounted right on top of the screen. These projectors allow for the ability to create fewer shadows and less glare for instructional use, particularly in interactive or collaborative learning spaces.
Tip: Before purchasing a projector, measure the available space in your classroom or lecture hall.
6. Lamp Life and Maintenance
Maintaining projectors is a major concern when selecting projectors for education. Lamp based projectors need periodic lamp replacements; laser projectors will be able to project for a longer period of time than lamp based projectors with less maintenance.
• Lamp based projectors: Typically provide a lamp life range of 2,000 - 5,000 hours of use. Many times these projectors may appear to be the cheaper solution up-front, but, over the time of owning the projector, the lamp replacement cost add up.
• Laser projectors: The operating life expectancy of laser projectors can provide up to 20,000 hours of use without maintenance. Although the initial cost is often much greater than a lamp based projector, using that projector will cost less in the long haul due to less consistent lamp replacements.
Tip: If your institution has projectors for high-use classrooms, you may wish to more fully invest in laser projectors, and not need maintenance costs as frequently.
7. Interactive Features
Interactive projectors allow users to draw, write, or otherwise interact with the projected material in real time, dramatically enhancing learner engagement and collaboration. Interactive projectors are becoming more utilized in universities where collaborative learning is emphasized.
• Interactive Pens and Touch: Many interactive projectors are pen-enabled or touch-enabled for interaction by multiple users at once.
• Whiteboard Mode: Some interactive projectors have a built-in whiteboard mode that can convert a flat surface into a digital whiteboard for drawing, brainstorming, and annotating presentations.
Tip: Interactive projectors are a useful feature to have for seminars, workshops, or any classroom that encourages collaborative learning. If the aim of the class is to increase active participation by students, it may be well worth it to invest in interactive projectors as an option.
8. Budget Considerations
The price point of projectors can also vary greatly depending upon features, technology, and brand. While sticking to your university's budget is important, as is making sure that the projector meets your intended use in teaching.
• Entry-Level Projectors: Entry-level projectors generally run from around $300 to $500. These projectors are really designed to meet the needs of small classroom scenarios with lower-level requirements.
• Mid-Range Projectors: These generally run from $500 - $1500, and offer additional resolution, brightness, and features that would be appropriate for most university classroom purposes.
• High-End Projectors: High-End projector generally start around $1500. These types of projectors may have additional features such as 4k resolution, laser light sources, and interactivity built-in and are designed for a lecture hall, laboratory, or program.
Tip: For budgeting purposes, consider the total ownership cost, along with maintenance and lamp replacement.
Conclusion: Selecting the Optimal Solution for Your Institution
Selecting an appropriate projector for your college or university must be done intentionally considering the needs of the room in which you anticipate using it. By thoughtfully reviewing specific concerns such as brightness, resolution, portability, connectivity, and maintenance, your investment in projector technology can enhance the learning experience for students and provide long-range value, and benefit the institution as a whole.
At the end of the day, the right projector has the potential to change a traditional lecture to a learning experience that is dynamic, engaging, and interactive for both the educator and students!
