Are you looking for a portable video projector to transform your living room into a real cinema room? Here is a guide to help you choose the best video projector for 2023, ideal for movie buffs and video game enthusiasts.
@jedeeshop #lenovo #smartprojecteur ♬ original sound - Jedee's | Projector
1. Video Projector Technology
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the technology of the projector. There are currently three different options on the market: LCD, DLP and LCoS.
LCD: Ideal for high definition viewing with vivid colors.
DLP: Offers a high contrast ratio, perfect for large projection screens and motorized projection screens.
LCoS: Combine the best of both worlds for premium home cinema.
Each of them has its strengths and weaknesses and, depending on the projector model you are looking for, you will be interested in one or the other.
Generally speaking, LCD technology stands out for its natural colors and very good brightness. On the other hand, it generally does not offer very deep blacks.
DLP technology, on the other hand, stands out for its contrast level, overall brightness and very bright images, making it the ideal choice for rooms with ambient light.
His problem ? Color fidelity is poor on the cheaper models, which can be remedied by upgrading to more expensive models.
Finally, LCoS projectors attempt to combine all the benefits of LCD and DLP technologies with very good contrast and deep blacks, but their price is generally out of reach for most budgets.
2. Resolution and Pixel Density
Before tackling this point, let's first look at a definition to fully understand.
- Pixel density is a data calculated according to the resolution and the size of the screen which allows you to know the number of pixels displayed in an inch. Basically, the higher the pixel density, the better the image quality.
- Resolution also affects image quality and ranges from 0 to current 8K technology.
If you're looking for a good projector to reproduce the cinema atmosphere, you'll have to at least stop at HD resolution. In other words, your starting point is a Full HD projector and you can go up to 4K resolution depending on your budget. It's important to stop at this point, because this is where the image quality lies.
With Full HD technology, you will already get fantastic picture quality, but if you want something more, you can opt for a projector with Full HD 4K resolution.
At home, at least for the moment, no projector reaches native 8K resolution, but they manage to approach this image resolution with resizing thanks to Pixel Shift technology.
- Opt for an HD or UHD video projector for excellent image quality.
- 4K video projectors offer higher native resolution, ideal for HD movies and professional presentations.
3. Projector Light Source
Another important point to pay attention to when choosing a good projector is brightness . There are currently three models.
The most traditional technology is the high pressure gas lamp. They have a lifespan of approximately 5,000 hours and offer a brightness of between 1,000 and 2,000 lumens.
Their problem? Their power degrades over time and they need a few minutes to warm up and take action.
Next come LED light sources, which use technology similar to that of lamps or televisions. They have a longer lifespan than gas lamps and consume very little energy. Additionally, projectors using this type of technology are generally compact in size.
Finally, there are laser light sources. These are the most powerful and efficient, but, as you can imagine, the most expensive. They have a brightness of up to 55,000 lumens, a lifespan of approximately 25,000 hours and deliver more accurate and natural colors.
- Gas lamps: Suitable for a limited budget, but with a shorter lifespan.
- LED: LED video projectors offer a long lifespan and are often compact and portable.
- Laser: The best option for high quality home theater with superior brightness.
4. Connectivity of a video projector
How to choose your video projector based on connectivity , there are 6 important points not to be overlooked.
- Wireless :
- Airplay:
- Chromecast:
- Bluetooth:
- HDMI/USB:
- Android TV:
- Choose a projector with HDMI, USB, and if possible, with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection for maximum flexibility.
- Interactive video projectors with HDMI input and Miracast compatibility are perfect for presentations and home entertainment.
5. Projection Distance and Image Size
- Short throw projectors are perfect for small spaces, allowing you to project a large image at a short distance.
- For a large screen in a home theater, consider the projection distance and the size of the projected image.
Additional Tips
- Sound: Built-in speakers are convenient, but for an immersive home theater experience, consider an external speaker system or soundbar.
- Portability: Pico projectors and mini video projectors are excellent for their portability and ease of installation.
- Brightness: Measured in ANSI lumens, brightness is crucial for viewing in bright rooms or in broad daylight.
- Ventilation and Noise: A quiet fan is important, especially for projectors used in quiet environments.
Choice according to Use
- Cinephiles: Choose a projector with UHD or 4K resolution, a high contrast ratio, and full connectivity (HDMI, USB, Bluetooth).
- Video Games: Look for projectors with low latency, high resolution, and good brightness.
- Professional Presentations: Opt for portable projectors with good connectivity and easy installation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right video projector in 2023 depends on your specific needs for home cinema, video games, or professional presentations. Consider technology, resolution, light source, connectivity and projection distance to make the best choice.
