TECHWEEK
Today we are awarding the winners in the category of video projectors for home cinema. Despite the heavy pressure on the sector from traditional TV, mind-blowing picture quality and huge screens make projectors a must-have choice for true home movie fans.
8. Optoma UHZ50
Technology – DLP | Light source – DuraCore Laser | Resolution – 4K | Luminous flux – 3,000 lm
Pros – clear and detailed image, high luminous flux
Cons – black color is not deep enough
Verdict – universal projector, jack of all trades
The Optoma UHZ50 projector is capable of outputting images in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and 1080p at 240 Hz. Additionally, in addition to the main 16:9 aspect ratio, users can switch to 4:3, making the device incredibly flexible. The 30,000-hour laser light source guarantees 3,000 lm of luminous flux and covers the Rec.709 color gamut. The built-in speaker system is not forgotten, consisting of a pair of speakers with a power of 10 W each. The Optoma UHZ50’s picture is clear, detailed and rich.
7. BenQ HT2060
Technology – DLP | Light source – LED | Resolution – 2K | Luminous flux – 2,300 lm
Pros – excellent quality for a relatively low price
Cons – 1080p resolution
Verdict – an entrance ticket to the world of big cinema
The BenQ HT2060 “only” offers 1080p resolution and 2,300 lumens of light output – nevertheless, this is a real bestseller. The video projector is priced at $999 in the US – while providing a luxurious picture with an ideal color palette (full compliance with Rec.709), 3D support and a long-lasting LED light source. Add HDR10 and HLG, two HDMI ports, extremely low output latency of 16.7ms at 1080p 60Hz and a built-in pair of 5W speakers and you have a clear best buy.
6. Hisense PL1H
Technology – DLP | Light source – X Fusion Laser| Resolution – 4K XPR2 Shift | Luminous flux – 2,100 lm
Pros – chic palette, short focus
Cons – low brightness
Verdict – a step forward for Hisense
Hisense PL1H has a 4K resolution (XPR2 Shift pixel shift technology is used) and allows you to project a 120-inch diagonal picture from just a distance of 45 cm. The device runs on a very flexible proprietary Smart TV OS VIDAA U6 and supports video with extended dynamic range not only in HDR10, but also in Dolby Vision. The luminous flux of 2,100 lm is not high, but working with the color palette is crazy – the device covers the Rec709 color space by 114.7%, and DCI P3 by 85%.
5. BenQ TK860i
Technology – DLP | Light source – Metal Halide lamp | Resolution – 4K | Luminous flux – 3,300 lm
Pros – record luminous flux for the group, very vivid image
Cons – there was no way to use the laser as a light source
Verdict – another iconic model from BenQ
The BenQ TK860i is the brightest projector in the company’s new line, reaching 3,300 ANSI lumens! The color gamut in 98% of the Rec.709 space will clearly not disappoint you; the use of a lamp rather than a laser in this price range (1,799 euros in Europe) is a clear necessity. The projector boasts an incredibly bright picture and can function well in dimly lit conditions. Its ability to handle fast camera movements is, again, exceptional – bravo.
4. Samsung The Premiere LSP9T
Technology – DLP | Light source – 3 x Laser | Resolution – 4K | Luminous flux – 2,800 lm
Pros – unique light source, stunningly natural picture
Cons – nothing significant for the price
Verdict – classic never gets old
Samsung The Premiere LSP9T remains at the top of the charts – an ultra-short-throw model based on a DLP chip (DMD 0.66 inches, 3,840 x 2,160 pixels) is equipped with a unique triple laser. Separate sources for red, blue and green provide stunning color palette, brightness and contrast. The manufacturer guarantees full coverage of DCI-P3 and even Rec.2020 color spaces, which can be considered a unique achievement for a projector.
3. JVC DLA-NZ8
Technology – D-ILA | Light source – BLU-Escent Laser Diode | Resolution – 8K e-shift | Luminous flux – 2,500 lm
Pros – reference contrast and black field depth
Cons – not the highest brightness
Verdict – High End in every sense
The flagship projector based on D-ILA technology, JVC DLA-NZ8 , offers the best black color among all competitors, regardless of price – no one can compete with this device in this parameter, we have a kind of “OLED” among video projectors. The device can only be criticized for its luminous flux, which is not too high by today’s standards – the brightest scenes in HDR can be a little less impressive on a large screen area than expected.
2. Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
Technology – 3LCD | Light Source – Laser Array | Resolution – 4K | Luminous flux – 2,700 lm
Pros – Don’t believe in the capabilities of 3LCD? Then we go to you!
Disadvantages – in the most complex scenes you can notice imperfect elaboration of halftones
Verdict – Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 – Jack of all trades
With a scan rate of 120 Hz, the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is a star from the sky in terms of picture smoothness and stability – the device can be watched for many hours without a hint of fatigue. The company has made the most of the capabilities of 3LCD matrices – together with an array of backlighting from laser light sources, the image is luxuriously deep and incredibly detailed. The luminous flux of 2,700 lumens will not disappoint you either.
1. Sony VPL-XW7000ES
Technology – SXRD | Light source – Laser diode | Resolution – 4K | Luminous flux – 3,200 lm
Pros – Reference image quality
Cons – only price
Verdict – Sony confirms leadership
The top-end Sony VPL-XW7000ES has proprietary SXRD matrices with real 4K resolution, a laser light source and a solid luminous flux of 3,200 lm. The combination of Wide Dynamic Range Optics with Advanced Crisp-Focused (ACF) lenses and the X1 image processor (similar to the latest BRAVIA TV) delivers an incredibly immersive experience, immersing you in a true movie theater experience.
