A home theater projector can open up a world of new entertainment possibilities. Rather than dealing with the constraints of a fixed-size TV, many projectors display a crystal-clear picture on a screen up to 120 inches in 4K resolution.
SummaryWhat to look for in a home theater projector1. BenQ HT35502. Apollo from the Anker3 Nebula. Epson Home Cinema 40104. ViewSonic PX700HD5. Optoma HD28HDR6. LG HU80KAThe best projector for your needsOther projectors can help bring video from the small screen of a laptop or phone and supersize it to be enjoyed by an entire group. If you're considering a projector for your home theater, we can help.
When looking for a home theater projector, there are two main features to look for. The first is resolution. If you're looking for a high-quality cinematic experience, take a look at a 4K projector or a Full HD model. Although you'll spend more, it's worth it for the best image quality available.
Second, also note the light output of any projector. Lumens are a measure of the amount of light emitted by the projector. If you plan to use the projector in a completely dark room for a true home theater experience, a projector with a lower lumen output will definitely do.
But for other situations like a portable projector or a model to be used in bright conditions, try to find the highest possible lumen output. Usually, the maximum available output of the projector is around 4000 lumens.
With that in mind, here are some of the best projectors on the market.
AdvertisementFor a true cinematic experience, consider the BenQ HT3550. The 4K projector is color accurate out of the box, so you won't have to worry about this task before viewing the content. The 2000 lumens draft also includes a number of different preset modes for the best experience, including a mode for the best color accuracy in 4K and for watching video in a room with some ambient light.
You can take advantage of two HDMI inputs, a USB-A and mini-USB socket, as well as an S / PDIF digital audio output. With a 5% vertical lens shift and 3x zoom, you can configure a screen as large as 100 inches from just 8.2 feet, making it a great option for smaller spaces. /P>
You probably know Anker as a maker of great cell phone accessories. But the company has more up its sleeve with the Anker Nebula Apollo.
Rather than a static device aimed at home theaters, the device is a portable projector that can take your content almost anywhere. The projector displays content at 854×480 resolution at 200 lumens. You can use a screen up to 100 inches.
Although you can connect USB and HDMI devices to the projector, the best feature of the Nebula Apollo is that it runs Android 7.1. So, with a companion smartphone app, you can download and stream from services like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. Weighing just 1.7 pounds, the projector's built-in battery can play video for up to four hours before needing to be recharged.
Another option for the crown jewel of a media room is the Epson Home Cinema 4010. The 4K projector provides 2600 lumens and a 1 million:1 dynamic contrast ratio for vivid colors. The projector's three-chip design enables 100% RGB color signal to be displayed for each image.
AdvertisementYou can use a screen up to 120 inches if the projector is placed at least 12 feet away. Real-time HDR curve adjustment enables 16 stages of control to fine-tune HDR performance no matter what you're watching. The projector has two HDMI inputs, an optical HDMI input, a LAN socket, an RS-232 input and a 15-pin PC input.
the ViewSonic PX700HD can display 1080p content on a screen up to 300 inches. And with 3500 lumens, it's also a great choice for brighter rooms. Gamers will definitely love the low 16ms input latency to keep up with all the action. There is also a sport mode which offers enhanced colors.
Designed for wireless streaming dongles like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can use either of the projector's two HDMI ports while drawing power from the USB-A port. Dual HDMI inputs also let you view 3D content from compatible Blu-Ray players. And you don't have to worry about buying audio equipment because the projector also has a built-in speaker.
AdvertisementAnother great budget choice is the Optoma HD28HDR. The projector offers a brightness of 3600 lumens and a 1080p image. You can use a 120 inch screen when the projector is 12 feet away. The projector is compatible with 4K devices, so you can watch HDR10 compatible content.
There are four different picture modes when viewing HDR movies or TV shows. This device is also perfect for gamers – there are two different modes to choose from, including low input lag of 8.4ms with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is also designed to display any 3D content. In addition to two HDMI inputs, there is a 3.5mm audio output and a USB-A port.
the LG HU80KA combines portability and a high-quality home theater picture in one great package. The laser projector delivers 2500 lumens and you can display a 4K image on a screen up to 150 inches from 12 feet away. With the built-in carry handle and cord wrap, you can easily transport it to different rooms or even take it on the go.
Using the projector's Wi-Fi connection, you can easily watch streaming services like Netflix and YouTube with LG's Smart TV streaming platform without any additional equipment. You can also share videos wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet.
There are two HDMI ports, a 3.5mm and S/PDIF audio output, a LAN jack, and two USB-A ports. If the built-in 7W speakers aren't enough, the projector also has Bluetooth connections to soundbars, portable speakers, or personal headphones.
While televisions are a staple in many homes, a projector allows for a more cinematic experience. There are many projectors on the market at varying price points, so you should find one that suits your needs and budget.
That said, a great picture is only part of creating your home theater. Take a look at some of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars that can bring 360-degree sound to your content.
