Difference Between ANSI Lumens and Lumens


ANSI lumens and lumens are both brightness measurements; however, they differ in how the measurement is standardized and how the measurement is done. Lumens are a measure of overall light output, whereas ANSI lumens are a standardized measure of brightness that takes certain testing conditions into account.

Read this article to find out more about ANSI Lumens and Lumens and how they are different from each other.

What is ANSI Lumens?

ANSI lumens are a standardized brightness measurement used specifically for projectors. The acronym "ANSI" stands for the American National Standards Institute, a non-profit organization that creates standards for a wide range of companies, including the audio-visual industry. The ANSI lumen measurement is designed to provide a standardized method of measuring projector brightness under specific testing conditions.

A projector is placed at a specific distance from a screen and tested using a standardized test pattern to determine ANSI lumens. The test pattern is a grid of white and black squares used to measure the projector's ability to produce bright whites and dark blacks. The brightness of the projector is measured at different locations on the screen, and the results are averaged to produce the final ANSI lumen rating.

The ANSI lumen criteria are quite specific and are designed to represent a typical projection environment. For example, testing is carried out in a completely dark room with the projector lens at its widest angle and the bulb at its brightest setting. The test pattern is standardized as well, with a specified size and contrast ratio.

The use of ANSI lumens as a measure of projector brightness has the advantage of providing a standardized way of comparing the brightness of different projectors. The ANSI lumen rating provides a more accurate comparison of brightness than just comparing the lumen ratings of different projectors because the testing conditions are the same for all projectors.

While ANSI lumens provide a standardized measurement of brightness, they do not always accurately reflect the brightness of the projected image in all viewing environments. Ambient light, screen size, and screen gain can all have an impact on the brightness of a projector's image. As a result, when selecting a projector for a specific use case, factors other than ANSI lumens must be considered.

What is Lumens?

Lumens is a unit of measurement for the total amount of light emitted by a light source, regardless of the direction in which it is emitted. It is a unit of measurement for luminous flux, which is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.

The amount of light emitted by a light source depends on several factors, including the source's power, the efficiency of the light-producing elements, and the light source's design. As a result, two light sources with the same power rating may not provide the same quantity of light.

Lumens allow you to compare the total quantity of light generated by various light sources. The more lumens a light source has, the brighter it is. A 100-watt incandescent light bulb, for example, normally provides roughly 1600 lumens of light, whereas a 60-watt bulb generates around 800 lumens.

It is important to remember that, while lumens allow you to compare the overall quantity of light produced by different light sources, they do not account for light direction. As a result, a light source with a high-lumen output may not be the best option for a specific application if it doesn't provide the required directed lighting.

Difference between ANSI Lumens and Lumens

The following table highlights the major differences between ANSI Lumens and Lumens −

Characteristics

ANSI Lumens

Lumens

Definition

The ANSI lumen measurement is designed to provide a standardized method of measuring projector brightness under specific testing conditions.

It is a unit of measurement for luminous flux, which is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.

Accuracy

It provides a more accurate representation of a projector's brightness in a real-world setting.

It provides an accurate measurement of the total amount of light emitted by a light source.

Usage

It is used to compare the brightness of different projectors.

It is used to describe the brightness of a wide range of light sources, including light bulbs, LED lights, and flashlights.

Symbol

It doesn't have any symbols.

'lm' is the symbol for lumens.

Standardization

ANSI lumens are standardized by ANSI.

Lumens are standardized by ANSI.

Resultant Value

It provides a lower value than lumens for the same projector.

It provides a higher value than ANSI lumens for the same projector.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both lumens and ANSI lumens are brightness measurements, they differ in how the measurement is standardized as well as the conditions under which the measurement is performed.

Lumens are the total quantity of light output by a source, whereas ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness that takes certain testing conditions into consideration.

Understanding the differences between these two measurements is important, particularly when comparing the brightness of various light sources or projectors.

Updated on: 22-Aug-2023

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