Don't look now, but projectors are invading our homes in record numbers.

They're not like those bulky, whirring machines we used to love in class when we were kids. Now they're sleek, modern, quiet, and easy to have at home for personal use. As consumers, we've become spoiled when it comes to our audio and visual equipment. First we did away with black and white. Then we went from antennae to cable, which improved the picture even further. Then came high definition on huge plasma and LCD screens. Projection is the next evolution. You get crystal clear picture quality on a screen that's as big or bigger than your flat-screen television. It's often cheaper to boot. Consumers now are able to enjoy movies and television at home while capturing the experience of going to a theater. Remember though, not all projectors are created equal. So, you’ve decided you’d like to revamp your entertainment equipment. What Projector Should I Get? What type of projector works best for you? Keep in mind, the more features a projector has, the more expensive it will most likely be.

First you need to determine the purpose for which the projector will be used. They can come in all sorts of sizes and weights. If you’ll be traveling with it to do presentations for work, you won’t want to lug a large projector in your carry-on. If that’s the case, then you’ll want one of the smaller units. Perhaps even a pocket-sized one. Same with if you want to set up an outdoor theater experience in the backyard or at the cottage. You’ll want something that's easy to transport, even if it’s only going to the backyard. You’ll also want one that can be moved quickly if it starts to rain! If you’re looking for one that won’t move until you move, then one of the larger sizes will do just fine.

For simple files like pictures and PowerPoint presentations, you won’t need a high-resolution projector. The more clear and vivid you want the pictures, the higher resolution you’ll want. If your presentation features pictures from your biking trip to the Grand Canyon, you’ll want higher resolution to show off the beautiful vistas. If you are running Blu-ray disks or anything from a high-definition source, you’ll want 1080p capability. 1080p is the highest of high definition, at the moment, and makes your video look as real as possible. Now however you want to get a 4K projector to get the best picture possible.

If you have a high-definition projector, and you’re running video that isn’t high-definition, the picture may look strange. In that case, a lower-resolution projector would be most appropriate.

Two other things to think about when considering picture quality are widescreen and 3D formats. Most movies nowadays come in widescreen, so for a home theater system, it’s a must. You probably won’t need this format for pictures and data files. 3D is also a matter of preference. Many people like to watch their sports and movies in 3D, if it’s available, but it's not for everyone. If you do decide to use a 3D projector, we strongly suggest pairing it with a 3D projector screen with the proper polarization properties.

It may seem self-explanatory, but also make sure that the projector you choose is able to connect to whatever source you plan to use most. If you want to run video from a Blu-ray player, you'll need an HDMI port. This is a must for any high-definition viewing, and some of the smaller and older models may not have one. As well, you may want to hook up your tablet or smartphone to stream video. In that case, make sure you have any adapters needed to do so.

It’s important when buying a projector that the unit works best for you. If you’re on a budget, you may need to weigh the pros of cons of each unit to make sure it's the right fit. Getting the right projector for you will ensure years of great viewing. 

With all of the great options we have in stock, we’re certain you’ll find the right projector to suit your needs.