That is the reason why many people who go shopping for them do not know what they are actually looking for, and end up getting something more or less than what they require. Well, do not worry here – this is a buying guide if you are planning to get an overhead projector for your home or your business.

Overhead Projector Buying Tip # 1 – Selecting the Right Type

The first aspect of the shopping begins right at your home, when you have to make the decision of what kind of overhead projector you will be needing. There are two main types here – the portable ones and the stationary ones. If you want the overhead projector in a fixed place like your presentation room or in a classroom, then the fixed one will do quite well. But if your business is much on the move, then you must go for the portable ones, even though they are more expensive. Again, check how portable the portable overhead projector is. Will you be able to move it quite easily from one place to another? The best ones are no bigger than a briefcase when packed and can be easily carried like one.

Overhead Projector Buying Tip # 2 – Understanding the Terminology

If you have ever bought a computer, you will understand how important the specifications are when you are going for the purchase. There are enough terms here too, and you should have a determined idea of what they mean and what you will want from among them. Get yourself well acquainted with all the terms involved so that you know what you are getting at. Read on to find out about some of the common terms you will encounter.

Overhead Projector Buying Tip # 3 – Selecting the Lumen Output

The brightness that projectors give out is measured in terms of lumens. Of course, if the lumen output is more, then the picture quality will be brighter – something like the sunlight mode on your cell phone. The amount of lumen output you will need will depend upon the conditions of the room where you are going to use it. If you are going to darken the room, then a low lumen output is necessary. So, how do you assess the right kind of lumen output? Here's something to go by – in a brightly lit classroom, you will need a lumen output of about 3000 to 4000 lumens. From that, you can assess how much lumen output you will require.

Overhead Projector Buying Tip # 4 – Should you get a Hi/Lo Switch?

The Hi/Lo switch is a switch that controls how much the lumen output of the projector is. If you are not sure of the lumen output of your projector at the outset, you will be better placed with a Hi/Lo switch so that you can adjust settings. But if you know the output you will require, then do not invest in the Hi/Lo switch.

Overhead Projector Buying Tip # 5 – Should you get a Lamp Changer?

The lamp changer is a facility in the overhead projector that allows for two lamps to be placed in the projector instead of one. This does not mean you will be using two lamps simultaneously and get better illumination; you can only use one lamp at a time. It helps if you have a lamp burnout in the middle of a presentation. It is very easy to swap lamps – you only have to flick a switch. However, it is not a necessary feature. It is more ideal for backup purposes in the midst of a conference rather than for anything else.

Overhead Projector Buying Tip # 6 – Getting the right Head Assembly

The head assembly is the term for the basic structure of the overhead projector. Depending on the angle of the projector, there are three types of head assemblies – the singlet, doublet and triplet head assemblies. They are different according to the amount of angle they can throw the image to. The singlet head assemblies can throw images to a narrow angle; so if you are placing the projector quite close to the screen, then they should do fine. The triplet head assemblies will throw images quite farther off, but you must see if you will need that much wide angle. In general, a doublet head assembly should do quite well for all purposes. Then, depending on the structure they are also differentiated into open and closed head assemblies. The open head assemblies are more prone to get scratches on the inner optical parts; hence closed head assemblies are preferable. But you should know that the closed head assemblies will make the cleaning of the optical parts quite difficult.    

Neil Valentine D'Silva : Buzzle.com