Church Projector Buyer's Guide: How to Choose The Right Projector

Looking to start up, remodel or upgrade your house of worship? Modernchurches using AV technology allows churchgoers to view song lyrics, biblepassages, and videos to enhance the sermon that is being taught.

We know that most of the people buying projectors for their churches mightnot be audio-video professionals. In this guide, we will highlight the featuresto help you choose the projector that best fits you.

The Things to Know Before Selecting a House of WorshipProjector

1. What are the different types of projectors?
2. How bright should my projector be?
3. Lamp vs Laser Projector: Which one is better for church?
4. Which resolution projector to go for?
5. What is the throw ratio of a projector?
6. Portable vs Fixed Projectors: Which one to go for?
7. What contrast ratio to look for?
8. What is the aspect ratio of a projector?
9. What is lens shift of a projector
10. How do I stream church service?
11. Choosing a video switcher for your church
12. Different types of digital signage for churches

What are the different types of projectors?

In the world of House of Worship, there areall sorts of projectors that have taken center stage. Let's take a tour of themain technologies used for projection:

• LCD Projector: First up, we have the LCD Projector, also known as the "Liquid crystaldisplay”. These projectors use the same technology found in flat paneldisplays, so you know they're bright and shiny. But be warned, sometimes theycan get a bit blurry when it comes to fast video image graphics.
• DLP Projector: It’sa digital light processing projector, they are all about consistency, providinga steady stream of light and bright images. Even claim to have better coloraccuracy, like a chameleon with a paintbrush. Some are known to have rainboweffects, still commonly used in church, home, business as it displays highlyvibrant and sharp images.
• LED Projectors: It’s Light-emitting diode projector, cool as a cucumber, running much coolerthan their lamp counterparts. Plus, they last longer than a marathon runner ina desert race. They're efficient, they're low-maintenance, and one of topchoice of the projector world.
• Laser Projector: Defined by laser light source, theyare tough, bright, and sharper, durable, making them ideal for large churchesor outdoor venues. With their long-lasting light hours and instant turn on andoff capabilities, they operate quietly too. Lasts for 20,000 to 30,000 hours oflight hours, does not dim over time.

How bright should my projector be?

Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens.

• For most sanctuaries, 5,000 lumens isthe new standard for brightness. This projector can easily provide big, bright,crystal-clear images to crowds of 100 to 150 with no concern over ambientlighting.
• DLP Projector: It’sa digital light processing projector, they are all about consistency, providinga steady stream of light and bright images. Even claim to have better coloraccuracy, like a chameleon with a paintbrush. Some are known to have rainboweffects, still commonly used in church, home, business as it displays highlyvibrant and sharp images.
• For sanctuaries that sit 250 or more, Projector Peoplerecommends 6,000-lumen projectors.
• For meetings, missionary work and traveling presenters, alower-lumen projector may do the trick. Ultra-portable projectors (between 2 to7 pounds) range from around 2,000 to 4,000 lumens inbrightness. These can be used in normal conference room settings. For bestresults, the lighting in the room should be dimmed.

Church Projector Lumen Recommendations

• 6,000 lumens for congregations of 250 or more in bright rooms
• 4,000 lumens for congregations of 100 to 150 in bright rooms
• 2,000 to 4,000 lumens for portable projection needs. The roomlighting may need to be dimmed

Lamp vs Laser Projector: Which one is better for church?

When it comes to projectors for the church, we're talking about the real MVPs of longevity. They come in two flavors: lamps and lasers. Now, to break it down:

Lamp projectors are like the marathon runners of the projector world. They'll last you a solid 10,000 hours in Eco mode, which is pretty impressive. They're perfect if you're looking for affordability, a projector that won't be used too often, and image quality that'll make your congregation go, "Wow!"

Check out Optoma Bright lamp based short throw projector

And Laser projector give you a whopping 20,000 hours of life, making them the true endurance champions. Not only do they last longer, but their performance stays consistent over time. Plus, they'll save you on lamp replacement costs and give you greater energy efficiency.

So, whether you're in the market for a projector that's budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and delivers a great image, the lamp projector is your go-to. But if you're ready to take your church to the next level with long-lasting light, energy efficiency, and minimal lamp replacements, the laser projector is your heavenly match.

Sony VPLPHZ60  is one of the ideal options for lecture hall, church or classroom with good images and video, compact one and wide image shift range.

Which resolution projector to go for?

Resolution describes how clear a projected image will be based on how many pixels can be displayed on a given space. The more pixels on a screen, the better quality of the image will be.

Check the “true” or “native” resolution for looking for a projector. Native resolution determines how sharp and detailed the image is. You would often see these common resolution terms:

• XGA: (1024 x 768) pixels
• WXGA: (1280x 800) pixels
• WUXGA: 1,920 x 1,200 pixels
• High Definition (HD): 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
• 4K resolution: 4,096 x 2,160 pixels

If you're all about presentations and showing off big ol' chunks of text, then XGA resolution is your sidekick. It's like having a projector that moonlights as a magnifying glass for your words, and the best part? It won't break the bank! It’s works well for displaying large text, bible verses or song lyrics.

Check out Viewsonic XGA  short throw projector, comes with dual HDMI ports allow you to flexibly connect to multiple devices, easily switching between content sources.

Now, for all you churchgoers who like to bring the big screen to the pew, HD resolution works well. Movies and videos in widescreen formats will pop like never before, and your congregation will be in awe.

Epson Powerlite L260F HD  projector, comes with wireless connectivity and casting capability.

For those grandiose video projection needs in the house of worship, WUXGA resolution is your go-to. It's like having a high-definition window into a whole new world of visuals. With 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, your videos will shine brighter than the collection plate on a Sunday morning.

Check out viewsonic WUXGA short throw laser projector. Comes with 1.1x optical zoom, wide lens shift.

And last but not least, we have the big daddy of resolutions - 4K! If you're aiming to blow minds on huge screens in massive venues, this is your ticket to pixel perfection. Go for 4K to ensure great images on extremely large screens for large venues and to future proof towards the video upgrade path.

Check out NEC 4K Professional Installation Projector. Comes with lens, HDR10 & Manual keystone correction.

Projector People recently sponsored the Projecting Hope faith-based film festival.

Quick Tip:
Search for widescreen, HD and XGA projectors, or sort by feature and price, using our handy projector finder »

What is the throw ratio of a projector?

Quick Tip:
Throw distance is like along-distance relationship for projectors. It's all about that sweet spotbetween the lens and the screen surface. We don't want our projector feelingtoo far or too close, we want it just right.

But here's where it gets fun: the throw ratio. Think of it as the projector's "width-to-distance" ratio, like a fancy math equation for projectors. It's all about finding that perfect balance between screen size and projector placement.

Projectors with an ultra-shortthrow ratio(0.4 or less) are meant to be installed close to the screen. They can projectlarge images at a distance of a few inches from a screen.

Check out the Viewsonic Ultra Short throw laser projector.  Comes with H/V keystone and 4 corner adjustment for enhanced installation flexibility.

Short-throw ratio projectors (0.4 to 1.4) are designed to be installed at few feet from the screen(around 3 to 8 feet).

Check out the Optoma Short throw laser projector, comes with 4K and HDR. Perfect for large venues, classrooms, and house of worship.

Projectors that have Long throw ratio (greater than 1.0) are ideally installed several feet away from the screen(8 feet and further). These projectors produce large images when they are placed far away.

Check out the Epson PowerLite L520U Long-throw Laser Projector, a native WUXGA 1920 x 1200 resolution.

Portable vs Fixed Projectors: Which one to go for?

When dealing with small and portable churches, there may be irregularities with the projection image that need to be quickly fixed. This suggests that portability could be a key consideration for such churches. For smaller groups that want their projector to do double or triple duty, opt for a lighter projector that can be moved around for services, meetings and movie nights. Portable projectors can be placed on a pedestal and directed to your screen.

Check out the portable house of worship projectors

On the other hand, installed projectors are well, installed. You can't use them in a conference room during a meeting. However fixed projectors offer a more permanent and stable setup. They are typically mounted on the ceiling or wall and provide a consistent projection experience. Large venues typically opt for installation projectors. These usually have lens options that allow for more placement flexibility.

Check out NEC Professional Installation Projector, comes with Installation flexibility.

Based on these insights, it seems that the choice between portable and fixed projectors for your church depends on factors such as the size and portability of your church, the need for quick adjustments, and the desired level of permanence in the projection setup.

What contrast ratio to look for?

You’ll often see contrast ratio as another specification of the projector. It's like the yin and yang of projectors, measuring the difference between the bright and dark parts of the images. It's all about finding that perfect balance, like mixing black and white to create a masterpiece of colors and textures. The higher the contrast ratio, the more depth and clarity you get. Plus, it keeps those dark scenes from looking all washed out, like a faded old pair of jeans.

When it comes to music, announcements, or displaying content in your church, a lower contrast ratio will do just fine. Now, if you're planning on hosting epic video nights or movie marathons in your church, well, that's a different story. That's when you might want to consider cranking up the contrast ratio.. It's all about creating that immersive experience that makes your audience go "Wow!"

What is the aspect ratio of a projector?

A projector's aspect ratio refers to the ratio between its width and height.

For presenting information to the congregation like budget or in data formats to your board, square format of 1:1 works. Square ones are common for overhead projectors and slide presentations in a small space.

Video format of 4:3 works well when you’re trying to display the content, broadcasting elements of your bulleting or special music for your church.  This also works well to display the text in large and easy for everyone to see specially in the far back.

HD quality uses ratio of 16:9 format, which is common ratio for watching movies and other videos. Tends to perform best with moving video content.

What is lens shift of a projector?

Picture this: you've got your trusty projector in hand, ready to bring some dazzling visuals to your place of worship. But uh-oh, turns out churches weren't exactly designed with projectors in mind. They were too busy creating beautiful stained glass windows and cool arches to think about where to put that projector!

Here comes the magical lens shift feature. It's like having a secret power that lets you move the lens of your projector left, right, up, down, and all around without moving the whole darn projector. It's like having a projector on a hoverboard, zooming effortlessly to find that perfect spot.It becomes handy if the installation must be off-center, or likely to be higher, lower from the intended projected image.

Checkout out our recommended projectors for churches and houses of worship »

How do I stream church service?

Introducing live streaming services for churches and other places helps to bring new potential for sharing content like masses, sermons, and services/activities, especially for those who are unable to attend in person. You’ll need a few essential steps and equipment.

• Internet connection: Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection with sufficient upload speed to handle the live stream. A minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps is recommended, but higher speeds are preferable for better quality.
• Camera: You will need a camera to capture the church service. This can be a smartphone, a dedicated video camera, or a webcam. If you’re looking for professional streaming and broadcasting, go for PTZ Camera.

A professional PTZ  (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) Camera helps to capture and share highest quality video  to broadcast live. It’s a remotely controlled video camera, so you can move the camera to reframe a shot, even to the audience. All this without having to physical touch the camera itself!

Below are the few recommendations for PTZ camera for live recording and streaming. It comes with optical zoom to capture close-up views from long distances.

• Microphone: Good audio quality is important, so consider using a dedicated microphone or an external microphone for better sound.
• Streaming Platform: Choose a streaming platform that suits your needs. Some popular platforms for live streaming church services include Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Vimeo. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces and allow you to reach a wider audience.
• Encoding Software or Hardware: Depending on your setup, you might need some techno-wizardry to transform your video and audio signals into a format that's streaming-friendly. Think of it like a translator, but for digital stuff! You can go for some fancy encoding software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), Wirecast, or vMix. They're like digital maestros conducting the streaming symphony. Or, if you're feeling old-school, you can rock some hardware encoders. They're like the rock stars of encoding, giving your stream that extra sparkle and pizzazz!
• Tripod or Mount: Use a tripod or a stable mount to keep the camera steady during the stream.

Check out Vaddio A/V Presentation cameras, comes with camera and interface ideal for multiple monitoring and large projection systems.

Choosing a video switcher for your church

Level up your audio game and include fancy sermon slides with scripture and illustrations projected in the auditorium.

Picture this: you need not one, not two, but three video sources to amp up your view-ability and video production skills. And that's where the video switcher steps in. This magical device accepts multiple video sources and lets you seamlessly transition between them in real-time, like a heavenly conductor guiding your streaming symphony.

With the right mixer, you can switch inputs like a pro, use a top-notch microphone for heavenly audio, and even work your magic with a PTZ camera for epic video angles. It's like having the power of a streaming wizard at your fingertips! And when you're ready to unleash your masterpiece, the output of this vision mixer will go straight to your streaming service (if the switcher comes with a built-in encoder). It's like sending your streaming gospel to the masses, all with a sprinkle of divine technology.

Check out our Video Mixer that combines and switches between sources to deliver video streams.

Still overwhelming as to which projector or streaming device to buy? No worries, you can reach out to us at 1-888-248-0675. Our product experts are available to answer all your questions and walk you through the process of selecting the right one for House of worship.

Different types of Digital Signage for Churches

It's not just about projectors anymore, churches everywhere are embracing the other types of Digital Signage – LED Video walls and LCD/LED Displays.

LED video walls for church display

Churches everywhere are getting a makeover, and LED video walls are the latest trend. These LED walls have some serious advantages. First off, natural light is no match for these LED walls. They shine bright like a heavenly beacon, illuminating even the sunniest of rooms. And let's not forget about the camera, these LED walls are camera-ready.

LED walls have a longer lifespan than projector setups, made up of square panels, like building blocks for the heavenly tech-savvy. You can mix and match, swap and switch, all at a lower cost. It's like playing with Legos, but way cooler. And when it comes to panel size, the world is your oyster. You can go wide, tall, or even get a little funky with unconventional ratios.

These LED walls are flexible. As your church grows, so can your LED wall. Expand it, dismantle it, and relocate it to a new space. It's like a portable display that goes wherever your congregation takes it. Just be warned, once assembled, these LED walls can be as heavy as a sack of heavenly feathers. Better double-check with a structural engineer if your platform or ceiling can handle the weight.

Check out the below video wall  Solution -  delivers an all-in-one, easy-to-configure and cost-effective solution that is ideal for church, dynamic digital signage &  information display

LCD/LED Displays for church

For Indoor Church Digital Signage, LCD/LED displays are so flexible, they can be installed anywhere your heart desires. From lobbies to foyers, they'll be there, ready to showcase all your important messages, announcements, and schedules. These displays aren't just flexible, they're also picture-perfect with superior image quality and brightness levels. Managing these displays is a piece of cake, even for those of us who struggle with technology. Thanks to the magic of content management systems, you can update your content with a few clicks, no technical expertise required.

Check out Sony Bravia 4K HDR and NEC 4K UHD Professional Display ideal for digital signage applications.

For the outdoor church digital signage, LED billboards are the superheroes of outdoor signage. They're like giant light-up billboards on steroids, shining bright even in the darkest of nights. No more worrying about your message going unnoticed in the shadows. Rain or shine, they've got you covered, delivering visuals that are so vivid, they'll make your eyes pop. It's like having a 24/7 visual extravaganza right outside your church doors. With LED Solutions, your church will be the talk of the town. People will be flocking from afar just to catch a glimpse of your eye-catching LED billboard.

Check out Peerless High Bright Outdoor Displays, comes with portrait and landscape installation.

So, which digital signage should you choose for your church?. - it all depends on what floats your church's boat! Are you into the Projector which is a common display? Grandeur of a larger-than-life LED wall? Or do you prefer the elegance of a TV Display, blending seamlessly into your church's decor? It's all about finding the perfect match for your congregation's visual feast.

Projector People has helped thousands of religious, non-denominational and nonprofit organizations outfit their sanctuaries with projectors and AV equipment that gave them the tools to gain a deeper relationship with their audiences while staying within budget. Contact our product experts at 1-888-248-0675. We can also offer you the best deal on the phone as many manufacturers offer exclusive discounts for religious and nonprofit organizations.