LCD Projector Recommendations for a Small Nonprofit?

March 13, 2006 5:05 PM

Do you have an LCD projector recommendation for a small, nonprofit? Yes, this question has been asked before. However, I figured it was worth asking again since it's been over a year since it was last posed to AskMeFi and there might be some new models available on the market. All we will be using the projector for is monthly PowerPoint presentations for no more than 100 people. We would prefer to buy it new for under $1k. Depending on the fabulousness of the projector, we might spring for a slightly more expensive one. Even if you don't have a specific recommendation, please let me know if there are any features I should look for. Thanks!
posted by zharptitsa to Technology (6 answers total)

I'd recommend the Mitsubishi HC3. It has a direct VGA input, supports up to 1024x768, and is very bright which is good for environments with windows or some ambient lighting. I've had one for about a year now, I bought it new for $825. If you are only using it for powerpoint you can probably find something cheaper that will suit your needs, projectorcentral.com is a very good site for comparing different models. Pay attention to the lumens because if you aren't going to be in a completely dark room the picture can be difficult to see if the projector isnt putting out enough light.
posted by harrigton at 5:31 PM on March 13, 2006

Another projectorcentral recommendation. Also this:
One way that DLP projectors differ is whether they show red green blue red green blue or red green blue white red green blue white. (They're spinning a "color wheel" in front of the white light.)
The benefit of having a white (or really, clear) segment on the color wheel is that you can get brighter whites. The malefit is that the picture looks a bit more washed out and you get brighter blacks.
So for your purposes, which include using this in a not fully darkened room (at night), if you get a DLP go for a really bright one, knowing that it's going to be less good for the movie theater experience.
posted by Aknaton at 7:39 PM on March 13, 2006

It's hard to make a good recommendation without knowing such details as the size of your conference room, the size of the screen, the degree of portability necessary, etc. However, with your price constraint and the information you've provided and some general rules of thumb, I believe you should be looking for the following features: at the very least 2000 lumens, VGA input, 1024x768, zoom (which provides flexibility in projector placement), and a USB port for mouse control. It might be difficult to find a projector bright enough for a room that can seat 100 for less than $1000, but I can recommend two business projectors with the features I mention above.

Epson PowerLite 76c, LCD projector, 2000 lumens, 5.7 pounds, $900.

Microtek CX6, DLP projector, 2000 lumens, 7.8 pounds, $1000.

The Mitsubishi HC3 recommended by harrigton, while a very nice projector, at 1300 lumens it probably will not be bright enough for a room large enough to seat 100.
posted by RichardP at 8:02 PM on March 13, 2006

Hmm... I just remembered another projector that meets the same list of features I mentioned earlier:

Hitachi CP-X250, 2000 lumens, 6.2 lbs, $980.
posted by RichardP at 9:43 PM on March 13, 2006

My mother called me up a few years back when she worked for a University Grant Program and really needed a Projector. She just wanted to know what model to look for. I told her to either call, or stop by InFocus, as their office is only 5 minutes away from the local Fry's Electronics (I once worked there) where she was going to look for the projector.

She called them up and they gave her some kind of deal. She was extreamly pleased with their service and the model she got. Call them up and see, mention you are a non-profit, might be worth a shot.
posted by Phynix at 1:41 AM on March 14, 2006

1300 lumens might be plenty.
Local retailers should have loaner projectors you can try out.
How dark the space is, and whether you can control ambient light will ultimately determine lumen requirements.
It's too easy to fixate on the lumen ratings, which aren't necessarily accurate.
I highly recommend auditioning a projector in the space before purchase, even if you just borrow some old projector and point it at a wall or bedsheet.

I'll just mention that the Panasonic PT-AE900U is the current one to beat for home theatre use. Amazing projector for $2,000.
posted by pekar wood at 7:42 AM on March 14, 2006