How to choose a home theater projector

Any movie fan who loves to watch movies at home, sooner or later, will reflect on how to choose a home theater projector. In this technology a significant advantage compared to the most advanced panel.

criteria

These benefits will become available when the projector choices will match the application requirements. To do this, navigate to the operating parameters of the device. These include:

Image transmission technology;
resolution and format;
3D support;
brightness level;
Light source;
focal length;
image shift;
connection interface;
noise.

Display technology

The quality of a broadcast image from the source to the screen depends on the system through which the light flux. Earlier in CRT projectors used cathode-ray tubes. Now replaced by more sophisticated systems:

LCD liquid crystal devices running on clearance.
DLP devices built on micromirror system.
LCoS devices based on liquid crystals, but running on reflection.

Each option maintains the image quality over time, but not without flaws.

LCD matrix

The finished image is formed by passing the three color fractions through the prism. This makes it possible to obtain a bright, full-color image with a slight darkening. The main disadvantages:

fragmentation of the image into pixels, which are particularly visible when viewing close;
poor contrast due to the weak transmission of black;
sensitivity to dust and filters need regular cleaning.

DLP technology

Image forming micromirror system installed on a signal generator. Micron distance between specular components provides improved sharpness. No pixel defects translates a deep black color. In this technology reduced size in comparison with competitors, they are less demanding of care, but:

different noise level;
It requires good blackout or a powerful light beam;
there is a defect of the rainbow.

LCoS devices

These projectors work on liquid crystals with reflection. Here it is cut off excess light and improves the contrast. The main advantages:

good color saturation;
the use of large formats with the appropriate resolution;
smooth defect-free image.

Disadvantages - the price of these projectors are at the level of the car. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to replace expensive gas-discharge lamps.

Resolution and format

Most of the video is standard Full HD and HDTVWhose resolution 1920x1080 and 1280x720. To play it need a multimedia projector with support for similar parameters. Less expensive office analogues under old standards computer cut off part of the pixels, that deteriorates the quality.

There are already devices under standard 4k supporting resolutions 3840h2160 and more. But they are very expensive. Still need to take into account the size or aspect ratio. previous format 4:3 almost not used in the production of content. Were replaced by wide-aspect ratio materials 16:9.

3D Support

The appearance of the three-dimensional video also had an impact on the requirements for a projection technique. Support for 3D images are increasingly integrated into the projectors for home theater. Therefore, this technology is popular among gamers and movie. Such devices are referred to as Full HD 3DBecause a high level of authorization is required for the optimal display of three-dimensional graphics.

Projectors Full HD 3D are available special glasses that enhance the visual perception of the surround effect.

Light output

This parameter determines the color saturation. It depends on the strength of the light flux measured in lumen (lm). The higher the value, the higher the clarity and better color reproduction. However, extremely high brightness can cause eye discomfort due to high eye pressure.

Select the device for this parameter should be based on the conditions of use. If it is applied in a well-darkened room enough for the minimum values from 1000 to 2000 lm. Incomplete dimming require a light source from 2000 to 3000 lm.

When viewing the three-dimensional graphics with weak light flux image will appear flat and substantially loses in sharpness and saturation.

Light source

Most home models are used discharge lamps with a mercury filling. They create a powerful stream of light, provide the required level of brightness. Working life can be increased to 2000 hours in normal operation to 6000 with periodic application economical mode. The main disadvantages:

limited lifespan;
reduced effectiveness at time of discharge of the working resource;
large size;
the need for a cooling system;
high price - about 30% of the cost of the projector.

Alternative - LED light sources (LED). These projectors are deprived of these disadvantages, but do not provide the necessary brightness. Another option - a laser projector which has comparable UHP lamp with power and provides excellent color. Its main disadvantage - the high price.

Focal length

For a demonstration video at home it is important to focus. Devices should be adjustable short throw lens. The ratio of the distance to the image width is typically 0.8-1.2. Some models have remote adjustment of focus through the remote control.

image shift

When the suspended installation of equipment or placement in a niche is not always convenient to adjust the direction of light by physical manipulation. For this purpose the lens shift function without moving the device itself.

Characteristic for such cases trapezoidal distortion is eliminated lens shift. This option is not available in all models, but often needed for smaller rooms.

connection interface

The source images may be used different technique - from the TV to the media player. Broadcast signal from these devices provide various connectors. Well, if the equipment will be all sorts of inputs with duplication of the most used.

digital	HDMI
DVI
USB
analog	RCA (tulip)
VGA
SCART
S-Video
antenna input

noise

All devices with the lamp light source equipped with forced cooling fans. The more heat, the more actively working cooling system and creates more noise.

In a small room at the silence excessive noise may interfere with viewing. To avoid this situation when you select to pay attention to the noise parameter. It may be in the range of 20 to 45 dB. For home conditions recommended noise level does not exceed 30 dB.

A useful option is the ability to switch to Eco mode. It will provide noise reduction and extend the working life of the lamp.

Popular models

When choosing equipment for home theater you need to focus on the well-known manufacturers with a good reputation among users. This will avoid the annoying errors and save a lot of money. Popular brands:

BenQ.
Acer.
Epson.

BenQ W 1070

Device compatible with Full HD quality and a corresponding resolution. Power flow to 20000 lm provides qualitative work with a slight darkening. Short focus allows you to place equipment at a distance of less than a meter to the screen.

Pros:

the support of three-dimensional video;
wireless connection and setup;
correction of geometry images.

Of cons - slowdown at low-frequency sweep and a low performance in the gaming mode.

Epson EH TW 5300

Able to work with minimal dimming, provides maximum detail sharpness when playing Full HD. Three-chip LCD design eliminates the typical defects.

Benefits:

Minimal signal delay;
smoothness of the image of the game;
adjustable by remote control.

Disadvantages:

insufficient depth of black;
problems with 3D;
trapeze defects are not corrected lens shift.

Acer H 6510 BD

It allows you to view video of any quality (Full HD, HDTV, 3D). It keeps the brightness of the image almost without dimming. Copes with the gameplay.

Advantages:

function wireless connection;
small size;
affordable price.