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Journalism of Courage
There is a misconception that projectors aren’t meant for home entertainment and that’s due to two reasons — the price and the space required to project an image. While projectors have been around for a while and predate the advent of mainstream television, the industry has undergone a lot of changes over the last few years, and the current projector market offers unique solutions catering to various use cases.
However, buying a projector is still a confusing process, especially considering the huge variety of projectors available in the market. Here is a simple guide on how to pick the right smart projector that fits your needs.
The light source is the core technology that powers a projector. While lamp-based projectors have almost disappeared from the market, most modern projectors use LED as a light source, which has several advantages in terms of lifespan, colour accuracy, and brightness. Again, depending on the resolution and the brightness, the projectors vary in size, and there are even projectors with an integrated battery, which are mostly suited for outdoor usage during activities like camping.
Projectors can also be distinguished based on the distance required to project an image. A long-throw projector usually needs to be kept at a distance to project a large-sized image (the farther the distance, the bigger the image), while a short-throw projector can achieve the same with just a couple of centimetres of distance. However, in most cases, a short-throw projector will be much more expensive than a long-throw projector.
Resolution is also one major parameter to consider while buying the projectors. Most budget and mid-tier projectors offer either 720p/1080p resolution, while the high-end projectors can output up to 4K resolution. Some projectors even offer a fast 120Hz refresh rate, making them a great option for gamers who want to pair the projector with a PC or a gaming console.
Another important distinction in projectors is the ability to run apps natively. Most modern projectors come with an Android OS, making it easy to use apps like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and other video streaming platforms. While the same can be achieved on any projector with a Fire TV stick or a similar device, it is best to get a projector that already has built-in apps.
Based on these parameters, here are some of the best smart projectors worth considering in 2024.
BenQ MH560
If you are looking for a simple 1080p projector mainly to watch movies and TV shows, the BenQ MH560, priced at Rs 59,990 is the one to consider. The device can project up to a screen size of 200 inches, and it also has low input lag of 16 ms with 3800 ANSI of peak brightness. It features two full-sized HDMI ports and also has a built-in 10W speaker.
LG PH30N CineBeam
The LG PH30N CineBeam is a portable projector with an integrated battery that costs Rs 35,990. This is a 720p projector that offers up to 2 hours of battery life. Plus, it has an excellent contrast ratio of 100,000:1, powered by the LED light source. It is also one of the most compact projectors in its class.
Zebronics PIXAPLAY 18
This is an easy-to-carry around 1080p projector with a retail price of Rs 19,999. This projector comes with Android OS, allowing users to install and use apps like Netflix and Prime Video natively on the projector, and it also supports screen mirroring, allowing users to mirror content from their smartphone, tablet, and laptop.
Optoma UHD50X True 4K UHD Projector
The Optoma UHD50X True 4K UHD Projector with its 240Hz refresh rate and native 4K resolution output is a great gaming projector, which can be paired with a PS5, Xbox Series X/S or the PC. The projector costs Rs 2,39,999 and can display a 302-inch screen, making it a great option for gaming and content consumption.
Viewsonic X1000-4K
The Viewsonic X1000-4K is one of the most compact and premium-looking 4K resolution short-throw projectors. It costs Rs 2,29,000 and can be used for both content consumption and gaming. This projector can be placed right on the screen to enjoy uninterrupted gaming or content consumption experience. It also has an integrated soundbar and comes with smart streaming technology with support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks.
