Home Cinema Projectors: How To Choose The Best Video Projector? Rating Laser With A Resolution Of 4K And Other Models. How Do They Work?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Each of us dreams of a large and cozy home theater, we want to enjoy games in large format, present visual material at workshops or learn through special video presentations. Modern equipment - projectors - will help us to fulfill all these desires.

What are the features of home theater projectors, how the devices work, what types of equipment exist and how to choose the right projector that will meet all the necessary requirements - you will find detailed answers to these and some other questions in our material. In addition, we present to your attention an overview of the most popular and demanded models among buyers.

Peculiarities

Home Theater Projector - it is a device that works offline . In this case, a video projector projects information coming to it from an external source onto a large screen. The equipment can be combined with a photo camera, camcorder, personal computer, laptop, VCR, DVD player, TV tuner and any other digital media.

The digital media is connected to the projector using a specially designed cable or Wi-Fi network (the second connection option is typical for the latest models of projectors). However, some models of projectors can be connected to multiple devices at the same time.

Video equipment is used for a variety of purposes: at business meetings, practical workshops and trainings, training lectures, educational seminars.

Projectors can also be used at home: for example, for broadcasting movies or games on a large screen.

Principle of operation

Before purchasing a home theater projector, you should familiarize yourself with how it works, as well as study the functionality of the device in more detail.

• So, first of all, it is important to highlight such a functional feature of the device as the ability to adjust the image … If you wish, you can adjust the brightness, contrast and other indicators - thus, completely individualizing and formatting the operation of the device according to your wishes and needs.
• Besides, the projector can flip the image (both horizontally and vertically) … In this regard, you can customize the picture depending on your wishes, as well as the characteristics of the room in which you are.
• Modern projectors endowed with 3D image support function , thanks to which you can enjoy high-quality and three-dimensional images from the comfort of your own home.
• Many devices have Wi-Fi function . Accordingly, you can watch your favorite movies and TV series directly from the Internet sites.
• The presence of a large number of connectors and ports makes it possible to connect almost any digital device to the projector. So, usually projectors are equipped with USB ports, HDMI, mini-jet and other connectors.

Please note that the operation and functionality of projectors may differ depending on the manufacturer and model.

In this regard, you should familiarize yourself with the features of a particular device in advance before purchasing it directly.

Species overview

Today the market offers a wide variety of models of home theater projectors (devices for the ceiling or ceiling projectors, equipment with wireless acoustics and other options). All of them are conventionally divided into several large categories. Consider the main existing types of projectors.

Portable

Portable, or mini-projectors - these are devices that differ in their small and compact size, which characterizes them on the positive side . So, for example, they can be easily transported without the help of additional tools or placed even in small areas.

Stationary

This is the best video equipment for organizing a home cinema . Such devices are very popular among consumers. Keep in mind that stationary projectors are not designed to be permanently carried.

On the other hand, they have a number of functional advantages - for example, high-quality luminous flux, a large number of interchangeable optics.

Universal

This equipment is suitable for any purpose and can be installed in any room. Such a device Recommended for those who, with the help of a projector, want to not only watch movies, but also play computer games and create presentations for business meetings and meetings.

When choosing a projector, it is very important to correctly determine the specific device. This must be done before you start choosing a model.

Imaging methods

Modern projectors, in the course of their work, arrange the image in different ways. Experts identify 5 ways to build a picture. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

LCD

LCD projectors are functioning based on a special liquid crystal matrix , which is constructed from elements painted in different colors (red, green and blue). The moment light passes through these crystals, it turns into one of the colors.

It should be noted that such devices are characterized by low contrast.

3LCD

The process of building a picture in projectors of this type is similar to the procedure described above. However, it should be borne in mind that 3LCD equipment has not 1, but 3 matrices.

Thus, this equipment is considered to be more advanced.

DLP

This type of projectors is considered the most popular and demanded in the modern market. The device builds a picture using mirrors. So, a beam of light hits the micromirrors, which rotate on hinges specially designed for this purpose. At the same time, a special ball rotates in front of the mirrors, consisting of 8 parts (2 parts each in red, green and blue). At the moment when the ball unfolds on one of the sides, mirrors are "turned on" and are "responsible" for the corresponding color.

In situations where colors are superimposed on each other, additional (so-called "mixed") shades are obtained. Thanks to this technology the viewer can enjoy the most detailed image, as well as high contrast and deep realistic colors.

LCoS

This technology combines the features of both LCD and DLP projectors. The light is transferred to a small screen, where the original picture is built. After that, the light is reflected from the screen and, being painted in the required colors, hits the wall.

LDT

This type of project is also called laser, since these are the elements that are at the heart of its work. The characteristic features of the devices are small size and high price.

Thus, the look of the projector plays a significant role in home theater organization.

In doing so, you should focus on the quality of the image, as well as the cost of the devices.

Resolution types

There are several types of resolution that are inherent in modern video projectors:

• 280 x 800 pixels (or WXGA);
• 1920 x 1080p (or Full HD);
• 3820 by 2160 points (or 4K);
• 3D and some others.

It should be borne in mind that the better the resolution, the higher the cost of the device.

Rating of the best models

BenQ W1700

BenQ W1700 is a 4K UHD HDR projector. Wherein the device is quite compact in size and affordable in terms of price.

A distinctive feature of the projector is the ability to form a 4K image using 4 frames.

Epson EH-TW610

Epson models of projectors have advanced functionality. For example, they are equipped with a Wi-Fi connection, a horizontal offset from the center of the screen, and a second HDMI input.

In addition, the perfect color balance should be noted.

Acer H6517ABD

The projector is equipped with a Full HD function, high-quality color reproduction, and its cost is quite affordable.

LG PF1000U

This model belongs to the ultra short throw projector category. The main advantage of this device is its low weight and ease of transportation.

Epson EH-TW5650

Although this projector is intended for home use, it offers the same performance as high-end professional equipment.

BenQ TH530

The projector is quite inexpensive, but at the same time it has a good lens and is capable of high quality color reproduction.

Epson EH-LS100

Has a laser light source. Specifications: 4000 ANSI lumens, 3 x LCD, 1920x1200.

BenQ W2000 +

Differs in good acoustics and the presence of a frame interpolation function . During production, the device undergoes an individual color calibration procedure in accordance with generally accepted international standards.

Acer H6517ST

The device is short-throw and has an affordable cost.

LG HF85JS

This model uses a powerful laser as a light source.

Thus, there is a wide variety of video equipment models. Each person will be able to choose a device that will suit their individual needs.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a home theater device, there are several key factors to consider. Let's consider them in more detail.

Lamp type

Today there are several types of lamps designed for projectors (LED, LED-projectors and other options).

You should pay special attention to this factor when buying a device.

Focus

On the market you can find short-throw, ultra-short-throw and other types of devices. You need to choose one of them.

Brightness

The selection of the device should be carried out taking into account what is the indicator of the brightness of the equipment. In this regard, the parameters of the room in which the home theater will be organized should be analyzed in advance. So, the more natural light enters the room, the higher the brightness of the projector you will need.

Functional

Currently on the market you can find video projectors with advanced functionality, for example, HDTV - high definition television . Such features of the device can bring additional benefits and expand the range of use of the equipment.

Customization

When choosing, you should give preference to such projectors that are easily and clearly controlled, connected and configured.

Life time

The average lifespan of home theater projectors is around 2000-5000 hours. If the service life is shorter, then another model should be selected.

At the same time, it is important to focus on maximum performance.

Appearance

The vast majority of buyers turn their attention to the functional features of projectors, while ignoring the appearance of the equipment. However, this approach is not correct. When choosing a device, it is very important to consider the design of the projector. It should be modern, aesthetically pleasing and fit perfectly into any interior.

If, when choosing a device, you focus on the factors described above, you will end up with an excellent device that will serve you for many years.

Connection diagram

After you have purchased your device, it is important to connect it correctly. As mentioned earlier, a digital device acts as an external source for any projector. In this regard, first of all, video equipment must be connected to such a device. To do this, a laptop, computer or other equipment must have connectors specially designed for this purpose. The connection process is carried out via an HDMI cable.

After connecting, you must select the appropriate operating mode. There are 3 of them:

• the image is displayed only through the projector, while the laptop screen is turned off;
• the image is displayed not only through the projector, but also remains on the monitor;
• the image is only on a laptop, the projector may show a gray background.

Thus, modern video projectors are devices that will help you organize a real cinema in your home . At the same time, the choice of this device should be approached with great seriousness and responsibility. You need to pay attention to the technical characteristics of the device itself, as well as correlate them with the parameters of the room in which you plan to organize a cinema.

You can find out which projector to choose for your home below.