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Full Guide to 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 in Projector?

What Does Lumen Mean?

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.

What is ANSI Lumen?

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.

Why Are Projector Lumens / Brightness 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 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.

How to Convert Between Lumens And ANSI Lumens?

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.

Many people would ask 1 ansi lumen = how many lumen. Based on general online estimates, the equation between ANSI lumens and Lumens is: LED Lumens value / 2.4=ANSI lumens.

Note that he actual situation may vary depending on various factors, and this formula is for reference only. However, in general, for the same rated brightness value, a projector measured in ANSI lumens will appear brighter than one measured in LED lumens.

XGIMI projectors mainly use ISO lumens to measure brightness now.

LED Lumens vs. ANSI Lumens

How Many Lumens or ANSI Lumens Do You Need for a Projector?

When determining how many lumens or ANSI lumens to utilize, there are three factors to consider:

• Locations
• Ambient Light
• Screen Size

1. 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. 

2. 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.

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

● 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.

3. 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:

Five Factors that Affects the 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.

XGIMI ISO-Lumen Projectors for Different Lighting Conditions

Note that the brightness of XGIMI projectors are measured in ISO Lumens. White light output measured in accordance with ISO 21118. Brightness (light output) will vary depending on usage conditions. The nominal value represents the average value of mass production and is tested under ideal laboratory conditions in the performance mode/high power mode.

XGIMI HORIZON Pro 4K Home Projector with 1500 ISO Lumens

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 Halo+ Portable Outdoor Projector with 700 ISO Lumens

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, Ideal for Outdoor Projection
● 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
XGIMI Halo+ (New) Full HD mini projector has a brightness output of 700 ISO Lumens for brilliant images.
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
XGIMI Halo+ (New) Full HD mini projector has a brightness output of 700 ISO Lumens for brilliant images.
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - top
Halo+ - 1080p FHD Portable Projector - back
Enjoy Camping Entertainment with the Halo+ 1080p FHD Mini Portable Projector

Simply put, here are some recommendations for different ambient lights:

● For low ambient light indoors, such as using in the bedroom, XGIMI MoGo 4 Google TV projetcor with 450 ISO Lumens is a good choice for you.

● For medium to high ambient light indoors, such as using in the living room, XGIMI HORIZON Pro with 1500 ISO Lumens, HORIZON Ultra with 2300 ISO Lumens, and HORIZON S Max with 3100 ISO Lumens are recommended. 

● For low ambient light outdoor, such as for camping in the woods, XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser portable triple-laser projector with 550 ISO lumens and a built-in 71Wh 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. (For Reference Only)

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 in this blog:  Importance Of Resolution And Video Quality In Projectors

Product Recommendations

MoGo 4

XGIMI MoGo 4 is a smart portable 1080p projector ideal for apartment theaters and outdoor activities. It features a compact size, 71Wh built-in battery, 360° adjustable stand, and GTV OS with licensed Netflix.

MoGo 4
Built with a 360° rotatable stand, MoGo 4 is able to project on any screen, wall, ceiling, tent surface, etc. You can enjoy movies lying on a sofa or in your bed.
MoGo 4 XGIMI portable projector with built in battery is one of the best choices for backyard party hosts, adventure lovers, digital creators, and more.
Enjoy big-screen movies and sports games with XGIMI MoGo 4: Google TV System with Licensed Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more.
MoGo 4 XGIMI portable projector with built in battery​: 450 ISO Lumens, 1080p resolution. Support HDMI, Bluetooth&Wifi connection, and wireless phone screen mirroring.
If you need a budget-friendly small projector for your phone, XGIMI MoGo 4 is the best for you – first-time buyers or tech beginners.
XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector with rechargeable battery​ is packed with a
Top Photo of MoGo 4 XGIMI Projector
Mini Remote of MoGo 4
MoGo 4 Ambient Light Mode: 8 Colors
There is a 2-in-1 floor stand, customized for XGIMI MoGo 4 Series projectors, for both mounting and power charging. (Sold Separately)
XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector with battery: Smart 1080p HD solution with 450 ISO Lumens, built-in speakers, and Google TV streaming system with Netflix.
MoGo 4
MoGo 4
Built with a 360° rotatable stand, MoGo 4 is able to project on any screen, wall, ceiling, tent surface, etc. You can enjoy movies lying on a sofa or in your bed.
MoGo 4 XGIMI portable projector with built in battery is one of the best choices for backyard party hosts, adventure lovers, digital creators, and more.
Enjoy big-screen movies and sports games with XGIMI MoGo 4: Google TV System with Licensed Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more.
MoGo 4 XGIMI portable projector with built in battery​: 450 ISO Lumens, 1080p resolution. Support HDMI, Bluetooth&Wifi connection, and wireless phone screen mirroring.
If you need a budget-friendly small projector for your phone, XGIMI MoGo 4 is the best for you – first-time buyers or tech beginners.
XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector with rechargeable battery​ is packed with a
Top Photo of MoGo 4 XGIMI Projector
Mini Remote of MoGo 4
MoGo 4 Ambient Light Mode: 8 Colors
There is a 2-in-1 floor stand, customized for XGIMI MoGo 4 Series projectors, for both mounting and power charging. (Sold Separately)
XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector with battery: Smart 1080p HD solution with 450 ISO Lumens, built-in speakers, and Google TV streaming system with Netflix.
MoGo 4

Highlights

  • Full HD 1080p
  • 450 ISO Lumens
  • Google TV System with Netflix
  • Built-in 71Wh Battery
  • 360° Rotatable Stand
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Google TV Smart 1080p Projector On-the-Go

XGIMI MoGo 4 small projector for camping, business trips, and so on.

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