Whether planning a family movie night, looking to transform your business meetings, or hoping to take classroom lessons to the next level, a Kodak projector can be the ultimate tool viewing tool.
But, as with so many consumer products, choosing the best projector can be far from a walk in the park. With so many different options to choose from – and so many complex technical factors to consider – making sense of it all can be a daunting task.
So, before you shop, consider this ultimate projector buying guide to ensure you make the right choice and find the best projector for your needs.
Let’s get started!
What Kind of Projector Do You Need?
First things first, decide what kind of projector is right for you. Deciding how and where you want to use your Kodak projector is a crucial first step, as specs don’t mean anything if the projector isn’t right for your space. Kodak offers 4 projector types: Pico, Portable, Android, and Smart TV Projectors with Google TV.
Pico Projectors
Even smaller than their portable projector counterparts, pico projectors easily fit in your pocket or bag for even easier transport. Often, these projectors come equipped with an integrated battery for even easier use, allowing up to 2.5 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Portable Projectors
If you’re planning on taking your projector with you on the go, a portable projector may be your best choice. Designed to be moved as needed, these mini projectors are lightweight and compact, and usually feature an integrated battery, making them super easy to transport and set up. They’re a great choice for schools, offices, and casual use, as they can easily move from place to place with no need for permanent installation.
Android Projectors
If you’re looking for something with more viewing options, an Android smart projector might be the right choice. These projectors integrate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even onboard streaming platforms to wirelessly connect and view media from your smartphone. Some even support HDR for enhanced image clarity.
Smart TV Projectors
The ultimate in smart projectors, our Smart TV projectors with Google TV combine the possibilities of Google TV with the power of Kodak Projectors. Easy to navigate, travel-friendly, and pre-loaded with streaming apps and the Google Play store, these dynamic projectors let you download all your favorite apps for entertainment anywhere. Now, you can easily connect to and navigate Netflix, MAX, Hulu, and more, navigate it all with your phone or using the voice-controlled Google Assistant on your remote control, and enjoy seamless viewing in no time.
Specs & Features
Now that you have a basic understanding of the different projector types, let’s go over some of the important technical details, starting with projector technology.
Projector Technology
Kodak offers two display technologies: LCD and DLP. Understanding the distinct features of each will help you make the right choice for your needs.
LCD
LCD projectors use an LCD panel to create an image. The panel has a specific color combination that helps produce sharp, true-color images when combined. These kinds of projectors are commonly used in classrooms or conference rooms with ample natural light.
DLP
In contrast, Digital Light Processing (DLP) projectors use a set of small mirrors to shine red, blue, or green LED light and produce colored images on your screen. Generally, these projectors are the most compact and affordable options, making them easy to transport or use in multiple settings.
Brightness
Next, consider how much brightness – measured in ANSI lumens – you’ll need. When considering brightness, the most important factor is how much ambient light is in the room – the brighter the room, the higher the brightness you’ll need. If you’re planning on using your projector for home theater, you can get away with a lower brightness, since it will be used in a dark environment. However, in brighter settings, such as an office, you may need something with a higher lumen rating.
Resolution
Measured by the height and width of the pixels, a projector’s resolution represents the total number of pixels the projector can display; the higher the resolution, the clearer the picture. Ultimately, the right resolution for you will depend on your intended use – a projector for gaming or movie-watching may need a 1080p resolution, but for presentations, you can get away with something between 480p and 720p.
Remember, when we talk about resolution, we’re talking about native resolution. Many projectors support higher-resolution content, but this content will be downscaled to be played in the projector’s native resolution. So, for example, a 1080p video played through a projector with a native resolution of 720p will be played in 720p resolution, not 1080p.
Weight and Size
If you’re planning on taking your projector with you on the go, you’ll want something lightweight and compact for easy travel. Kodak offers a variety of pico and portable projectors designed for easy travel, and some even come with a convenient carrying case.
Connectivity
Before you can throw a movie or presentation on the big screen, you’ll need to connect your video source to the projector.
Wired & Wireless Connections
All Kodak projectors come equipped with an HDMI port that transmits digital video and digital audio signals between devices, and USB ports. These ports can be used for connecting to your laptop, smartphone and tablet (via adapter), or even a streaming stick like Apple TV. If you’re planning on connecting more than one device via HDMI, make sure your projector has enough HDMI ports for your intended use. Your projector may also come with other ports like component video, VGA, and microSD, or even wireless compatibility via integrated Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth.
Smart Technology
Our smart projectors also feature integrated Wi-Fi for seamless screen sharing via Airplay or Miracast. Android projectors allow you to navigate Android TV for native connection to preloaded streaming apps, while our Smart projectors with Google TV allow you to stream movies, music, and entertainment by connecting directly to the Google TV interface and logging into Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
Audio Connections
While all Kodak projectors come with integrated speakers, you can also connect external speakers or headphones if you want to boost your sound or enjoy some quiet listening on your own. Some even feature integrated Bluetooth for wirelessly connecting external speakers or headphones.
Throw Ratio
A projector’s throw ratio describes the relationship between the screen width and the distance between the projector and screen, with the first number representing the distance and the second the width. So, for example, a projector with a 1:1 throw ratio produces a 4-foot-wide image when it’s 4 feet from the screen. If the size of the room does not permit you to mount the projector far enough away from the screen, you may need a short throw projector, which allows you to place the projector much closer, while still displaying a wide image.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio compares the darkest value the projector can produce to the highest, ranging anywhere from 300:1 to 100,000:1, with the average being 400:1. A projector with a high contrast ratio allows you to see clearly defined shadow detail and deep black levels for added depth and dimension.
Keystone
If you can’t place your projector exactly perpendicular to the screen, keystone correction allows you to digitally correct distortion, so the image is perfectly aligned on your screen or wall. Most Kodak projectors come with manual keystone, which allows you to physically adjust the lens, and some feature auto keystone correction, which automatically adjusts the image up to a certain specified percentage.
Lamp Life
The last thing we’ll be looking at is lamp life, the measurement of how long the light source will last. All Kodak projectors feature an LED light source with a lifespan of around 25000 – 30000 hours, so you can count on them to stay lit for a long time, saving big on replacements.
Budget
Last, but certainly not least, consider how much you want to spend. When establishing a budget, don’t forget to factor in the additional cost of screens and any other accessories you may want.
While your projector setup doesn’t necessarily need a projector screen, purchasing one will take your viewing experience to new heights, creating a far brighter, clearer, and better image than a wall alone.
Luckily, Kodak offers the best budget projectors and projector accessories, so you can get a quality viewing experience without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right projector can seem overwhelming, but by considering how and where you plan to use it, understanding key specs, and keeping your budget in mind, you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for portability, smart features, or a projector that delivers stunning clarity, Kodak has a wide range of projectors to suit every scenario.
With the right projector, you can transform any space into your own personal theater, classroom, or meeting room, bringing your content to life with vibrant, clear visuals.
Happy shopping and enjoy your new viewing experience!