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Lumens And ANSI Lumens In Projector

By XGIMI Tech - 2022-01

Previously, people determine a bulb's brightness with watts. But in recent times, the lumen is widely used to measure the brightness of light bulbs. Later, as projectors become more and more popular, ANSI lumen occurs. Both lumen and ANSI lumen determine the level of brightness you want or are available. 

In this article, you'll learn what are lumen and ANSI lumen, and how many ANSI lumens you'll need for your projector.

What Are Lumens And ANSI Lumens

A lumen is a standard unit of luminous flux (also known as brightness) used in physics to describe the luminous flux of a light source. The lumen may be thought of as a measure of the total quantity of visible light emitted from a source in a particular beam or angle. Simply put, lumens are the unit of measurement that shows how strong or intense a light source is.

The ANSI American National Standards Institute (ANSI) lumen is often used to evaluate projector brightness. ANSI lumens are measured using smarter methods that involve many variables. While the measurements are actually much more complicated, you will find that the ANSI Lumens Measurement Method has several elements that help provide a more accurate value.

Lumens And ANSI Lumens Measurement

The mortal eye is sensitive to three wavelength ranges of light, each corresponding to the peak event of retinal photopsin colors red (R 560 nm), green (G 530 nm), and blue (B 430 nm). This is the base for RGB- grounded color videotape systems.

Consider putting the light 0.30 measures down from a flat wall on which we will draw a 0.09 cadence forecourt, this surface emits one lumen per square bottom of illumination.

The equation between ANSI lumens and Lumens: LED Lumens value / 2.4=ANSI lumens. 

XGIMI's projectors use ANSI lumens.

Lumens vs. ANSI Lumens

Why Are Lumens important?

Without enough light output, a projector can't display brilliant pictures. Images will appear muddy and fuzzy if the light output is too low, even if you decrease the lights in the room to compensate.

Look for the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Lumen rating on a projector's light to see whether it has the necessary brightness for your needs. It will inform you of the maximum amount of light the projector is capable of producing. Projectors with 1,000 ANSI lumens or more are generally appropriate, although other considerations such as ambient light, screen distance or size, and room size will also influence whether less or more lumens are required.

Factors affecting ANSI Lumens in Projector

ANSI Lumens is a standard measurement of projector brightness, which determines how bright the image will appear on the screen. This measurement is determined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which specifies the brightness level of a projector based on a specific test pattern. The brightness level is calculated by taking the average of nine different measurement points on the screen. There are several factors that affect ANSI Lumens in a projector, including:

1. Lamp brightness: The brightness of the projector lamp is one of the most critical factors that affect ANSI Lumens. The brighter the lamp, the higher the ANSI Lumens. Most projector manufacturers specify the lamp brightness in their product specifications.

2. Projector optics: The optical design of the projector also affects ANSI Lumens. The quality of the lens, the size of the lens, and the number of lenses in the projector all have an impact on the brightness of the image. A high-quality lens will produce a brighter image than a lower quality lens.

3. Screen size and distance: The size of the screen and the distance between the projector and the screen also affect ANSI Lumens. The larger the screen size, the more ANSI Lumens are needed to produce a bright image. Similarly, the farther the projector is from the screen, the more ANSI Lumens are needed to produce a bright image.

4. Ambient light: The amount of ambient light in the room also affects ANSI Lumens. The brighter the room, the more ANSI Lumens are needed to produce a bright image. If the room is too bright, it can wash out the image, making it difficult to see.

5. Color and contrast: The color and contrast of the image also affect ANSI Lumens. Brighter colors and higher contrast images require more ANSI Lumens to produce a bright image.

In conclusion, ANSI Lumens is an essential measurement in projectors that determines how bright the image will appear on the screen. The factors mentioned above, including lamp brightness, projector optics, screen size and distance, ambient light, and color and contrast, all have an impact on ANSI Lumens. Therefore, it's crucial to consider these factors when selecting a projector for your needs.

How Many Lumens/ANSI Lumens Are Needed For An Indoor And Outdoor Project?

When determining how many ANSI lumens to utilize, there are three factors to consider, namely:
• Locations
• Ambient Light
• Screen Size

Locations: Decide where you would like to use your projector. Outdoor projectors often have lower brightness when compared to home projectors. That's because higher brightness generates more heat, and a larger space for dissipating the heat will be needed, thus making it less portable for a projector. 

Ambient Lighting: Ambient light is really one of the most important considerations when purchasing a projector. The amount of natural light entering the room where the projector will be used is called ambient light.

Low Ambient Light Environments: If you'll be using your projector in a dark room or one with low ambient light, any ANSI lumens rating will suffice. You might choose projectors with low ANSI lumen ratings if you can manage the ambient light in your room using window coverings or by turning off artificial light sources. In low ambient light conditions, projectors with 300 to 600 ANSI lumen ratings will suffice.

Low to Medium Ambient Light Situations: People installing projectors in medium ambient light environments will require models with a greater brightness rating than those listed above. Depending on additional criteria, such as the size of the projected images and the distance between the projection screen and the projector, the brightness of these projectors can range from 600 to 2,000 ANSI lumens.

Medium to High Ambient Light Environments: To project viewable imagery in areas such as auditoriums, public venues, or workplaces with glass windows without shades, projectors with high brightness are required. These areas have a lot of ambient light, thus a projector with a strong light source that can counterbalance the influence of said ambient light is required. For strong ambient light environments, a projector with at least 2,000 ANSI lumens rating may be necessary.

Screen Size: The larger the screen is, the higher the brightness needed. If you prefer a large screen size, ie. 200", it's definitely recommended to get a projector with higher ANSI lumens.

To learn more about the number of lumens/ANSI lumens required for a project. The table chart below is some advice for choosing the suitable ANSI lumens for your projector:

Ambient Light ANSI Lumens
Indoor low ambient light     300-600 ANSI lumens 
Indoor medium ambient light    600-1600 ANSI lumens
Indoor high ambient light1600-2500 ANSI lumens
Outdoor low ambient light (ex. camping in dark woods)200-500 ANSI lumens 
Outdoor medium ambient light (ex. backyard with some street lights)600-1000 ANSI lumens
Outdoor high ambient light (ex. midday with sunlight)>1000 ANSI lumens

Product Recommendations

Home projector

It's thrilling to see your favorite film on a large screen in a dimly lit room with your family, friends, or just on your own. For a genuine home theater experience, you'll need a projector. Here are two home projectors that can provide an excellent immersive viewing experience to you:

XGIMI Horizon Pro

XGIMI HORIZON Pro offers intelligent screen detection that can adjust the size of the image to the size of your screen. It launches in less than 10 seconds.
More features:
● 1500 ISO Lumens, bright enough for medium to high ambient light
● True 4k resolution.
● ISA technology (autofocus, auto keystone correction,  obstacle avoidance, and auto screen alignment)
● X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine for sharp image and lifelike colors
● Built-in Android TV™ with over 5000 apps, ie. HBO, Disney+
● Harman Kardon speakers, 2*8W speakers.

XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - front
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - with ELSA AWARD for BEST BUY PROJECTOR
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - Highly Recommended By Projector Reviews
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - side
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - back
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - top
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - front
HORIZON Pro
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - with ELSA AWARD for BEST BUY PROJECTOR
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - Highly Recommended By Projector Reviews
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - side
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - back
XGIMI HORIZON Pro - true 4K projector - top

XGIMI Elfin

Elfin is a new portable LED projector launched by XGIMI. It is easier and portable to move around because of its small size. It has automatic screen adjustment technology.
More features:
● 600 ISO Lumens, suitable for low to medium ambient light
● 973g, thin and compact, easy to move from one place to another
● 1080p FHD resolution
●ISA technology (autofocus, auto keystone correction, auto obstacle avoidance, and auto screen alignment)
● 26.5ms Game Mode Boost

Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - front
Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - top
Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - back
Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - side
enjoy home cinema with the Elfin mini projector in bedroom
Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - front
Elfin
Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - top
Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - back
Elfin - 1080p mini projector - White - side
enjoy home cinema with the Elfin mini projector in bedroom

Outdoor Projectors

Outdoor projectors are great for watching movies in the backyard, when camping, or even on business trips. And below are two that might suit your needs:

Halo+

Halo+ is one of the most brightest and advanced portable projectors, it outshines most portable projectors and is suitable for those with a higher budget.
More features:
● 700 ISO Lumens
● Built-in batteries for 2-4 hours
● 1080p FHD
●ISA technology (autofocus, auto keystone correction, auto obstacle avoidance, and auto screen alignment), 6 seconds setup
● Android TV™

Halo+
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - side
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Mini Projector - Fully Portable Design
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - top
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - back
Enjoy Camping Entertainment with the Halo+ 1080p FHD Mini Portable Projector
Halo+
Halo+
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - side
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Mini Projector - Fully Portable Design
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - top
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - back
Enjoy Camping Entertainment with the Halo+ 1080p FHD Mini Portable Projector

MoGo Pro

MoGo Pro+ is a 1080p Android TV™ portable projector. It is suitable for those with a lower budget.
More features:
● 300 ANSI lumens
● Built-in batteries for about 2 hours
● Autofocus and 40° auto keystone correction
● Voice control with Google assistant
● True 1080p resolution

MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - silver - front
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - silver - back
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico mini projector - silver - side
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - silver - lateral side
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - Award Winning Design
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - Android TV™ OS Built-in
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - portable mini convenient
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico mini projector -  suitable for families with children
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - silver - front
MoGo Pro
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - silver - back
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico mini projector - silver - side
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - silver - lateral side
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - Award Winning Design
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - Android TV™ OS Built-in
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico projector - portable mini convenient
MoGo Pro - 1080p pico mini projector -  suitable for families with children

Simply put, here are some recommendations for different ambient lights:
For low to medium ambient light indoors, such as using in the bedroom, XGIMI Elfin with 600 ISO Lumens is recommended.
For medium to high ambient light indoors, such as using in the living room, XGIMI HORIZON Pro with 1500 ISO Lumens is recommended.
For low ambient light outdoor, such as for camping in the woods, XGIMI MoGo Pro with 300 ANSI lumens and a built-in battery is recommended.
For medium to high ambient light outdoor, such as a backyard with some street lights, XGIMI Halo+ with 700 ISO Lumens and a built-in battery is recommended. 

Conclusion

Lumens or ANSI lumens are units of measurement that show how strong or intense a light source is.
The equation between ANSI lumens and Lumens: LED Lumens value / 2.4=ANSI lumens.

Choose the Appropriate Projector Brightness that Suit your Environment

The portable XGIMI Halo+ and MoGo Pro are suitable for outdoor use and easy to move, while the XGIMI HORIZON Pro and Elfin are good for home use. If you are aware of your needs, selecting the proper projector is an easy task.

The best projector for a certain step is determined by its parameters. While a projector's ANSI Lumens Rating provides useful information about its brightness, there are a number of additional considerations to consider when selecting the optimal projector brightness.

One of the factors affecting image quality is resolution, you can learn more information here.

Product Recommendations

HORIZON Ultra

HORIZON Ultra, the world's first 4K long-throw home projector with Dolby Vision. 2300 ISO lumens, Dual Light Technology, Dual 12W Harman Kardon Speakers.

HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra
HORIZON Ultra

Highlights

  • 4K with Dolby Vision
  • 2300 ISO Lumens
  • Dual Light Technology
  • Intelligent Screen Adaption 3.0
  • Dual 12W Harman Kardon Speakers
Learn More

Next-level 4K with Dolby Vision

With 2300 ISO lumens, you get the best of both worlds—ultra-high brightness plus realistic color both night and day.

Lossless Zoom

A New Era of Environmental Adaptability

2300 ISO Lumens

Ultra-high brightness

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Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - top
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