Re: LCD Purchase

Jim Lockard (jlockard@niu.edu)
Wed, 04 Feb 1998 06:51:10 -0600

In the College of Educ, our most recent purchases have been Proxima
projectors. They are compact, light, and seem to work very well. They
were recommended by Tech Services initially, and we continue to purchase
them. Some other brands tended to cut off the outer edges of the computer
image, which was not acceptable to us.

I don't recall the specific model numbers off hand, but most are standard
VGA resolution (640x480), one is an SVGA (800x600). Although each model
claims to be able to display the next higher resolution in "compressed
mode," in fact it works poorly for anything with fine detail (e.g. a
spreadsheet) because compressed mode seems to really mean dropping many
lines. The image becomes incomplete, though you don't notice it at all
with large text and graphics in PowerPoint, for instance. However, fine
detail on a web page can get problematic. The SVGA model was nearly $2000
more expensive, but worth it to us for one system at any rate. The final
choice depends on your use, of course.

All of our models have dual video and computer inputs, so that one can
connect both a VCR and another video source simultaneously, as well as two
computers, such as one PC and one Mac, or one desktop and one notebook.
We find this useful as well. We also purchased a VGA splitter/amplifier
and a 50' VGA cable at minimal cost so that the computer and projector need
not be next to one another (the included cables are only about 6') where
the computer and presenter tend to block the view of too many in the audience.

I'd be happy to arrange for anyone to see our setup, if there is interest.

At 05:06 PM 2/2/98 -0600, you wrote:
>The Division of Continuing Education is going to purchase an
>LCD projector, and I'm seeking opinions on desirable
>features and brand/model recommendations. Our heaviest
>anticipated use will be to project web based materials and
>powerpoint presentations. What's new and cool?
>
>