Projector Mounts and Other Accessories

Brackets, cables and cases for projectors

A riveting presentation or movie showing doesn’t just rely on the projector you purchase. Mounting brackets, carrying cases and the right projector cables will make using your projector better and easier.

Projector ceiling and wall mounts

If your projector is going to be staying in one place, mounting it to your ceiling or wall will not only streamline the look of your projection room; it will also help protect your projection system from accidental damage.

You need a solid support (wall stud or ceiling joist) that can hold the weight of your projector. You also need to determine whether your projection unit can be fixed to an inverted bracket (does it have holes on the bottom where you can attach the mount with screws?) or whether you need to use a platform mount and whether that mount is designed to hold your projector’s weight.

Flush or low-profile installation is standard with most mounts, so if you want your projector to hang down from the ceiling you may need to purchase a ceiling plate or ceiling flange that comes with an extension pipe. A powered projector lift or lowering mount allows you to enclose your projector within the ceiling when it’s not in use, and lower it with the touch of a button or switch. For wall installations you can choose an arm and bracket system or a pivoting mount that can be used for wall or ceiling, and table top mounts and projector stands are also available.

Mount options like yaw, tilt (or pitch) and roll let you adjust or turn your projector while it’s still fixed in place. You can purchase a bracket designed specifically for your projector or an adjustable universal bracket - just check to make sure it can be adjusted to your protector’s bolt pattern. Some mounts also offer security features, or a cable management system to tidy up your cords.

Projector connectors and cables

There are several different ways to connect your data or video source and your projector, although not every machine will include all the options. Composite video is the lowest quality but extremely common. Carrying all the video information in one cable, composite video is usually marked with a yellow-colored RCA connector. In a professional setting it may have a BNC connector instead that can be screwed into place.

The next step up in picture quality is S-Video (also called Y/C), which separates the video signal into luminance and chrominance. Component video offers another level of improvement, separating the signal into three feeds, which are generally color-coded red, green and blue and use RCA connectors. VGA 15-pin cables are the standard for connecting computers to projectors.

While the above signals are all analog, connections like HDMI and DVI (basically essential for HDTV viewing) carry video signals in digital format.

Projector cases and other accessories

A good case is essential if you need to take your projector on the road. There is a wide variety of options depending on your needs, what kind of travel you’ll be doing with the projection unit, and the projector’s size. Some ceiling mounts offer casing for your projector with cooling fans (a good option for bars and restaurants), but most cases are designed for carrying portable projectors.

There are hard-sided and soft-sided case options made from various materials, including aluminum, leather and fabric. Some are even airtight, watertight and crush-proof. Many cases feature wheels and a pull handle, like a small suitcase. Other styles include over-the-shoulder cases and attaché or brief case-style projector cases.

A wheeled rack or AV cart gives you limited portability if your travels stay within the bounds one location. Cart options include additional shelves for carrying other equipment, safety and security belts or straps and on-board electrical outlets.