Comparison BenQ W1120 vs BenQ W1110

The actual maximum frame resolution that the projector is capable of processing and displaying.

Many models allow project images at a higher resolution than the actual resolution of the projector matrix (see above). For example, a 1920x1080 video can be displayed on a device with a frame size of 1024x768. However, the quality of such an image will be noticeably lower than on a projector, which initially has a resolution of 1920x1080.

The maximum resolution is closely related to both the overall picture quality and the size of the projection screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image details become. Of course, the screen size itself should be taken into account. The fact is that on a 40-50″ projection surface there will not be much difference between the Quad HD and 4K formats. A high-resolution picture will be able to show itself on a truly large screen.

Image formats supported by the projector.

In this case, format means the aspect ratio of the image. The general rule in this case is that the projector must support the same format in which the original content is recorded. Otherwise, the image will either be stretched in height or width, or with black stripes on the sides or top-bottom. Specifically, the formats can be divided into three main categories:

— Traditional, or rectangular. Classic formats in which the height of the picture is not much less than the width. The most popular options are 4:3, widely used in analogue TV, and 5:4, common in computer technology. Traditional formats are well suited for presentations, working with documents and graphics, and other similar tasks.

— Widescreen — formats in which the frame width is significantly (more than 1.5 times) greater than the height. The most popular of these standards are 16:9 and 16:10. These aspect ratios are well suited for games and movies; in particular, most high-definition content (HD 720p and above) is recorded in widescreen format.

— Extra wide. The formats are even wider than the widescreen ones described above — for example, 21:9. Mainly used in cinematography.

It is worth noting that many modern projectors are able to work with several types of formats at once — for example, with classic 4:3 and...wide-angle 16:9.

The closest distance to the screen that the projector can be used on. Typically, this is the minimum distance at which the image from the projector remains in focus.

This parameter is especially important if the device is to be placed at a small distance from the screen (for example, in a cramped room). Some modern projectors are able to work normally at a distance of 10 – 20 cm. Also note that the throw distances are determined primarily by the lens, and if the initial range of these distances does not suit you, perhaps the situation can be solved by replacing the optics.

The farthest distance from the screen that the projector can be used on. This is the maximum distance at which the image remains in focus and maintains acceptable brightness — at least enough for viewing in a darkened room on a high-quality screen.

It is necessary to choose according to this parameter taking into account the expected operating conditions and the distances to be dealt with. At the same time, it's ok to have a certain margin for the maximum distance — since, as already mentioned, it is usually indicated for an perfect screen and a darkened room, and such conditions are not always available. Also note that although the throw distances depend on the lens, not every projector with an interchangeable lens allows the installation of more "long-range" optics than the standard one — the device may simply not have enough brightness for an increased distance.

Size of the image projected by the projector. Usually, it is indicated as a range — from the smallest, at the minimum throw distance, to the largest, at the maximum. About throw distances, see above; here it is worth saying that the choice of diagonal size depends both on the distance between the screen and the audience, and on the format of the projector. For example, to watch a video, the best option is the situation when the distance from the viewer to the image corresponds to 3-4 diagonals, and a relatively large picture can be useful for working with presentations. More detailed recommendations for different situations can be found in special sources; here we only recall that the image must fit on the screen used with the projector.

Vertical keystone correction allows you to align the image when the projection ray is shifted from the centre of the screen in a vertical plane. If the projector is suspended from the ceiling and shines from top to bottom, a vertical keystone occurs. And the function of vertical keystone correction allows you to align the picture.

In most cases, projectors can only correct vertical keystone. But the keystone can also be horizontal if the projection ray is offset from the centre of the screen in the horizontal plane. Advanced models are often equipped with an auto keystone correction feature (see the relevant paragraph). In this case, the keystone is aligned in a fully automatic mode, without user participation.

Horizontal keystone correction allows you to straighten the picture if the projection ray is offset from the centre of the screen in the horizontal plane. A horizontal keystone effect occurs when the projector shines on the screen not from above, as in most cases, but from the side. A horizontal keystone is often combined with a vertical one. In this case, it is necessary to correct the distortion both horizontally and vertically.

Projectors with horizontal keystone correction almost always have vertical keystone correction capability (see the relevant paragraph).

Wi-Fi standard supported by the projector.

Wi-Fi is known mainly as a way to connect wirelessly to the Internet and local networks. In addition, since relatively recently, this technology has also been used for direct connection between wireless devices. Accordingly, the methods of using Wi-Fi in projectors can also be different. Thus, some models are able to connect to local networks to work with content via DLNA (see above); in others, such a connection is used for control from a computer or other network device; in others, a “remote control” such as a smartphone or tablet can connect directly via Wi-Fi.

As for Wi-Fi versions, the most popular options in modern technology - Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - are quite compatible with each other, and the difference between them in this case is not critical. Therefore, you can not pay special attention to these details when choosing.

There are also Wi-Fi ready projectors, which do not have Wi-Fi out of the box, but when connected to the appropriate adapter (purchased separately) are capable of wireless connection.

Number of USB 2.0 ports provided in the projector.

Do not confuse these ports with USB slave (see "Control Ports") — in this case, we are talking about USB ports for various peripherals. Most often, these ports are used for directly playing content from flash drives and other storage devices (e.g., external HDDs). Note that in some projectors, video playback may not be available (only photos), while others may support a very limited set of formats. Nevertheless, direct connection is often more convenient than viewing through a computer or another additional device. USB ports can also be used for other purposes, such as firmware updates, file exchange between a flash drive and the projector's built-in storage, or even for keyboards/mice (in devices running Android, see above).

The USB 2.0 standard itself is considered outdated, but it is quite sufficient for projectors, and newer peripherals are fully compatible with such ports. Besides, it is rare to connect more than one external device to a projector at once, so there are few models with more than one USB 2.0 port produced.