Rarely do we hear a worship leader call out page numbers from a hymnal these days. Many modern churches have replaced the hymnal with a more efficient way to keep the congregation's attention. The widespread use of projection systems has changed the way worship is led, perhaps to allow feet to tap, hands to clap and worshipers to arise.

With the rising demand for technology and the evolving applications for which commercial projectors are used, manufacturers have flooded the market with a wide array of projectors, leaving the consumer with one important question: How do I pick the right one?

The first step in choosing a projector is considering the application(s) for which it will be used. Are you projecting text and charts or slide shows of the latest mission trips? Will you have an audience of 20 or 2,500? Are you in a well-lit sanctuary or a dimly lit classroom? Knowing what you need is a great start; there are accommodations for almost any application on the market, and they are easier to access and afford than you may realize.

A few key factors to consider in your decision-making process are the resolution, brightness, and weight (mobility factor). Projectors are classified generally by these specifications. Other special features such as zoom lens, keystone correction, contrast and video signal standards are available as well.

1. Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels, or "dots" of information the projector uses to create the image. Resolution is usually referenced in two numbers, such as "1,024 x 768," which is also referred to as XGA. The number sequence is the number of horizontal pixels x the number of vertical pixels. The higher the number of pixels, the greater detail is shown, and the higher the resolution, the greater the price of the projector (all other factors being the same). For applications such as PowerPoint presentations, graphs, charts and text, SVGA (800 x 600) or XGA (1,024 x 768) are sufficient. For greater detailed digital photos and technical images, SXGA (1,280 x 1,024) or higher resolution are recommended.

Keep in mind that the best resolution for your projector is the same as the computer you intend to use with it. Although the technology exists to convert the resolution, you will lose sharpness and clarity, resulting in an inferior image.

2. Brightness
Brightness is another key component to choosing the best projector. Light output is measured in lumens; the brighter the projector, the higher the lumen rating, and, in turn, the more it costs.

The greater the number of people in your audience, the greater the image size must be, thus the greater the need for light output as it is spread over a larger area. The lighting in the room also plays a role; the more ambient light, the brighter the projector must be. Inversely, a dimly lit room provides the best setting, as long as the projector is not too bright.

Also keep in mind what type of surface you will be projecting onto. A screen is made for great reflectivity, whereas a classroom wall will need more light to reflect your image. If you will be using the same projector for multiple applications in multiple settings, you will want to choose a projector that accommodates the most demanding situation.

The following is a list of how projectors are categorized by lumens in today's consumer market:

Less than 1,000 lumens
Great for applications in dimly lit rooms where you will be projecting still photography and text. Ambient light in the room may wash out the image, so be sure to reserve this choice for applications where the room will be dark.

1,000 to 2,000 lumens
Perfect for classroom or conference room use, these projectors do not require complete darkness, but will still perform best in dim light. With the added versatility comes a slightly higher purchase price.

2,000 to 3,000 lumens
Ideal for large conference rooms or classrooms with some ambient light, allowing flexibility for note taking and reading without washing out the image. This light range includes the high-performance range of portable and semi-portable projectors and allows for a larger viewing audience as enough light is projected to accommodate a larger screen.

3,000 lumens and up
Ranging from 3,000 lumens up to 12,000 lumens or more, these projectors are ideal for large venue applications such as church auditoriums and concert/live performance events. Prices of these products also cover a wide range depending on other performance characteristics.

3. Mobility
Finally, you must consider whether you will be permanently mounting the projector to the ceiling or wall or you will need the mobility of a lightweight, versatile projector. Mobile projectors are excellent for multiple applications and have features such as zoom lens and keystone correction, which lend themselves to customization for a broad array of applications. Multiple computer ports are available as well for connecting to, for example, both a notebook and desktop simultaneously. In the way of connectivity to other inputs, most commercial projectors accept composite video, S-video and RGB signals as three types of transmission. Some newer models are all-digital equipped as well, accepting HDMI, DVI-I or DVI-D signals.

Knowing what you want in a projector, what you will need for your specific application, and what features you can afford makes the decision-making process less confusing. With such a great demand by today's church for the most efficient way to share information and include the entire congregation in praise and worship, the market for this technology continues to demand that manufacturers improve upon the projector itself, delivering the most product for your money. Finding the right product and ensuring that it comes from a reputable company with quality customer service standards is less difficult when you are equipped with the wisdom to be a responsible consumer. This is essential in today's church where it is important to be able to effectively communicate your message to an evolving congregation.

Kathryn Henson is the copywriter for Long's Electronics, www.longselectronics.com.