When it comes to projectors, terminology like keystone correction and lens shift are commonly utilized. Even though they do it in various ways, each of these tools allows you to make alterations to an image. Or in other words, These two allow you to change the form and location of the projected pictures without having to move the projector. In this article, we are going to differentiate between lens shift vs keystone correction.
They’re not the same, and you’ll find out why as you continue reading. Let’s take a closer look at each of these projector features one by one.
EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LENS SHIFT
This is not the same as Keystone correction. Lens shift allows you to physically move the projector’s lens. The projector’s lens may travel in multiple directions using this mechanism: up, down, left, and right, yet the picture geometry is not affected.
Although not all projectors offer both, Lens Shift can be vertical or horizontal. Only vertical lens shift is supported by some projectors, whereas only horizontal lens shift is supported by others. The lens offset on some other projectors is set at a specific angle.
The lens assembly may be shifted in different directions using lens shift. Without shifting the projector vertically or horizontally. It also travels diagonally in certain high-end projectors.
To acquire the correct projection, raise, drop, or move the picture from one side to the other. It corrects any picture that is off-center or uneven.
There’s no need to even shift the projector an inch. The lens is moved for you using a knob or dial. Remote control is available on several high-end projectors.
Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of the lens shift
Pros
- It makes small shifts in the orientation of the lens without relocating the projector.
- Some expensive projectors feature remote control lens shifting.
Cons
- The lens shift is mostly on an expensive projector.
Everything You Should Know About Keystone Correction
Before the picture ever gets through the lens, keystone correction digitally modifies it. This option is only available when the projector is not perpendicular to the screen, resulting in uneven and trapezoidal pictures. They are sometimes thinner or wider on one side than the other. The Key correction setting adjusts the sides of uneven projected pictures to make them virtually perfect rectangles. To apply the adjustments, use the menu on the screen or the corresponding button on the remote control.
Furthermore, while many projectors offer both vertical and horizontal adjustments, only a few others do. However, even with all of these different correcting options, the outcomes aren’t always ideal. Furthermore, the keystone correction uses a digital method to compress and scale pictures in order to change their form and location. It can cause artifacts, picture distortion, and a reduction in resolution.
Keystone correction’s benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Adjusting the angles and shapes of images through the digital settings allows you to keep your projector fixed.
Cons
- It permits digital picture editing, which is less effective than modifying images directly from the source (the lens or the projector body).
- Digital artifacts or a lower resolution may show in the presented images.
keystone correction vs lens shift, What Makes them different?
When you require their assistance
When the projector is not perpendicular to the screen and the image is tilted, keystone correction is required. The picture has an unusual aspect in this scenario, and one of the sides is generally larger than the other. If you can’t refocus the image, Keystone correction could be your only choice. The projector, on the other hand, is perpendicular to the screen while using Lens Shift. There is less work to be done, and the change is made to the projector’s optics rather than the picture.
What impact do they have on image quality?
Keystone correction has a significant impact on image quality. This is due to the fact that the procedure involves a compression mechanism. The picture resolution is lowered when the number of pixels on the image is reduced. Because they are more impacted, the image’s edges are largely affected. Artifacts as well as a variety of other distortions are likely to arise.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is lens shift the same as keystone?
Lens shift allows you to physically move the projector’s lens assembly up, down, side-to-side, or diagonally without moving the projector. Keystone correction (also referred to as Digital Keystone Correction) digitally manipulates the image before it passes through the lens.
Should you use keystone correction?
The keystone correction is your best solution to fix a trapezoid-like image and so you must take the angle of correction into consideration before buying a model of projector, as it fulfills your need for image adjustment completely.
Does keystone reduce resolution?
So does keystone correction reduce resolution? Yes, It does. It should, therefore, be used as a last resort if you aren’t able to adjust the keystone effect by yourself and the physical placement of your projector.
How much does keystone correction cost?
Projectors vary in the amount of keystone correction they can provide. For vertical (up and down) keystone correction, some offer a modest 12 degrees while others achieve as much as 35 degrees of correction.
What is 2D keystone correction?
The ability to adjust along both the X and Z-axis is known as 2D keystone correction. A trapezoid with a long left side and short right side.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, lens shift vs keystone correction both serve the same function but in distinct ways. Both parameters are used to achieve ideal projections— images that are projected at the proper size and clarity. You utilize the lens shift setting to remedy the problem when your projector aligns with the screen at a perpendicular angle. If the projector is at an odd angle with the screen and is displaying an image that is broad or narrow on one side, utilize keystone correction to make the necessary adjustments.