As displays have become increasingly bigger the temptation to automatically install one instead of projector is rising. The cost of flat panels and the perceived ease of installation also lend to the side of displays rather than the traditional projector in higher education. However, the steadfast companion of instructors still have their uses. Here are three things to consider when deciding which type of technology to put into a classroom to display, or project, content.
Size
As displays have become increasingly bigger the temptation to automatically install one instead of projector is rising. The cost of flat panels and the perceived ease of installation also lend to the side of displays rather than the traditional projector in higher education. However, the steadfast companion of instructors still have their uses. Here are three things to consider when deciding which type of technology to put into a classroom to display, or project, content.
Technology
What type of technology are you wanting, or needing, to utilize. Currently there are three main technologies for display; LED backlit, LCD, and OLED. For projectors you have LCD, CMoS, Laser, and DLP. The consideration for using each include ambient light, color reproduction, contrast ratio needs, and black levels. For the best black level it is OLED as projectors themselves cannot create the ultimate black level and neither can LCD as both are using light to create black.
Ease of Maintenance
This one could be a draw depending on the type of projector and display you compare. Laser projectors (i.e. lampless) and OLED displays will have the least amount of overall maintenance. Traditional projectors with lamps to replace will be the highest form of maintenance as well as LCDs with replaceable back light components. LED backlit displays will fall somewhere in the middle. It comes down to how accessible the display is. If it is fairly easy to get to then lamp replacement isn’t much of a concern. If it takes a day’s worth of scaffold building, you may want to go the lampless way.
Much to the dismay of both camps, there is not one display or projector to rule them all. It depends on ambient light, size of desired image, and the long term costs associated with your decision. Do your homework, and the math, to figure out the optimum size for your installation. From there you can make a determination on the technology and other factors.
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