Projector Light Sources

Trying to determine what type of projector to use? The first thing you need to look at is the projector's Lumens. Lumens is an industry standard term that basically describes how much light a projector can put on screen and in turn, how bright the images appear on the screen. So how do you tell how bright a projector is? That can be a little complicated.

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There is a standard for determining a projector's brightness called ANSI Lumens. An ANSI Lumen rating uses an average of several brightness measurements taken across the face of the light source. The problem is there is no requirement for any manufacturer to use this specification.

So how many Lumens are right for your application? A good rule of thumb is if it's too bright you can turn it down, but you can't turn it up if it's not bright enough, at least not without sacrificing image size. So, the simple answer is, that depends. But to start with getting the brightest projector, for the budget, is a good place to start. Obviously, there will be other considerations like screen size, black levels, shadow detail, and color accuracy to name a few. All of this is determined by the intended use of the projector.

Today's projectors produce light in three different ways &#; lamps, lasers, and LED. In this article, we're going to take you through the advantages and disadvantages of each technology as well as help you understand which light source could better complement the environment that the projector is going to be installed.

Lamp Based Light Sources

The oldest projector light source still in use today, is the lamp. Metal halide and UHP (Ultra High Performance) are the two types of lamps most commonly used. Metal halide lamps use a combination of rare earth metal salts and mercury vapor to deliver light. Mercury lamps produced a really bright light but have a significant downside. Because of the mercury, there is a high cost of operation and there can be disposal issues.

The UHP lamp, created by Philips, was designed to be a more efficient alternative to metal halide lamps. They provide similar brightness with lower energy consumption and the UHP lamps produce a lot of light and are more affordable. The downside is their effective brightness degrades from day one, which means a UHP projector will never be as bright as the first time you turn it on.

Also, lamps generate a lot of heat and thus require cooling, which requires more space, increasing the projector's size, number of cooling fans, and the amount of noise. Lamps have the shortest life span of all the lighting solutions available today and the simple act of turning the projector on and off diminishes the lamp's operating life.

So why would you recommend a lamp as a light source projector? It comes down to cost and light quality. As we mentioned, lamp-based systems are less expensive but have the shortest life. Lamps could be the choice if the projector is not being heavily used. For example, where the projector is only being used for an hour or two each day, the lamp's reduced initial hardware costs can make it a better value.

While lamps are less expensive than LED or laser light sources, they are still an excellent light source. This is why they are still utilized in many higher-end home theater projectors from companies like JVC and Sony. Producing the same quality light as a bulb requires high-power RGB LED or multi-channel laser light source, which still commands a premium.

As the price of better LED and laser light sources comes down, lamps will eventually be phased out. It's likely just a matter of time.

Laser Based Light Sources

There are several benefits shared by all projectors that use lasers as a light source. First, laser-based light engines turn on within seconds of pressing the power button. There is no time wasted waiting for a lamp to warm up or cool down. Old mercury lamps can be damaged if unplugged before the cooling-down period ends.

Laser-based light engines are incredibly reliable, lasting anywhere from 20k to 30k hours, and are mostly maintenance-free. Chances are, you would need to replace the entire projector long before the laser light engine fails.

Laser light engines are incredibly bright compared to lamps and most LED-based light systems, so they would typically be the best option for projecting on large surfaces. There are typically three types of laser-light engine designs used by today's projector manufacturers.

Laser Phosphor

Most laser projectors utilize the least expensive solution, which is a single blue laser diode array that provides the blue light and excites a yellow phosphor color wheel. Filters are then used to break up the yellow into red and green elements.

For higher brightness, some projectors use a dual blue laser light engine. One blue laser ultimately hits phosphor wheels to generate red and yellow beams, while the other blue laser handles the solely the blue component.

Hybrid Laser Light Engine

For improved color reproduction, another laser light configuration combines a red LED and a blue laser that uses a phosphor chip or a color wheel to generate green light. These hybrid laser projectors out-perform lamp-based projectors in brightness while delivering superior color and long life.

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Discrete RGB Laser

The best solution is to utilize multiple RGB lasers instead of a phosphor wheel and filters to create clean primary colors. Multi-channel laser light engines tend to produce a wider color gamut, making them a perfect choice for installations that require color accuracy in their displayed content.

In addition to much more accurate colors, because red, green, and blue light is produced by different lasers, a wider color gamut is also possible. Since the RGB laser wavelengths are specifically chosen to optimize the primary colors of red, green, and blue, a RGB laser projector has the ability to reproduce DCI-P3 or even the Rec. color gamut without the need for a color filter.

Discrete RGB laser light engines are considered to be the best projector light source available, but this performance comes at a price. Laser projectors tend to be physically larger than other types of projectors and are also very expensive. These systems offer the best brightness, so for installations requiring a huge projection screen, this would be the best solution.

LED Light Engine

LED light engines use inorganic LED light-sources in place of a consumable lamp. Like laser light sources, LED light engines are also highly reliable and can offer up to 20,000 hours of use with no maintenance needed resulting in lower-cost operations. LED light sources are mercury-free and can power off and on quickly, even compared to laser light engines.

How an LED Light Engine Works

Using LED as a light source has been growing in popularity, mainly due to their small size, low heat, and affordability. Traditionally LED light engines are found in smaller, more portable projectors like a PICO projector. What PICO projectors lack in Lumens output is more than made up for in their size, power consumption, and portability. In some cases, PICO projectors can fit in a briefcase, purse, or even a pocket.

Although historically LED's light output was far less than lamp and laser-based projectors, things are changing. Developers of high-output LED lights, like OSRAM, Samsung, and others, have made remarkable strides in increasing the Lumens of the LED light engines. These next generation LED lights can generate up to lumens of light output.

Starting in , high Lumen, discrete RGB LED light engines are finding their way into projectors. Discrete RGB LEDs create red, green, and blue light. High-speed LED switching takes the place of the color and phosphor-wheels commonly found in DLP projectors to display each color at a frequency impossible to achieve mechanically. Since a wheel is not required, the noise produced is reduced and reliability is increased. RGB LED produces deeper, richer colors than comparable technologies for pure white reproduction and less DLP "rainbowing" (color breakup).

Business and education installations will value the performance and color accuracy of RGB LED-based light engines. These projectors are perfect for classroom and conference room type environments able to produce laser competitive colors, reliability, and, with the exception of brightness, do it at a lower price.

Just like laser light engines, LED light engines can and do have alternate configurations just as listed in hybrid laser light engines.

Summary

Wanting to utilize laser, hybrid, and LED as light sources make sense, especially since they're often rated for 20,000 hours and higher. These projectors also require virtually no maintenance. However, the total cost over the lifetime of a UHP lamp projector can't be beaten. Having to spend a little extra (likely less than $200) every few years might be worth it, depending on the application.

In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a significant shift towards LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology for vehicle lighting. This move comes as a response to LED bulbs' higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and better luminosity compared to traditional halogen bulbs. However, when it comes to integrating LED bulbs into projector headlights, several factors need to be considered to understand their compatibility and performance. This article explores the feasibility and implications of using LED bulbs in projector headlights.

Understanding Projector Headlights

Before delving into the compatibility of LED bulbs with projector headlights, it's essential to understand what projector headlights are. Unlike traditional reflector headlights, which use a reflective surface to direct light, projector headlights utilize a lens that focuses the light into a more directed beam. This technology not only improves the focus and reach of the headlight beam but also reduces glare for oncoming traffic.

The Rise of LED Bulbs

LED bulbs have become increasingly popular in automotive lighting due to their advantages over halogen bulbs. These benefits include:

• Energy Efficiency: LED bulbs consume significantly less power, which can lead to energy savings and a lesser load on the vehicle's electrical system.
• Longevity: LEDs have a much longer lifespan, often outlasting the vehicle itself.
• Brightness and Clarity: LEDs provide brighter and clearer light, improving visibility for drivers.

Compatibility of LED Bulbs with Projector Headlights

When considering the use of LED bulbs in projector headlights, the key factors are size, heat dissipation, and light pattern. Projector headlights are designed with specific bulb sizes in mind, and LED bulbs must fit these specifications to be compatible. Additionally, LEDs generate a considerable amount of heat at the base, which needs to be effectively dissipated to prevent damage to the bulb and the headlight assembly.

Another critical factor is the light pattern. Projector headlights are designed to work with a specific light pattern, and LEDs must mimic this to ensure proper focus and beam pattern. If the LED bulb does not align correctly with the projector's focal point, it can result in a scattered or unfocused light beam, which can be dangerous for both the driver and oncoming traffic.

Advantages of Using LED Bulbs in Projector Headlights

1. Improved Visibility: LEDs offer superior brightness and clarity, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: LEDs have a modern look and are available in different color temperatures, allowing for customization.
3. Energy Efficiency: Lower power consumption of LEDs leads to less strain on the vehicle&#;s electrical system.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite their advantages, there are potential drawbacks to using LED bulbs in projector headlights:

• Heat Management: Inadequate heat dissipation can reduce the lifespan of LED bulbs.
• Cost: LED bulbs are generally more expensive than halogen bulbs.
• Regulatory Compliance: In some regions, retrofitting LED bulbs in projector headlights may not comply with road safety regulations.

Installation Considerations

For those who decide to install LED bulbs in their projector headlights, it&#;s crucial to:

• Choose high-quality LED bulbs designed for use in projector headlights.
• Ensure the bulbs are correctly aligned to maintain the proper beam pattern.
• Consider professional installation to guarantee optimal performance and safety.

LED bulbs can work in projector headlights, provided they are compatible in terms of size, heat management, and light pattern. While they offer several advantages, it's essential to weigh these against potential drawbacks and installation challenges. Vehicle owners should also be aware of the legal implications of modifying their headlights. Ultimately, when done correctly, upgrading to LED bulbs in projector headlights can significantly enhance a vehicle's lighting performance and overall aesthetic.

In conclusion, while LED bulbs present an attractive option for use in projector headlights, careful consideration and proper installation are key to harnessing their full potential. By addressing the compatibility and regulatory concerns, drivers can enjoy the benefits of LED lighting without compromising safety and efficiency.

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