How to Fix a Broken Slide Projector

How to Fix a Broken Slide Projector
By Jeffrey Saunders

A slide projector is a great way to store, share and show photos, presentations and other information. But what do you do when your slide projector is having problems. How to fix it can be a simple matter of jiggling a few wires, cords or cables, or taking the entire projector apart and taking a peek as to whats inside.

The most common problem with a slide projector that needs fixing is a simple projector jam. A projector jam is when one of the slides is stuck in a position that wont allow the carousel to rotate. Now, this may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it should also be the first area you look into when your projector is having problems. How to fix it, and remove the jammed slide can be done in a matter of steps.

1. Shut the slide projector off and let it cool down for a few minutes.

2. Remove the slide tray by loosening a latch or placing a coin in the middle of the tray & turning it

3. Turn the tray upside down

4. Locate the jammed slide and carefully remove it

5. Place the tray back into the projector

6. If the slide isnt damaged, insert it back into the carousel

The next time you notice your slide projector is having problems, how to fix it is to follow the steps listed above. Normally, when a slide projector wont fully rotate, its because of a jammed or lodged slide within the carousel. Carefully removing the trapped slide should solve any projector problems youre experiencing.

If youve followed the steps noted above, and you find that still your slide projector is having problems, an experienced technician may tell you how to fix it, and guide you through various stages of repair. The larger the slide projector you have, the more chances it has to jam. So before you take your projector apart or visit a potentially expensive repairman, be absolutely certain that it isnt a jammed slide thats causing your projector problems.

If your digital image projector is having problems, how to fix it can be a matter of replacing a burnt out bulb, ensuring that all your cables are properly connected to rebooting the entire system itself, depending on the sophistication level of your projector. Always go through the instruction manual when your digital projector is acting up.

Sometimes when your projector is having problems, how to fix it can be as easy as remounting it or reinstalling it. An improperly mounted projector can sometimes not project any image at all, and may appear to be broken and in need of fixing. Check to see if your projector is mounted and affixed straight. If it isnt, take it down and remount it, being careful to make certain that its properly mounted. That should solve any issues regarding your projectors refusal to show images. If that does not work, then you may consider taking your digital projector back to its point of purchase for a qualified inspection.

Jeffrey Saunders loves do-it-yourself technology

He also likes great deals on refurbished electronics. Amazing prices on big brand names like the Apple iPod Nano

And more fantastic deals on great items like digital camcorders.

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Video Projector Guide

Video Projector Guide
By Riad Haddad

Well; the world of Projection is certainly a vast place to wonder uninformed, so get informed. I will try to keep this guide as simple as possible.

Things to look for when buying a projector:Manufacturer/MakeThere are many projector manufacturers these days that make it seem impossible to choose from. But to make it simpler, many manufacturers now a days use parts that are supplied from other manufacturer. In other word not all the parts in a projector is manufactured by the same manufacturer. Thus many projectors already have similar components incorporated into them. Always read reviews posted on computer magazines and online computer magazines before purchasing high end/high priced projector. Look for a company that offers the best warranty & support. Brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp, In-focus, View sonic, Mitsubishi, Epson are amongst the best there is.

TechnologyThere are many technologies available today. But the main two types are LCD & DLP. In simple DLP which stands for Digital Light Processing uses hair width tiny mirrors to reflect light into a screen. DLP offer better overall image but cost a lot more. So for home users its better to opt for LCD based projector because of there much lower price and higher availability. Also LCD projector offer excellent image that is comparable to DLP. Big companies and presentation oriented businesses well find DLP a better choice. There are also projections panels. Projections panels are a form of transparent display that are placed over an ordinary Overhead projector and used to project the same type of video sources that normal projector use. Projection panels are cheaper than the types described earlier.CRT Projectors are an old projection technology that is no longer used these days.

ResolutionResolution is very important aspect to consider when purchasing a projector. Many older models are VGA (640*480) & SVGA (800*600); these models are good for displaying movies and other low resolution images, but will no be sufficient for projecting high quality images demanded by high end application such as 3d modeling, games, simulators and CAD. Check the simple chart below:

640*480 (VGA) resolutions are good for Video Games, VHS, VCD and Standalone DVD users. This panel is perfect for DIYers wanting to keep costs at lowest.800*600 (SVGA) resolutions are perfect for Computer based DVD playback and normal Windows and operation system work. (Plus all the above)1024*768 (XGA) resolution is perfect for high resolution Computer Games and design applications such as AutoCAD (plus all the above)1280*1024 (SXGA) resolution is perfect for HDTV applications and computer software that require high detail (plus all the above)

Color DepthColor depth states how good the LCD represents color. Its the number of colors a monitor or an LCD panel is able to show. A good color depth is 16-Bit; although 24-Bit is strongly advised, this is the color depth that most high end projection panels have.

Lamps An important thing to investigate is the type of lamp used. Check the replacement price of lamps and life expectancy. It would make you no good if you purchase a low price projector and later find out that every lamp replacement will cost you 400$. New lamp models can work for a minimum of 10,000 hrs.

BrightnessBrightness output is expressed in lumens. The higher the lumens the better the image is displayed in less than perfect lighting conditions. Some new projector models can display a vivid image even with the light on. 2000 lumens is a good choice for home use. Choose 3000-4000 for presentation theaters and jobs that require a bright image in a not too darkened room. Lumens rating of below 2000 such as the low priced 1300 models will have to be operated in a completely darkened room (Pitch Black).

ConnectionsConnections are a very important factor when choosing a projector. Composite, S-Video and RGB is almost standard on most models. You will need RGB for hooking your computer or laptop; Composite & S-Video for connecting DVD players and VCRs. Some newer models have DVI inputs too that enable them to be connected to high quality video systems like a video editor or digital video cameras. A remote control is a must; you don't wan to get out of your comfy chair every five minutes. Some applications require two RGB connections for simultaneous viewing of different video sources, so make sure to check for it if you need it.

Long throw/Short throw projectionIts important to decide where you are going to place the projector. If the projector is going to be placed in front of an audience then you will need a short throw projector. And if you need to fix the projector some where behind the audience (Far from screen) you will need a long throw projector. What happens when you use short throw projector for a behind the audience application is that the image will be too large to fit on screen, and if you use a long throw projector for short distances you will get a very small and unclear image.

DIY ProjectorsWell this is interesting. Did you know that you can build a projector yourself, its not that hard really and it will cost you a fraction of retail prices? You should have basic knowledge with DIY projects. The image quality is very good you won't believe it. Though some patience is required in order to complete the projector.

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Riad Haddad is a Software Developer and Internet Marketer specializing in state of the art custom solutions; from database development to website marketing.

www.fitsoftinc.com

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Compare LCD Projectors

Compare LCD Projectors
By Ken Marlborough

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors are devices used for displaying presentations or videos in an enlarged size. They are the modern replacements for slide projectors and overhead projects which were popular earlier.

LCD projectors are available in several variants with differing specifications. Choosing the right projector is as simple as knowing what it will be used for. The two parameters needed to compare an LCD projector are - cost and specifications. Knowing what is needed and how much you will need to use the various features / specifications of an LCD projector are going to be will help one compare the projectors with a better perspective. For this reason, it is important to know the basics of projectors before comparing them.

Aspect Ratio: It refers to the width vs. the height of the projected image. UXGA, VGA, XGA, and SVGA resolution all have a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Brightness: A projector's brightness is measured in lumens. The more light in the room where the projector will be used, the more bright the projector should be.

Contrast Ratio: Is the ratio between the darkest and brightest areas of the projected image. Medium Contrast ratio projectors can be found with a ratio of 500:1 to 1200:1.

Data Signal Ports: These ports on the projector should be compatible with whatever image source they will be paired with.

Keystone Correction: This is the ability to correct the image distortion that is created when a projector is placed at anything other than a 90 degree angle to the screen.

Native resolution: This resolution for a digital projector is the actual number of physical pixels on the projector's image chip.

Projection screens: These screens come in various fabrics and sizes. While it's possible to project the images on a blank wall, the best image quality will be achieved by projecting the images on a good screen.

Video Format Capability: A digital projector's video format capability determines which video format data it can accept. Most projectors will offer all three: PAL, NTSC, and SECAM.

A wide range of desired projectors can be found by giving exact specifications on various website over the internet. Once these basic features of projectors are compared and the best suited LCD projector identified, one can go ahead and compare the prices of the required projector.

LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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