12 Best Home Theater Projectors Reviews and Guide
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Home Theater Projector?
Do you like to enjoy an immersive viewing experience in your home? Have you noticed that conventional media players do not give you the satisfaction you crave? If this is the case, you definitely need to buy and install a home theater projector. Who says you only have to visit a Cinema to enjoy trending blockbusters? The truth is that you can enjoy it in the comfort of your home.
Today, many people have come to realize the value of home theater projectors; that is why the demand for them has increased. Home theater projectors allow you to watch your favorite movies and show on large screens with perfect sounds for an immersive experience. Although the speakers are loud, you can connect the system to external speakers for better audio.
Buying a home theater projector is like bringing the cinema into your home because you get the same viewing experience. But which brand do you go for?
That is exactly what this review is for. Below, we currently review the best home theater projectors on the market and highlight their features so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Read our review and make your choice.
Quick Summary
Best Ultra wide screen Home Theater Projector: BenQ HT2050A 2200 Lumens 1080P Home Theater Projector
Best High contrast Home Theater Projector: Optoma High Brightness HD39HDR Home Theater Projector
Best Home Theater Projector for Streaming: Epson 2200 Home Cinema 3D Edition 1080 Projector
Best Smart Home Theater Projector: LG DLP 140 HU70LA UHD Smart Home Theater
Best 3D Home Theater Projector: Optoma GT1090 HDR Home Theater Projector
Best Home Theater for Gaming: BenQ TK800M Home Theater Projector with HLG & HDR
Best Home Theater Projector with Standalone Speakers: Wemax Dice 1080P 700 ANSI Portable Outdoor Movie Projector
Best Home Theater Projector for Mass Broadcast: Jifar wifi/Bluetooth HD 1080P 4K Projector
Epson 3-Chip VS260 XGA Projector
Best Home Theater Projector with Long Term Warranty: BenQ 4K HT3550 Home Theater with HDR10
Best Compact Home Theater Projector: Optoma High-Performance Projector HD146X for Gaming & Movies
Best Home Theater Projector for Sports: ViewSonic 3500 Lumens PX701HD
Top-Rated Home Theater Projectors
1. BenQ HT2050A 2200 Lumens 1080P Home Theater Projector
First on our list is this 2200 Lumens BenQ home theater projector with 1080P and 96% accurate colors. It has a 2D keystone for easy setup and a low input lag. The low lag makes it an ideal projector for gamine. Enjoy your favorite games, and sports matches on big screens with all the immersive experience modern technology can muster. BenQ gives you full HD visuals with 709 accuracies for crystal clear colors and a short throw of 100 inches to display pictures.
The screen provides clarity, so even if you are 2.5 meters away, you can still see the images clearly due to the bold display. BenQ has an ultra-low input lag and superior picture quality. The 2200 Lumens brightness is perfect for low natural light interiors. In addition, the media player supports flexible connections for your media players, PC, MacBook, smartphones, and gaming consoles through its multiple connection features such as USB, HDMI, and more.
With BenQ, your friends and visitors who come to your home will be impressed with the quality image displayed every time. This projector is highly rated with its 100-inch screen and 300-inch projection capacity. Boasting a DLP technology used by most cinemas all around the globe and all IMAX theaters, investing in this projector is equivalent to making your home a mini cinema. BenQ is compatible with different HDTV connections and video compatibility.
Pros
Quality images and an ultra-wide screen projection.
Cons
It has only 2200 Lumens brightness which is far less than the Lumens capacity of many other home theater projectors
2. Optoma High Brightness HD39HDR Home Theater Projector
Optoma is a leading brand name for home projectors and Media systems, and this HDR high brightness projector is just what you need for your home for quality viewing. It has a 120Hz refresh rate and a bright 4000 Lumens rate. Optoma boasts a fast response time of 8.4 milliseconds which is quite impressive. The setup is very easy with a 1.3X Zoom, 4K resolution, and a quiet operation that will release nothing more than 26dB.
The first thing you will notice when you power it up is the HDR technology ok the 1080 massive screen. The picture quality is picturesque and very bright too. The refresh rate is very fast, and gamers will surely enjoy playing their favorite games with it as it ensures lag-free gaming. Optoma is compatible with HDR 10 technology, which efficiently projects darker blacks and brighter whites. Every detail of the images is projected, and nothing is lost to poor quality. It has 1920×1080 resolution with 4K input and contrast of 50000:1 ratio for detailed and sharp images. Optoma will not compress or downscale images but project them as shown m
You also enjoy multiple connectivities, including special connections like Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and Apple Tv. Optoma also has a full 3D feature that allows it to display content from 3D sources, including Blu-ray, 3D broadcasting, and more.
Pros
Optoma has more than 15000 lamp life which translates to 4 hours of regular viewing for the next 10 years. A worthy investment.
Cons
You will need to spend money on extra speakers to get that surround effect.
3. Epson 2200 Home Cinema 3D Edition 1080 Projector
Third, on our list of the best home theater projector is Epson Home Cinema with 3D edition. This 1080 projector uses a 3-chip LCD and has built-in Android TV and speakers. The good news is that you can use Epson to do different things like stream movies, play games, play music, or watch cable channels. The contrast is relatively high at 35000:1 and 2700 lumens white brightness and color. If you like LCD screens, this is the projector you should buy for your home.
The projector delivers an immersive viewing experience with vivid display and true-life content that only a few other projectors can boast of. The color brightness and advanced 3-chip technology are some of the other qualities that make it stand out. Its fast refresh rate also makes it the ideal device for streaming live sports since you stay close to the action instead of lagging back by a few seconds. Furthermore, it accepts 4K images with full HD interpretation. You will also like the inbuilt Android TV too.
Epson offers wireless connectivity for HBO, Hulu, YouTube, and many more. But note that some streaming apps require a subscription to function with this projector.
Pros
The vivid display and quality inbuilt speakers. Low time lags
Cons
The brightness quality is heavily dependent on the surrounding conditions, so the images may not be as bright as they should sometimes be.
4. LG DLP 140 HU70LA UHD Smart Home Theater
When you think of home appliances, LG is one of the top brands that comes to mind because of their popularity and the quality of their gadgets. This home theater projector by LG is one of the best in the market for many reasons. It has a 4K UHD resolution and smart Google Assistance and Alexa software. The 1500 ANSI Lumens is high and connected to other devices via Bluetooth. This home theater projector is bright with full IP control and HD10 promotions. You can enjoy your movies on screens of up to 140 inches in the comfort of your home. Imagine sitting in front of a large screen, and you get to capture all the action in real-time? That would be glorious, right?
LG HU70LA CineBeam uses a Magic remote to access the manufacturer’s webOS smart Tv system. This brings all the popular streaming platforms like VUDU, Netflix, and Amazon Prime to your fingertips. You also enjoy love matches in real-time as no action will be lost. This home theater projector can be used for many purposes, making it valuable entertainment hardware.
LG is a global brand, we expect nothing less than quality from their ranks. This home theater projector is a very good entertainment device for home use and is worth every penny.
Pros
Low Noise, low energy consumption, and sharp remote controller. Perfect for gaming, streaming, and movies.
Cons
More expensive than the average home theater projector
5. Optoma GT1090 HDR Home Theater Projector
The second Optoma projector to make our list is this GT1090 short throw home laser system with 4K HDR input. Optoma took this one further by infusing it with high-impact functional parts for extended use. This system guarantees value for money with a lamp-free operation of 30000 hours. So depending on how you use it, Optoma GT1090 HDR can last for more than 12 years if used 4for 4 hours every day.
Optoma is ideal for space-constrained spots with a high 4200 Lumens and 1080p. The short-throw of 50:1 projects images to a 100-inch screen a few feet away. There is a DuraCore laser source that removes lamps and filters, and you can enjoy using it right from when you buy it without requiring any form of maintenance. This projector fixes itself and will give you no mechanical headaches once you install it according to the instructions. It will not take up too much space in your home due to its compact size. Furthermore, it makes less noise so much that the only way you know it works is by looking at the light it releases.
Optoma’s 3D support projects quality 3D images, and it has 4K HDR and uses HLG technologies.
Pros
An ideal projector for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
3D glasses are required to enjoy 3D images
6. BenQ TK800M Home Theater Projector with HLG & HDR
Here is another BenQ home theater projector with 3000 Lumens and ambient lighting. This system uses HDR and HLG with 96% Rec and 709 for color accuracy. Investing in BenQ is an investment that will not go to waste. The keystone is designed for easy setup, and you can use it for streaming Amazon Prime and Netflix videos, among others. Enjoy love sports in your living room or install it in your back for BBQ parties and get the best entertainment in an environment you are comfortable in.
This unit has a 100-inch projection with an 8.3 million pixel 4K UHD picture. Regardless of the prevailing light conditions, BenQ’s vivid colors will still shine forth with custom surround sounds that can be further amplified if you add more speakers. Sitting in front of this home theater will bring you a stadium or cinema-like ambiance that will look too good to be true. The DLP technology projects improved image resolution and lags or blurs. As for avid gamers, they are not left out as they can enjoy console gaming on PS4, Nintendo, Xbox, and others.
This home theater is optimized for clear images for different activities. If you must buy a home theater projector, why not go for one that offers you quality and long-lasting value?
Pros
Stunning images and extremely bright pixels with a high contrast ratio.
Cons
Image quality will be affected if installed outside during the day.
7. Wemax Dice 1080P 700 ANSI Portable Outdoor Movie Projector
We know that many movie lovers prefer to watch movies on large, clear screens, and we are guessing you are one of them too; hence we decided to add this brand to our list. Wemax is a 700 ANSI system for movie projection. It has Android Smart TV and a rechargeable battery that can last as long as 3 hours before it runs out.
Wemax is 4K supported with Wifi connectivity and Dolby sound audio for clear sound. It projects 1920x1080P, LED, and RGB technology that adds 20% more brightness than another 3-channel projector. Furthermore, the advanced DLP imagery uses 4-channel LED sourced to bring forth FHD entertainment with 4 points Keystone and angles, which allows you to watch it from any position in your room.
Wemax stand-alone speaker is very loud and connected by Bluetooth for a cinematic sound.
Pros
The 16000mAh battery is long-lasting, so you can continue to enjoy your movie even if the power goes out.
Cons
You’ll need to order a Fire Stick separately for Netflix streaming
8. Jifar wifi/Bluetooth HD 1080P 4K Projector
This is the upgraded Jifar wifi, Bluetooth-enabled projector with 4K resolution, and a further upgraded 10000 Lumens. This project is a high-capacity system for outdoor use because it is extremely bright, and the display is very large. It can project images up to 450 inches in 4K with different media support tools and connections.
Jifar is Android and iOS enabled with a 12000:1 contrast and a 16:9/4:3 ratio. This is the brightest home theater projector on our list, and no other brand’s brightness comes close to its 10000 Lumens output. Synchronizing your smartphone with the projector is easy using wifi. It uses fast 5G technology for lag-free streaming and gaming. The wireless connection allows users to watch videos from their phones on large screens.
You can also use the Bluetooth 5.0 function if you don’t have Wi-Fi. This projector will give you quality images ten times better than standard 1080p projectors.
Pros
It offers very large displays for a large audience. This is the best projector for mass media broadcast
Cons
Installing it in a small room will be too expensive for comfort.
9. Epson 3-Chip VS260 XGA Projector
In ninth place is yet another Epson projector with a 3300 Lumens brightness, HDMI, and inbuilt speakers, including a 15000:1 ratio contrast. Epson XGA will impress your audience with its crisp and detailed presentation. Besides using it for entertainment value, you can also use it to present data in videos and spreadsheet format due to the ultra-clear imagery. Even in well lot places, this projector will hold its own as much as it does in poor light conditions m
The screen is captivating with a sleek and compact box that will sit comfortably in tight spaces. We like the color output measured in IDMS 15:4 and the wireless network, which is 5 Mbps faster than normal. Streaming is also made easy with Epson XGA for Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Fire TV, to mention a few.
The 3-chip LCD technology displays 100% color signals with no distortions like rainbow blurs. Epson’s versatile connection has an HDMI port for video conferencing and streaming, and all you need is the cable, and you are good to go.
Pros
Accurate pictures, clear sounds, and easy setup.
Cons
You must keep adjusting the contrast ratio until you find the right balance.
10. BenQ 4K HT3550 Home Theater with HDR10
BenQ HT3550 home theater with HDR10 and 4K resolution has 95% DCI-P3 and 100% Rec 709. This model has a dynamic Iris for dark contrast scenes that many other projectors struggle to pick. If you buy this model, you enjoy a three-year warranty, so the manufacturer will be responsible for the repairs if anything goes wrong within the period.
BenQ offers out-of-the-box cinematic color calibration with DCI P3, a modern technology that projects color in a much larger spectrum. Moreover, the HDR Pro tone mapping releases sufficient contrast to ensure that your 4K images are detailed and perfect. Also important to note is the specialized 19-element lens for suitable light penetration for optimum sharpness.
BenQ is easy to install in an 8.2ft limited space. You don’t require any technical experience in your path to install it, as the manual will show you all the steps. This projector won the 2019 Home Theater Wifi system, so rest assured that you are getting nothing less than quality.
Pros
They are sold with a three-year warranty. Flexible controls and sharp images are guaranteed.
Cons
You may need extra speakers for more sound quality.
11. Optoma High-Performance Projector HD146X for Gaming & Movies
Another Optoma projector we just had to include in this review is the HD146X for movies and gaming. This one comes with a chip design and an enhanced gaming mode of 16 milliseconds response time. The 3600 Lumens is very bright for an enhanced cinematic experience. Furthermore, the contrast ratio is 25000:1 for 301 inches of display imagery. This output guarantees an unmatched quality for your games and movies.
If your current screen misses some details, the high-performance home theater projector will not let you down. The fast lighting response ensures you don’t miss out on any part of the action. This also makes it a suitable projector for watching live sports in real-time, and you get the same feeling as if you were in the stadium.
With 15000 lamp life, Optoma HD146X will serve you for many years with unmatched excellence. The perfect image alignment is just what you need to impress your guests and so much more.
Pros
Incredible brightness and compact design
Cons
It does not have a remote control
12. ViewSonic 3500 Lumens PX701HD
The last home theater projector we want to review is ViewSonic PX701HD projector. This model has dual HDMI and a vertical lens shift for sports watching and video streaming. It has a Super color function for projecting amazing images so that you can enjoy stunning HD pictures on a large screen. ViewSonic had an energy-saving Super Eco function that serves two purposes.
Firstly, it reduces power consumption and extends the lifespan of the projector. Secondly, ViewSonic has up to 20000 hours of lamp life, but if you activate the SuperEco function, you reduce maintenance costs and extend shelf life by a few more years. A cloud-based function also enables you to save color profiles in the VColorTuner storage. Then there is an exclusive Supercolor function with a wide array of beautiful image production in different environments.
You can enjoy your games and movies in any environment on screens as large as 300 inches. With 3500 Lumens at your disposal, no environment can be too dark or too bright for it.
Pros
Enjoy cinematic colors with a 1:1 optical zoom with at least 10 years of viewing time for 5 hours daily.
Cons
It takes up significant storage space.
What is a Home Theater Projector?
A home theater projector is an entertainment system specially designed for home use. This projector massively reproduces images in dark places, similar to what is obtainable in a cinema theater. If you wish to recreate a cinematic experience in your home, a home theater projector is exactly what you need. Unlike conventional projectors in lighted areas, home theater projectors are meant for the dark. If you use them in rooms with more ambient light, you will not get the full value.
Home theaters produce richer blacks and a low contrast ratio compared to presentation projectors. The reason for lower resolution is not far-fetched. If the screen in a dark room is too bright, it will make you squint and may cause a headache after watching it for a time. Most Home Theater projectors have 1920x1080p resolution or higher and are mostly compatible with HDMI connectors and 1080p. They are also quite large without onboard audio.
If you want a projector solely for home entertainment, we recommend a home theater projector with gamma calibration controls.
How Do A Home Theater Projector Work?
A home theater projector works on one of three different panels. Below, we review all three to give you a clear understanding of the technology.
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display technology uses polarized light emanating from three liquid panels and one for each color, including a lamp, filter, or prism, to create an image that is projected through a lens. The keystone and zoom features then magnify the image to make it visible. The panel displays the image, split into primary colors through dichroic mirrors. Light is eventually supplied by a projector bulb which passes through another panel and then combines with the colors. Each panel in an LCD projector shines differently into the picture, magnified by the outboard lens before it is transmitted to your theater screen.
DLP: Digital Light Projection works differently using DMD chips or Digital Micromirror Devices. These chips are strung together to form tiny little mirror pet chips, each measuring less than 1/5th of the human hair. These mirrors work together to create a mosaic display of one color per mirror. The mirrors can be up to 2 million, which will be hard to make sense of when viewed up close. But the further away you go, the more sense the mirror will make to create complete pictures. A lens magnifies images.
LCoS: Liquid Crystal On Silicon is the newest technology to hit the market, and it is both complex and expensive. This technology is a combination of LCD and DLP technology. The color clarity and reproduction of LCoS are far superior to DLP and LCD. The functionality of LCoS is still confusing, but as time goes on, more operational information will become available in the public domain.
What Are the Benefits of Home Theater Projector?
Installing a home theater projector in your home affords you the following benefits.
Customized Screen
If you buy a TV set, there isn’t much you can do about the screen as you will be stuck with the size forever, but projectors are flexible. You can customize the surface to suit your preference, and this is major advantage projectors have over TV sets. If you prefer a custom-made screen or a white-painted wall, you are free to use any, and rest assured that image quality will not be affected. You can also adjust the frame size to fit to screen. Let’s also not forget to mention the zoom capability of home theater projectors. With protectors, you don’t experience screen size limitations.
Reduced Eyes Strain
Eye comfort is another thing you can enjoy with a home theater projector. You don’t have to strain your eyes to see images is a huge benefit. You don’t have to go closer to the screen to see even the smallest image or object. Secondly, the light-emitting diodes offer visual comfort do your eye is under less pressure. So you can watch it for hours and not feel any physical discomfort, nor will you struggle to maintain focus.
Compact Size
If your living room is small, there is a limit to the kind of projector or TV you can install. Many are always concerned about space, but with a home theater projector, such concerns go out the window. Manufacturers design them specifically for tight spaces, and they fit various surfaces, making them the ideal systems for home entertainment.
They have a wide range of applications. For instance, you may install yours in the ceiling or on a table in the room. Alternatively, you may move it around since it is relatively lightweight. Overall, you are not limited to the spots you can install a home theater projector, unlike a television. The only concern you will have is your power outlet.
Space Management
Many buyers don’t consider the available storage space when procuring gadgets for home use. You don’t have to worry about this when buying a home theater projector. You can store it away when it is not in use. Or, you can find a permanent position for it in the room. Some can even be hung on the wall too.
Great For Dark View
Rooms are mostly dark because of minimal light entry. This is the kind of area your home theater projector will thrive in. You can recreate a cinematic experience using a home theater projector. Rather than regulate the ambient light in the room, the projector will regulate itself to project good images. Even if you need to make some light regulations, you won’t have to do too much.
Native 1080p
Home theater projectors display vibrant images that will rival that of digital television sets. The colors you see on screen are the same quality as the original image so what you see is the real thing and nothing less. Imagine the experience of enjoying the same image quality as you would experience in a cinema? That’s exactly what you get with this projector. Their gamma calibration controls are also worthy of note too. The advanced features and high-tech functions make them the ideal home entertainment systems.
How to Choose a Home Theater Projector?
If you want to choose a home theater projector for your home, you first need to understand that projectors for home are not the same as projectors for presentations or outdoor spaces. Here are the things to keep in mind when making your selection
Room Ambient Light
The first thing to consider is the ambient lighting of the room. The room’s brightness or darkness will determine the home theater’s performance. Darker rooms are best for home theater projectors, so we advise that you open as few windows as possible when watching the projector. If your room has many windows, you can reduce light entry by using thick, dark-colored curtains. A dark room and ultra-bright projection makes for a very good display, and the pictures will come out well.
For home theater projector ls, we recommend one with at least 2500 lumens. If it has special ambient light screens with multiple layers, this will negate the effect of light in the room.
Room Layout
The room layout is another thing to consider before you buy the projector. The projector needs to be far from the screen to get premium picture quality. This is what is called the “throw distance.” If your room is small, make sure the one you buy is a very short throw. Remember that distance will affect the quality of the picture if the throw is very short. So let your room layout influence your choice.
Resolution
The resolution of the projector also matters. The best home theater projectors should have at least 1080p or 5K screen resolution. The resolution simply means the number of pixels in the imaging chip measured from top to bottom and side. If it has 1920x1080p, that is good enough for home entertainment. If it has 4K resolution, that is even better since the images will be sharper and more realistic.
However, if it has native 4k, it has four times more details than 4096×2160 for a full HD. Higher resolution means much smaller pixels, making the images look more seamless with much less pixel structure.
Imaging Chips
You must decide on the type of projection technology or imaging chips you want. The three popular technologies in use today are LCD, DLP, and LCoS.
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display uses three panels of different colors: green, red, and blue. These base colors create the images you see.
DLP: Digital Light Processing technology is the type used in cinemas. This project uses an imager or what is called a digital Micromirror device. The device is covered with tiny mirrors that reflect light to and away from the screen. DLP projectors are easy to use but sometimes create rainbow effect distortion.
LCoS: Liquid Crystal on silicon is a hybrid of LCD and DLP, but they use screen reflection like DLP. This type of projector has a native contrast with multiple levels of blackness.
All three are very good, so the choice is yours. If you are looking for a cheaper technology, LCD should be your choice, but for something more sophisticated, you may go for an LCoS technology, but you will need to pay more because it is more expensive.
Laser Vs Lamp
Do you go for a lamp or laser source? This will depend on the technology of the projector. The typical lifespan of a lamp projector is between 2000-5000 hours, so it will only last for a few years. And before then, it will only operate at half-life after some time due to brightness diminishing. Lamp projectors are cheaper than laser projectors that cost more. However, lasers can offer as many as 30,000 hours of operation. They are easy to maintain, consume less power, and don’t need to warm up before turning on.
If you watch movies and shows daily or an average of 8 hours a week, a lamp projector can last for 4-5 years before the need to change the bulb. But 4 hours of use daily will result in speedy deterioration, so you will need to change the bulb every 18 months. But if you want something that will last for many years, a laser home theater projector is best as you are guaranteed 15-20 years of service.
Contrast/Brightness
The home theater should have a quality contrast that will blend with the ambient light in your room. For screens of 110 inches and larger, you should consider something much brighter. Contrast is very important for picture quality, and the ratio should be a perfect brighter white and darker black. The ANSI lumens are the thing to look out for. If it has a high ANSI, it means the display will be very bright.
Sound
Also, consider sound when making judgment calls. If your want to use a home theater surround audio system with a projector, you need one that is compatible. Unfortunately, not all home theater projectors are compatible with sound bars, Bluetooth and powered speakers, and the like. Check whether the projector supports Audio Return Channels and HDMI connections, among other options. If it is Bluetooth enabled, you should be able to connect a Bluetooth speaker to it. If you add good sound too good visuals, your viewing experience will be much better.
Noise Free
Last but not least is the noise-free technology. Check to see if it has powered fans for cooling the engine at work. If it does, what is the decibel level? Home theater projectors that make sounds higher than 40dB are fine, but anything more than 45dB will be too loud and will affect your peace.
Home Theater Projector FAQs
How to Set Up a Home Theater System With a Projector?
Setting up a home theater system with a projector requires the following steps.
Review your space
Before setting up the system in your home, you must review your interior arrangements and the available space. You may have to switch things up a little to make room for the arrangement that suits your interior décor, but it will be worth it in the end. Consider the place you want the screen to be and your light fixtures. You should also consider your windows and doors positions and any other outlet through which light penetrates the room. Lastly, consider your seats; your seats should be in front of the screen. That means your chairs and the projector are on the same side of the room.
Choose a good screen
Although you can watch a home theater projector without a screen, it pays to watch it with one. The screen you choose must suit the space you have in mind. Ensure that the wall where you will hang the screen is flat and wide. Consider the required space if you intend to install speakers on the floor or wall.
How will you generate content?
This is an important part of the setup not to ignore. Would you use a streaming stick or a setup box, or would you use a gaming console? Whichever one you decide to use will significantly impact how you set up the home theater projector. If you use wireless streaming, arrangements won’t matter much; all that counts is the throw distance.
Sound Options
You have different sound options to pick from when choosing a home theater system, so make your choice. Do you want a system with a single 30-watt, higher sound bar or a small set of 10-watt speakers? Will the speakers be wired or wireless? If your projector has an HDMI port, you can connect wireless speakers using Bluetooth to the home theater system; that will save you the stress of hiding wires.
Assemble the pieces
With all the accessories available, assemble all of them. If you want the projector mounted, you will have to install the mount on the ceiling or in any part of the room you choose. Or, you can place it on a flat surface facing the screen or wall. If you don’t know how to go about it, this is the point you need to call a professional to do it for you.
Set it up
Set Up the home theater directly under where the screen should be, then install the projector on a mount or a flat surface facing the screen and adjust the projector so the image will align to the right side until it is centered on the screen. Do this before securing the hardware.
However, you will need a ladder to evaluate the appropriate height before installing the mount for ceiling mounts. After installing the mount, you can place the projector on it and secure it so it doesn’t fall off before doing the image alignment.
The alignment, inversion options, and throw distance must be considered if you plan a secure location for it. Lastly, make sure the projector’s lens is directly facing the screen.
Finish the job
Hang the screen and ensure it is at the same height and at a forward angle facing the projector (this is why the height has to be perfectly aligned). With your screen and projector already in place, connect all the required cords to link the home theater system to the projector and double-check to ensure no wires are hanging loosely to avoid accidents.
Connect The Speaker
Your home theater may either be a 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 speaker unit. Follow the installation instructions in the manual and connect each speaker to its appropriate port. Let the front, back, and side speakers are in their proper positions.
After completing the connection, switch on the projector and the home theater system and test the audio. Adjust the volume from the lowest to the highest range and ear check all the speaker ls to be sure they are working perfectly. If not, recheck your connections.
How to Install A Home Theater Projector?
These are the steps to take to install a home theater projector.
Get the optimal throw distance
Consult the manual to know the optimal throw distance of the projector you want to install. The throw distance refers to how far the projector can be from the screen to give you a clear picture. The further away the projector is from the screen, the higher the throw distance and the larger the image. Most home theater projectors have a throw distance of 1.31ft from the screen. So use the manual as your guide to decide how large you want the image to be.
Plan your space
Now that you know your preferred distance choose a spot for your projector. Some models can be mounted on the ceiling or come with a base for a flat surface installation. Ceiling projectors have their lens facing upwards, while base projectors have their lens facing downwards. However, some can will work for both types of installation.
Set up your screen
Set up the screen in the appropriate spit you have picked. Some screens are designed to work with drywall anchors or screws. Some are hung on installed hooks and can be retracted when not in use. Please be sure about the height before you install it, and make sure it matches the image size you’ve chosen and is in perfect alignment with the projector’s lens.
Before you install the hooks or screws, mark the level with a marker and ensure the points are horizontal. Once you have marked all the points, Install the hooks or screws depending on your screen before mounting the bracket. Double check to ensure the screen is balanced, so it doesn’t fall off afterward.
Align and adjust the lens shift/ zoom and focus
With the screen in place, connect the projector to a power source and switch it on. Navigate to the setting using the remote control and search for the lens shift. Align it vertically and horizontally until the lens is at the center of your screen.
You should also go to the zoom and focus control settings on setting it at the standard cinematic ratio of 16.:9. With the focus and zoom in the right configuration, you can adjust the sharpness, brightness, and contrast.
Now your home theater projector is ready for use.
Can I Use a Business Projector for Home Theater?
Yes, you can use a business projector for home theater. Business projector LS are mostly LCD and Laser projectors with similar connection profiles to other home theater projectors. They use the same HDMI or VGA connections.
What Do I Need for a Projector Home Theater System?
You will need the
· Projector box
· Screen (optional)
· HDMI or VGA cables
· Streaming stick (optional)
· Wifi system for wireless connection (optional)
What Is Better for Home Theater TV or Projector?
Whichever one you choose should be down to preference. Modern home theater systems are flexible and versatile so that they can work with a TV or a projector. However, connecting it to a Tv is relatively straightforward and less complicated.
What Size Projector Screen for Home Theater?
Projector screens come in different sizes, so users have different options. The ideal size should depend on your room size and available space. However, popular screen sizes for home theater systems fall between 110-120 inches, giving you a 2.2m-2.65m width.
Are LED Projectors Good for Home Theater?
Yes, LED projectors are good for home theater systems. The LED display remains the most popular choice for home entertainment.
How to Wire A Projector Home Theater?
To wire a projector home theater, do the following.
HDMI Cable: After installing the home theater system and the projector, run the HDMI cable from the system to the projector wherever it is installed.
Data fiber cable: After setting up the HDMI cable, run the Cat6 cables. This cable is meant to control the system and automate the sound coming from the projector. You can adjust the audio later using your remote control or smartphone if your home theater is a smart system.
Loudspeaker Cable: The next step is to run the loudspeakers to the system. Avoid using thin cables but go for thicker cables because they are durable and will last longer. Ensure you run two separate cables to each speaker from the rack
Service rack: Connect incoming signals into the rack using the appropriate wires. The Media source (Intercom, Sky Tv, Virgin, etc.) will determine the type of cables you use. Only use the preferred source.
Subwoofer Wiring: Install a thick 75ohm cable from the rack to each subwoofer. Instead of using a single cable for all subwoofers, we recommend using separate cables to connect each to the power source.
Main socket: Run the projector cable and home theater system cable to their appropriate power sockets, then power them up to see if they come on. Of not, test the sockets to see if they are functioning.
Home Theater Projector Vs. TV
Buying a home theater projector or television is a matter of choice. However, if you want to enjoy bigger and bolder images, a home theater projector is your best bet because they work seamlessly with home theater systems.
Home Theater Projectors Vs. Home Video Projectors
Home theater projectors and home video projectors have their positives and negatives.
Home theater projectors are extremely bright with high contrast ratios. They are always of advanced 1920 x 1080p resolution or higher, but they are heavy and don’t have onboard audio, so you need to connect external speakers.
Home video projectors are smaller and portable with onboard audio and high contrast ratios. However, they may not be 1920 x 1080p compatible with lower lumens.
Of the two, a home theater projector is the better option.
Conclusion
We have reviewed the best home theater money can buy, but now, the choice is yours to decide which you go for.
For a high contrast, Optoma High Brightness HD39 HDR is the best model, while Optoma HD146X is the perfect one for gaming and movies combo.
We recommend Jifar Bluetooth/Wifi for mass broadcasts, but if you want something with a significant warranty, BenQ HT3550 has a three-year warranty cover.