“What resolution projector should I buy?” This is a question that is asked frequently. The answer is dependent on your specific needs. To help you better understand how your needs equate to projector resolution, we’ve detailed a number of scenarios (below) that require different projector resolutions.

1. I am on a tight budget. I just need a projector that will work with my laptop/desktop computer; the absolute best image quality is not my highest priority.

   An SVGA (800 x 600) projector should meet your present needs. However, as computer technology evolves, an SVGA projector may not be compatible with future computer models. Keep in mind that you might be sacrificing future usability to save a buck today.

2. I will use the projector primarily for video. I will show DVD and VCR materials, in addition to some Power Point presentations. The DVD content I’ll show will not be in a widescreen format.

   An SVGA (800 x 600) projector should meet your needs. In actuality, an SVGA projector has more resolution than the video you will show. For more information, please refer to the following sections. These sections contain helpful information with regard to displaying video source materials. Business Projectors: What Technology is Right for Me? and Business Projectors: How Bright Do I Need It?

3. I have a decent budget and would like a projector forward compatible with just about any laptop/desktop that I buy now or in the foreseeable future. Image quality, now and in the future, is a concern to me.

   An XGA (1024 x 768) projector will most closely match the output of most desktops/laptops today and will certainly work with computers coming out in the near future. Because XGA resolution is the most prevalent resolution used in businesses, it is unlikely that the projector will need to resize the sourced image, thereby providing the cleanest, sharpest image possible.

4. I will use my projector to show HDTV as well as computer generated images. I may use the projector at home on weekends/nights to for video.

   Please refer to the Home Theater section. Read as much as you can about video/HDTV resolutions as well as the differences between a business projector and a projector designed specifically for home theater.

5. I will use the projector to show CAD drawings and to show other very high resolution images that must have the highest possible image quality. My laptop/desktop is SXGA (1365 x 1024 or 1280 x 1024) and I’d really like something that matches it.

   An SXGA projector might be what you need. Do understand that you will pay a premium for this level of resolution. It is also important to note that SXGA projectors are seldom portable.

If your situation doesn’t fit any of the examples listed above, feel free to contact the The Projector Pros. Account representatives will be happy to assist you in determining the resolution that will best meet your specific needs.