Do you like movies so much that you decided to buy a home theater? Then you need to look at a quality projector! With this device you will not need a bulky TV - the image can be displayed on a folding screen of any size. In addition, the projector will serve for presentations, computer games and even viewing photos. We made a review of 5 home theater projectors, which were the most popular among buyers in 2017. Learn about the differences, advantages and disadvantages of the best models.
Content:
Optoma HD26 - for business
The model from the American company Optoma plays any video content with Full HD resolution, supports 3D mode. Due to its low weight and projection distance up to 10 m, the device is convenient to use at conferences, advertising presentations, in cafes. It is also suitable for living rooms with spacious rooms. The projector connects to any video source, including Blu-Ray, Play Station and Sky3.
The device has various playback modes. For example, the dynamic mode enhances the contrast and detail of dark fragments in motion. The game mode accelerates the capture of pixels for a clear transfer of graphically rich games. The “24 frames per second” function helps to get the image that exactly matches the original recording.
The projector has a thoughtful functionality - a focus ring for adjusting the sharpness, a lever that determines the distance to the screen and the control unit in manual mode. Adjustable support allows you to lower and raise the lens. On the back of the device there are connectors for connecting equipment, 3D glasses and headphones, as well as a USB port for software updates.
Benefits:
- Durable lamp. It is designed for 5-6 thousand hours. When used for 2 hours a day, the lamp will last 9 years.
- MHL support. This feature allows you to take an image from tablets and smartphones.
- Ease of Management. Illuminated button control panel controls not only the projector, but also the equipment connected to it.
Disadvantages:
- Weak color reproduction. The device displays shades not saturated enough. Halftones and shadows are slightly hazy.
- Demo settings. The device gives an approximation of only 10%. There is no horizontal trapezoid.
- Bad thread for screws in mounting to the ceiling.
BenQ W1070 + - for an apartment
The Taiwanese company BenQ produces more than 1000 types of projectors. One of the most practical options is the compact model W1070 +. The manufacturer positions it for home use. The projector is suitable for playing video in Full HD and 3D. The device gives a multiple accurate increase - for example, at a distance of 2.5 m an image of 250 cm is displayed on the screen. The projector can be installed anywhere in the room, fixed under the ceiling. Digital trapezoid correction helps to establish the perfect image.
The newest color wheel design and Dark-Chip3 processor provide greater depth of color and underlined contrast. The adjustment system allows you to move the lens, achieving the desired position of the picture. The built-in speaker can be adjusted using the equalizer.
An important feature of the model is the ability to use the unit for wirelessly connecting the Wireless Full HD Kit. It consists of a transmitter, receiver and remote. With this unit you can connect to the projector at the same time 2 devices located in different rooms. The kit is purchased separately.
Benefits:
- Interface in Russian.It is easy to connect external devices to the projector, since all ports are signed in Russian.
- Connecting mobile gadgets. Through the HDMI port you can connect a smartphone, tablet and watch streaming video, photos. At the same time, the devices are charged from the projector.
- Powerful sound. Even at the middle level, the speaker produces the optimum sound for the apartment. No need to buy an additional audio system.
Disadvantages:
- Rainbow effect. In dynamic scenes at the edges of moving objects appear multi-colored flashes.
Noise. During operation of the device, the sound of the fan is heard. - The need for a considerable distance. For an optimal image, you have to place the projector at a distance of 3-4 meters from the screen.
BenQ W1100 - for home entertainment
Another BenKew model is a representative of the younger Full HD projectors line. It was originally designed for the house, so it is devoid of the typical drawbacks of office equipment - fan noise, frontal heat output and boring design. The device is convenient to use for watching movies indoors and outdoors, for computer games and karaoke.
Due to the 12-lens optics in the projector W1100 achieved a high level of sharpness and clarity. The lens is protected from internal reflections. The 12-bit processor reproduces more than a billion shades and prevents blurring of the image at the edges. The 4-speed color wheel provides an excellent level of color reproduction. There are 3 viewing modes - standard, dynamic and movie theater.
A distinctive feature of the model is the original audio system. Two speakers with soundboxes are installed in dedicated compartments. SRS WOW HD technology gives the sound a detailed clarity with crisp tops and deep bass.
Benefits:
- Brightness. The device can be used in a slightly darkened room.
- Compactness. A projector weighing only 3.6 kg is easy to transport. Conveniently connect with just one HDMI cable.
- High zoom level. If necessary, you can increase the picture by 50%.
Disadvantages:
- Bad black reproduction. During the daytime, black fragments look like gray.
- Lack of horizontal projection. Because of this, the focus on the two sides of the screen is different.
- Rainbow effect. Interference occurs in a black and white picture.
Sony VPL-HW40ES - for personal cinema
The model from the famous Japanese brand created by the latest technology LCoS. The apparatus uses a matrix, 93% consisting of liquid crystals. This technological solution provides a natural reproduction of dynamic scenes and a deep level of all colors, including black. For optimal use, you need a screen and a significant room size, so the model is recommended for home cinema halls.
A mercury lamp enhances the brightness so much that the projector can be used during daytime. Technologies of realistic resolution, smooth movement and high contrast give an impeccably bright and clear picture. The projector has 8 programmed viewing modes - for dark and bright rooms, color and black and white films. There is also a special game mode with increased speed.
Through 10 different types of connectors, you can connect receivers, Blu-ray and DVD players, game consoles, computers and video cameras to the device. Since the device supports 3D-mode, there is a connector for the corresponding glasses. You can control the functionality of the projector using the buttons on the device, as well as the remote control.
Benefits:
- Noiselessness Even with prolonged operation, there is no sound of ventilation.
- Easy to manage. There is an on-screen menu in Russian. All kinds of settings and viewing modes are made on the remote and marked with icons.
- The conversion function mode 2D to 3D.
Disadvantages:
- Transmission movement. When used for games, there are sometimes frame delays.
- Flaws of color. In black and white fragments, there is a rainbow effect. Black is not reproduced deep enough when viewed in a room with dark walls.
- High price. The lowest level of cost is 140 thousand rubles.
Epson EH-TW5300 - for TV and games
The model of the Japanese company Epson can be called a budget option, since its price does not exceed 50 thousand rubles. Nevertheless, the projector has the basic functions of a modern home theater - it reproduces Full HD and 3D content, converts 2D to 3D. Thanks to the proprietary technology Epson 3LCD, the picture is clear, sharp and rich in color.
Brightness of 2200 lm makes it possible to use the projector in slightly darkened rooms. The contrast level of 35,000: 1 enhances the depth of black. Excellent detail contributes to the natural transmission of motion in sports programs and computer games.
With the help of manual controls on the body, you can adjust the focus and zoom, control the tilt of the lens at an angle. The extendable foot is used to set the position of the projector, and the keystone button helps to set the desired image shape. Control of the projector is also possible with a keypad.
The device is equipped with 6 different ports, including HDMI, VGA, USB and composite input. Receivers, game consoles, audio equipment, as well as mobile gadgets can be connected to them.
Benefits:
- Different viewing modes. For different content, the modes “Cinema”, “Bright cinema”, “Natural”, “Dynamic”, “Eco” are provided. THX Optimizer helps to improve picture quality.
- Low noise. In Eco mode, the sound of the cooling system is almost absent.
- Trapezoid autocorrection. At the first use it is easy to eliminate distortions.
Disadvantages:
- No manual aperture setting. Adjustments can only be made automatically.
- The aperture in the accelerated mode emits an unpleasant rustling sound.
- Weak detail white and black. White has to be manually configured using the Epson Super White mode. Black fragments in dimly lit scenes look blurry.
- Interference in motion. In the “Bright cinema” and “Dynamic” modes, the movement of objects is reproduced with hesitations.
A home theater projector is a great alternative to expensive massive TVs. Evaluate the 4 main criteria - brightness, type of matrix, connection method and cost, and choose the one that best suits you.
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