A projector is also referred to as an image projector. This is an optical device that projects an image onto a surface. Projectors commonly cause projection on a screen. Most of them usually create an image by shining a light. This is via a small transparent lens. However, newer types of home theater projectors can project the image directly. They are uniquely designed to use lasers.
Best Projectors in the Market
There are absolutely millions of projectors in the market. So, how do you know which one is the best? This is because going through these gadgets can be confusing. To help you, outlined below are some of the best projectors.
1. Optoma HD142X 1080p 3000 Lumens Home Theater Projector
This is a mid-range home theater projector which great qualities. First, it has brilliant and vibrant colors. So, watching movies and playing games is definitely enjoyable. Apart from that, it comes with Full HD1080P resolution. This means that it’s perfect for watching Blu-ray movies.
With an extended lamp life, this device can effortlessly produce 8,000 hours of lamp life. This means that if you are watching a 2-movie daily, the lamp life will last 10 years. Furthermore, it’s integrated with a 10-watt speaker. So, it’s without doubt that it completely changes home entertainment.
View On AmazonKey Features
- Screen Size Range: 66-inches from 8 feet and 107-inches from 12 feet.
- Brightness: 3,000 ANSI Lumens.
- Contrast Ratio: 23,000:1 and Keystone Correction: Yes
- Impressive 8,000 hours of lamp life. Therefore, you can use it for years.
- Integrated 10-watt speaker. This completely changes home entertainment.
- Full HD 1080P. Therefore, there is no downscaling or compressing of images.
- Full 3D. The device perfectly displays true 3D content from any 3D source.
- Dynamic black. Images automatically adjust to the lamp output. This is particularly based on the brightness of each frame.
Pros
- Long-lasting lamp life.
- A wide range of connectivity options. So, it connects with multiple devices.
- Perfectly handles high-performance scenarios
Con
- Doesn’t have much customization. It’s, therefore, not great for personalization.
2. LG PH450UG Minibeam Projector
This is a great device, both in terms of appearance and functionality. It definitely takes the cake for image quality. This home cinema has a huge screen size. It, therefore, produces big images. Overall, it delivers vivid images at an exceptionally short distance. Simply set the projector 3 inches away. As a result, you will get up to 40 inches of vivid and bright images. Besides that, you can place it 13 inches away and get images up to 80 inches.
This device connects wirelessly. Therefore, it’s perfect for use with smartphones and tablets. It should be noted that the home theater projector can effortlessly display music, pictures, and moves. Moreover, you can use it to display office documents on USB.
Key Features
- Ultra-Short Throw projectors. It effortlessly delivers vivid imagery within a very short distance.
- Set it just 3 inches from a screen to get 40 inches of bright viewing. Alternatively, set 13 inches away to get images up to 80 inches.
- Wireless Screen Share Connection. It perfectly integrates with Android, iOS, and Widia.
- Display Type: DLP and Bluetooth Sound Out
- 30,000 Hour Lamp Life and up to 450 lumens
Pros
- Bright image quality. It’s definitely impactful.
- Runs cool and quiet.
- It comes with the battery power option. Therefore, you can take it anywhere.
Cons
- 720p resolution. This is too low and unattractive.
- Limited motion resolution.
3. Optoma HD25-LV-WHD 1080p
This is a home theater projector that’s absolutely capable of delivering massive pictures. It effortlessly delivers content in Full HD. this projector can indeed dazzle your audience. Amazing images thanks to the high clarity. It should be noted that this device has a 1080p resolution. So, it will give you sharp and detailed images. Besides that, it doesn’t downscale or compresses the images.
Apart from that, it has 3500 lumens and 20,000:1 contrast ratio. As a result, it delivers bright images. The full 3D compatibility makes it easier to seamless integrate this device. Therefore, you can link it with a DLP link.
Key Features
- 3,500 lumens and a contrast ratio of 20,000:1. It, therefore, produces quality and bright pictures.
- Pure Motion image processing. It perfectly keeps everything smooth. Additionally, it prevents jitteriness.
- Full HD 1080p. Its, therefore, perfect for watching Blu-ray movies and playing video games.
- Brilliant Color Technology: as a result, it produces an exceptional contrast ratio.
Pros
- Great sound quality. Although it has a small package, it produces loud sounds
- Highly portable. Therefore, it’s convenient for outdoor use.
- Exceptionally bright
Cons
- The effectiveness significantly declines with use.
4. BenQ TK800 4K Sports Projector
This is absolutely the true entertainment projector. It uses the True 4K Ultra High Definition Resolution. It should be noted that this is one of the best home theater projectors in 2019. TK800 delivers over 8 million pixels of UHD image quality. Additionally, it produces images with vivid colors.
Its picture modes significantly optimize the viewing experience. So, you can easily choose from the 5 customized modes. They include Sport, Football, Vivid TV, Cinema, and Football mode. It’s without doubt that this home theater offers uncompromising entertainment. For instance, it offers greater brightness, image optimization, and contrast range. All these conveniently occur in a single step.
Key Features
- Immersive Sports Experience. The sports mode absolutely makes you feel like you are in a real stadium.
- True 4K Ultra-High Definition Resolution. This helps to produce crisply clear images.
- Hyper-realistic HDR10 Quality. It indeed improves the natural color tone.
- Compact and Sleek Design. This is a highly versatile projector that easily fits in compact spaces.
Pros
- It’s great for watching sports. It perfectly produces an immersive experience.
- It renders vivid colors. Thus, it’s suitable for home entertainment.
- Incredible image clarity and crisply defined details.
Cons
- HDR10 image is less than ideal hence not worth it.
- It could definitely be brighter. Therefore, it’s not great for handling HDR
5. Epson EX3240 SVGA 3LCD Home Theater Projector
This is another great home theater projector. 3LCD simply takes your home entertainment to a whole new level. Whether you are watching movies or sports, this device perfectly fits. It seamlessly fits in in tiny and compact spaces. Besides that, it produces stunningly big images on the screen. As a result, it takes home entertainment a notch higher.
First, it comes with 2 HDMI ports. So, you can easily connect all your devices. This gadget makes it easier to connect other devices such as satellite boxes, Cable TVs, and gaming consoles, etc. It absolutely makes every day extraordinary. It should be noted that it also makes streaming of HD videos enjoyable. This is because you can effortlessly pair it with Roku and Chromecast among others.
View On AmazonKey Features
- A large screen range.
- Flexible placement and screen size. To can conveniently use it in and outside.
- Convenient color modes hence easy optimization.
- Innovative 3LCD technology: Therefore, you can view amazing action scenes.
Pros
- It doesn’t have the rainbow effect. As a result, it’s convenient for action scenes.
- You can conveniently use it in and outside.
- It impressively produces big and stunning screen images.
Cons
- It occasionally lags.
- There is no 3D.
6. Optoma HD29Darbee Home Theater Projector
It has stunning and vibrant colors. This home theater projector comes with an excellent lamp-life. Even under low maintenance, it can effectively sustain 8,000 hours of lamp-life. Additionally, its multimedia interface offers convenience. This projector can easily display media from any source.
This Optoma projector produces images in 1080p full HD. this is effectively supported by the 30,000:1 contrast ratio and 3200 lumens. Apart from that, it’s designed with the next generation processor. So, it has excellent levels of image detail and depth. Moreover, this projector has an amazing lighting and image separation.
Key Features
- Energy efficient and high performance> It’s uniquely designed with 8,000 of lamp-life.
- Brilliant and vibrant colors: 30,000:1 contrast ratio and 3200 lumens.
- Full 3D Display: perfectly displays content from any 3D source
- 12-Volt trigger: it’s seamlessly compatible with power screens.
- 1080p full-HD. therefore, it produces sharp and well-detailed images.
Pros
- Cost-friendly hence it’s affordable.
- Excellent color accuracy.
- Fantastic color and depth and therefore impressive images.
Cons
- It looks basic
7. BanQ HT3050 Home Theater Projector
This is another impressive home projector. HT3050 is indeed a game changer. It clearly produces a cinematic experience. This is effectively facilitated by quality color palette used in Hollywood studios. Besides that, it’s a short throw projector that perfectly works for homes. This device can produce a 100-inch image from 8.4 inches.
Generally, it is a quiet projector that runs efficiently. It’s uniquely designed with a smart eco-technology to save energy. Equally important is the auto standby mode. It also helps to save energy and enhance the lamp life. It should be noted that this projector has a lamp life of 7,000 hours.
Key Features
- Quiet projector: it efficiently runs and produces low fan noise.
- Energy efficient device: this projector conveniently uses the Smart Eco technology to save energy.
- Cinematic experience: it has a 15,000: 1 contrast. Additionally, it uses the premium RGBRGN color wheel.
Pros
- Full 1080p resolution. Seamlessly works in both 2D and 3D.
- 3x zoom.
- Modest vertical lens shift.
Cons
- Shows rainbow artifacts.
How Does a Projector Actually Work?
The principle behind them is to take an input signal and process it. Thereafter, the projector process the signal. To produce an output, the device will finally use its illumination system to do it. It should be noted that an input signal can be a computer, film, etc. The light from the projector is usually projected on a screen.
It should be noted that the old method of film projection was so simple. Each frame of the film was a tiny, translucent photograph. You simply needed to shine light through the film. The light will subsequently pass through the imaging lens. Finally, a larger version of that tiny image will appear on the screen.
However, LCD projectors work a little differently. A beam of high-intensity light travels through thousands of shifting pixels. The LCD display is alternatively used instead of a translucent film. Note that the projectors normally use 3 LCD displays. As a result, they are also called 3 LCD projectors. The light then splits into three hues. Thereafter, it travels through three LCDs before recombining in a prism. Eventually, it generates a crispy and colorful image on the screen. Well, this process surely sounds like magic.
What to Look For When Buying a Projector?
Everyone looking for a home theater projector needs an impressive device. So, besides functionality, it needs to be durable and appealing. However, finding the best projector isn’t easy. This is because there are numerous types. In addition to that, they have different features. Therefore, some of the vital considerations you should take in are:
The Contrast Ratio
This simply means the difference between like and dark on the screen. The contrast ratio is usually expressed in numbers. For instance, comparing the luminosity of the darkest black and brightest white will definitely give you the contrast ratio. In other words, 1000:1 contrast ratio means that the brightest white is 1000 times brighter than the darkest black.
Pixel Density and Display Resolution
Pixel density also means the display resolution. It’s very important hence should indeed be considered. Projectors with LCD or DLP have a fixed number of pixels. So,
- If you will be using HD TV, go for a native pixel count. Preferably choose 1920 x 1080.
- If you will be using a DVD, go for a native pixel count. A resolution of 1024 x 768 is still good.
- If you will be using a Blu-ray player, go for a native pixel resolution. It should specifically have 1920 x 1080p. Additionally, it should have a 1080p display format.
It should be noted that you can also go for a 4K resolution. However, not all 4K projectors are effective. This means that they may fail to truly produce 4K content. In addition to that, you will pay more. If you want to buy a 4K projector, take your time. Ensure that you perfectly understand how 4K projectors work. Thereafter, you can go ahead and make purchases.
Light Output and Brightness
For a projector to operate efficiently, there needs to be sufficient light output. Otherwise, it will not display bright images. The best way to determine the light output is by checking the ANSI lumens. This will absolutely tell you the light output of the projector. Overall, projectors with 1000 ANSI Lumens are effective. Therefore, they are perfect for home theater projectors.
DLPs and LCDs
There are two major types of Video Projectors available. These are DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
- DLPs use a light source in combination with a color wheel. In addition to that, they have chips with microscopic tilting mirrors. So, when light passes through the color wheel, it reflects off the mirrors. Consequently, an image is projected on a screen.
- LCDs simply utilize a light source passing light through 3 LCD Chips. It should be noted that chips have red, green, and blue colors. This is definitely what creates and projects images.
Inputs
Ensure that the projector fully contains all the important inputs. It should be noted that the latest projectors have HDMI inputs. Besides that, others also have DVI or VGA inputs for computers. The latest projectors don’t have S-video, composite, and component video outputs. Overall, it’s important to take time to analyze the inputs.
The Screen
Well, this is another important feature. Projector screens’ are unquestionably important. They come under various specifications such as prices, sizes, and fabrics. So, the screen type heavily depends on the projector. Other factors that may influence it are the ambient light and viewing angle. In addition to that, the distance from the screen is also crucial. So, if you have a small room, go for a short throw device. They normally display large images within shorter distances.
Color Production
This is undoubtedly another feature to consider. Well, it’s because what you view certainly matters. So, it’s important to check the color depth. Furthermore, natural flesh tones also matter. Check if the projector has effective color stability. This should be particularly based on input and output. Apart from that, analyze the picture settings.
Where Can You Buy a Projector?
You can conveniently buy a projector from its official website. But apart from that, you can purchase it online from other retailers. Some of the e-commerce sites that sell them are such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Best Buy, Bang Good, Target, and Gadget Lounge.
Final Thoughts
Home theater projectors are absolutely great devices. Using them for home entertainment will surely change the way you consume content. You can use them to watch movies and play games. Besides that, there are also go for viewing word documents. There is obviously a wide variety of projectors in the market. So, make sure that you choose something that perfectly meets your needs.
