Last Updated on February 19, 2018 by Tim
There are essentially two main categories of projectors available in the market; the DLP’s needed for business and teaching presentations and projectors for LCD screens. The following buying guide will help you choose the right projector in both categories.
#1 on Our List
Optoma HD25-LV: best home theater projector under $1000
Our reasons for loving it:
- Bigger screen size
- Mid-range price
- 1-yr limited parts & labor warranty
If you are planning to buy a DLP projector, a resolution of 1024×768 XGA or more would be ideal. You should make sure that projector is compact and easy to carry around. Do take the projection area into account as well before deciding on a projector. If the area is large you’ll need a projector with more lumens (2000 and above). Finally, you must ensure that the projector is user-friendly. VGA inputs, a remote control, built-in mouse capabilities and laser pointers are some of the essential features.
For DLP projectors you will also need screens (though you can project on a white wall, the screen would offer a better output). The size of the screen should depend on the viewing area available with you.
Projector Buying Guide
What to look for when buying a projector
Color
For real life video images, your projector must support a huge number of colors, 16 million or more would be ideal.
Brightness
Usually measured in ANSI lumens, the most vital thing that a projector brightness rating should tell you is how well it functions and copes with ambient lighting. If you are looking for a projector in an area that doesn’t have window blinds, it is recommended that you go with projectors of around 2,000 lumens or more. In cases where there is more ambient light hitting the surface of the screen, a brighter projector is also needed.
Reducing the amount of ambient light on the screen is more efficient rather than purchasing a high power projector. To do this, you can choose the darkest area in the room for your screen installation. If you have several spotlights inside the room, you can always switch off the lights that are nearest to the screen during presentations.You will need to adjust the brightness according to the light available in your viewing area, however, do make sure that your projector offers at least 1000 lumens.
Resolution
A good resolution means sharp images. A resolution or 1024×768 or more would be ideal for an LCD projector.
Compatibility
Your projector must be compatible with the video standard (such as NTSE, PAL, and SECAM) you require.
User friendliness
A remote control, built-in speakers along with an option for attaching external speakers, light weight and a well-labelled input panel, are some of the essential features of a user-friendly projector.
Contrast
This feature adds depth into your images. Contrast is really not an issue when it comes to displaying PowerPoint presentations as they are usually flat. But when you are using it for movies, contrast then comes into play.
Good contrast ratio is a must for sharp and clear video images. Ideally a projector should have a contrast ratio of at least 250:1.
FINAL NOTE
Apart from the projector you will also need certain essential accessories like mounting kits, projector lamps, document camera and writing rolls (for presentations) etc. You can purchase these accessories based on your needs and budget.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (HT3050) - 3D Home Theater Projector | Perfect for small home theater environments; highlights 1080 HD with high complexity proportion; comes with 3 HDMI port + MHL port | Very Good | Affordable | 4.0 / 5 |
| Optoma HD25-LV: best home theater projector | Offers rich picture quality; screen size - 3500 Lumens; extraordinarily sharp images | Superior | Affordable | 4.8 / 5 |
| Epson Home Cinema 2040 1080p 3D 3LCD Home Theater Projector | Adaptable projector with shading, shine & white adjustments; 2200 Lumens; can be used for bigger spaces | Very Good | Affordable | 4.6 / 5 |
| Optoma HD142X 1080p 3000 Lumens 3D DLP Home Theater Projector | Features HDTV (1080 HD); incredible find for movies or gaming experience; 3000 lumens | Very Good | Affordable | 4.5 / 5 |
| LG PF1500 Full HD Portable LED Smart TV Home Theater Projector with Magic Remote | Offers 1400 Lumens with auto vertical cornerstone; highly portable; ideal for office or home theater | Very Good | Affordable | 4.3 / 5 |
BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (HT3050) – 3D Home Theater Projector
The BenQ HT-Series HT3050 is a perfect projector for those looking for the home theater involvement in a little space. This projector highlights 1080 HD and has a high complexity proportion to convey a dazzling picture. It comes stacked with 3 X HDMI port and a MHL port for your High definition connectivity.
Displaying 2000 lumens, you will encounter a full palette of hues that hoist the level of picture quality. Likewise, it harbors an ISFCC certified Rec.709 artistic shading multiplication. You can anticipate that this projector will extend the HDTV standard shading propagation.
If you hunger for energetic shading in a little space, this projector is an astounding decision that is under $1000 because it is one of the best short toss projector. It can extend 100 inch picture from just 8.4 feet. Another key point for the BenQ HT-Series HT3050 is that it uses worked in speakers.
Optoma HD25-LV: best home theater projector under $1000
The Optoma HD25-LV captivates home group of onlookers by offering a rich picture quality. With a screen of 3500 Lumens, the projector offers an extraordinarily sharp picture that will make a 3D motion picture or a computer game pop. If you need to feel like you are in the heart of your most loved movies, this 1080 HD projector rouses groups of onlookers to completely inundate themselves in the survey understanding.
Gatherings of people additionally welcome the encompass sound technology that is available in the Optoma HD25-LV. If you need to escape into the universe of your most loved computer game or film this projector is a remarkable decision for your home theater.
Epson Home Cinema 2040 1080p 3D 3LCD Home Theater Projector
Film enthusiasts value the Epson Home Cinema 2040 projector. This is an adaptable projector that offers a shading, shine and white adjust that are both upgraded by a 2200 Lumen show. You can use this projector in bigger spaces.
If you have to extend a screen up to 300″ in 1080 HD this projector is incredible. You likewise have the flexibility to use this projector with 20X HDMI and an MHL devices. If you have a tendency to host seeing gatherings with an expansive gathering or simply have a substantial wall and yearning a vast screen, this projector can make you have a feeling that you have a Cineplex style silver screen in your own home.
Optoma HD142X: Best 3D 1080p projector for under $600
The Optoma HD142X is likewise a solid choice for a projector under $600. If you get a kick out of the chance to have your companions over to watch the diversion, this projector could be an incredible fit for you. This projector functions admirably with HDTV (1080 HD) and makes seeing motion pictures and playing computer games a considerably more enjoyable experience. The inherent 10 watt sound conveys a fresh stable.
It highlights 3D similarity. If you wish to use this projector for outside parties, it has that capacity, but make a point to shield your projector from the components. If you need a flexible projector at an affordable value then this projector is an extraordinary choice.
LG PF1500 Full HD Portable LED Smart TV Home Theatre Projector with Magic Remote
If you want a conservative projector, the LG Electronics PF1500 could be an extraordinary fit for you. The shine of this projector is 1400 Lumens and it has an auto vertical cornerstone. Transportability is a key component for this projector. It can be used to serve your home theater and office needs.
It has the most noteworthy differentiation proportion (150,000:1) of some other suggested projectors in our posting. Its light weight makes this projector simple to use in various rooms. This projector empowers you to extend 100″. If you are searching for a reduced projector with the most recent LED technology that is affordable and simple to use in a medium estimated put, this could be a solid match.
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