Guide to projector manufacturers

	Not everyone's familiar with all of the projector manufacturers. Or you might know some of them for making televisions and other appliances, but not know how good they are at making projectors. So we've put together a quick low-down on how we see it - where their strengths lie, and how those strengths affect your purchase decision when choosing a projector.
	3M
	For more than 100 years, people around the world have looked to 3M for products and ideas that solve problems and help make the world smarter and faster. With more than 55,000 products, 40-plus core technologies and leadership in major markets served worldwide, 3M continues to develop ingenious solutions to meet your varying needs. 3M web site
	Acer
	Founded in 1976, Acer ranks among the world's top four branded PC vendors and second in EMEA Region (source Gartner 3Q 2006). In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus its resources on developing technologically advanced, user-friendly solutions. The decision to support the sales of its product lines through specific marketing activities that best utilise distribution channels, has allowed Acer to achieve excellent results worldwide. Acer's projector range provides affordable solutions for business, Government, Education and home users. Acer web site
	Anders Kern
	Anders Kern web site
	ASK
	ASK web site
	ATEC
	ATEC web site
	Barco
	With over twenty years experience in the large screen projection industry, CRT technology is one of Barco’s strongest core competences and as such the company is regarded as the reference in CRT projectors. Barco web site
	BenQ
	In our view BenQ offers a great line up in both business and home cinema projectors with fantastic value and specifications. Most units are available to see in our demo room, please call to enquire. The BenQ Group, is a global operation, employing over 10,000 people worldwide and with an annual turnover (2001) of $ 3.2 billion. BenQ web site
	Boxlight
	Boxlight web site
	Canon
	The Canon brand is trusted the world over – the Financial Times placed Canon at number 25 among the world’s most respected companies, out of over 1000 companies. Business Week places the brand in position 35 among the best global brands. Canon offers professional projection at exceptional value, the ultra-portable LV range is the perfect range of projectors for presentations. With models for the classroom, for business people on the road, and installation in meeting rooms, lecture theatres and auditoriums, LV offers high quality Canon imaging and complete ease of use. Setting new standards in their class, XEED projectors provide crisp, high quality projection for large businesses and imaging professionals. These uniquely compact projectors employ LCOS technology to deliver lattice-free images with exceptional contrast and brightness. Benefiting from 70 years of optical innovation, Canon projection lenses offer unrivalled clarity and contrast. If high quality digital projection is what you require then Canon will have a model that suits your needs. Canon web site
	Casio
	One of the newest entrants to the projector marketplace, Casio have launched a range that stands out for innovative features. A document camera option is available for Casio projectors. Casio web site
	Christie
	Christie web site
	Compaq
	Compaq web site
	CTX
	CTX web site
	Davis
	Davis web site
	Dell
	Dell web site
	Delta
	Delta web site
	Dukane
	Dukane web site
	Eiki
	Eiki web site
	Eizo
	Eizo have a very small range of projectors, but those that they do have are big on reliability and features. Image quality is well rated in their desktop/installation projectors. Eizo web site
	Epson
	From popular consumer models to high-end professional models, Epson markets a wide range of 3LCD projectors reproducing bright, natural images that are easy on the eyes. Epson's range of professional-level projectors is used in business and education for presentations and exhibitions. The EMP series multimedia projectors from Epson offer bright, compatible and versatile presentation solutions as well as being highly portable. Whether you require a high-performance projector for home use or for presentations in various office or conference-room environments or wish to create a specialised installation system, Epson has the projector to suit your needs. Epson's projectors for home use comprise a full line-up of products, the Epson TW range of projectors offers 4 different home cinema projectors including products with built-in DVD players offering an entry level projector to HD ready high spec projectors to transform your living room into a home cinema at a click of a button. Epson web site
	Fujitsu
	Fujitsu web site
	Geha
	Geha web site
	Hitachi
	Hitachi projectors offer very high reliablility at a low price. The Hitachi range is mainly geared towards business presentations, but recently Hitachi have launched a range of competitively priced home cinema projectors. The specifications for Hitachi projectors are generally very conservative, ie. a Hitachi projector which is stated as 1000 lumens by Hitachi might be considered an 1100 lumen projector by other manufacturers’ measurements. Hitachi web site
	HP
	Leveraging their proven quality and expertise in printing and digital imaging, HP bring to you a range of high quality, reliable projectors at competitive prices. The range features strong offerings for the education and business markets. Their stylish, durable design combined with high brightness and contrast ratios aswell as a full range of features make them a great choice for professionals who need to present in different environments. So whether you require an ultra portable or a high performance conference room projector, there's an HP projector to suit your needs and budget. We are a HP Partner which ensures you will receive high quality service and support for all HP products purchased from us. HP web site
	IBM
	IBM web site
	iC
	iC web site
	InFocus
	InFocus projectors tend to be competitively priced. The InFocus range mainly comprises of DLP projectors, and includes some extremely portable units. They are generally easy to use thanks to colour coded cables and connections. InFocus web site
	JVC
	Since the start of the Victor Company of Japan in 1927, JVC has made technological advances that have helped influence the direction in which the world has evolved. As the first company to press phonograph records in Japan and the inventor of the VHS video format, it's been one innovation after another. JVC now introduce to you "HD WORLD" JVC web site
	Kodak
	Kodak web site
	Lektropaks
	Lektropaks web site
	LG
	A new entry to the projector market for 2006, LG's first offering is aimed at the home cinema enthusiast. LG's modern designs combined with innovative features and high specifications are sure to prove popular with customers, so you can expect to see a lot more models on offer shortly… LG web site
	Liesegang
	Liesegang web site
	Lindy
	Lindy web site
	MediaStar
	MediaStar web site
	Metroplan
	Metroplan web site
	Mirai
	Mirai web site
	Mitsubishi
	Mitsubishi projectors are known for impressive reliability and good picture quality. The majority of their range is aimed at installation applications but of recent times their Home Cinema range has become a formidable force! Mitsubishi web site
	NEC
	NEC projectors are designed with the emphasis on features, connectivity and reliability, rather than being strong on portability.Their reliability is backed up by a three year ‘repair or replace’ warranty. NEC also have a patent on ‘Accublend’ technology, which comes built in to all of their projectors. Accublend means that high resolution pictures can be presented through a projector with a low resolution, without as much distortion of the image as competing products would display. In our opinion NEC have one of the best reliability records of any manufacturer. NEC web site
	Optoma
	Optoma Europe Ltd is a part of the Coretronic Group, and their products are sold in nearly every country around the globe. Optoma has its manufacturing base in the Far East. Optoma has quickly become a global leader in the manufacturing of award-wining projectors for consumers, businesses & education. Optoma web site
	Panasonic
	Panasonic combine portability, high brightness and cutting edge technology at a very affordable price. Build quality is excellent and is complemented by a contemporary design which makes the range a good choice for either home or business presentation use. Panasonic web site
	Philips
	Traditionally a favourite choice in the education sector, Philips projectors are strong on features such as lamp life and security protection. Philips bowed out of the projector market at the end of 2004, but replacement parts are still available from Projector Point. Philips web site
	Pioneer
	Pioneer are indeed the benchmark manufacturer when it comes to plasma TV's. Their new range of "KURO" have significantly deeper black levels (up to 80% deeper) than any other flat-screen TV you can buy. That's because the deepest black levels produce the purest colours and reveal the sharpest details. Pioneer web site
	Planar
	Planar web site
	Plus
	Kaga Components Co. Ltd acquired the PLUS Data Projector business from PLUS Vision Corporation in April 2006. The Plus brand will be changed to TAXAN, the prime brand of Kaga Electronics group to which Kaga Components Co., Ltd, belongs in due course. Better known in the US than in the UK, Plus (now TAXAN) are specialists in ultra portable projectors using DLP technology. Build quality of their projectors is solid and robust. All Plus projectors come with a 3 year loan replacement warranty whilst the supplied lamp is covered by a generous 1000 hours or 6 month usage warranty. Plus web site
	ProjectionDesign
	ProjectionDesign have quickly established a reputation as a leading manufacturer of high performance professional use projectors as well as dedicated professional eCinema projectors. eCinema is a strong, emerging market. From the simplest, and smallest theatres to larger, full specified movie theatres, digital screening allows better, and more efficient use of the silver screen. Pre-show programming tailored to the audience, and centrally controlled, screening of simple, digital-based contents. Featuring Optional interchangeable lenses, the range cater for every type of environment. ProjectionDesign web site
	Proxima
	Owned by InFocus Corporation, Proxima’s range is being reduced as their brand is merged. They still have strengths on higher specification projectors. The supply chain is slow, so you may have to wait for your order to be fulfilled. Proxima web site
	Sagem
	Sagem web site
	Sahara
	Sahara web site
	Samsung
	Samsung web site
	Sanyo
	The word 'SANYO' means 'three oceans' - the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans - an entirely appropriate name for a truly global organisation with SANYO employing over 54,000 people worldwide. Sanyo have one of the best selling projector ranges in the UK. Some of the Sanyo projector range include useful features such as networkability or long throw/short throw lens options. Sanyo web site
	Saville
	Saville web site
	ScreenPlay
	ScreenPlay Projectors are the Home Cinema Division of InFocus. These projectors consistently deliver best-in-class and are easy to use and integrate, provide perfect images, true multimedia capabilities, quick setup and intuitive operation. The ScreenPlay range connects quickly and effortlessly to a variety of sources including digital and analog PCs, DVD players, HD Sources, S-video, VCRs and gaming devices such as XBOX or Playstation 2. ScreenPlay web site
	Security Mounts
	Security Mounts web site
	Sharp
	Sharp has a few offerings worth noting, particularly their more portable projectors. Their pricing is on a par with most manufacturers. Sharp web site
	Sim2
	Sim2 are specialists in projectors for video use, whether for pub/club or home cinema applications. They manufacture high end, well rated projectors. Sim2 web site
	SMS
	SMS web site
	Sony
	Sony projectors feature good picture quality and innovation. Their projectors are solidly built, so they may be a good choice if your projector will be lent out. They also have excellent offerings in home cinema (with true 16:9 widescreen projectors) and wireless / networkable projectors. Projectorpoint are a Sony IT & Display Solutions Certified Partner which ensures you will receive high quality service and support for all Sony products purchased from Projectorpoint. Sony web site
	Taxan
	Kaga Components Co. Ltd acquired the PLUS Data Projector business from PLUS Vision Corporation in April 2006. The Plus brand will be changed to TAXAN. Taxan web site
	ThemeScene
	ThemeScene Projectors are the Home Cinema Division of Optoma and offer high end specifications at a very affordable price. The projectors are easy to use and easy to set up, even for the amateur. DVDs and HDTV will look incredible on your projection screen, plus, you can also watch sports with high definition clarity or play video games with unprecedented realism. ThemeScene web site
	Toshiba
	Toshiba’s strengths are innovation and pricing. They do not have many offerings in the ultra-portable market, but they have some excellently priced projectors in the desktop / semi-portable market. Toshiba projectors come with a three year return to base warranty (most manufacturers offer two years). They have some competitively priced home cinema projectors. Projectorpoint is a Toshiba Approved "Vision" Re-Seller which ensures you will receive high quality service and support for all Toshiba products purchased from us. Toshiba web site
	Unicol
	Unicol web site
	Viewsonic
	ViewSonic is a worldwide leader in visual display products for today's business, consumer electronics, education and professional markets. The company offers a complete line of innovative LCD and CRT desktop displays, digital televisions, projectors and visual devices that are all designed to make the customer's visual experience easier and more enjoyable. ViewSonic remains a leading monitor brand in the United States and has won more than 2,000 awards from independent global publications and organizations. The company's annual sales have risen from $4 million in 1987 to more than $1 billion in 2005. Whether for high-profile presentations at large conferences or edge-of-your-seat home cinema, ViewSonic projectors are sure to leave any audience impressed. The product range extends from extremely bright models for static use in offices and boardrooms to micro-portable projectors that fit easily into any briefcase. Viewsonic projectors offer high brightness, great picture quality and compact designs at very affordable prices. Viewsonic web site
	Vision
	Vision web site
	Vogels
	Vogels web site
	Yamaha
	Known more for its industry standard musical keyboards aswell as multi-channel AV amplifiers and receivers, Yamaha has moved into the projector market in particular home cinema. Yamaha is one of the few manufacturers to offer a complete AV solution from source and power components to speakers and video display. Their projectors are feature packed and offer a multitude of user settings. Yamaha web site
	Footnote:  Please note that the summaries above are based on manufacturers' offerings in May 2002. Subsequent product line-ups may supercede this information. The summaries are subjective based on our experience in selling these projectors and feedback from our extensive customer base.