---   CHOOSING A RESOLUTION   ---


Choosing a Projector Resolution
 -- Jim Gelder, Projectorian.com


The resolution of your projector will be the main factor that determines how sharp and clear your picture will be.


Simply stated, resolution is a function of the amount of pixels that make up the image.


Like a computer monitor, a projector's resolution is stated in two numbers, reflecting the number of pixels horizontally and vertically.


Some projectors can display higher or lower resolutions than their stated native resolution through the use of compression technology.


In general, higher resolution shows more detail, and provide a better quality picture that is less grainy and pixilated. This does come at a price, and projectors with lower resolutions will save you a good deal of money. For ordinary uses, if you are not planning to display a lot of complicated and detailed graphics, a lower resolution projector will be adequate.


There are four basic resolution choices:

• SVGA, which has a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, is most common and least expensive.
• XGA resolution offers a 1,024 x 768 pixel display, and SXGA offers 1,280 x 1,024.
• SXGA is considerably more expensive, and is used where there is a need for showing small details, such as in CAD/CAM applications.
• The highest resolution is UXGA, or 1,600 x 1,200, although fewer products are available with a native UXGA resolution.

SVGA projectors, at the low end of the scale, are available but are generally being replaced by XGA projectors, which are still very affordable. An XGA projector is adequate for most needs. Most notebook computers use XGA resolution.


For the standard Powerpoint business display, SVGA or XGA is probably adequate, the higher resolutions will not yield any significant advantage. XGA is better suited to things like spreadsheets and displays with columns of numbers, and SXGA is probably the best option for technical drawings and detailed graphics.


However, the resolution of the projector should match the resolution of the computer that will be used with it. If you're using an SVGA laptop for example, you will get the clearest picture on the screen by using a projector that also offers native SVGA resolution. And while it is possible to connect a computer with a projector that has a different resolution, you will lose some sharpness in the display as a result.


Your projector should have the same resolution as the computer you are using, but if this is not possible, you can still make it work. Projectors use compression technology to allow a lower resolution projector to display a higher resolution image.


The image will be glossy to some degree, so it would be a good idea to take it for a test run before buying to see how the projector handles images from your computer screen. If you don't have the budget to buy a projector to match your computer's higher resolution, choose a projector that affords the best compression technology possible.





For additional information about resolution in regards to television or home theater projectors, you may also want to check out the differences between widescreen and standard units. Christie's also had some good information about resolution compatibility issues in regards to computers being hooked up to conference units.