If once the projector was a niche object for enthusiasts, today the new models have made the big screen accessible to all users, even the less experienced. In fact, there are products available on the market for all budgets, easy to use and configurable in just a few minutes. Projectors, including portable ones, equipped with an audio section and advanced smart platforms with the most well-known streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube on board.
Below is our guide to choosing the best projectors on the market.
Hardware features and installation
From an installation point of view, home projectors can be divided into two broad categories. The traditional models to be placed in front of the viewer, for example on a table, or behind him and the ultra short throw models that can be installed close to the wall.
As regards the technical aspect, most medium and high-end projectors use DLP (Micro Mirror Digital Light Processing) technology with LED or Laser lighting (more powerful and available on premium products). The low cost models, however, use LCD systems with low intensity LED lighting sources. As for the screen size, it can reach 50-60 inches for basic models, around 100 inches for mid-range projectors and up to 300 inches for high-end products. The first two categories usually have a Full HD 1080P resolution, while the most advanced products reach a 4K Ultra HD resolution. On medium and high-end projectors we also find compatibility with HDR, while only premium projectors boast more advanced solutions such as Dolby Vision; certifications that expand the range of brightness and color.
Moving on to audio, most models include two stereo speakers. High-end products stand out for the adoption of additional speakers that improve the performance of low and high frequencies.
Let’s not forget the stand, already included in many products, which allows you to easily direct the projector towards the ceiling.
On mid-range and high-end models we also find hardware and software solutions that simplify projector assembly such as autofocus, automatic adjustment of image shape and size and intelligent obstacle detection systems.
Software features
Most medium-high range projectors boast a complete smart platform with the most popular streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube on board. The most popular are Google TV and Android TV which also allow you to download games and other apps such as browsers and photo and video readers to external memories.
The protagonists of the market
The home projector market is very vast with many manufacturers, from the best known such as Lg and Samsung, to lesser known brands, which still boast a very interesting range such as Thomson, Nebula and Dangbei.
In particular, among the market’s protagonists we remember the new Samsung The Freestyle+: a compact projector, with complete functions and simple to use. The 180-degree rotation design allows you to project onto virtually any surface (walls, floors and ceilings) without additional stands or accessories. The Freestyle+ offers sound that fills the room, thanks to the integrated 360-degree speaker, and the smart platform also used in the Korean company’s televisions. The Freestyle+ projector is expected to launch in the first half of the year at a price not yet announced.
The new portable models arrive from Thomson Vegawith very small dimensions, and Sirius ultra short throw. Complete products with prices starting from 489 euros.
Nebula is known for its excellent range of products, we particularly remember the suit very high-end model X1 with triple laser, optical zoom, 6 speakers and advanced automatic image management.
Dangbei’s offering is wide: from Atom mini projectorportable and with a powerful laser on board, to cutting-edge solutions such as theMP1 Max with 4K resolution and integrated stand.
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