If you’re wondering how many lux is good for a projector, then you’re likely looking for a projector that can overcome powerful ambient light. Most projectors that work outside are perfect for this. It makes it easier to watch TV using a projector during the day. As a rule of thumb, projector manufacturers will tell you how many lumens their projectors provide, but not necessarily the lux rating. The best projectors can produce a bright image on your projection surface of choice under any conditions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Lux measures the amount of light that falls on your projector screen and varies depending on how close the projector is to the screen.
- While closely related, lux and lumens are not the same, and you should understand both before choosing a projector.
- Choose your projector based on its lumens rating, not on the lux. Unless you’re building an overhead projector, which won’t have lux at all.
Lux Versus Lumens in Projectors
It is essential to note that lumens are not the same as lux, and you should understand both fully before buying. You’ll also want to understand what the aspect ratio on a projector is, too. And, no matter what model you buy, you’ll need a stable surface on which to set the projector. So, you might want to consider whether a camera tripod works with a projector.
Insider Tip
When trying to lower the level of ambient light in the room, always remember to turn off all of the light fixtures.
Explaining the Two Types of Light Output
Lumens are the unit of measurement associated with brightness level. More specifically, they measure the total light output from your traditional or digital projector. Having a high-lumen projector allows you to project a bright image on a screen, regardless of the ambient light. You’ll need to figure out several technical aspects of projecting, however, knowing what lens shift on a projector is should be your next step.
What Are Lumens?
Whether you have a business projector or an outdoor projector, emitted light levels are measured the same way. The higher the lumens rating, the brighter the light produced by the projector. You should aim for a model with at least 1,500 lumens output for a home theater setup with relatively low light. For gaming or classroom presentations, 2,500 or more is desirable. Large auditoriums will require even higher lumens.
What Is Lux?
While the lumens rating describes the amount of light your projector emits, lux refers to the brightness of the projected image as it is spread out on the screen. As you move your projector away from the screen, the image will get larger, and the lux will decrease.
How Lumens and Lux Relate to Each Other
Both terms are measurements of brightness, just in different contexts. A projector’s lumens will always remain the same, while lux will vary depending on how close the projector is to the projection screen. To put it in mathematical terms, one lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.
Another way to look at the difference between these two terms, though, is that one measures the end product of light projection, while the other decides intensity level. The intensity level (lumens) is usually what brands highlight while describing their projectors. The lumens rating is also the criteria upon which you want to base your buying decision, not the lux.
Warning
Having little experience with projectors can lead to serious problems when troubleshooting, so always reach out to the brand or local experts with concerns.
F.A.Q.S
Why are lumens important to projectors?
Having enough light intensity is crucial for successfully projecting an image on the screen. In fact, brightness might be the most critical projector setting, and a bright projector will always be the better choice.
Where does a projector’s light originate?
That depends on the type of projector. Lamp projectors use metal halide lamp technology, and LED projectors use light-emitting diodes. Lamp projectors are still the most popular models available.
How can I watch a projector in daylight?
Projector brightness is a key metric in this scenario. You need a projector with a very high lumens rating of 3,600 or more if you want to see the image in a well-lit room or outdoors in bright daylight.
How big should my outdoor movie screen be?
This depends on the size of the space you have to work with, the type of projector you have, and where the audience will be sitting in relation to the projector. You’ll want to place your seating within an area that’s no more than four times the height of the screen.
STAT: It is estimated that the package efficacy of global lighting technology will reach over 200 lumens per watt in 2018. (source)
