Today, a ceiling mount projector can be found almost anywhere and is used for a range of purposes. Many classrooms are switching to ceiling mount projectors over slide and overhead projectors because the new technology allows the one piece of equipment to be connected to and project images from computers, VCRs or DVD players, and visual presenters. The ceiling mount also provides greater security for the projector and takes up less of the limited space in small classrooms. Ceiling mount projectors are also being increasingly used in individual homes, as well, because they help create the finished look of a professional home theater.
Some of the benefits of a ceiling mount projector include greater security, better stability, and less time involved in set-up. If the projector will be used frequently as opposed to only occasionally, a ceiling mount projector will be advantageous because there will be less hassle involved each time it is used. However, ceiling mount projectors can cause more difficulty in some situations because they require more planning to install initially and they are generally less portable. If the projector is mounted on the ceiling, it can still be transported to other locations because the projector can be removed from its ceiling base, but it is best to purchase a quick release mount and an additional set of cables since installed cables are hard to remove.
When installing a ceiling mount projector, the first thing to do is make sure that the projector actually can be mounted on the ceiling. After that, the exact distance between the projector and the screen needs to be determined because the throw ratio varies among projectors. The throw ratio is the relationship between the distance from the screen and the size of the image projected. Finally, make sure that when mounting the projector enough space is left between the projector and the wall or other objects for ventilation.