Tips

Five Important Things to Consider When Buying a Projector

Photo depicts digital projector film presentation. Projector shiny colorful glass lens closeup, macro view, black background.

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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Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.