1. Light Output – Tailoring a projector’s image is largely dependent on the room it’s used in. Ask yourself a few questions. What will be the throw distance? Is the room completely light controlled? Do I want total darkness, or do I want some lights on? Do I want a super-bright image, or would I prefer a high-end cinema effect?

2. Screen Material – A projection screen can cost as much or more than a good projector. Do you plan to project on a wall? Some users do this and simply plop the projector on a table in front of them. For that, you might consider a model with built-in speakers. If you budget for a screen, and you want some lights on, light-rejecting material is a must.

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3. Contrast – Bright images usually mean blacks that are more gray than black. And different technologies offer different contrast levels. LCoS (Sony and JVC) offer the deepest blacks and largest dynamic range; important if you plan to watch Ultra HD/HDR content. LCD (Epson) is the next best followed by DLP. DLP’s with an auto-iris can deliver greater contrast than those without.

4. Color Accuracy – Many projectors, even some inexpensive ones, have an accurate picture mode that doesn’t require calibration. You can count on this if you get THX certification (JVC or Epson) or if you buy a BenQ CineHome or CinePro model.

5. Clarity – An all-glass lens isn’t a must, but it helps. If you’re on a budget, nothing beats the sharpness of compact DLP models. BenQ and others offer Ultra HD projectors for less than $2000 that deliver superb detail and crisp, 4K images. If price is no object, high-end projectors usually include a premium lens. It doesn’t get much better than the $35,000 JVC DLA-RS4500 or BenQ’s CinePro HT9060 which is a little more affordable at $9000.

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