What are ANSI code lamps / bulbs?
ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute. They are the agency responsible for creating a universal standard for the safety, quality, proper dimensions, and performance of the lamps.
Each lamp has a unique 3 digit code assigned by ANSI. The good news is that, unlike lamps for digital projectors, ANSI code bulbs can be made by many different manufacturers and the competition makes them much more affordable. However, besides the obvious performance difference, ANSI lamps will go out significantly faster than lamps for digital projectors. Focused Technology highly recommends keeping some backups.
Which ANSI Code Lamp Do I Need for My Projector?
Often times you’ll find the number listed right on the base of lamp you’re replacing, or on the unit itself. Please feel free to call us toll free 1-888-686-0551 if you need help finding the correct lamp for you.
Click here for a complete listing of ANSI Code Projector Lamps / Bulbs we carry.
What are the benefits of laser/LED technology DLP Projectors?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Technology has many advantages over projectors with traditional lamps. Up to ten times longer lamp life means that you’ll have little worry about the lamp going out in the middle of a big presentation. With traditional replacement lamps priced as much as $400, you will save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of the projector in lamp savings. Casio backs up their units with an unheard of 3 year lamp warranty on all projectors. LED Projectors also contain no mercury, meaning no harmful waste for the environment.
Further improving on the technology, Casio has created a hybrid of LED, Laser, and Flourescent light technology which allows for a significantly brighter image than all other projectors using LED technology.
LED projectors are no longer simply hand-held toys. At prices comparable to traditional projectors currently on the market, the Casio Green Slim series can be considered a serious option for schools, government agencies, houses of worship, and traveling business people. Now, you no longer have to choose between image quality and lamp savings.
Casio XJ-A140 Green Slim DLP Projector
$879.00
Casio XJ-A230 Green Slim DLP Projector
$919.00
Casio XJ-A240 Green Slim DLP Projector
$919.00
What is a “pico” projector?
Pico projectors, AKA pocket projectors, AKA micro projectors, are simply projectors that are small enough to fit easily in your hand and travel in your pocket. The small size is made possible by LED light processing technology
What is LED? What are the benefits of LED projectors?
LED (Light Emitting Diodes) are a relatively new source of light output in the projection industry. Besides allowing for very small projectors, the solid state design makes them very durable and long lasting. LED light sources in projectors last 10000 hours or more, which is about 5 times longer than a traditional projector lamp. LED projectors also run cool so there is no need for a noisy fan.
What are the downsides to LED projectors? How does it affect the picture quality?
LED projectors will have significantly lower lumen (brightness) output compared to a traditional projector and require smaller images as a result. Each individual projector has its own strengths and weaknesses. AAXA provides a handy chart to determine which model would be best for your needs:
AAXA M1 Micro Projector – World’s Brightest Micro Projector!
$299.00
AAXA M1 Plus Micro Projector – World’s Brightest Micro Projector!
$339.00
AAXA P2 Pico Projector – World’s Brightest Pico Projector!
$319.00
The Boxlight ProjectoWrite2 and ProjectoWrite2/W (Short Throw) have an on-board interactive camera that allows you to turn literally any surface into an interactive whiteboard.
Full Interactivity and Functionality
The ProjectoWrite2 allows you to use your mouse, e-pen or e-wand to manipulate text, data or images. Capture, modify, save or email anything that’s visible on the screen. Write notes, circle key points, type changes into documents – all in real time. You can even move the unit from one place to another during the course of a presentation without losing interactivity. In short, you can share full computer functionality with your audience.
Replace your old Smartboard, Promethean, or Hitachi
The ProjectoWrite2 has been tested to work with ANY software, including those from Smart, Promethean and Hitachi. You can get the full interactivity you’re used to and the portability you’ve never had. Plus, with less equipment, you’ll spend close to half as much.
BoxLight ProjectoWrite2/W LCD Projector – $1,799.00
From now until July 30th, if you purchase:
Hitachi CP-D10 LCD Projector – $849.00
Hitachi CP-DW10N LCD Projector – $945.00
The PLV-Z4000 has similar specs to its predecessor, the PLV-Z3000.
With its exclusive 3D color management system, SANYO’s TopazReal HD system melds several advanced technologies to create superb optical performance and a sharp and highly accurate image. The system uses 14-bit digital signal processing and a real-focus HD lens system that combines variable iris and lamp reactivity with a newly-developed high efficiency lens. The 3D color management system addresses changes in color phase and color level to produce near-perfect color reproduction, taking full advantage of the Deep Color and x.v.Color capabilities of the projector through its dual HDMI 1.3b inputs. Approximately 216 billion color combinations are possible.
With a 3LCD design that uses inorganic liquid crystal panels, motion blur and artifacts are virtually eliminated by doubling the input frame rate from 60 to 120 frames per second. Special interpolation frame generation technology determines the motion differences between frames, and through interpolation, generates new frames to fill the gaps between the original frames. The result is improved resolution and a smooth presentation, even with fast moving sports action. The projector is also capable of displaying an HD source from film material in its native 24 frame/second rate with full 1080p/24 resolution.
Thanks to thoughtful design, the projector offers ultra flexibility to installers when using with a mount. With the industry’s most advanced lens shifting capability, the PLV-Z4000 allows the projector to be placed or installed in a number of settings, as images can be shifted vertically up to three screen sizes, and horizontally up to two screen sizes. Its short throw capability and 2x zoom functions allow a large image in virtually any size room and from most any mounting location. Ideal for small to mid-sized home theater environments, it can project a 100-inch diagonal image from between 10 and 20 feet away.
Unwanted noise produced by the projector is kept to an extraordinarily low 19dB through its use of a large aperture, low noise Sirocco cooling fan, allowing it to be mounted near viewers without special baffling to reduce noise. Its eco-friendly design requires minimal power consumption, drawing just 0.3 watts in eco-standby mode. A three-year parts and labor warranty covers the projector, with 90 day coverage on the original lamp.
The Z4000 will be selling for $1,995 and Focused Technology is taking pre-orders now!
Epson Moviemate 72 LCD Projector – $1,049.00
Epson MovieMate 60 Projector and DVD Player Combo – $699.99
Projection Screen Options for Projector/DVD Player Combos – Tripod Projection Screens pair up nicely with these types of projectors since they can be folded up for easy transport and storage. A “pop-up” screen like the Encore Portable Cyber Projection Screen is even easier to set up and carry than a tripod screen. Just be sure that you have a flat, stable surface to place the screen.
Sound Options – The on-board speakers can accommodate an audience of 10-15 people, however, there are outputs on the projector to allow for external speakers if you’ll need extra sound reinforcement. A small set of powered speakers like the JBL Control 2P Powered Monitor System are a great choice.
Other Accessories – No additional cables will be required if you use the on-board DVD player and sound. You may want to consider a mobile projection cart, but anything with a flat top and solid base can be used to set the projector on to.
All-in-one projector combo packages – Focused Technology has combined the Projector/DVD combo unit, tripod screen, and powered speakers into one cash saving package:
Package Includes:
If you are looking to take your outdoor theater to the next level and entertain a large number of people, you’ll need to go with a standalone projector to get the brightness and high resolution you will need.
Keep in mind that not all projectors that are great for home theater are necessarily great for outdoor movies. While many do have the resolution you’ll need to fill a large screen, most do not have the lumen output to fill a screen much larger than 100″ diagonal or combat the extra ambient light you’ll deal with outdoors (even at night). Focused Technology recommends a resolution of 1920×1080 (Full HD) and a brightness of 1500 lumens or more. The following models are great options for outdoor projection:
Optoma EH1020 DLP Projector – $1,389.00
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 LCD Projector – $1,499.00
Optoma TX1080 DLP Projector – $1,849.00
Outdoor Projection Screen Options for Standalone Projectors – Being portable, durable, and relatively easy to setup, Inflatable Projection Screens are very popular for outdoor movies. High winds, one of the major problems with outdoor theaters, can sometimes cause the screen to fold in on itself. If you feel like this could be a consistent problem, a portable folding screen is a nice alternative. The solid frame will hold steady in the wind as long as you anchor the legs with something heavy like a sandbag.
Open Air Home Screen – 10′ Inflatable Projection Screen – $499.00
Open Air Home Screen – 14′ Inflatable Projection Screen – $699.00
Open Air Home Screen – 18′ Inflatable Projection Screen – $1,149.00
Draper Ultimate Folding Portable Screen – Starting at $419.00
Sound Options – For larger audiences you can’t beat the portability and output of a portable PA system. Portable sound systems come with microphones to make announcements before or after your showing or host a karaoke night. Not to mention inputs for instruments like guitars if you want to put on mini-concert!
Fender Passport 300 PRO Sound System – 069-4403-000 – $699.99
Fender Passport 500 PRO Sound System – 069-4405-000 – $999.99
Other Accessories – If you use a Blu-Ray player, which is highly recommended, you’ll need an HDMI Cable to get the best quality image.
Outdoor Movie Theater Packages with Stand Alone Projectors: – Take a look at some of huge money saving outdoor theater packages:
All StageScreens are constructed of a combination of 6′, 5′, 3.5′, 3′, and 2′ long sections.
This allows you to produce several different sizes with one “set” of sections. Instead of stocking a complete frame system for each size you offer, you can now purchase the viewing surface only for each size you offer and one set of frame pieces can produce virtually all sizes! Imagine, you can now offer MORE options to your customers and actually spend LESS money and inventory LESS equipment!
Another great feature for the rental market is the StageScreen’s durability. The StageScreen utilizes an 8” truss that is significantly stronger than traditional truss folding screens. Draper performed in-house testing of the strength of the StageScreen truss compared to a folding truss screen. The results were dramatic: StageScreen proved to be over 60% stronger, holding strong long after the folding truss failed.
Set up is a breeze. They’re are no hinges, snaps, or Handy Cranks. Frame sections are connected with permanently attached threaded links and guide pins. No lost handy cranks. Easy to follow color-coded assembly instructions are included with each StageScreen.
Using the attached DuraLoop™ bungee cord loops with handy nylon pull-tabs, simply hook the surface to the posts on the frame. DuraLoops are longer lasting than traditional snaps, and provide even self-centering tension for the viewing surface. You’ll never want to use snaps again.
The StageScreen was designed specifically to be flown, but leg options are available along with Dress kit options
This offer runs through June 30, 2010 OR while supplies last, so you’ll want to act quickly to take advantage of the program while it’s still around.
Unfortunately, this program is not available to schools, but NEC has several programs for educators. Click here for more information on these programs.
