Anika Begay
Projectors offer larger screens and a more cinematic viewing experience than their TV counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they’re easier to set up. That’s why we have an entire How to Buy a Projector guide for you to check out!
Unless you’re going with a portable option, you’ll want to make sure you have a projector stand ($20) and properly routed audio cables to the projector location. This is because setting up full-size projectors to fit the screen, be in focus, etc. can be a pain, so once you’ve got everything set up, you’ll want to leave it as is.
Make sure you have enough lumens (how bright your projector will be at its brightest, the higher the number the better). Over 2,000 lumens is a good starting point for any type of bright viewing, but you’ll want 3,000 or more if you’re watching in a bright room.
Another thing to keep in mind before purchasing a projector is how much space you will need to properly set it up. In most cases, you will need 10-15 feet between the screen and the projector (be sure to check the manufacturer’s “throw distance” in the manual) to achieve a screen size greater than 100 inches.
Without a completely dark room, the image can appear washed out and hard to see. If you don’t have a windowless room, consider getting blackout curtains. For more detailed information on how to set up a projector after it arrives, I highly recommend this video.
