Projector prices vary dramatically, ranging from under $800 at the low end to well over $40,000 at the high end – ultra-high performance projectors for auditoriums can hit $200,000. Keep in mind the market is extremely competitive and prices continue to drop each year. The two features that have the biggest impact on price are resolution and brightness. If you want to see actual examples of what other BuyerZone users paid for LCD projectors, check out our real-world LCD projector prices article.

Most ultralight SVGA projectors fall between $800 and $2,000, with XGA's going between $1,500 and $4,000. Prices for conference room and fixed installation machines vary depending on resolution, brightness, and other extras, but expect to spend between $4,000 and $10,000 for a good system, or more if you are outfitting a large auditorium.

Prices also vary among dealers, so it usually pays to shop around. Often, the same model (with only slight variations in features) may be sold by as many as four different manufacturers under different names. Additionally, some manufacturers may give special pricing to their top dealers, which can translate to larger discounts for you.

Renting/leasing digital projectors
If the idea of an $8,000 hole in your budget keeps you from picking out the perfect addition to your conference room, there are other options. It is fairly common to rent or lease digital projectors for a monthly fee. Many three-year leases tend to run from $125 to $250 per month for a moderately priced model.

However, it’s up to you to read the contract carefully to avoid lowball offers that end up costing you more in the long run. The price will depend on the type of projector you rent, and there are wide variations in projector capabilities and construction. Make sure the contract specifies exactly the right projector for your needs.

Projector warranties and service
Warranties on digital projectors range from one to three years on parts and labor depending on the manufacturer. When offered, standard bulb coverage tends to be for 90 days.

If you travel frequently, you will want to check into warranties that cover 24-hour projector replacement in the event that shipping the projector back to the manufacturer for repair will take too long. If you are considering a projector whose warranty does not offer overnight replacements, it does not necessarily mean that you are out of luck. Some manufacturers work informally with their resellers to offer such services. Talk to potential dealers to find out if they would be willing to offer such a service.

When purchasing a projector, make sure to inquire about return policies. Some discount vendors simply do not accept returns – others may charge surprisingly high restocking fees. While you're not likely to need to return a new projector, understanding the policies can help you avoid a nasty surprise.