Projectors and daylight don’t go hand-in-hand.
However, with the advancement in modern technology – you can find projectors that work flawlessly in daylight.
One can use these projectors in classrooms, offices, and watch movies during daytime with excellent color accuracy.
Hence to answer your question:
To project in daylight, you’ll need at least a 2500 lumens projector. The recommended number is 3600 lumens that’s ideal to get an excellent mix of brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
Yet, projecting in daylight is easy said than done. Thus, we’ll look at various factors and help you give a detailed answer regarding how many lumens do you need to project in daylight depending on various conditions.
Can you see a projector in daylight?
But if you’re wondering – Can you see a Projector in Direct Sunlight?, then the answer is No!
It’s because direct sunlight has lumens value between 32,000 – 150,000 lumens depending on where you live and the weather.
Thus, even the brightest projector can’t compete with that. It’s pointless to use a projector under direct sunlight.
However, suppose you want to use a projector in your living room, classroom, or office during the daytime. In that case, it’s possible.
7 Factors to Consider when using a Projector In Daylight
1. Sunlight isn’t falling directly on the projection surface
As mentioned earlier, no projector can compete with the sun’s brightness. Ensure direct sunlight isn’t hitting the projection screen.
It will make it almost extremely hard to view what’s projected on the screen.
2. Have some shade in the room
Make sure the projection surface is shaded properly for better projection. If the projection surface is near the windows – close the curtains completely.
3. Make sure sunlight is not hitting the projector
As mentioned above, make sure the sunlight isn’t directly hitting the projector and the projection lens.
If that’s the case, the sunrays will cancel out the projection, plus direct sunlight will unnecessarily heat the projector and projection lens, and cause irreparable damage to its internal components.
4. Keep the Room Dim (or as much as possible)
Suppose you’re using the projector in your house, classroom or office. In that case, make sure to make the room as much dim or darker as possible.
It ensures you get the best possible projection without squinting your eyes too much.
If you get a 3600 lumens projector like the Viewsonic PA503W, dimming the room from 20% to 50% will make a huge difference in display quality.
On top of that, the more you dim the room, the projector requires lower brightness. This, in turn, improves the projector bulb’s lifespan.
5. Avoid Projecting on a Wall
Can you project on a wall?
But it’s not recommended, because a wall absorbs more light than it reflects.
Even the brightest white wall will absorb more light that it reflects.
This poses an additional problem if you’re planning to use a projector during the daytime – which brings us to the next factor.
6. Use a Projector Screen to Project in Daylight
Unlike projecting on a wall, a projection screen uses highly reflective surface material.
This ensures the projection screen reflects 100% of the light it receives from the projector.
Projector screens use a concept called screen gain, that improves the projection’s reflection value.
In short, suppose the projection screen has 1.2x screen gain value and your projector projects 1000 lumens brightness. In that case the perceived brightness from the projection screen will be 1200 lumens.
In simpler terms, a projector screen is a better option than projecting on a wall.
A projector screen is highly recommended if you’re using a low-cost or budget projector.
7. Suitable projector placement
A projector placed too close to the projection surface results in a small screen size. In contrast, a projector placed too far away results in a larger but faded projection.
Projectors come with different throw ratios ranging from long throw, short throw, and ultra-short throw.
Long-throw projectors are the most common type of projectors and produce a 100″ screen from 8-12 feet distance.
On the other hand, short throw projectors require a distance of just 4-5 feet to produce a 100-inch screen.
If you follow the above 7 factors correctly and get a projector 2500-3600 lumens brightness. Then, it will ensure that you’ll get an appropriately bright image in the daytime.
The above suggestions and factors are ideal for using a projector indoors during the daytime.
However, suppose you want to use a projector outdoors during the daytime. In that case, it’s simply not possible, unless you use some shade.
It leads us to…
3 Best Projectors for Daytime Viewing
Is 8000 lumens good for a projector?
For a home or office projector, 8000 lumens brightness is an overkill. However, it makes sense for an outdoor or commercial-grade projector
Can I use a projector outside during the day?
Not really! As mentioned above, the sun’s brightness is higher than your projector. In direct sunlight, it’s impossible to use a projector.
Before you leave:
I hope this article answered your question about how many lumens you need to project in daylight?
I’ve made sure this article is as detailed as possible. However, if there’s something left overcovered, then please don’t hesitate to share your questions in the comment box below.
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