This article offers you a selection of projectors and a discussion on the selection criteria. Only five products have managed to impress specialized websites with limited space, so this article only takes into consideration the best offers.
DLP versus LCD
Today, both technologies hold the upper hand and compete against each other. Each camp has its ardent defenders. DLP supporters pledge for "deep black", "more intense colors" and "better color fastness over time", while supporters of the LCD technology respond with "the no rainbow effect", "more color thus better degradation" and "finer overall appearance".
Here is the bottom line: Choose the DLP technology if you are sensitive to the rainbow effect. If you are not, choose between the two types of technology according to your tastes. No current technology can satisfy all customers.
Your TV is too small and you want to enter the world of real home theater? Welcome to this buyer's guide dedicated to video projectors. You can compare a number of products and then choose the one that meets your needs.
Before you make that comparison, here are some techniques that will help you if you are a beginner in this domain. If you already know all the jargon, you can skip directly to the selection of models.
What are 100 Hz and 200 Hz projectors? Are there perfectly smooth projectors?
This is a complex topic, but the main idea is the following: Contrary to many misconceptions, the 100 Hz projector has nothing to do with the fluidity of the film. The confusion stems from the fact that the 100 Hz projector also thins the films. The 100 Hz projector limits the ghosting effect when fast movements are performed. On the other hand, the afterglow is imperceptible with 200 Hz projectors. The persistence of the headlamps has always been minimal in this case.
So do not mistake the 100 Hz and 200 Hz projectors for Motionflow (Sony), HDNM (HD Natural Motion Philips), Movie Plus (Samsung) or TruMotion (LG), which are systems that eliminate all defects by calculating the intermediate images from the original film. These systems are essential for those who are allergic to the slightest twitches. There is often a repellent video effect, but this effect can always be removed. Those who want to achieve the greatest performance should purchase a projector with such a function. Finally, 120 Hz (or more) is necessary but not sufficient to watch TV in 3D mode.
What is 3D?
Accessible to individuals ever since 2009, 3D allows one to watch movies in relief, as its name suggests. Those who missed the launch of this phenomenon at the end of 2009 can look into the success of the film AVATAR 3D.
Summary - Everything you need to know about 3D
Only few projectors are compatible with the 3D mode. They are required to operate at a frequency of at least 100 Hz to be compatible with the 3D mode. Beware though! Not all projectors operating at 100 Hz or more are automatically compatible with the 3D mode. Also keep in mind that 3D is still increasing in popularity and there are also few Blu-ray offers, so to speak. The Blu-ray format must also be compatible with the 3D mode. As for TV shows, some satellite channels announce the arrival of 3D programs for this year.
Finally, remember that you must wear special glasses to watch TV in 3D mode. Therefore, you will need to buy a pair of such glasses if you want to try this experience.
HD Ready Definition versus Full HD
An HD ready video projector displays at least 720 lines, while a full HD projector displays at least 1,080 lines. 1,080 lines is precisely the definition used by the HDTV and Blu-ray. Therefore, you should opt for this type of projector to enjoy the quality of HD!
1,080 line projectors are recommended, especially since they are very affordable now. The models with a definition of 720 lines tend to disappear gradually.
Should you believe what the manufacturers say?
You can simply ignore the contrast figures announced by manufacturers. They are calculated as to maximize the contrast but they are far from the ideal conditions in which you should watch a movie. For example, the contrast of a projector of 80,000:1 falls to about 500 to 1000:1 once all the settings have been made. Rely on your own measurements instead because it is safer.
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