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Digital projector buying guide



Connectivity options

A quick peek at a projector's input and output panel is enough to intimidate any layman since it's laden with a myriad array of audio, video and control ports. Ironically, you'll probably be using a subset except for the most complicated commercial installation. Some models also offer multiple jacks from the same genre for redundancy, though cabling cost is another consideration, especially for ceiling-mounted sets.

Jack
Cable
Name
Typical use
Level of
video quality
Composite video

Supports up to 480i

A.k.a. yellow video; video; A/V (when combined with audio jacks)
Legacy A/V boxes such as cable settop boxes, VCRs and game consoles Low
S-video

Supports up to 480i

A.k.a. DIN 4
Same as composite except it's slowly being phased out Medium
Component-video

Supports up 1080p

A.k.a. Y, Pb, Pr; Y, Cb, Cr.
Progressive-scan DVD players, settop boxes, game consoles High
HDMI

Supports up 1080p (24-frame), audio and High-Definition Copy Protection (HDCP)-compatible
HDTV receivers, DVD/Blu-ray players, Media Center/home theater PCs Highest (digital)
RGB

Supports up 1080p

A.k.a. PC, VGA; D-sub
Primarily desktops and laptops Very high
DVI

Supports up to 1080p and HDCP-compatible

A.k.a. DVI-I; DVI-D
Primarily higher-end desktops Highest (digital)
Ethernet

For control purpose only

A.k.a. RJ45, network
To interface with computer through a network for remote administrations, diagnostic, etc. N/A
USB

For firmware upgrade, onboard multimedia playback, PC-less presentation, etc.
To hook up thumbdrives or computers N/A
5V trigger

For extending or retracting a screen automatically
To interface with a motorized projection screen N/A
Accessories »

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