Projectors are no longer just the boring devices you saw at indoor conferences. They are now becoming an integral part of home entertainment and are bringing back the wonder we used to get while watching movies on the big screen. From magic lanterns that used pictures, prints or photographs on transparent plates and a light source to project the images, to video and digital innovations, projectors continue to find a place not only in our workplaces but also in our homes. Have come a long way. Now, portable projectors are helping us enjoy our cinematic and gaming experiences beyond the four walls of our homes. Nothing compares to the thrill of watching your favorite movie under the open sky or cheering on your home team in your backyard or on a camping trip. But before you invest in a portable projector, it is important to consider some important factors.
portability is important
Carrying a heavy projector on a trek across a hill or to a beach party is not feasible. When selecting a projector for outdoor use, it is essential to consider ease of transport and portability. Today, there are many light weight projectors available in the market that can be easily carried in your backpack and still successfully provide larger than life entertainment. These usually weigh less than a kilogram and are easy to carry even on your solo trips. Avoid going for single panel LCD projectors as they are cumbersome and instead choose DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors which are lighter and more reliable.
Ease of use and connectivity
Technologies are rapidly evolving and projectors need to expand their scope and design accordingly. One important factor to consider when choosing an outdoor projector is the ease of connectivity, both in terms of hardware and software. Hardware connectivity includes features like Wi-Fi, ports, HDMI, USB, SD card and adapter. There are also projectors that have dual-channel Wi-Fi (between 2.4GHz and 5GHz) that will help boost your network performance. The projector should have a simple interface and be able to connect easily to your phone, laptop, or tablet. Some projectors also have streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon, making it easy to connect to content. Also, look for software features or programs that are very compatible and user-friendly, such as application support software or operating systems.
go for smarter devices
Imagine an outdoor movie experience ruined by the accidental loss of your projector! This is why it is better to invest in a shock and drop resistant projector. Also don’t forget to research the projector’s throw ratio to make sure the picture quality doesn’t suffer even if a device is too far or too close to the screen. Remember that the larger your screen, the further away the projector needs to be. Adaptable and versatile projector with various port options that allow you to connect your phone to the projector via Bluetooth, load files via USB and act like a smart device packed with built-in apps perfect for a family night full of varied entertainment.
Go for optimum sound quality
To start with, it’s important that you have access to an additional audio source when watching a movie or game outside, especially if the ambient sounds are too distracting. Or go for a projector with really powerful inbuilt speakers. Immersive sound can turn a great viewing experience into a magical movie night, so if you want to enhance your audio experience, choose projectors that offer enough ports to let you connect external devices as well. If you have a Bluetooth enabled projector, you can connect the speakers in wireless mode and pretend that you are in a movie theater, surrounded by waves of brilliant and full sound!
Check out Long Battery Life
Portable projectors aren’t easy to recharge outdoors, so their battery life should be an important deciding factor before making a purchase. LED projectors consume less energy and offer long battery life and a built-in battery that provides up to four hours of music playback or two hours of video playback at full brightness, perfect for outdoor entertainment. Although each projector will offer something that will suit the different needs of users, including gamers, avid movie and sports lovers, and binge-watchers. Hence, thoroughly read the product reviews and customer feedback on battery life of projectors in the market before making a decision.
Motwani is the official representative of XGIMI India.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and are not meant to reflect the views or opinions of The Week.
