Is the projector a dying peripheral? Definitely not!

In fact, video projectors have new wind in their sails and whilst they were an expensive commodity only reserved for corporations in the past, they are now so well priced that some surpass the price of average TVs. Price is still king and the quality is better too, even in well-lit rooms.

Additionally, projectors today offer users endless opportunities. Compact, lightweight and wireless, and they are easy to configure. Projectors are also easy to carry to the boardroom for corporate presentations and to the living room to create a fully-fledged home theatre or for the use of PC gaming. Some even include 3D-viewing capabilities.

A great alternative to large-scale flat-panel displays

In my opinion, the new range of projectors is an amazing sight. They are bright, crisp and immersive. Even in environments with high ambient light they offer a great alternative to large-scale flat-panel displays. The pixel density has greatly improved and, depending on the viewing distance and light in the room, it may even be a superior solution to some flat-panel displays.

Commercially, projectors are also gaining traction, especially in areas such as retail, showcasing the latest promotions, event marketing displaying client corporate videos, nightclubs showcasing forthcoming events and restaurants displaying the latest specials, to create impressive video displays without being obtrusive.

And it doesn't just stop at that. Museums, engineering firms and aerospace companies alike are coming into the fray to display virtual tours, data analysis and simulation. Even in the education arena, studies have found that students are more attentive on subject matters such as biology, astronomy, and geography in video presentations, rather than learning via simple textbooks on the subject matter at hand. Additionally, a projected screen sure beats a flyer stuck on a wall at some visible location such as a restroom. The applications are dynamic and endless, and images can be displayed on almost any surface, creating a larger-than-life experience.

So what should you look for when buying a projector and how do you recognise the products that rank high on the criteria? This will obviously hinge on your budget. However, I believe that, depending on your needs, image quality, reliability, uptime and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) are all important factors when choosing the right projector.

Even today's projectors that are considered entry-level fulfil all these requirements without breaking the bank. But, importantly, I believe the most pertinent criterion is the service levels you get from your distributor when things go wrong.

In closing, one thing is for sure, projectors are here to stay and with the right reputable brand, customers and businesses can create immersive environments that leave a lasting impression.