Projector buying guide using the BEAM method

This projector guide explains all the important terms and technologies relating to projectors – clearly and practically. Whether you are looking for a home cinema projector, a business projector for presentations or a gaming projector: here you will find well-founded explanations of DLP vs. LCD, projector resolution, contrast, brightness, connections and much more – so that you can make the right buying decision.

Do you still have questions? Our advisers will be happy to help you by email or via our contact form.

The BEAM method: find the right projector in four steps

A projector is not bought by its data sheet, but by its room. Four questions reliably narrow down the selection – in this order, because each one influences the next.

B – Big picture: how large should it be, and what will it be projected onto?

Image size, format and projection surface form the basis of your planning. The screen belongs in the plan from the start, not at the end: fabric type, gain and surface all help determine how the image will look later. How large the image will actually be at your distance is clarified in step M.

Need a size that is not available off the shelf? Send us the width and height – we will check what is possible as a custom-made screen.

E – End use: what do you want to project?

Films, gaming, sport and presentations place different demands on resolution, contrast, imaging technology and response time. If you mainly watch films, contrast and colour accuracy come first; if you play games, you will also pay attention to input lag.

A – Ambient light: how bright is your room?

Ambient light, room size and the desired image width together determine the light output you need. A darkened home cinema needs considerably less brightness than a living room with large windows. Incidentally, the type of projector does not solve this question: a short-throw projector saves space, but does not add brightness.

If your room cannot be darkened, the screen plays a part – a high-contrast ALR surface from step B then often achieves more than a brighter projector.

M – Mounting & placement: where can the projector stand or hang?

Throw ratio, zoom and distance determine the possible placement range. Lens shift makes positioning easier, while keystone is more for correcting the image afterwards – and costs resolution in the process.

Rule of thumb: Image width = throw distance ÷ TR

Would you like to know which projector fits your room? Send us the room width, depth and ceiling height, the desired image size and the possible device position – we will calculate the suitable throw distances and suggest suitable models.

Projection technology

Projectors use different technologies to create the image. The most important are DLP, LCD and LCoS – each with its own strengths in contrast, colour accuracy and sharpness.

Image quality & display

Resolution, contrast and brightness largely determine image quality. Here you can find out what really matters when assessing a projector.

Light source & lamp

The choice of light source – lamp, LED or laser – has a decisive influence on a projector's brightness, lifetime and running costs.

Connections & connectivity

Which cables and interfaces does your projector need? From HDMI and USB to Wi-Fi – all the important connection standards explained.

3D projection

3D projectors make an impressive cinema experience possible at home. Find out all about 3D glasses, Blu-ray 3D and the right technology.

Placement & installation

From the right distance to the screen and ceiling mounting to keystone correction: how to set up your projector perfectly.

Home cinema

A projector turns any room into a home cinema. All about planning, installation, calibration and the best home cinema projectors.

Areas of use

Projectors are extremely versatile – from football nights to school lessons. Find the right projector for your purpose.

Presentation & office

In business use, projectors score with wireless presentation, Office viewers and easy operation – without a notebook at the projector.

Screens & accessories

The right screen and suitable accessories are just as important as the projector itself – for an optimal picture and a secure installation.

Purchase & service

Before buying, it is worth looking at the warranty, statutory warranty and available services – so that you can enjoy your projector for a long time.

Would you like personal advice?

Not sure which projector suits your room and purpose? Our projector experts will give you individual advice – whether for a home cinema, conference room or classroom.