Educational Projector: BenQ MP624

Hi Everyone,

I've joined recently to get some advice on a new projector I need to buy for the classroom!

I've been recommended by a colleague to look at the BenQ MP624, but currently do not understand much about projectors themselves. The projector itself is well within the budget that our head department gave me.

From what I've heard, the MP624 is a very quiet projector, which is also perfect because the last thing I'd want is something noisy disturbing me while I'm explaining the projected image to the class.

I've also heard great things about DLP projectors in general, especially how their contrast ratio's are generally a lot higher than LCD's so they project higher quality images.

Anyway, some advice about the BenQ MP624 would be nice! Thanks in advance!

One thing that is very important for education projectors is high brightness, i.e. high amount of lumens. Imagine, in a classroom the light situation is always very different (sun shining from different angles, curtains which don't completely cover the windows or leak, etc.), especially if the projector is not fixed on the ceiling but placed on a dray and moved from classroom to classroom or transported in a special suitcase. Which are quite common situations, esp. in small and mid-sized schools where budgets are low.

Education projectors should be equipped with 2000 to 2500 lumens, the Benq MP624 has 3000 lumens which is enough.

Also, when it comes to budget discussions, the advantage of DLP vs. LCD projectors are the lower maintenance costs. DLP projectors (and the MP624 is one) have no filters because they have a closed engine which means that dust cannot penetrate and accumulate. LCD technology is different, here filters should normally be exchanged once a month when the projector is frequently used (which is most often the case in schools). And filters are also not particularly cheap.

Considering these aspects the Benq MP624 is a good educational projector. Still you might think about creating a shortlist and compare 2 to 3 models before you make your final decision.