What is a laser projector?

The projector is great for watching movies, putting the latest figures on a whiteboard or PowerPoint in the classroom. They have the ability to create an image larger than the TV and the size of the image is quick and easy. Moreover, projectors usually cost less per inch than TVs. They reflect light, while TV emits light. Therefore, viewing the image created by the projector will cause less pressure on the eyes. Finally, the projector is compact in size, so it can be easily carried.

Due to the above advantages, many people are considering choosing a projector. The newest name on the market is the laser projector. Here's what you need to know about it, as well as the pros and cons of this projector, before you make a buying decision.

Projector types

There are two different types of projectors available on the market, the type that has the light bulb and the laser type. Lamp type projectors are an older and more common option. The main difference between these two types of projectors is how they create an image.

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1. Bulb type : Both LCD and DLP projectors use ultra high pressure steam mercury ARC lamps. The projector uses an electric current to light this vaporized mercury, causing the bulb to emit super bright light. This light is directed at the LCD or DLP panel to create the final image. Because the process is complicated, projector lamps are very expensive.

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1. Laser type : Laser projection differs from light-based projectors in the way it produces images that we see on the screen. With lamp-based projection, a light source (light bulb) needs to illuminate a panel to create an image. In contrast, laser projectors use lasers to produce light. There are several benefits to this method, leading many to believe that lasers are the future of projectors.

Advantages of laser projectors

Laser projectors are no different from traditional projectors. But laser projectors have a myriad of advantages over light bulb projectors making them very attractive to consumers.

1. Lower maintenance costs

The projector offers excellent image quality and large viewing area. However, the biggest expense on a projector is the light bulb. Projector lamps can be very expensive. Lamp life depends on a number of different factors, such as brightness settings. While projector lamp life will vary from case to case, one thing is for sure, eventually, the lamp will have to be replaced.

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The replacement is not only expensive but can be a real hassle. For example, imagine having to lift a ladder out of a garage just to replace the light bulb in a ceiling mounted projector. In addition, light bulbs need to be 'heated' before they can produce the strong light needed to produce images. Laser projectors do not face these drawbacks. Because they do not rely on light bulbs to produce light, there are no expensive replacements. In addition, the laser projector provides on / off function almost immediately.

2. Energy efficiency

As mentioned earlier, projectors based on traditional light bulbs create images through a 2-step process. First, the light bulb produces a bright, white light. This light is directed at an LCD or DLP panel, controlling the light to produce the final image we see on the screen. LCD / DLP panels are responsible for the colors we see. Therefore, the bulb produces white light regardless of the color shown on the screen, resulting in a lot of energy wastage.

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In addition, because the bulb is very hot, the projector is based on the lamp that needs a fan to cool everything. This leads to more energy consumption. Lasers, on the other hand, only produce the colors needed to get the image. Therefore, laser projectors consume significantly less power, while also providing better image quality, brightness and contrast.

3. Distance from the projector to the screen

When buying a projector that uses light bulbs, one must consider the distance from the projector to the screen (throw distance). Throw distance is the distance between the projector lens and the screen. The size of the image projected onto the screen determines where the projector is placed in the room. If you are planning to mount the projector on a ceiling, it is important that you calculate this distance appropriately.

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On the other hand, many laser projectors on the market have extremely short throw distances. These projectors fit almost any room, regardless of size. They are designed to be placed on a table, very close to the screen. For example, some ultra short-throw projectors can produce 120-inch images 8 inches (20.5cm) from the screen.

Note : All ultra short throw projectors will have different throw distance requirements.

4. Better overall picture quality

One of the biggest benefits of laser projectors is to upgrade the overall image quality. Because image projection is independent of the light bulb, the laser projector can produce images with a wider color gamut. Therefore, laser projectors are capable of providing images with richer black and more vibrant colors. This results in an image with significantly better contrast, as the lasers are producing the required colors directly.

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Projector based on traditional light bulbs need to filter colors from white light, and this negatively affects contrast. Moreover, because the laser is producing the needed light directly, the laser projector can produce significantly brighter images while maintaining excellent contrast.

Disadvantages of laser projectors

The biggest downside to laser projectors is the initial cost of the machine. Laser projectors are significantly more expensive than traditional projectors. At the time of this writing, even the cheapest laser projectors cost about 3 times more than a bulb-based projector. But in the long run, the cost is not expensive. This comes from the fact that there is not much maintenance cost associated with laser projectors, most notably an expensive light bulb.

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In short, laser projectors are almost certainly the future of image projection on a big screen. They are capable of producing better colors and brighter images, while reducing operating and maintenance costs. However, laser projectors are very expensive, making them far out of reach for many consumers at the moment.

What is your opinion about laser projectors? Are you considering buying one or are you waiting for the product price to drop? Let everyone know in the comments below!

Wish you make the right decision!