Types

There are two common types of projectors: DLP (digital light processing), and LCD (liquid crystal display). In the early days of projectors, CRT (cathode ray tube) projectors were commonly used. They utilized three tubes, one for each of the primary colors. Due to their large size, low light output and the frequent need to converge and align the images projected from each of the three tubes, they are no longer commonly used.

LCD

LCD projectors work by utilizing polarized mirrors that pass and reflect only certain colors of light. This causes each channel of red, green and blue to be separated and later re-converged via a prism after passing through an LCD panel that controls the intensity and saturation of each color.

DLP

DLP projectors can be classified as one-chip or three-chip. Each chip houses millions of mirrors that reflect light thousands of times each second. One-chip DLP projectors can produce more than 16 million colors while three-chip models can produce more than 35 trillion colors. This allows DLP projectors to reproduce more natural and life like images. The closeness of each mirror within a chip makes it difficult to see any spaces separating the pixels and in turn creates a more fluid and crisp image compared to LCD technology. (Texas Instruments)

Brightness

Brightness of the projector is rated in lumens. The higher the lumen value, the higher the potential brightness of the image. Projector usage and surroundings determine the type and brightness of projector needed. When used in a small room projecting on a small screen, an LCD or one-chip DLP projector with a lumen rating of 1,500 to 3,000 may be used with appealing results. In large venues using larger screens or when ambient light may affect the image, a three-chip DLP projector with a lumen rating of 10,000 to 28,000 should be used.

Lenses

Different types of lenses are available. If the projector is to be placed close to the screen, a short-throw lens may be needed. If the projector will be in the back of a room or large arena far away from the screen, a long-throw lens may be necessary. Distance from the projector to the screen and screen size must both be taken into account.

A projector's aspect ratio refers to the ratio between its width and height. For example, a 4:3 display produces an image that is more square, where a 16:9 ratio produces an image that is more rectangular in shape.

The three most common video projector aspect ratios are 4:3 (XGA & SXGA), 16:10 (WXGA & WUXGA) and 16:9 (standard HDTV, 1080p).

Which is best for you? It depends what you plan to project. As always, your best bet is to match your projector's aspect ratio with that of your source.

Video connectors come in various types, and each one serves a specific purpose and is compatible with different devices. Here are some common types of video connectors:

1. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): HDMI is one of the most popular video connectors used today. It supports both video and audio transmission and is commonly found on TVs, monitors, projectors, gaming consoles, and computers.

2. DisplayPort: DisplayPort is another digital video and audio connector commonly found on computers, monitors, and graphics cards. It supports high resolutions and refresh rates, making it popular among gamers and professionals.

3. VGA (Video Graphics Array): VGA is an older analog video connector that has been widely used in the past for connecting computers to monitors and projectors. However, it is being phased out in favor of digital connectors like HDMI and DisplayPort.

4. DVI (Digital Visual Interface): DVI is a digital video connector that comes in several variations, including DVI-D (digital), DVI-A (analog), and DVI-I (integrated, supporting both digital and analog signals). It is commonly found on older computer monitors and graphics cards.

5. RCA: RCA connectors are typically used for analog video signals. They come in three separate plugs or jacks for composite video (yellow) and stereo audio (red and white). RCA connectors were widely used for connecting DVD players, gaming consoles, and other devices to older TVs.

6. Component Video: Component video connectors use three separate RCA cables for transmitting video signals. They provide higher quality than composite video and were commonly used in home theater systems.

7. S-Video (Separate Video): S-Video is an older video connector that uses a round, multi-pin interface to transmit video signals. It delivers better quality than composite video but is not as common nowadays.

8. Thunderbolt: Thunderbolt is a high-speed interface that supports both video and data transmission. It is commonly used in Apple computers and some professional-grade monitors.

9. Mini DisplayPort: Mini DisplayPort is a smaller version of the DisplayPort connector commonly found on laptops, tablets, and some smaller devices.

10. Mini HDMI: Mini HDMI is a smaller version of the standard HDMI connector and is used in smaller devices like tablets, cameras, and some laptops.

11. Micro HDMI: Micro HDMI is an even smaller version of the HDMI connector and is used in ultra-portable devices like smartphones and action cameras.

It's important to ensure that the video connector you choose is compatible with the devices you want to connect and supports the required video resolution and features. As technology evolves, certain connectors may become less common, while newer connectors with improved capabilities may gain popularity.

Link to presentation here

SD, HD, and 4K are terms used to describe different video resolutions, indicating the number of pixels that make up the image on a display screen. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and clearer the video will appear. Here's what each term means:

1. SD (Standard Definition):

SD refers to Standard Definition video, which was the common video resolution for television broadcasts and DVDs before the advent of high-definition formats. SD typically has a resolution of 720x480 pixels for NTSC (used in North America) or 720x576 pixels for PAL (used in Europe and other regions). It has a 4:3 aspect ratio, meaning the width is 4 units and the height is 3 units.

2. HD (High Definition):

HD stands for High Definition and represents a higher resolution than SD. There are two main HD resolutions:

   a. HD 720p: This has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, with progressive scan (hence the "p"). It offers a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9.

   b. HD 1080p: This has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, with progressive scan. It also has a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. 1080p provides more detailed and sharper images compared to 720p.

3. 4K (Ultra High Definition or UHD):

4K, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), is the highest resolution commonly used for consumer video. There are two main 4K resolutions:

   a. 4K UHD: This has a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, with a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. It is the resolution commonly used in TVs, monitors, and consumer video cameras.

   b. 4K DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives): This has a resolution of 4096x2160 pixels, with a slightly wider aspect ratio of 17:9. It is often used in professional cinema production.

4K provides four times the number of pixels as 1080p, resulting in incredibly detailed and sharp images, especially when viewed on large screens.

It's important to note that video resolution is just one aspect of video quality. Factors like frame rate, color depth, and video compression also play significant roles in determining the overall viewing experience. As technology continues to advance, higher resolutions and improved video quality standards may emerge.

Standard visual and video formats refer to commonly used file formats for images and videos, respectively. These formats are widely supported by various software, devices, and platforms, making them easily shareable and accessible. Here are some standard visual and video formats:

Standard Visual Image Formats:

1. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): JPEG is a widely used lossy image format suitable for photographs and other complex images. It supports millions of colors and is known for its efficient compression, which balances image quality and file size.

2. PNG (Portable Network Graphics): PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency, making it ideal for images with sharp edges and text. It is commonly used for web graphics and images requiring high quality without compression artifacts.

3. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): GIF is a format that supports animation and is often used for simple animations, logos, and icons. It uses lossless compression but is limited to a limited color palette.

4. BMP (Bitmap): BMP is a simple and uncompressed image format used primarily on Windows systems. It preserves pixel-by-pixel data and results in large file sizes.

5. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): TIFF is a flexible format suitable for high-quality images and supports both lossless and lossy compression. It is commonly used in professional printing and publishing.

Standard Video Formats:

1. MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14): MP4 is a widely supported video format that uses the H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) video codecs for efficient compression while maintaining good quality. It is the standard format for online video streaming and is compatible with most devices and platforms.

2. AVI (Audio Video Interleave): AVI is an older video format developed by Microsoft. It is less efficient in terms of compression compared to newer formats but is still used in some cases, particularly for certain codecs.

3. MKV (Matroska Video): MKV is an open-source video container format that can hold multiple audio, video, and subtitle tracks in a single file. It is popular for high-definition video and supports various codecs.

4. MOV (QuickTime Movie): MOV is a format developed by Apple and is commonly used on macOS systems. It supports multiple video and audio tracks, making it suitable for editing and professional applications.

5. WMV (Windows Media Video): WMV is a video format developed by Microsoft. It was popular for online video streaming on Windows platforms, but its usage has decreased in favor of more universal formats like MP4.

These are just a few examples of standard visual and video formats. Different formats have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of format often depends on the intended use, compatibility, and desired balance between file size and quality.

Standard projector resolutions refer to commonly used resolutions in projectors for displaying images and videos. These resolutions are typically represented by the number of pixels in the width and height of the projected image. The most common standard projector resolutions are:

1. SVGA (800x600): SVGA stands for Super Video Graphics Array. It was a popular resolution for projectors in the past, but it has become less common with the prevalence of higher-resolution displays.

2. XGA (1024x768): XGA stands for Extended Graphics Array. It offers a higher resolution than SVGA and is still used in some entry-level and older projectors.

3. WXGA (1280x800): WXGA stands for Wide Extended Graphics Array. It provides a widescreen aspect ratio (usually 16:10) and is commonly found in many modern projectors.

4. 1080p (1920x1080): 1080p is a high-definition resolution that offers full HD quality. It is becoming increasingly popular in projectors, especially for home theater and multimedia applications.

5. WUXGA (1920x1200): WUXGA stands for Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array. It provides a widescreen aspect ratio (usually 16:10) and offers a higher resolution than 1080p, making it suitable for professional presentations and high-resolution content.

6. 4K UHD (3840x2160): 4K UHD stands for Ultra High Definition and offers four times the resolution of 1080p. It provides incredibly sharp and detailed images, making it popular for high-end home theater and professional applications.

7. 4K DCI (4096x2160): 4K DCI stands for 4K Digital Cinema Initiatives and is primarily used in high-end projectors for professional cinema applications.

It's important to note that projector resolutions can vary, and manufacturers may offer additional resolutions to cater to specific needs. When choosing a projector, consider the content you'll be displaying and the compatibility with the source devices to ensure the best viewing experience. Additionally, as technology advances, new resolutions may emerge, providing even higher quality and more immersive projection experiences.

A video switcher scaler, also known as a video matrix switcher scaler or simply a scaler, is a device used in audiovisual systems to manage and manipulate video signals from multiple sources. Its primary function is to switch between different video inputs and outputs while also performing video signal scaling.

Here's a breakdown of its key features:

1. Video Switching: A video switcher scaler allows you to connect multiple video sources (e.g., computers, cameras, DVD players) and multiple display devices (e.g., monitors, projectors, TVs). It enables you to easily switch between these sources to display the desired content on the selected output device.

2. Scaling: Video sources can have different resolutions and formats. The scaler component of the device can convert incoming video signals to match the resolution and format of the output device. For instance, if you have a 1080p input source but a display device that supports 720p resolution, the scaler will downscale the video to fit the lower resolution.

3. Signal Conversion: Apart from scaling, some video switcher scalers can also perform signal conversion, allowing you to convert between different video signal types, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and DVI. This is especially useful when dealing with legacy equipment or when using displays with different input ports.

4. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) Modes: Some advanced video switcher scalers offer PiP and PbP modes, enabling you to display multiple video sources simultaneously on the output device.

5. Control Options: Video switcher scalers are typically equipped with various control options, such as remote control, front panel buttons, or even network control through Ethernet connections. This makes it easy for users to manage the switching and scaling operations.

These devices find applications in various settings, including conference rooms, control centers, educational institutions, live events, and broadcast studios, where multiple video sources need to be managed and displayed on different screens. By using a video switcher scaler, users can simplify their AV setups, maintain signal integrity, and deliver high-quality video content to the desired destinations.

Link to presentation here