silent small projectors.. do they exist?

[TobiasTheViking]

I've been trying, for some time, to find a projector for work. The current one is too noisy(i believe it is 32db, it might not sound like much, or be much to normal people, but to some people with autism that can be hell).

Usually i find either big heavy projectors (5kg) that are quiet (22db).
Or i find light projectors (<2kg) that are loud(30db).

I am getting kinda desperate here. High definition is not an issue, this is for powerpoint not home theater.

I am finding it really hard to search for a projector that meets my requirements since newegg and the like don't offer advanced enough search functions(or i haven't found them yet).

So, if anyone have any recommendations i would really appriciate it.

Stats for current too loud projector.
Noise: 32db
Weight: 1.6kg
Width: 25.5cm
Depth: 20.5cm
Height: 6cm

ETA: The projector is a: panasonic pt-lm2e

Sincerely
Tobias

[wahrheit]

I subscribe to this thread, because my projector is in the 140dB class, and as of lately has started to produce a more and more greenish picture.

Are you sure about the 32dB? I bought an air conditioner last week, it says 30dB to 35dB in the manual, and this thing is scarcely audible during operation.

[TobiasTheViking]

I subscribe to this thread, because my projector is in the 140dB class, and as of lately has started to produce a more and more greenish picture.

Are you sure about the 32dB? I bought an air conditioner last week, it says 30dB to 35dB in the manual, and this thing is scarcely audible during operation.

I just added the projector product to the main post, it is a "panasonic pt-lm2e", some say 40db, some say 27db, most say 32db. It is hard to find out how much it really is, i can't find it on panasonics page either.(i can't find the projector at all).

If you can find out how much it is, i would be very gratefull since that would make it easie for me to figure out how silent i need to get it.

[El Greco]

Don't assume that all the specifications are correct, or that they refer to the same operation mode (lamp brightness). Better read up reviews from Projector Central or someplace else.

[Soapy Sam]

What's the noise source? Cooling fans? In that case , bigger and slower is usually quieter than smaller and faster. You might have to trade weight for noise. You're a big lad , Toby. Get a monster.

ETA-Other thoughts:- Baffles? Insulation? Headphones?

[fuelair]

Problem with baffles/insulation is they may easily let the heat get up beyond the ability of the fan to cool properly - and, if properly designed, projector will shut off , if not it will overheat and you'll be getting a new one anyway.

[gerdbonk]

Contributing factors can be the acoustics of the room and the surface that you set the projector on. Meeting tables can be just like a huge soundboard, resonating with the vibrations of the fan. You can get acoustic pads that will absorb machine noise. Is there any acoustic treatment on the walls?

You might want to get an inexpensive SPL meter so you can ballpark the actual sound level rather than relying on the specs on the box.

What about earplugs?

[TobiasTheViking]

Nothing can be done about the room and acoustics of the room. This is for lectures and courses being held in all sorts of different locations.

Personally i would choose weight and size for noise(since it really is an issue).
And while i am a big boy and can carry it, i am not always there to do it.

I MIGHT be able to pursuade my employer to get the one i've found at 5kg and 22db, but.. i am not sure.

And something more lightweight would be very nice.

The noise is from the cooling fans, and since location and acustics always change that is the only thing that can be manipulated and improved.

An SPL meter might be interesting. And sadly i doubt vibrations is an issue, but i will investigate and see if an acoustic pad will help. Walls, non issue since they always change.

Earplugs.... ehm.. no ;)

*sigh*

[fuelair]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__NEC_VT48_LCD_Projector,__14697743

25dB in ECO mode

[TobiasTheViking]

Hm, maybe, i will investigate it. Though not that big a difference.

[Dog Boots]

I've heard that they're not so far away from producing LED-powered projectors. Now THAT will be cool. In more than one way.

[TobiasTheViking]

true

[Shaun from Scotland]

I have this BenQ projector Tobias and it is really quiet and quite portable:

http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=40KY&v=1#infoarea

Dont know if you can get it over the pond........

[TobiasTheViking]

Thanks, i will see if i can get it here.