Which projectors are right for your classrooms? Your auditoriums? Here's how you can tell the difference.

applications will require a simpler large venue projector. Prices can range from $2500 to $250,000, depending on application and budget, but expect to spend at least $15,000 for a reasonable large venue projector. Rear projection applications could also qualify here, but space is a consideration.

Rear Projection: Projecting an image from behind, onto a screen. This takes up space behind the screen, but it is a very effective way to install and maintain the projector. You need a different kind of screen for this type of projection.

Interactive: Using a projector as a communication or learning tool is becoming a norm. From 3D surgeries, to advertisements, to training and classrooms, to boardrooms, high quality projectors can show details and depth of colors in a critical image. In the Minneapolis St. Paul Airport, Travelers Insurance uses interactive projectors in their umbrella advertisement. Three projector screens of umbrellas are on a 40-foot wall, and when you walk in front of them, the umbrella breaks apart, drawing your attention to it. Combining the projector with a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) security camera, the image animation is triggered when people pass. It’s a very effective way of garnering attention.

3D: Today, there are two types of 3D projectors, active and passive. Depending on source material, you may need active 3D (which uses the more expensive glasses ($50+) and delivers full HD to each eye), or passive 3D (which uses inexpensive glasses and splits the HD signal). Each 3D technology has its own positive benefits. Although in its infancy, there are also applications where dozens of projectors are used to produce an autostereoscopic (glasses-free) image.

IMAG: Traditionally, IMAG (Image Magnification) is used as a large, projected backdrop for an on-stage presentation in a large venue. IMAG is perhaps the most dramatic way to use projectors, yet, if used properly, the audience doesn’t even notice them — the audience notices or hears the message.

4K: There are several 4K projectors in the marketplace. Used for large or critical viewing installs, they have a higher price point, but project four times the resolution of high definition. For graphic applications, medical, or critical image viewing, 4K projectors can be essential. Also, for an IMAG or larger application, it may be worth the cost to buy 4K projectors for new installs. You can either produce 4K graphics or basically upconvert HD footage to 4K.

Pico Projectors: A pico projector is a small, sometimes palmed-sized category of portable projectors. These tiny, pocket projectors start at around $200; you can use a pico projector

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