Projectors vs. Monitors

[RNAnalyst]

We are using the Meditech system, and in our ED, we are currently using 36" monitors for our public trackers. They are beginning to go through their death throws (one is morphing from a yellow to a green to a purple hue as you watch!)

We are thinking of incorperating projectors to display the tracking information onto walls, and I would like to hear from anyone who has already started using these. Are their any horror stories out there? I understand that the bulbs are quite costly. Is it worth it?

Thanks in advance for your responses,

RNAnalyst

[rninformatics, DNP, RN]

We are using the Meditech system, and in our ED, we are currently using 36" monitors for our public trackers. They are beginning to go through their death throws (one is morphing from a yellow to a green to a purple hue as you watch!)

We are thinking of incorperating projectors to display the tracking information onto walls, and I would like to hear from anyone who has already started using these. Are their any horror stories out there? I understand that the bulbs are quite costly. Is it worth it?

Thanks in advance for your responses,

RNAnalyst

Yep it would be too costly in comparison to the minimal benefits.

Check with your AV or Telecommunications dept but most bulbs for projectors average around $50-100 dollars. Normal bulb life when the projector is used daily (6-8hr/day) 3-5 x week would be anywhere from 3-6 months. If used daily for 24hrs the bulb life would definately be decreased .....

Most projectors have auto energy efficiency settings that place the projector in stand - by or sleep mode when nothing is actively happening (i.e. no screen changes, slide changes or activity on the desktop). The screen then goes blank so it would defeat your purpose of having a constantly projected image 24/7. Plus there are so many inexpensive quality monitors out .....why use a projector?

IS depts get a considerable discount or "at cost" price on hardware. Best bet flat screen monitors on stationary work stations or COWs (computers on wheels aka laptops on mobile carts). Or if screen size is not an issue pc tablets or handhelds.