Ready for the Course: How to Buy the Right Projectors
Light output
When it comes to the factor of light output, it is important to take into consideration brightness lumens, which are typically expressed in ANSI lumens. This is the value, which is used by ANSI – standing for the “American National Institute of Standards.”
If you start from a minimum of 1,500 lumens, the experience of viewing in your home will be satisfied even with a light on, while if you usually watch movies in the dark, just under 1,000 lumens will be enough.
Contrast
In addition to attending to the brightness offered by a projector, we will also take into account the contrast ratio. The higher it is, the purity of blacks and whites will be more appropriate. In fact, if we have many lumens but the contrast is low, it is normal that the image quality suffers, resulting somewhat discolored because the impact of light on the screen affects the intensity of black.
In this case, we recommend starting at a minimum of 1,500: 1, it is preferable to reach 2,000: 1 to obtain a viewing without any hits. In this regard, we must pay attention to the characteristics that manufacturers provide, since the real contrast is not the same as the dynamic on-off contrast (which is artificially increased and many prefer to advertise before the real one).
Resolution
As with the purchase of a television, one of the tips to buy a projector that cannot be missed is to look at the resolution that they are capable of supporting. Full HD 1.080p is essential for those looking for quality, while a resolution of 720p may suffice if what we want is to acquire a more affordable model.
Together with the resolution in pixels, you also have to look at the resolution, which will tell us if the projector is optimized to display content in panoramic (16: 9) or normal (4: 3) format. However, we can easily alternate between them digitally.
Other features to consider
If a projector has lens shift, it will facilitate the placement of the image both horizontally and vertically, while if it includes Keystone correction, it will be able to correct its appearance to avoid distortions in the upper or lower areas (which would cause the image was wider at one end and narrow at another).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are projectors still worth it?
Absolutely! Projectors are still a valuable option, especially for those who prefer larger screen sizes. If you're not satisfied with the typical TV sizes, projectors offer a way to enjoy a more immersive viewing experience.
2. Is a projector worth it over a TV?
In terms of screen size for your money, projectors are a cost-effective choice. You can get a high-definition projector for under $1,000 and pair it with a 100-120 inch screen for just $100. On the other hand, a 75-85 inch TV can cost $1,800 or more.
3. Is a projector better on a wall or screen?
While you can project an image on a wall, using a projector screen is recommended for better image clarity. Walls reflect light less effectively, which can negatively impact the projected image's quality.
4. Can you play Netflix through a projector?
Yes, you can play Netflix through a projector. One method is to use screen mirroring on your Android phone. Open the Netflix app, start playing the video you want to watch, go to Settings > Display > Cast Screen on your phone, and select your projector from the available devices.
5. Can a projector replace your TV?
LED projectors can be a great replacement for TVs. They offer comparable brightness, with some models even exceeding the brightness of quality flat screen TVs. If you prioritize screen size and want to save on floor or wall space, a projector can be a suitable alternative to a traditional TV.
6. Why would people choose a projector and not a TV?
People choose projectors over TVs for several reasons. Projectors take up minimal floor or wall space, as they can be placed on a shelf. Additionally, if you use a retractable projector screen, you won't need to sacrifice much wall space either. This makes projectors a convenient option for those who want a large screen experience without the need for a bulky TV.
7. Are mini projectors worth it?
Mini projectors are worth considering if you prioritize size and portability. They are small, lightweight, and often come with features like battery power, built-in Android TV, and speakers. However, it's important to note that mini projectors may sacrifice picture quality and brightness compared to larger models.
8. How much should you pay for a projector?
Projector prices can vary widely, ranging from under $100 to over $2,000. Generally, projectors around the $500 mark are considered affordable or reasonably priced compared to higher-end options. The price range allows for flexibility depending on your specific needs and budget.
Editor's Notes
During our projector research, we found 24 projector products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 245,410 customer reviews through our big data system to write the projectors list. We found that most customers choose projectors with an average price of $193.58.
The projectors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of projectors, including TMY, Aurzen, PANSEBA, ViewSonic, SAMSUNG. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 407 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.
