Projectors are used to display images on projection screens for the full view of an audience. There are three major categories of projectors: video projectors, which include LCD, CRT, DLP or LCOS projectors, transparency projectors, which include movie projectors, slide projectors, overhead projectors and enlargers, and hand held projectors used with PDAs and digital cameras. Major manufactures of projects include Barco, Ben Q, In Focus, Epson, HP, Sony, Sanyo and Toshiba. Projectors are often used for home theater, multimedia presentations and other video applications.

Projector Reviews
One of the best websites for projector reviews is ProjectorCentral.com. The site features reviews of popular projector models as well as commentary on the entire market. What models does Projector Central recommend? For home theater use, the five most popular models were the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080, (suggested retail price $2,999.99) the Panasonic PT-AE1000U, the JVC DLA-RS1U, the Mitsubishi HC5000BL and the Sony VPL-VW50. These five listings however, were in the category of Native 1080p resolutions. There were also rankings for resolutions Native 720p and Native 480p.

There were also rankings for education projectors as well as portable projectors. For SVGA (at seven pounds or less, with at least 1000 lumens) the site listed the Sony VPL-ES3, the InFocus Work Big IN24, the BenQ MP610, the Optoma EP716 and the Epson Powerlite S4.

Buying Cheap Projectors
The website also featured a where to buy option, offering to link you to projectors sold individually according to model or to order a complete package deal. For instance, for $1,449 from ProjectionGuys.com, you can buy a Sanyo PLV-Z5 projector with a 92-inch fixed Mustang screen and flush ceiling mount.

You can also search for new, used or refurbished projectors for a discounted price. A discount projector, in good condition, could cost less than $1,000, which is the standard projector price. However, some models sell at auction site, through online stores or from dealers for less. Some models like the BenQ PB2140 sell for slightly over $500.00, and some may even sell for less than that amount if they read “best offer.” If you are looking for projectors in the UK, then try ProjectorPoint.co.uk, which carries all major brands and brings you savings in pounds. Other projector sites to look for include projectors-online.co.uk, projectors.co.uk and projectors and projectorsuk.co.uk.

Projector websites like ProjectorPoint.co.uk and Projector Central also have articles and advice on the best projectors for your budget and needs. The projector will cost you but at least the advice is free!