Projectors are no longer just boring contraptions you saw at indoor conferences. They are now becoming an intrinsic part of home entertainment and are bringing back the sense of wonder we once felt while watching films on the big screen. From magic lanterns that used paintings, prints, or photographs on transparent plates and a light source to project images, to video and digital innovations, projectors have come a long way to find a place not just in our workplaces but also in our homes. Now, portable projectors are helping us to enjoy our cinematic and gaming experiences beyond the four walls of our homes. Nothing can quite match the thrill of watching a favourite movie under the open sky or cheering your home team in your backyard or during a camping trip. But before you invest in a portable projector, it is important to consider a few important factors.
Portability is crucial
It is not feasible to carry a bulky projector on a trek across a hillside or to a beachside party. While selecting projectors for outdoor use, it is essential to consider ease of transportation and portability. Today, many light-weight projectors are available in the market which can be easily slipped into your backpack and yet successfully deliver larger-than-life entertainment. These weigh generally less than a kilogram and are easy to carry even on your solo trips. Do avoid going for Single Panel LCD projectors as they are cumbersome and instead choose DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors that are lightweight and more reliable.
Ease of use and connectivity
Technologies are evolving fast and projectors need to expand their scope and design accordingly. An important factor to be considered while choosing outdoor projectors is ease of connectivity, both in terms of hardware and software. Hardware connectivity includes features like Wi-Fi, ports, HDMI, USB, SD cards, and adaptors. There are also projectors that have dual-channel Wi-Fi (between 2.4GHz and 5GHz) which will help in augmenting your network performance. Projectors should have a simple interface and should be able to easily connect with your phone, laptop, or tablet. Some of the projectors also have streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon, making it easier to connect with the content. Also, look for software features or programs that are very compatible and user-friendly, like Application Support Software or Operating Systems.
Go for smarter devices
Imagine an outdoor movie experience ruined by accidental damage to your projector! This is why it is better to invest in projectors that are shock and drop resistant. Also don't forget to research the throw ratio of a projector to ensure that even if a device is too far or too close from the screen, the picture quality does not suffer. Remember that the bigger your screen is, the more distant the projector will need to be. Adaptable and versatile projectors with different port options that allow you to connect your phone to the projector via Bluetooth, load files via USB and work like smart devices packed with built-in apps are perfect for a family night full of diverse entertainment.
Go for optimum sound quality
To begin with, it is important that while watching a movie or a sport outdoors, you have access to an additional audio source, especially if the ambient sounds are too distracting. Or just go for projectors with really powerful inbuilt speakers. Immersive sound can transform a wholesome viewing experience into a magical movie night so in case you want to augment your audio experience, choose projectors that offer enough ports for you to connect to external devices too. If you have a Bluetooth enabled projector, you can connect the speakers in a wireless mode and pretend you are in a movie theatre, surrounded by waves of magnificent and full-bodied sound!
Check for long battery life
It is not easy to recharge portable projectors outdoors so their battery life should be a key deciding factor before you make a purchase. LED projectors consume less energy and have a longer battery life and a built-in battery which offers up to four hours of music playback or up to two hours of video playback in full brightness is perfect for outdoor entertainment. Every projector will however offer something that is suited to different requirements of users including gamers, avid movie and sports lovers and binge watchers. So, thoroughly read product reviews and customer feedback on the battery life of projectors in the market before you make a decision.
Motwani is official representative of XGIMI India.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.