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  We rate projectors on a scale of 1 through 10. Any product achieving an overall score of 8 or better can be considered for an Editors' Choice award. To calculate the rating, different criteria are scored on our 10-point scale. These scores are then weighted as detailed below, added, and converted to conform to our rating system.

Here are the rating criteria, with the weightings by class:

 

  Design
  • Portable (30 percent)
  • Business (15 percent)
  • Multi-use (10 percent)
  • Home theatre (20 percent)


Features
  • Portable (20 percent)
  • Business (30 percent)
  • Multi-use (35 percent)
  • Home theatre (20 percent)


Ease of use
  • Portable (25 percent)
  • Business (30 percent)
  • Multi-use (30 percent)
  • Home theatre (35 percent)


Performance
  • Portable (25 percent)
  • Business (25 percent)
  • Multi-use (25 percent)
  • Home theatre (25 percent)


 
What the numbers mean
  10.0 (Perfect):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.

9.0 to 9.9 (Spectacular):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.

8.0 to 8.9 (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.

5.0 to 5.9 (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.

4.0 to 4.9 (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.

3.0 to 3.9 (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.

2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.

1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.

  
Note: We've recalibrated our rating scale as of July 2005 to give us more room to emphasize the differences between one product and another. As a result, you may note some disparity between products rated according to the former scale and those ranked based on the new one.