How we tested
Each of the projectors was connected to the test rig and given adequate time for the lamp to heat up and stabilise. This proved to be, in general, less than ten minutes. All the projectors were placed four metres away from the screen. They all projected images on a screen that were two metres in diagonal.
In addition to image quality the projectors were also assessed for workmanship and design, which included location, ease of use and array of controls and ports, sound quality, portability (if relevant), and dust filter replacement.
We measured the relative brightness of each projector with a Topcon IM-2D Digital Illuminance Meter. Also included were a series of subjective jury display quality tests using Display Mate for Windows from Sonera Technologies (http://www.displaymate.com). This series of images is designed to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of a range of attributes, including geometric patterns, colour scales, greyscales, uniformity, and resolution.
The jury tests consisted primarily of examining images from Sonera Technologies' Display Mate for Windows, each of which is designed to highlight specific flaws. Jurors rated the monitors first by whether they showed any of these flaws. If they did, the jurors decided whether the flaws were “barely visible”, “easily visible but not an issue for real-world use”, or “distracting in at least some circumstances.”
We also rated each of the projectors in the areas of Interoperability, Future Proofing, ROI, and Service:
Interoperability: We looked at the number of connectors that were available. RGB, DVI, PC Card Slot, Audio connectors, PC Control
Futureproofing: With future proofing we were concerned about the brightness levels of each of the projectors. There may be times where you will need a brighter projector especially if you were to do a presentation in a well lit up room.
ROI: We looked at the overall cost and performance of the projector including replacement costs of the lamp as well as life.
Service: For the service rating we looked at the length of warranty of the projector and on the lamp.
