Digital Data Projectors

Let's start out, by defining a digital projector. Truth is, the term generally applies to projectors that can handle digital source material. These days, that's basically just about every projector. As such, the phrase "digital projector" is basically synonymous with "multimedia projector", and "video projector", as well as mind you, many projectors that aren't purely digital, but that can project digital content, such as digital data from a computer, HD-TV signals or Blu-ray movies.

1. (Ultra) Short Throw (Portable) Digital Projectors;
2. Long Throw (Portable) Digital Projectors.

Qwerty can supply and install the perfect projector to suit your needs - whether it be a relatively low-cost long-throw digital projector or a high-tech ultra short-throw 3D capable projector.

Throw Distance

A projector’s throw distance is the distance between the projector and the image on the screen. Throw distance is calculated by measuring the distance from the projector’s lens to the projection screen that the image is being cast onto. Throw distance is the basis for determining the projection screen size possible for use.

Throw Ratio

The throw ratio of a projector is the result of dividing the distance between the projector’s lens and the projection screen by the width of the image being projected, or more simply:

Screen width x Throw ratio = Throw distance

The throw ratio figure provides projector owners with all they need to know when deciding where to place their projector or projection screen.

Why are throw distance and throw ratio important?

A projector’s throw distance is vital in determining what size projection screen to use and how far from the projector to place it. By measuring the throw distance you can determine the positional adjustments needed to accommodate a predetermined projection screen size or projector placement.

Advantages of short and long throw distances

A projector fitted with a short throw lens can project a relatively large image when placed only a short distance from the projection screen. Short-throw projectors (with short throw distances) are suited to smaller environments such as small classrooms. More recently ultra short-throw projectors have been introduced and these need only be placed less than 1 metre away from the projection screen to produce an image as large as 80 inches (diagonal).

Projectors can also be fitted with a long throw lens that projects smaller, sharper images from further distances away. A longer throw lens is preferable if you intend to use your projector in large, expansive surroundings such as in large hall or where the projector is required to be hidden at the back of the building. In these situations a long throw lens will most likely be required to make sure that the quality of the projected image is maintained while moving the projector further away from the screen.

In the past there was also a larger discrepancy in the cost price of long-throw and short-throw projectors. More recently priecs have dropped substantially on (ultra) short-throw projectors and the majority of projectors we now supply are ultra short-throw.

Many of the projector manufacturers provide a useful online interactive throw distance calculator that updates all relevant calculations in real-time. As an example, take a look at the online interactive throw distance calculator for Epson projectors.

If you are still left bewildered by projector terminology take a look at our FREE ICT Support Forum for Schools because there may be other helpful questions & answers, product recommendations or explanations listed there. Feel free to post your own questions, comments or recommendation in the forum also. Remember it's FREE!

If you're looking for more information on our projector range or have a question you can drop us a mail using the contact form. Also, related and in case you didn't know, we supply complete interactive whiteboard (IWB) solutions for schools and colleges which include an interactive whiteboard, a digital projector, all cables, a metal termination box and full installation.