If you’re thinking of installing or upgrading your home theater, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from when designing your setup. Although there are some pretty fantastic TVs available, there’s nothing quite like a home projector to create the ultimate home theater experience. And at SevenAV, we can help you find everything you need for the perfect home theater including the best projector system for your setup.
In this post, we’re breaking down some of the top questions to consider before taking the plunge and investing in a home projector for your Minnesota home. To connect with a technician about home theater installation for your home, give us a call today.
1. What inputs are available?
You don’t want to end up with a projector that doesn’t have all of the inputs you need to use your devices. Although it may be possible to save money by installing an older projector, these don’t always have the HDMI inputs you need to connect with a Roku or other streaming device. Additionally, if you plan to connect with your computer, you’ll need DVI or VGA inputs.
2. What do the technical terms mean?
When you’re shopping for a projector, you’ll likely encounter some unfamiliar terminology. All projectors are either LCD or DLP. LCD projectors are more affordable lamp-based projectors. LCD projectors have a bright, crisp image but require frequent maintenance and use bulbs that will eventually burn out. DLPs, on the other hand, are much more portable and offer greater contrast and blacker blacks than LCD projectors.
You’ll also need to consider pixel count and aspect ratio (relationship of width to height). These are the most common projector resolution options:
● Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA): 800 x 600 px, 4:3 aspect ratio
● Extended Graphics Array (XGA): 1024 x 768 px, 4.3 aspect ratio
● Wide Extended Graphics Array (WXGA): 1280 x 800 px, 16:10 aspect ratio
● Full HD (FHD): 1920 x 1200 px, 16:9 aspect ratio
● Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA): 1920 x 1200 px, 16:10 aspect ratio
● 4K Ultra-High Definition (4K UHD): 3840 x 2160 px, 16:9 aspect ratio
3. Do I need a special screen?
While technically you can use just about any white surface to project an image on, you’re not going to get the clear, full theater experience and image quality without a professional projector screen. Additionally, a wall or other surface may have difficulty reflecting the image. Screen size should also be optimized for the size of your room, type of projector, and distance from the projector. Finally, you may also wish to purchase a portable screen if you plan to show outdoor movies on warm summer nights.
Home Theater Installation for Your Minnesota Home
At SevenAV, we can help you sort through all of the tough questions and decisions you’ll need to consider when choosing a new projector for your home. To get a free estimate on your new home theater, give us a call at 763-420-1070 or contact us online.