Choosing a display device for your conference room has come a long way since the days of slide projectors. With options such as dedicated business projectors, consumer flat panels and commercial-grade flat panels, it can be hard to make a decision. Epson America has shared 5 key tips that can help you provide the best projection experience while staying within budget.

1) Readability: Presentations and projects meant to be displayed should be able to be read from any position in the room. Before making a decision, be sure to sit in the room in the farthest position away from the screen to ensure that all participants will be able to read the display. This is especially relevant if your occupants use carefully formatted information, such as in a spreadsheet or a presentation.

2) Connectivity: Determine what types of connectivity your occupants will need. Though they can be less expensive, some consumer flat panel displays do not offer the advanced connectivity options that commercial-grade models and business projectors do. If your occupants need connectivity to VGA, USB, HDMI, or even wireless, be sure to confirm that the display type you choose includes the functionality your occupants need.

3) Resolution: Don’t get stuck with a grainy image your occupants have to strain their eyes to see. With the multitude of devices today’s business people use, be sure that the device you’ve chosen has been designed to easily sync with computers, tablets and smartphones.

4) Portability: In today’s hectic working environment, consider whether or not your display will be permanently installed or will need to be moved between rooms. Flat panel displays, while tending to be less expensive, can be a hassle if you have multiple conference rooms which need to be outfitted. If your display needs to be mobile, choosing a business projector which can be moved or placed wherever is convenient could be your best option – you may not even need a screen – just project directly onto the wall or a whiteboard.

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As we move through life, there are some general rules of thumb that we should keep in mind. One of them goes like this: “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it.”

That caveat certainly applies to videoconferencing from your smartphone. Yes, you can Skype someone and have a nice conversation with them (Tip: Remember to turn your phone horizontally to use the full width of the screen). Or, you could join a videoconference and figure out some way to hold your phone steady while chatting with everyone else.

There have been some ingenious solutions to stabilizing a smartphone camera, from braced selfie sticks to coffee mugs, books, and even plastic aftermarket stands. But all of those props just hold up the phone – they don’t give you any real control over a multi−participant call. And you’re basically stuck with whatever video and audio quality your wireless network or LTE connection can provide.

Here’s another way to look at it (pun intended!). On the evening news, you may watch a story that involves both a stand−up reporter with high−definition video and clear audio, supplemented by video captured on a smartphone which is inevitably a vertical image with lots of black screen around it. (Turn that phone sideways, doggone it!)

So, which would you rather see− The smartphone news video clip certainly adds authenticity and impact, but the HD news coverage gives you a more expansive view with greater detail. So there is value in upping your VC game by streaming steady, HD video at normal frame rates.

The good news is; you don’t have to give up your phone. Rather, we’re proposing you use it in conjunction with VIA Collage to conduct a more professional videoconference, using built−in 3rd−party software such as Skype or Blue Jeans. Not only will you get the benefit of full HD streaming from your phone, you’ll also be able to manage the network connection and the other participants who dial in.

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