PROJECTORS: the choices

You can spend $1500, $15,000 or $150,000 on a projection system. What makes the difference?

Budget:

There are some amazing bargains in the projector world if you stick with full-HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. Indeed you can go even lower and still enjoy a big-screen image — we spent an enjoyable review period recently with Epson’s dinky little $1699 EF100, for example, which works with a wireless media stick to deliver wall-size projection with a smart interface. But its WVGA resolution (1280 x 800) was evident in the ‘flyscreen’ effect of visible pixels. A full-size full-HD projector from a major brand will give a smoother image. For best results, you really should budget for a screen (see main copy); projecting on a wall may look good at first, but once you realise how bumpy your wall is, those long cinematic pans start looking pretty silly.

Midrange:

Ultra-HD resolution of 3840 x 2160 is available in two ways — using pixel-shifting at mid-range prices, or using native 4K panels at higher prices. Although the benefits of High Dynamic Range remain dubious in a projection system, you do gain a wider colour gamut, while more and smaller pixels banish the flyscreen effect and smoothen even full-HD source material. Look also at this level for laser light sources rather than replaceable lamps, which offer 20,000 hours or more of operation, likely enough for the lifetime of the product.

Premium:

Here you can experience native 4K projection, smart auto-adjustments for different aspect ratios, long-life laser light sources and enough lumens to fill the largest of screens. Most such projectors are large, and will require professional installation.