Projectors
What are ANSI lumens?
ANSI lumens measure the real brightness a projector puts on the screen, using a standard method: light is measured at nine points of the image and averaged. It is the only brightness figure that lets you compare projectors from different brands on equal terms.
ANSI lumens and plain "lumens" are not the same
Many projectors advertise "lumens", "LED lumens" or "light source lumens". Those figures measure the light leaving the lamp, before it passes through the optics, which is why they are much higher than the brightness that reaches the wall.
There is no exact conversion between the two, because it depends on each design. The practical rule: compare ANSI with ANSI, and be wary of any comparison between an ANSI figure and one that is not.
How much brightness you need
It depends mostly on the light in the room and the size of the image. In the dark, a projector of moderate brightness looks good. With ambient light the image washes out, and you need more brightness or a smaller picture.
The bigger you project, the more the same light is spread out and the dimmer each point looks.
What to check before you buy
- Look for the figure in ANSI lumens; if the sheet only says "lumens", it is not comparable.
- Think about where you will use it: a dark room, a living room with light, or outdoors at night.
- Brightness is not everything: native resolution and contrast also shape the picture.
Products with ANSI lumens in our store
This is how it appears on their spec sheet. Open each one to see all its specifications.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
ANSI lumens, because it is a standardized measurement of the brightness you actually see. Lumens with no label can mean different things depending on the manufacturer.