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30% off with using the 2 promo codes About this item 🌟【Projector Native 1080P Full HD】 The YOTON Y6 projector 4K is an excellent device with 1920*1080 native resolution and 4K video tran…
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Projectors function by taking data from streaming sites, Blu-Ray DVDs or games consoles, and sending it through a complex array of mirrors or prisms to cast it onto walls and screens. And with their ability to create wide images effortlessly wherever they are pointed, it's no surprise that projectors have always been a go-to device for serious cinema fans.
In fact, projectors were there at the very beginning. In 1895, a variant of modern home projectors was used in Paris to show the very first movie. And even that breakthrough built on centuries of magic lanterns and camera obscuras – devices which aren't that dissimilar to today's 4K beasts. But which model is suitable for your viewing needs? Let's explore in more detail and offer some handy buying suggestions so you can find the best projector deals.
When you buy a projector, you may well need to spend over a thousand pounds. And when you spend that much, you really want to be confident that the device you are buying will perform well and last for years. Fortunately, there are some excellent sources of reviews and buying information on the web to help you make the right decision. ProjectorReviews is a good place to start, but ProjectorCentral,Tech Radar, and PCMag all scrutinise the latest projectors as they are released. So there's no excuse for buying a model that the experts have panned.
Here are the main things to look for when buying a new projector:
A home projector could come in various formats. If you want superior resolution, a (fairly expensive) 4K projector will be vital. If you want to be able to move your projector around of take it wherever you go, a mini projector will make sense. Then there's LCD vs DLP...
DLP projectors tend to be more compact and portable, offer better resolution and smoother playback. LCD projectors offer better colour depth, are more energy efficient, and run more quietly. So both have their strengths and weaknesses.
As with all devices, picking the best brand can help ensure that your projector lasts the distance and performs well. Leading brands that won't let users down include LG, NEC, Philips, BenQ, Epson, and Dell.
Resolution determines how “realistic” the image projected onto your screen will be. Ratings vary wildly from rough around the edges 854 x 480 pixel models, through to 4K projectors which match high-end 4K TVs. As a rule, anything above 1280 x 720 will deliver DVD quality and better.
Most home projectors won't come with speakers built in, so users will ned to source speakers which are compatible with their device. However, some more advanced models do feature audio equipment – and these models will be much better for home cinema fans or gamers who want to avoid sound lag.
Brightness determines how strong the image is which projectors create and is usually measured in ANSI lumens. If you are using a projector in anything other than blackout conditions, it's essential to max out on brightness. Ratings start at 500 lumens (too low in most cases) but rise to as much as 3-4,000.
Not all projectors come with optical zoom as part of the package, and not everyone will need this feature. However, if you do want to focus on specific images (such as web pages) or use your device for presentations and watching TV, a zoom will come in very handy.
Ideally, a good projector will have as many input ports as possible, including HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, MHL, VGA, and SDI. WiFi is another increasingly common feature and will be essential if you want to hook your device up to services like Roku or Chromecast.
If you want to place your projector near the wall of screen, a “short throw” version will work best, featuring a ratio of 1:1 or less. Ideal for smaller rooms. Otherwise, “long throw” projectors will offer better performance all-round.
There are loads of projector models out there, so we've narrowed it down to 3 models that you might want to consider!
BenQ W1210ST | JVC DLA-N7B | Nebula Capsule | |
Type | Single Chip DLP | D-ILA Display Technology | Pico (Mini) DLP |
Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080 | 4K 4096 x 2160 | 854 x 480 |
Brightness | 2200 lumens | 1900 lumens | 100 lumens |
Short or Long Throw? | Short Throw | Long Throw | Short Throw |
Lamp life | 7000 hours | 2000 hours | 4 hours (charged) |
HDMI Ports | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Special features | Low input lag setting for gaming | Supports HDR, Auto Tone Mapping | Android compatible, speaker included |
Suitable for: | Gamers and movie fans | Everybody who can afford it | TV watchers, travellers |
So why would you buy a projector over a conventional TV? Check out these advantages and disadvantages of projectors vs TVs.
Here's a quick guide to setting up your projector properly:
Firstly, pick a location that suits the specs of your device and your home layout. A large patch of white wall will work well.
Generally speaking, if you are aiming for a 120-inch image, the projector should be placed 3-4 metres from the wall. But calculation sites are available online if you are confused about the precise distance.
If you have access to a specialist projector screen, it is advisable to mount it on the wall or hang it from the ceiling. Specialist screens will deliver more even images without rainbow effects and blurring.
Now, we need to position the projector to achieve the perfect image. As a rule, the centre of the projector lens will be roughly in the centre of the image (or as close as possible).
The more you need to angle the projector, the more distortion will result. So use hanging mounts or tables to achieve the right height. And always place projectors on flat surfaces.
Before watching movies, make sure that you optimise the projector's focus with a block of text. And play with the contrast and brightness settings on your device to make sure they are fine tuned for cinema or TV. After that, you're good to go.
Here are some projector accessories you might want to consider in addition to your new projector:
If you don't have a suitable wall or want extra flexibility, buying a dedicated projector screen will make sense. Elite Screens EzFrame series is a popular choice, while Best Choice offers matte finished screens with excellent colour fidelity.
Not all projectors come with speakers. If you want to get the most out of your long throw 4K monster, it's definitely worth investigating in Soundbars and home cinema systems to match visuals and sonics.
Projector bulbs tend to have impressive lifetimes these days but they will run out eventually. So have a stock of replacements ready and waiting to go.
Placing your projector makes all the difference between muddy images and crisp visuals. Ceiling mounts with adjustable drops make a lot of sense, offering excellent adaptability. But you can also find wall mounts if that works better for you. In some cases, projector stands will be an even more convenient option. These tripod stands fold up small and provide stability for your projector.
The first modern projector was the Lumiere Brothers' Kinetoscope, which appeared in 1895. Overhead projectors first appeared in the 1940s, and were used in American police identification labs.
They can be. Make sure your projector has low input speeds, fast HDMI ports, 4K resolution, WiFi connectivity, and is set up to deliver optimal contrast, colour, and brightness, and you can enjoy widescreen gaming with ease.
Potentially. Projectors really come into their own vs TVs when they are used for cinematic widescreen projection. Otherwise, TVs tend to be more convenient and offer similar visual performance.
Yes they are. Projector bulbs can retail for hundreds of pounds due to the need to manufacture bulbs with high brightness and low heat generation properties. So treat your projector gently!
Generally not. Most projectors need to be used with external speakers, and are designed to sync up smoothly. However, some modern home TV and cinema projectors do have built-in speakers, although they may not be top of the range audio monsters.
If you're wondering how projector works, the best way to visualise it is as a reverse camera. Projectors take digital images, transform them into light, then beam this light via mirrors or prisms onto a screen a few metres away.
Yes. Manufacturers like Epson and EUG now produce Bluetooth-compatible projectors which can connect to smartphones, gaming systems, and smart speakers, offering a convenient way to set up entertainment systems.
Sometimes. If your projector can pump out 2,500 lumens or more and you have a good light-blocking setup in your living room, it should be possible to achieve a decent quality image. Otherwise, evenings are the best time to use projectors.
It's unlikely. If you stare directly into the beam created by a projector, then eye damage can result. However, when setup correctly, it shouldn't be easy to make eye contact with the lens.
Yes, and it's a major problem with some models. Cleaning dust from the inside of the unit can help, and switching from DLP to efficient LCD models can reduce heat as well.
Projectors offer a genuine competitor for widescreen TVs. In fact, if you want to get as close as possible to the feeling of sitting in a cinema auditorium, projectors are the only real way to achieve it. And even under-powered mini projectors are a great option for travelling or taking to gaming parties.
However, there's one major problem with projectors which can make TVs more attractive, and that's the price. The very best 4K projector units can cost thousands of pounds. And even a compact Pico (mini) variety will usually cost over £200. Even so, those prices aren't set in stone. There are ways to find a cheap projector whether you need a top of the range model or something less powerful.
Firstly, be clear about your needs. If you aren't a cinephile who notices every imperfection, an HD projector will probably do just as well as a 4K model and cost considerably less. And if you have speakers already, they may well be able to connect to projectors, avoiding the need to buy models with speakers built-in.
When you've thought about which type and specifications to look for, it's time to find ways to cut the cost of projectors. One option is to wait to major sales events like Black Friday (in November) and Amazon Prime Day (in mid Summer) when projector prices drop significantly. That's a particularly good strategy for those buying high-spec models.
But it's not essential to wait that long. Whenever you need to save money on projection equipment, hotukdeals is here to help. Our listings include the latest models from leading projector brands like BenQ, Philips, Anker, JVC, LG, Epson, and NEC. You'll find DLP and LCD models, and every resolution or brightness rating imaginable.
Buyers will also find discount codes and money off at the UK's leading electronics merchants. With deals from John Lewis, Argos, Amazon, Currys PC World, Richer Sounds and AO.com, we've got every bargain covered. So widen your viewing horizons and explore the potential of projectors with hotukdeals.
The projector TV battle is closer than ever. That's especially the case if you want to create ultra HD widescreen images, bringing the authentic cinema experience into the heart of the home. But the best projectors can come with a serious price tag. Avoid paying over the odds and enjoy immersive viewing experiences with the projector offers to be found at hotukdeals.