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Glossary: A to Z

The glossary provides definitions of the key technical terms,
technologies and products.
The content is constantly reviewed and updated by our team of experts.

Simply click on the desired term and the definition is provided





#

1080i

1080i
1080i is the number of vertical lines used to create the image that we see. The "i" in this case refers to interlaced scan which means the 'odd' lines are refreshed followed by the 'even' lines.

1080p

1080p
1080p is the number of vertical lines used to create the image that we see. The "p" in this case refers to progressive scan which means every line is refreshed in sequence.

3D

Three-Dimensional
3D describes an image that provides the perception of depth. 3D content is not automatically 3D and may require certain additional devices. With a 3D ready projector you may require an HDMI 1.4 (high speed) connection to handle the large amount of data needed. Only SXRD and DLP / DILA projectors will work with 3D at the moment, LCD projectors are not yet compatible. For some projectors, you will also require a 3D adapter box so that the projector can read the signal. You will also need active shutter glasses to complete your 3D set up.

3D-ready

3D-ready
3D-ready DLP projectors are capable of 120Hz refresh rate. These projectors will allow the projection of the image into two halves, each at 60 Hz. In 3D mode images can be viewed in 3D when using 3D DLP active shutter glasses. (please note that additional devices such as a 3D adapter box may be required)



A

Auto Keystone

Auto Keystone
If a projector has this feature, it will automatically manipulate the image to be made rectangular (keystone corrected). This is done using an infra-red beam to scan the surface.

Auto Keystone correction

Auto Keystone correction
If a projector has this feature, it will automatically manipulate the image to be made rectangular (keystone corrected). This is done using an infra-red beam to scan the surface.

Auto-Focus

Auto-Focus
This feature allows the projector to automatically focus itself without user intervention and is usually found in mobile projectors. This provides an easy and quick setup of the device, also by inexperienced users.



B

Black Level

Black Level
The black level indicates the lowest light level of projection that is achieved when projecting a black image. The higher the black level is, the better dark colours/black levels will look.

BNC connector

BNC connector
The BNC connector (Bayonet Neill Concelman) transmits (usually via 5 inputs (red, green, blue, horizontal and vertical) an analogue signal via a coaxial connector with a bayonet fitting.



C

Ceiling mounting

Ceiling mounting
Almost all projectors are suitable for ceiling installation. For this purpose projectors have threaded holes on the underside. When mounted to the ceiling, the projector is turned upside down and screwed to the ceiling mount. In order to rotate the image by 180 degrees, you will find a setting ‘ceiling installation/ceiling projection’ in the menu. Advantage of ceiling installation is that the projection cannot be disturbed.

Colour wheel

Colour wheel
In DLP projectors the most important feature, besides the DMD chip, for image creation, is the colour wheel. The colour wheel continuously rotates at extremely high speeds and has currently 3, 4, 5 or in some cases even more colour segments. The colour wheel separates and rotates the light beam into the primary colours: red, green and blue. In recent projectors, the colours white and sometimes cyan, magenta and yellow are also included in the colour wheel. With 3 segments, the colour wheel spins at 3600 or 7200 rpm, with 7 segments the speed goes up to 14400 rpm. (4x speed). Each perceived colour (in DLP projectors) is an extremely rapid series of individual different coloured light beams. Especially with high contrast content, when not all colour combinations are used or the colours needed for colour mixing are located at different ends of the wheel, some viewers may experience a so-called rainbow effect. The faster the colour wheel, the less likely it is to experience the rainbow effect.

Component video

Component video (YPbPr/RGB)
Component video is a video signal that has been split into two or more components. It refers to a type of analogue video signal that is transmitted as three separate video signals. Component video is superior to the lower quality composite video in which all the video information is combined into a single line-level signal. Like composite, component video cables do not carry audio and are often paired with audio cables.

Composite (YUV)

Composite (YUV)
Composite video is a single pin analogue video connection. In contrast to component video (YPbPr) it contains all required video information including colour in a single line-level signal. Like component video, composite video cables do not carry audio and are often paired with audio cables.

Composite connector

Composite connector
Using composite, analogue audio and video signals are transmitted via three connections. (yellow for video, red & white for stereo audio)

Contrast

Contrast
The contrast reflects the graduation between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. The higher the contrast ratio, the more accurate the various gradations between the black and white will be. The full effect of a good contrast ratio can only be seen in a darkened room. For this reason, the contrast ratio is not so important when selecting a projector for business applications. Contrast ratios are defined differently by the different projector technologies so the data on the datasheets is difficult to compare.



D

Decibels (dB)

Decibels (dB)
Most projectors create some noise caused by the cooling fan that is needed to keep the projector temperature down. This is stated in manufacturers’ datasheets in dB (decibels). In eco mode (economy mode), the projector will make less noise due to the lower power consumption than at normal operation (see eco mode). The manufacturers’ readings do not always correspond to reality since there are no standard measurement methods for this reading. The noise volume indications of different projectors may therefore not be directly comparable.

Direct Power Off

Direct Power Off
Projectors using this feature allow you to switch off the projector straight after use and unplug it. It is not necessary to cool down the lamp before switching off.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort
The DisplayPort connection (standardised by VESA) is used for the transmission of high quality image and audio data. In addition to the HDCP encryption, it also supports DPCP. Due to its compact size, it can be installed in most notebooks. There is also an extra-small version - the Mini DisplayPort, which is specifically designed for Apple computers.

DLP

DLP - Digital Light Processing
DLP is a projection technology. The image is created by light being sent through a rotating colour wheel. Newer DLP projectors have a greater number of colour segments that are on the rotating colour wheel (from 6 to 7) in order to achieve better colour mixing. The DLP technology uses an optical semiconductor, known as DMD chip (Digital Micromirror Device) to recreate the image. The light transmits to the DMD chip which contains a number of tiny mirrors, each covering one or more pixels. The mirrors reflect the light through the lens and the image is produced.

DVI

DVI (Digital Video Interface)
DVI is an interface for transmitting video data. DVI-A transmits analogue signals, DVI-D can only transmit digital signals. DVI-I will transmit both analogue and digital signals.



E

Easy MP

Easy MP
A special network function from Epson. The Easy MP function allows you to efficiently present via more than one computer over the network. Easy MP allows you to give a presentation via the network using images and audio data allowing the use of content from various sources from the network. (Please see the following short video).

ECO mode

ECO mode
The eco mode is the power saving mode of the projector. In eco mode the projector does not run at full power and provides lower brightness. When running in eco mode, the operating noise and power consumption are lower than at normal operation. The lamp life can therefore be increased.



F

Focus

Focus
Each projector is equipped with adjustable focus to ensure a sharp image. There are 3 variants: manual focus which can be adjusted by hand via the focus wheel, the powered focus adjustable by pressing a button. Advantage of the powered focus is that when the projector is installed to the ceiling, it can be operated by remote control. There is also the auto focus which automatically adjusts the focus via an internal sensor.

Frame interpolation

Frame interpolation
Frame interpolation is a feature used in high end home cinema projectors from Epson. The objective is to reduce motion judder and blurring and to provide a clearer picture. Using this feature, one positive effect is that the image is appears to have more depth and additional vibrancy.

Full HD

Full HD
“Full HD” typically refers to the capability to accept a 1080p signal and to display it with a native resolution of at least 1080 horizontal lines of vertical resolution.



G

Geometric correction

Geometric correction
Geometric correction is the compensation of optical distortion of projections on curved surfaces.



H

HD ready

HD ready
The “HD ready” term usually refers to any display that is capable of accepting and displaying a high-definition signal at either 720p, 1080i or 1080p using a component video or digital input. Typically HD ready projectors only display at 720p. The HD ready is a certification program introduced in 2005 by EICTA (European Information, Communications and Consumer Electronics Industry Technology Association), now Digital Europe.

HD ready 1080p

HD ready 1080p
The “HD ready 1080p” term usually refers to any display that is capable of accepting and displaying a high-definition signal at either 720p, 1080i or 1080p using a component video or digital input. The HD ready 1080p is a certification program introduced in 2005 by EICTA (European Information, Communications and Consumer Electronics Industry Technology Association), now Digital Europe.

HDMI

High Definition Multimedia Interface
HDMI is the interface for full digital transmission of audio and video data. Originally, this type of connection was developed for consumer electronics such as TVs, however, it is now commonly found on desktops, laptops and other modern devices.

HDTV

High Definition Television
HDTV refers to a high resolution transmission standard for high definition video signals. Technically HDTV content has resolutions from 1280 x 720 to 1920 x 1080 pixels at scanning rates of 24, 50 or 60 Hz. HDTV is the technical generic term for video image signals for playback through devices which are defined as "HD ready" and "Full HD”. In general, the resolution 1920 x 1080p is referred to as a "HDTV resolution". When watching HDTV content, one will notice a much larger amount of image detail, contrast and colours. The smallest details (such as pores on the skin of an actor or improved visibility of details in dark scenes) are visible and provide a more impressive image than standard definition TV.

Horizontal keystone correction

Horizontal keystone correction
Ideally the projector should be positioned perpendicular to the screen. Since this is not always possible, most projectors are equipped with vertical keystone correction and some even offer horizontal keystone correction. This feature allows the trapezoidal distortion of the image to be compensated and keystone corrected (made rectangular) by adjusting the optics or applying digital scaling to the image. Some projectors have an auto-keystone correction function where the projector automatically detects the distortion and adjusts itself automatically.



I

Interchangeable lenses

Interchangeable lenses
With most large installation projectors you have the ability to change the lens depending on the requirements (distance / image width) The following optional lenses are available: - Standard lenses - Wide angle lenses (short distance / large picture) - Telephoto lenses (large distance / small image)



K

Keystone

Keystone
Ideally the projector should be positioned perpendicular to the screen. Since this is not always possible, most projectors are equipped with vertical keystone correction and some even offer horizontal keystone correction. This feature allows the trapezoidal distortion of the image to be compensated and keystone corrected (made rectangular) by adjusting the optics or applying digital scaling to the image. Some projectors have an auto-keystone correction function where the projector automatically detects the distortion and adjusts itself automatically.



L

Lamp life

Lamp life
The manufacturers usually provide 2 definitions of lamp life: one for normal usage and one for use in eco mode. Depending which mode is used in the projector, the lamp can be used for a longer or shorter period of time. The lifetime of a lamp can also be influenced by the way you use your projector. If the projector is used for extended periods on a daily basis, the expected lamp life is likely to shorten. Also environmental influences such as dust or smoky environments may reduce the lamp life. In order to prolong a projector’s lamp life, appropriate maintenance of the equipment is necessary. Air filters for LCD projectors should be cleaned or even changed when necessary. Due to those factors, the exact lamp life of a projector lamp cannot be determined. Manufacturers therefore only provide an estimate (expectation) which can vary in reality. Manufacturers will offer different lamp warranty terms, for instance 1 year or up to 1000 lamp hours whichever comes first. This is specified in the manufacturers’ datasheets.

LCD

LCD - liquid crystal display
With LCD projection technology, the lamp light is passed through a dichroic mirror and split into three primary colours: red, green and blue (3LCD) . The split light is filtered through the working end of each colour polysilicon liquid crystal panel. This produces monochrome images which are superimposed through a prism which then produce an image. Particularly high-quality projectors use four panels (4LCD). In the 4LCD projectors the colour yellow is also separated.

LCoS

LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)
Liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS or LCOS) is a "micro-projection" or "micro-display" technology. It is a reflective technology similar to DLP techology but it uses liquid crystals instead of individual mirrors. By way of comparison, LCD projectors use transmissive LCD chips, allowing light to pass through the liquid crystal. In LCoS, liquid crystals are applied directly to the surface of a silicon chip coated with an aluminised layer, with some type of passivation layer, which is highly reflective.

LED

LED – Light Emitting Diode
The LED technology uses LEDs as light sources instead of traditional UHP lamps.

Lens Shift

Lens Shift
Lens shift can be defined as the displacement of the lens with the prism (horizontal or vertical) or vice versa. This results in the centre of the image being offset from the centre of the lens. The lens shift function helps to eliminate key-stoned images and geometrically aligns images. In contrast to keystone correction, lens-shift does not affect the quality of the image as it is an optical alignment not a digital one.

Lux

Lux
The lux (symbol: lx) is the measure of light. It is used in photometry as a measure of the intensity of light as perceived by the human eye that hits or passes through a surface. One lux is equal to one lumen per square metre: 1 lx = 1 lm/m2.



M

Mini Jack

Mini Jack
Also called an audio jack, phone jack, phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, mini-stereo, or headphone jack, is a common analogue audio connector. It is cylindrical in shape, has typically three contacts but sometimes two.



N

Network

Network
Network capability of a projector usually refers only to management and control. Using the RJ45 interface, data can be read from the projector (such as lamp hours) and a user can also access the projector menus. Most manufacturers provide software which allows multiple projectors to be simultaneously controlled and monitored. The transfer of content is only available in a few models and provides rather slow transmission so only simple content such as image files (jpg format) can be transmitted (see also Epson Easy MP).

Network management and control

Network management and control
Network capability of a projector usually refers only to management and control. Using the RJ45 interface, data can be read from the projector (such as lamp hours) and a user can also access the projector menus. Most manufacturers provide software which allows multiple projectors to be simultaneously controlled and monitored. The transfer of content is only available in a few models and provides rather slow transmission so only simple content such as image files (jpg format) can be transmitted (see also Epson Easy MP).

Noise

Noise
Most projectors create some noise caused by the cooling fan that is needed to keep the projector temperature down. This is stated in manufacturers’ datasheets in dB (decibels). In eco mode (economy mode), the projector will make less noise due to the lower power consumption than at normal operation (see eco mode). The manufacturers’ readings do not always correspond to reality since there are no standard measurement methods for this reading. The noise volume indications of different projectors may therefore not be directly comparable.



O

Office Viewer

Office Viewer
The Office Viewer feature allows Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and PDF files to be accessed directly from a USB flash drive – no PC is required. It should be noted that not all functions may be reproduced exactly as they appear on the PC (transitions for example) because of the limited computing power. The PC Free function is a similar feature but can only be used to view jpeg files.

Offset

Offset
Not all projectors project central to the screen but slightly offset (vertical or horizontal) which may be useful for ceiling installation. The can be corrected by the keystone correction and lens shift functions.

Offset projection

Offset projection
Not all projectors project central to the screen but slightly offset (vertical or horizontal) which may be useful of ceiling installation. The can be corrected by the keystone correction and lens shift functions.



P

PC Free

PC Free
The Office Viewer feature allows Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and PDF files to be accessed directly from a USB flash drive – no PC is required. It should be noted that not all functions may be reproduced exactly as they appear on the PC (transitions for example) because of the limited computing power. The PC Free function is a similar feature but can only be used to view jpeg files.

PC Free Presentation

PC Free Presentation
The Office Viewer feature allows Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and PDF files to be accessed directly from a USB flash drive – no PC is required. It should be noted that not all functions may be reproduced exactly as they appear on the PC (transitions for example) because of the limited computing power. The PC Free function is a similar feature but can only be used to view jpeg files.

Projection Distance

Projection Distance
The projection distance indicates what distance is required for a corresponding image width. Example 1 – calculation of throw distance Throw ratio: 1.4-1.8 : 1 Desired image width: 300cm Result: 420-540cm distance (300 x 1.4 to 1.8 respectively) Example 2 – calculation of possible image width Throw ratio: 1.4-1.8:1 Projection distance: 560cm Result: 311 – 400cm (560 / 1.4 to 1.8 respectively)



R

Rainbow effect

Rainbow effect
The rainbow effect can be found on all 1-chip DLP projectors. However, only around a third of all users will experience it. Older DLP projectors had only about 4 segments on their colour wheels, whereas newer models have a great number of colour segments on the rotating colour wheel. The more colour segments the wheel has, the faster it spins and the rainbow effect becomes less noticeable. It is seen as a flash of colours (red-green-blue, possibly more) and can be seen on stationary images or moving images, especially between light and dark areas. The rainbow effect can be an issue for some users and there have been reports from mild headaches to severe headaches and dizziness.

Rear projection

Rear projection
Many projectors are suitable for rear projection. For rear projection a translucent screen is required (rear projection screen). The projector is positioned behind the screen and the corresponding projection mode needs to be selected in the menu of the projector. One of the main advantages of rear projection is that people walking in front of the projection screen will not cause a shadow. When using a projector in rear projection, a projector with high brightness is required as much light power is lost when it goes through the screen. As rear projection screens will have a high gain factor, the viewing angle is decreased so the audience should be positioned as close to the centre of the screen as possible.

Resolution

Resolution
The resolution of a projector is the maximum number of dots (pixels) which can be displayed by the projector without conversion or cropping the image. The native resolution is determined by the number of pixels a projector can physically use to display an image. A projector has the ability to interpolate the image if it receives a signal with a greater resolution than its own native resolution. In that case there may be missing image details or general blurring of the image. If a projector receives a picture signal with a lower resolution than its own, it can also scale up the image to its own native resolution. Disadvantage is be that although the image is larger, the individual pixels are more visible and the image less sharp.

RJ45 interface

RJ45 interface
Network capability of a projector usually refers only to management and control. Using the RJ45 interface, data can be read from the projector (such as lamp hours) and a user can also access the projector menus. Most manufacturers provide software which allows multiple projectors to be simultaneously controlled and monitored. The transfer of content is only available in a few models and provides rather slow transmission so only simple content such as image files (jpg format) can be transmitted (see also Epson Easy MP).

RS232

RS232
Using the RS232 interface, the projector can be controlled or managed.



S

S-Video

S-Video
S-Video (Separate/Super Video) allows analogue video data to be transmitted. The advantage of S-video cable is to provide better quality signals than can be achieved with composite video cables.

Scart

Scart
A Scart is used to transmit analogue audio and video signals. It is compatible with other connections such as analogue RCA or S-Video.

Short throw projectors

Short throw projectors
Designed for class rooms and meeting rooms, short throw projectors come equipped with wide angle lenses that allow a very large image to be projected from a very short distance. These projectors are ideal for use with interactive whiteboards as the person presenting at the front of the class will not cast a shadow over the projected image. Another benefit is that the presenter is not dazzled by the brightness of the projector.

Standard Lens

Standard Lens
Most large installation projectors offer a number of interchangeable lens options for different requirements (distance / image width). The following optional lenses are available: - Standard lenses - Wide angle lenses (short distance / large picture) - Telephoto lenses (large distance / small image)

Super Resolution

Super Resolution
Super Resolution is a feature used in high-end Epson home cinema projectors. It allows the user to sharpen the resolution of the image (even with Blu-ray media) which will sharpen details even more.



T

Telephoto lens

Telephoto lens
Most large installation projectors offer a number of interchangeable lens options for different requirements (distance / image width). The following optional lenses are available: - Standard lenses - Wide angle lenses (short distance / large picture) - Telephoto lenses (large distance / small image)

Throw distance

Throw distance
The throw distance indicates what distance is required (for the projector position) for a corresponding image width. Example 1 – calculation of throw distance Throw ratio: 1.4-1.8 : 1 Desired image width: 300cm Result: 420-540cm distance (300 x 1.4 to 1.8 respectively) Example 2 – calculation of possible image width Throw ratio: 1.4-1.8:1 Projection distance: 560cm Result: 311 – 400cm (560 / 1.4 to 1.8 respectively)

Throw Ratio

Throw Ratio
The throw ratio indicates what distance is required (for the projector position) for a corresponding image width. Example 1 – calculation of throw distance Throw ratio: 1.4-1.8 : 1 Desired image width: 300cm Result: 420-540cm distance (300 x 1.4 to 1.8 respectively) Example 2 – calculation of possible image width Throw ratio: 1.4-1.8:1 Projection distance: 560cm Result: 311 – 400cm (560 / 1.4 to 1.8 respectively)

Toslink


Transmission via LAN

Transmission via LAN
Network capability of a projector usually refers only to management and control. Using the RJ45 interface, data can be read from the projector (such as lamp hours) and a user can also access the projector menus. Most manufacturers provide software which allows multiple projectors to be simultaneously controlled and monitored. The transfer of content is only available in a few models and provides rather slow transmission so only simple content such as image files (jpg format) can be transmitted (see also Epson Easy MP).

Trapeziod correction

Trapeziod correction
Ideally the projector should be positioned perpendicular to the screen. Since this is not always possible, most projectors are equipped with vertical keystone correction and some even offer horizontal keystone correction. This feature allows the trapezoidal distortion of the image to be compensated and keystone corrected (made rectangular) by adjusting the optics or applying digital scaling to the image. Some projectors have an auto-keystone correction function where the projector automatically detects the distortion and adjusts itself automatically.



U

Ultra Short Throw Projector

Ultra Short Throw Projector
Designed for class rooms and meeting rooms, ultra short throw projectors come equipped with wide angle lenses that allow a very large image to be projected from a very short distance. These projectors are ideal for use with interactive whiteboards as the person presenting at the front of the class will not cast a shadow over the projected image. Another benefit it that the presenter is not dazzled by the brightness of the projector.

USB

USB (Universal Serial Bus)
USB-B (type B) is used to control and manage the projector. Some projectors also allow a USB-A connection directly to a USB stick so that Microsoft office files and images can be displayed without connecting to a computer.

USB Display cable

USB Display cable
The USB display offers the possibility of image transmission over a USB connection. The USB display should not replace the VGA, DVI or HDMI connections because of its slow transmission rate. Images, text and light data presentations can usually be transmitted without problem. However video clips or the transmission of similar heavy data material can appear to stutter. The operating system of the computer can also affect the transfer speed.

USB Stick

USB Stick (type A)
Projectors with a USB stick function will allow you to view certain files from a USB memory stick without connecting the computer. Some projectors with a built in Office Viewer feature allow Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and PDF files to be shown from a USB flash drive. It should be noted, however, that not all functions can be reproduced exactly as they appear on the PC as the computing power is limited. Some projectors with a USB stick function will only allow multimedia files to be accessed (ie jpeg files).



V

Vertical keystone correction

Vertical keystone correction
Ideally the projector should be positioned perpendicular to the screen. Since this is not always possible, most projectors are equipped with vertical keystone correction and some even offer horizontal keystone correction. This feature allows the trapezoidal distortion of the image to be compensated and keystone corrected (made rectangular) by adjusting the optics or applying digital scaling to the image. Some projectors have an auto-keystone correction function where the projector automatically detects the distortion and adjusts itself automatically.

VGA

(D-Sub15)
A (D-Sub15) VGA port is the most common connection type for projectors. Analogue video signals can be transmitted over long distances using the VGA connection.

Volume

Volume
Most projectors create some noise caused by the cooling fan that is needed to keep the projector temperature down. This is stated in manufacturers’ datasheets in dB (decibels). In eco mode (economy mode), the projector will make less noise due to the lower power consumption than at normal operation (see eco mode). The manufacturers’ readings do not always correspond to reality since there are no standard measurement methods for this reading. Thus the noise volume indications of different projectors are not directly comparable.



W

Wide angle lens

Wide angle lens
Most large installation projectors offer a number of interchangeable lens options for different requirements (distance / image width). The following optional lenses are available: - Standard lenses - Wide angle lenses (short distance / large picture) - Telephoto lenses (large distance / small image)

WLAN

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) refers to a wireless network. Some projectors can be connected wirelessly to the computer allowing a wireless image transmission. The wireless connection on projectors is currently not good enough for signals of high data levels (ie video content) and the projected image can be very slow.



Z

Zoom

Zoom
The zoom can vary the image size despite a constant projection distance. Lens zoom can be used to adjust the projected image size from a static position.





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