Many lovers of high-quality images while watching a movie often encounter a problem when a standard television screen is not enough to get the most out of the movie. A TV with a larger diagonal can save, but only for a while. It is possible that you should pay attention to such a device as a projector. With it, you can achieve a pretty good effect.
A fairly large number of these products are presented in household appliance stores. Models significantly differ from each other in their operational characteristics and a number of other parameters. Let's first look at what you should pay attention to when purchasing such a device, and then turn to specific models.
Summary of the rating:
Key qualities of home theater projectors
Thanks to the projector, you can get a picture of a truly huge diagonal and excellent clarity. In addition, using such a product is much safer compared to a television panel, since physically dropping it will be much more problematic. The main element of the projector is the lamp. In any case, it should be remembered that it has a limited period of operation, so after some time it will have to be replaced.
Today, most often you can find models with discharge lamps of the UHP (Ultra High Performance) type. It functions quite simply - gas is pumped into the flask under considerable pressure (usually xenon or mercury is used), and there are also electrodes that, when voltage is applied to them, make the gas glow. Such products provide high-intensity light and provide excellent color reproduction. However, during operation, the brightness will begin to gradually decrease - this becomes noticeable after about 2 thousand hours of operation.
There are projectors equipped with LED or laser light sources. Their service life is much longer - about 20 thousand hours. However, their brightness is lower compared to gas-discharge products, they may start to flicker, and projectors based on such lamps are much more noisy. Be sure to pay attention to the resolving power of the product. The minimum for a small room should be about 720p, but it is optimal to give preference to the Full HD format - such projectors will not cost very much, but at the same time they will give a pretty decent picture.
When choosing models to include in our rating of the best projectors for home theater in 2019, we were guided by these basic requirements, and also paid attention to the price-quality ratio of products, and did not pass user reviews. For each model, we tried to collect as much information as possible so that you can determine exactly which products are best for you.
Best Home Theater Projector Models
10. Acer H6517ST
The product is a short-focus product that allows you to get a picture with a diagonal of the order of a hundred inches from a distance of only 120 cm. This allows you to comfortably place it in a living room or other room, and there is no need to use fairly long cables.Overall dimensions are very compact - 314x223x93 mm. The case is made of high-quality plastic, which is equipped with stiffening ribs, the corners are rounded, the weight of the projector is only 2.5, so if necessary, you can easily transfer it from one room to another. The lens is quite large. As a central processor, a single-chip DLP projector is used, which provides Full HD resolution. The brightness of the lamp is 3200 lumens, it was possible to achieve very high contrast ratios of 10,000: 1.
The interface is quite wide - there are two sockets for connecting HDMI cables, a USB connector, a traditional composite video input and audio output with a standard 3.5 mm jack. Thanks to this, you can get rid of the search for an external audio system. The product supports 3D video playback format, but there are no corresponding glasses in the kit, so purchase them separately. Three-dimensional images have a high level of realism, excellent color reproduction and detail of objects. All dynamic scenes are reproduced very clearly. The built-in audio system itself is not too loud, so it is best to purchase additional speakers. The bass line in it is quite weak. Image output delay is only 20 ms - this allows you to use the projector as a gaming monitor.
Benefits:
- Quite acceptable cost;
- Good image size;
- High level of brightness;
- Rich interface connectors;
- Low time delay.
Disadvantages:
- Optical zoom is not provided.
9. Canon LV-WX320
A very bright, compact product, which has a small mass. At the same time, as the manufacturer claims, the products are designed not only for home use, but also in educational or office institutions. With the help of this projector it is possible to provide a picture of very high quality. This projector will be an excellent solution for people who are looking for inexpensive and portable products. The basic resolution is 1280x800 pixels, aspect ratio 16:10. Brightness and saturation is ensured by a lamp with a light output of 3200 lumens, a contrast ratio of 10,000: 1. In the manufacture of this device, DLP panel technology was used, due to which it was possible to almost completely get rid of the so-called “lattice effect”, which often occurs on devices, belonging to this price range.
The picture that appears on the wall is characterized by a high level of geometric accuracy due to the possibility of distortion correction both in the vertical and horizontal planes in the range up to 30 degrees. There is a 1.1x manual optical zoom system. This function performs accurate and clear projection even in fairly confined spaces. Color correction is provided, due to which it is possible to provide a bright and clear image and good natural color. There are a lot of connectors, and the projector can even be connected to a computer network at home or office. There is a wireless control module, due to which it has become even more convenient to adjust the settings - through a special application for a smartphone or tablet.
Benefits:
- Compact dimensions and light weight;
- Pretty decent built-in speaker;
- There is an optical zoom;
- Distortion adjustment is provided.
Disadvantages:
- Not too easy to find on sale.
8. LG HF80JS
This is the first model in our ranking of the best projectors for home theater equipped with a light source based on the use of laser-phosphor technology. This approach provides instant inclusion of the product, in addition, it turned out to be quite economical in terms of energy consumption. The lamp is designed for a guaranteed life of about 20,000 hours. Decent energy supply of lighting - 2 thousand lumens.This indicator will be quite enough even to play high quality films in conditions of intense electric or natural light. The shape of the case is quite original and involves a desktop installation rather than a ceiling mount. The model is compact - 14x11 cm. In its category, the design is considered the lightest in terms of weight.
This was achieved through the use of an external power supply, which has a decent mass. The picture is formed due to the installed DLP matrix, 1.1x optical zoom is provided. At the bottom of the case there is a socket for mounting on a tripod. All the necessary connectors are present here, and the device is also equipped with a Wi-Fi wireless module, therefore, through this channel it will be possible to transfer the image from the computer directly, bypassing unnecessary wires. Setting up and managing the model is quite simple. The kit also comes with a remote control that looks more like a spatial mouse. The projector is based on the WebOS operating system, which is used in smart TVs.
Benefits:
- High level of brightness;
- Low power consumption
- There is a wireless module;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- It is quite expensive.
7. Epson EH-TW7300
Very stylish unit: the case is made of reliable matte plastic of white color, on which various kinds of pollution, including dust, are practically not noticeable. The niche of the lens is equipped with a matte finish with a golden color. The device is characterized by a symmetrical design. Ventilation grills are located on the front side, for some users, that such a solution worsens the appearance of the product. Near the two physical buttons there is a cover, under which there are a few more keys that allow you to quickly configure products without resorting to a remote control. On the back there are all the necessary connectors for connecting external devices, including the Ethernet cable jack. The projector does not have to be suspended from the ceiling at all - on the bottom there are rubberized legs adjustable in height.
The control panel is made of matte black plastic. It has ergonomic dimensions, fits easily into any hand, the buttons are equipped with a backlight, so it’s comfortable to use it even in complete darkness. The menu is quite strict, decorated in black and gray colors. All lens controls have electromechanical drives. The picture is quite clear, you don’t even have to adjust it. Despite the support for 4K resolution, the projector works almost silently. The manufacturer recommends placing this structure at a distance from the surface where the image will be projected, in the interval from three to six meters.
Benefits:
- Supports highest definition image format;
- You can connect a wireless Wi-Fi adapter;
- In all modes it works very quietly;
- Excellent image brightness;
- The remote control is equipped with LED backlighting that facilitates use in the dark.
Disadvantages:
- Not quite a good arrangement of ventilation grilles.
6. Sony VPL-VW550ES
Despite the fact that this model has been on the market for about 3 years, it continues to enjoy wide popularity largely due to the use of the latest technologies and support for the most advanced content. The projector has a small overall dimensions, can be placed in a black or white case. These moments make it almost completely invisible in a residential environment. The noise level is very low. The lamp is capable of working for about 6,000 hours in Low Mode. The brightness indicators are quite decent - 1800 lumens with a dynamic contrast level of 350,000: 1. Most of the technologies used in this projector are unique, especially with respect to 4K resolution.The projector is compatible with a well-known standard such as HDR, which is used in content formats such as Ultra HD Blu-Ray or Over The-Top.
The optical scaling factor is 2.1x, so the device can be placed in almost any room, regardless of its area and ceiling height. With the help of this projector it is possible to achieve the feeling of a real cinema. In total, there are immediately nine options for image modes and over 10 color gamut modes. The lens is equipped with an electric motor, allowing you to shift it in the desired direction.
Benefits:
- It is very quiet;
- Calibrates the picture in automatic mode;
- Looks pretty strict;
- The menu is carefully thought out - convenient and fully Russified.
Disadvantages:
- Very high cost;
- Significant delay in the output of the projected image.
5. Everycom X7
Very compact and not too expensive products. The case is made of glossy plastic; it can be painted in white or black. All control buttons are on top. There is also a manual rotating mechanism, which allows you to adjust the picture. The interface for connecting external devices is standard, supplemented with a slot for SD cards, there is a TV tuner. Below there are legs that allow you to install the design on almost any surface, there are two mounts for tripods. At the bottom there is also a speaker grill capable of delivering a fairly high-quality and balanced sound. The remote control is made of black matte plastic, the buttons are rubberized, the backlight is not provided for them, but they are located at a decent distance from each other.
The projector can be used in a fully autonomous mode - as an ordinary TV, it is permissible to connect to a personal computer. The delay in image output is small - it’s quite suitable for gamers. The design is based on the Android platform, which allows you to download various applications from the Play Market store. There is a zoom function, the user can connect a smartphone or tablet due to the built-in Bluetooth module. Support for playing 3D movies is also available, but you still have to purchase glasses. It works very quietly, does not interfere with viewing content. The user interface is fully Russified. Overall dimensions are small, the mass is also small. The working life of an LED lamp is approximately 20 thousand hours. The brightness of the light flux reaches about 1800 lumens with a contrast of 10,000: 1.
Benefits:
- Quite high-quality built-in speakers;
- Support for connecting devices over wireless channels is provided;
- Significant stock of working resources;
- Reasonable cost;
- Supports almost all existing audio and video formats.
Disadvantages:
- After a while, the cooler may begin to make a little noise, but this can easily be solved by lubricating it.
4. Vivitek Qumi Q6
One of the most compact projectors in our review today - its dimensions allow you to install it almost anywhere: it is not necessary to hang it on the ceiling or mount it to the wall, it is enough to put it on the table. The product is characterized by an attractive and very stylish appearance. The case is made of plastic. The top panel is mirror-smooth, there is a relief pattern. Ventilation grilles are located at the ends of the model, which does not spoil its appearance. The lens is protected from damage by a small sliding cover. The control buttons located on the top panel are touch sensitive, the response is instant. At the back there is a sufficient number of connectors and a power button. The remote control has small overall dimensions, made of high-quality plastic, physical buttons, made of dense rubber, are pressed until a distinctive click is heard.
The focal length of this projector is fixed; you cannot change it. The product is based on the Android platform. The interface is friendly, intelligent, dealing with it will not be the slightest difficulty.You can use it as regular players to work with multimedia content, but it is best to download the player that the user is most used to. The projector supports not only connecting standard flash drives, but also hard drives of various sizes. The device is able to function with FAT32, exFAT, NTFS file systems; folder names made in Cyrillic layout are not distorted. There is a built-in office, so you can view a variety of documents without connecting to a computer.
Benefits:
- A very large supply of lamp life;
- Stylish and neat appearance;
- A sufficient number of interfaces of various kinds;
- Sound can be output via Bluetooth.
Disadvantages:
- Unregulated focal length;
- The device’s cooling system is quite noisy.
3. BenQ MW571
Closes the three leaders in our review of the best projectors for home cinema products of the Taiwanese company, which has the most powerful luminous flux in this rating, amounting to as much as 3200 lumens. Unlike some models, the product functions quite quietly. Another important point is the very powerful speaker system for this product, whose power is 10 watts. Of course, she will not be able to compete with specialized equipment, but the sound quality provides at a very decent level. The detail of shadows and dark shades is very high. The contrast is 13,000: 1. This makes the design universal - it can be used not only in a home theater, but also for installation in the office for presentations and meetings.
The body of the structure is plastic, has a rough coating like a soft touch. On it fingerprints and various kinds of pollution are completely invisible. There are a decent number of interfaces, there is even an Ethernet connector, RS-232, inputs for audio and video, USB sockets. This equipment has an optical image scaling function, thanks to which the image size can be changed without touching the projector itself and without moving it closer or further.
Benefits:
- Universal products;
- There are all necessary interfaces for comfortable work;
- Long service life;
- Original appearance;
- High brightness lamp.
Disadvantages:
- After some time, the speakers may begin to lightly sound.
2. XGIMI H2
Despite the fact that the products were not produced by a very well-known company, users very favorably respond to its operational characteristics, so we decided to give it the second place in the rating. The design of the product is quite strict. All panels are made of black plastic with a matte finish. There is a trellised casing, which is made of aluminum alloy, it gives the product extra strength. On the front side, you can find not only a niche with a lens installed in it, but also the eye of a video camera. A decorative grille hides ventilation holes. On the top panel you can find the touch strip, which is responsible for adjusting the speaker volume and a few more control buttons. The passive emitter is located in the lower part and acts as a subwoofer, which increases the purity of bass lines. The projector can be mounted on a tripod.
The power supply is external, without it, the device weighs within 2.5 kg with overall dimensions of 21.5x21x13.5 cm. Connection interfaces are all digital, except for headphone output. Each of them is signed, a Bluetooth channel is provided, through which you can connect an external audio system, keyboard, mouse and other equipment. The remote control is small, ergonomic, its body is plastic, there are not too many buttons, but all of them are distinguished by excellent functionality. The focal length is also fixed, but there is a digital reduction function for image sizes.
Benefits:
- LED lamp providing a very long life;
- Stylish and very beautiful appearance;
- Superior sound quality
- It works almost silently;
- Convenient remote control.
Disadvantages:
- Decent picture delay time.
1. LG PF1000U
The leader in the rating of the best projectors for home theater was a rather original model. The case is made of plastic, the matte silver coating, the product coating is not easily soiled, it resists scratches and other physical damage well. Each speaker is located in its own box, so the sound is directional, which improves its quality. It is balanced, not a single frequency is pronounced, but it can be heard clearly. The operation indicator does not glow too brightly, so such a projector is quite suitable for installation in the bedroom. The image produced by the lens first hits the curved mirror, which will transmit the image to the screen. This area is made of plastic with silver color. The mirror is durable, resistant to scratches, however, it is still recommended to clean it as accurately as possible.
The set of connectors is the most common, there are even RCA connectors with which you can even connect a traditional VCR working with VHS tapes to the projector. The menu is Russified, the font is not too big, but quite readable. The image can be adjusted according to your needs and requirements. If the projector does not receive a signal, after a while it automatically turns off. A built-in television tuner is provided, which is able to work with both analog and digital signals. The multimedia player is very convenient not only from the point of view of actual use, but also due to the fact that it is equipped with an extended package of codecs, so it is able to work with almost any file format.
Benefits:
- LED lamp of increased brightness;
- Easy to install and use;
- Geometric distortions of the projected surface are practically not distorted when displayed on the wall;
- Small overall dimensions and weight;
- There is a built-in TV tuner;
- The menu is completely in Russian;
- It can receive images and other signals wirelessly.
Disadvantages:
- The buttons on the remote control do not have a backlight.
Finally, a useful video
Well, that’s our review. If you still have some questions about this or that model, then you can always ask them to us in the comments to this article. We will try to quickly respond to them and provide you with all the information you need.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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