Video projectors have long been used as presentation tools in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some high-end home theater systems. However, video projectors are becoming increasingly affordable and suitable for most people. Some are very cheap. Before buying your first video projector, check out some valuable tips.
Here are the main things you should pay attention to when buying a new projector:
- cost
- Lamps, LEDs and lasers
- Light output and brightness
- Contrast
- Pixel density and resolution
- color reproduction
- enter
- portability
- Screen
- Type of projector
Projectors range in price from budget projectors under $100 to high-end 4K projectors costing around $2,000. Image quality is more important than brand.
| price range | what to expect |
|---|---|
| >USD100 | 480p image resolution. 2000:1 contrast ratio. Must be used in the dark. Minimum speaker output. No wireless connection. There is no SD card slot. |
| $100-$500 | 480p image resolution. 3,000:1 contrast ratio. Must be used in the dark. Supports HDMI, VGA, microSD and USB input. 3.5mm audio output for headphones and speakers. No wireless functionality. |
| $300-$500 | 720p image resolution. 3,000:1 contrast ratio. Must be used in dim light. Some wireless capabilities. |
| $500-$1,000 | 1920x1080 image resolution. 15,000:1 contrast ratio. It's clear from most angles during the day. Some wireless capabilities. Playing games is enough. |
| $1,000 - $2,000+ | Produces 4K images that are completely clear from all angles during the day. Automatically correct image distortion. Connect to a wireless device. Great for gaming. |
In addition to LCD and DLP technology, you should also consider whether the light source in your projector is a lamp, LED, or laser. All three options have their pros and cons:
- Video projectors that use lamps need to be replaced after about 3,000 to 4,000 hours of viewing. However, some projectors have a viewing time of over 5,000 hours.
- Video projectors that use LED or laser as their light source have a longer lifespan, often up to 20,000 hours or more.
Comparing the light source life of a video projector LED/LCD or OLED TV, they can last over 60,000 hours despite the smaller screen size.
Without enough light, a projector cannot display a bright image. If the light output is too low, the image will appear muddy and soft, even in a dark room. The best way to determine if the light output from your projector is enough to produce a bright image is to check the ANSI lumen rating. It tells you how much light the projector can emit.
The 1,000 ANSI lumens projector is bright enough for home theater use. Room size, screen size/distance, and indoor ambient light connections also affect the need for more or fewer lumens. Although the light output capabilities of video projectors have increased, they still work best in a dark room.
LCD and DLP projectors have different light outputs. LCD projectors output equal amounts of white and colored light, while DLP projectors output more white light than colored light.
Contrast is the ratio between the black and white parts of an image. High contrast produces whiter whites and darker blacks. A projector may have excellent lumen ratings, but your image will appear washed out due to low contrast. In a dark room, a contrast ratio of at least 1,500:1 is good, but 2,000:1 or higher is considered excellent.
Pixel density (aka display resolution) is crucial. Both LCD and DLP projectors have a fixed number of pixels.
- If most of what you watch is HDTV, get as high a realistic pixel count as possible (1920x1080 is best).
- The native pixel count of 1024x768 is more than enough for DVD. However, a 720p HDTV signal requires 1280x720 pixels to display, while a 1080i HDTV input signal requires 1920x1080 pixels.
- If you have a Blu-ray Disc player, consider a projector with a 1920x1080 actual pixel resolution and the ability to display the 1080p format.
If you want to get into the 4K realm, be aware that in addition to being more expensive, not all 4K projectors can project true 4K resolution. You must understand how 4K video projectors work and how they are labeled so that you can make the right choice for your home theater setup.
To get the most out of a 4K projector, you'll need 4K content from an Ultra HD Blu-ray player or a 4K streaming source such as Netflix or Vudu.
Color reproduction is another factor to consider. Check for natural skin tones and color depth, the appearance of colors in the lightest and darkest areas of the image, the degree of color stability between inputs, and whether you are familiar with the types of image settings your video projector offers.
Everyone has a slightly different perception of color and what they like, so look carefully.
Make sure the projector has the inputs you need. Today, all video projectors offer HDMI inputs, and most also have VGA or DVI inputs for computers.
However, if you have older source components with composite, component, or S-video outputs, be aware that many newer video projectors no longer offer these options, or may only offer composite video inputs. When buying a projector, make sure it has the connections you need.
Some video projectors include audio inputs and onboard speakers, but like the speakers built into your TV, they aren't very good. It's best to connect your audio source to an external audio system (even a regular one) for a better viewing experience.
Portability is crucial not only for moving or traveling with your projector, but also for simplifying installation and setup. It also makes it easier to try different screen sizes, distances, and rooms to see which arrangement works best.
If your projector is portable, you can hang it on an exterior wall (or garage door) during the summer and enjoy your own "drive-in" movies. Watching movies outdoors using a video projector is a great experience.
Screens come in a variety of materials, sizes and prices. The best type of screen depends on the projector, the viewing angle, the amount of ambient light in the room, and the distance from the projector to the screen. If you have a smaller space, consider a short-throw projector, which can display a large image at a shorter distance.
There are many great projector screens on the market; what's best for you depends on your specific needs.
There are two types of video projectors: DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
- DLP projectors use a light source combined with a color wheel and a chip containing a tiny tilting mirror. Light passes through the color wheel, reflects off the mirror, and is projected onto the screen.
- LCD projectors create and project images using a light source that passes light through a 3LCD chip assigned to the three primary colors of red, green, and blue.
Variants of LCD technology include LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), JVC's D-ILA (Digital Imaging Light Amplification), and Sony's SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display). For LCOS/D-ILA and SXRD projectors, the light source reflects off the 3LCD chips rather than passing through them.
If you like to invite people over for movie nights, or you just want your own private screenings, a projector can be the perfect addition to your home theater. You just need to make sure you have enough space and budget to accommodate all the necessary peripherals.
The first step is to arrange the room or outdoor space you want to use. Choose the position of your screen and adjust your seat to optimize visibility. Once you've set up your projector, connect it to your sound system. Don’t forget to keep your projector screen clean.
A home theater setup with a central video projector can enhance your home entertainment experience. However, don’t open your wallet to buy anything on sale or on sale.
Video projectors vary greatly in price, from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the factors mentioned above. Unless projecting onto a wall, you also have to consider the cost of the screen, which ranges in price.
FAQCan't. In a pinch, a white wall, whiteboard, or other light-colored, semi-reflective surface will work. However, you need to buy a screen to get the best image from the projector.
Yes, as long as you buy the right projector for the job. For example, a regular projector is not enough for gaming. A good gaming projector must offer high resolution, fast refresh rate, and low input lag.
it depends. When choosing between a video projector and a TV, consider your specific needs for the device. TV is best for daily use. Projectors are best suited for special occasions and niche applications.
