Which video projector to choose for a home cinema

Also think of Wireless broadcasting, To avoid cables, without getting into complicated and expensive integration work. There are more and more video projectors offering more and more, especially more and more efficient. They now have the capacity to broadcast images by 1080p, Without noise lag. Most of the time, these video projectors are delivered with a Emitting base to which you connect your sources (Blu-ray player, HD player, PC. ), and one receiver To connect in HDMI to the video projector. There are even wireless diffusion kits allowing any video projector to be equipped.

How to choose a video projector?

Choosing the right video projector is not an easy task. There are many models, the technologies too, and it is sometimes complicated to navigate among this mass of indigestible technical terms. For this, Cobra offers you a Video project buying guide Simple, which will allow you to orient yourself towards the video projector most suited to your expectations and your needs. What video projector choose ? Answers in the following lines.

A video projector for what use ?

First of all, the first question to ask is as follows: what use Will I make my video projector ? Several cases are possible. Indeed, the choice of the video projector will be different, depending on whether you envisage use Home cinema, Office, Video games or in Displacement.

For office automation and professional presentations, We will favor a video projector with a short focal (very important) and capable of reading IT files the most popular. We will therefore seek compatibility with the files Pdf and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel. ), even a care of certain Video codecs To broadcast a presentation filmed by you. Videoctors designed for office automation are generally light, transportable, and affordable, which allows you to take them everywhere with you. Incidentally, they can help you out when you go by vacation, or that you are going to do a small part of video games with a friend. Their only drawbacks reside in their definition, their functionalities and their video treatments, which are often lower than those of their large brothers cut for the Home cinema. Fluidity is also one of their weakness.

To choose the right Home-cinema video projector, We will favor a model Full HD (1080p), Ultra HD (2160p), even 4K at Sony, with a good contrast (From 2000: 1) to exploit the full potential of high-define sources as a Blu-ray player, a 4K player, or a PC with a suitable video card. These video projectors have HDMI connectors to connect these HD sources, and sometimes even in version HDMI 2.0 for compatibility with UHD@60p flows. The purpose of a home cinema projector is to restore your films in the most faithful way that is, On a large screen diagonal, to obtain a rendering close to that obtained in dark rooms. Fluidity is therefore also essential. Note that some Sony or JVC video projectors can compete with those equipped with real movie theater ! In any case, opt for recognized brands: themselves have the necessary know-how.

You are often on the go ? There are Ultra-compact video projectors (enough to hold in one hand), transportable, and sometimes HD, which is commonly called picoprojectors in reference to their contained size. These video projectors have made very big progress, and some are now capable of displaying 720p HD sequences or even 1080p. Thoughts for the mobility, They often carry a storage space for your videos, or a USB port for the connection of a key containing films (some manufacturers opt for a SD/SDHC port, rather than for a USB port). Picoprojectors are also adapted to the practice of video games (“casual” only), and are sometimes equipped with a rechargeable battery authorizing total freedom of use. Affordable, they are not without defects: indeed, their small size implies a lower light. We can not have everything !

A good video projector for the Home-Cinema will also be For video games ! Of course, all the consoles will run perfectly with the last Ultra HD 4K video projector, Even if your games are in 1080p (the upscaling of your Proj will take care of scaling). For a Next-Gen console (Xbox One S, PS4 Pro), so we recommend a video projector Full HD Or Ultra HD, insofar as 1080p games are legion, and more and more 4K games. On the other hand, for a PS3, an Xbox 360, a 720p video projector will do the trick perfectly ! In fact, the big point on which the gamers should concentrate is theInput Lag. As with a TV, a video projector suffers from a delay in display which can influence your “in game” performance, and your game comfort. So opt for a video projector withA game mode or ofA Fast mode, it’s primordial . For information, Optoma offers some of the best input lag current.

A video projector for which part ?

Two constraints must be taken mainly into account: the luminosity of your viewing room, and the size of it. If you do not have much space, you will have to choose a video projector with a short or ultra short focal length. These video projectors can be positioned as close as possible to the screen, while keeping the main advantage of a video projector, namely the size of the image. The phenomena of shadow and dazzling are also reduced. As we mentioned above, video projectors intended for Professional or educational presentations must almost have this type of focal length.

In a room like a living room, the presence of windows induces a important light : in this case, a video projector with a strong light is obligatory. We consider thatFrom 1,500 Lumens Ansi, You can comfortably use a video projector in a bright room. However, if the room in question is large and very lit (conference room, classroom, exhibition lounge. ), then a value of 2000 Lumens seems more appropriate. Note that the brightness of the video projector declines as it is removed from the screen.

In a dark room, or plunged into complete darkness, the brightness is not as decisive, even if it remains important. From 1000 lumens, In complete darkness, the restitution is satisfactory. But the higher the brightness, the more we can remove the video projector from the screen, while maintaining a suitable rendering. If you have a Large dedicated room at videojection, think about it !

And the contrast in all of this ? A good contrast rate is also necessary to display beautiful blacks, and ensure a satisfactory depth of image. Do not look for: the more the contrast is high, the better. It is generally accepted thatFrom 800: 1, Blacks are starting to be acceptable, but that to fully enjoy a home cinema rendering, a Minimal contrast of 2000: 1 is a good thing. Again, it all depends on your environment.

In any case, keep in mind that the more the image size is large, and the more ambient brightness is high, the more the video projector should be luminous ! Watch out for brightness measurement systems, very optimistic, used by certain manufacturers ! Divide this value by 2, and you will be a priori quiet. For brightness, in Home-Cinema, there is a standard established by the Smpte. This standard recommends brightness on the screen included in 12 and 16 Foot-Lambert (the cinemas display 16 fl).

Video project technologies

Like TVs, video projectors operate different display technologies. These technologies each have their own advantages, but also disadvantages: It is therefore imperative to test a video projector before buying it. Today, 3 large technologies are mainly used by manufacturers, namely the Dlp, The LCD (Tri-lcd), and lately, the Laser. There are also manufacturers offering technology -based video projectors Lcos, Like Sony (Sxrd) or JVC (D-ILA)). The latter takes up reflective DLP technology, but replaces micro-mirrors with an optical layer, especially made up of liquid crystals (LCD). They allow a satisfactory contrast, but above all, authorize the video projectors that are equipped with it to display 8 million pixels (Ultra HD 4K).

Technology Dlp -also called DLP / DMD or DMD- was invented by Texas Instruments, and remains very popular with manufacturers, as Benq. A DLP video projector consists of a Micro mirrors matrix (DLP chip), which combined with a light source and a lens allows you to think about an image. White light is filtered by a chromatic wheel Before reaching the DLP chip. Appreciated, DLP video projectors have undeniable advantages compared to their LCD counterparts: blacks seem more intense, colors preserve their intensity longer and the bitter is generally better. But beware, if you are sensitive to what is called “The rainbow effect“, think twice before investing. Strong sensitivity to the rainbow effect is materialized by the appearance of colored lightnings on the images. Worse, the rainbow effect can cause headaches.

Side LCD, no rainbow effect due to the technology used. We are here on a Triple LCD matrix fueled by a light flow from the lamp. This light is distributed and colored thanks to a complex system of prisms and of mirrors. We take advantage of more natural colors here than with a DLP video projector, which allows us to get closer as close as possible to the director’s desire, without exaggerating this or that facet. The images are also globally softer, and there is a better scale of the gray. All this, without forgetting the excellent Luminous images uniformity displayed on the screen.

And the Laser in all of that ? We recently saw video projectors appear with this technology. Estext for the moment, they have decisive advantages for certain applications. On the one hand, a laser video projector ensures a colorimetry both more Stable and homogeneous. Then laser technology increases the brightness at incredible levels (4000 lumens for certain models at Sony), while retaining a contrast very high. Finally, it aims to be more ecological, by offering a lifespan that can reach 20,000 hours Operating.

A few more words require the technology of SXRD 4K panels used by Sony On its high -end video projectors. It allows you to display images in 4096 x 2160 pixels. This resolution corresponds to that used by the Digital Cinema Initiatives in professional digital cinemas, and presents a number of pixels greater than that of Ultra HD TV (3840 x 2160 pixels). It is currently the only commercial video project capable of broadcasting native 4K images.

3D, wireless, and ultra HD video projectors ?

Laser, LCD, DLP, even LCOS or SXRD. Here are the main types of video projectors that you will find on the various online sales sites, and in the aisles of your favorite shops. In parallel, it seems important to focus on three technologies that seem important to us: the 3D, Ultra HD, and wireless broadcasting. If 3D may seem “accessory” on TV, it takes on its full meaning on a Large screen size. The best 3D video projectors are able to restore sequences Full HD stunning in Active 3D, on wallpapers exceeding 10 foot. Guaranteed immersion !

Also think of Wireless broadcasting, To avoid cables, without getting into complicated and expensive integration work. There are more and more video projectors offering more and more, especially more and more efficient. They now have the capacity to broadcast images by 1080p, Without noise lag. Most of the time, these video projectors are delivered with a Emitting base to which you connect your sources (Blu-ray player, HD player, PC. ), and one receiver To connect in HDMI to the video projector. There are even wireless diffusion kits allowing any video projector to be equipped.

At a time when the 4K revolution is underway, and even though the contents Ultra HD More and more are made (Svod Netflix, Satellite Fransat, Blu-ray Ultra HD, streaming YouTube, Video on PC. ), the question of choosing a compatible video projector arises. Still quite expensive, the Ultra HD video projectors However, are democratized, and we can find models 4K natives For a price that has become “reasonable”. The advantage of such a 4K video projector ? To have 4x more detail that in Full HD, and be able to obtain a Recoil/Image base ratio of 1 for 1 . This means that you can easily have an image of 3 meters basic, with a decline of 3 meters. 3D will also gain precision and sharpness. Of course, a 4K video projector will be able to make a scale of your Full HD content in Ultra HD (UHD UPSCALING)). In case you still ask the question of the available content.

What a hindsight for my video projector ?

There Ideal decline can be determined in different ways. Here we have opted for the recommendations of the very serious Smpte (Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers). Overall, the higher the definition, the more we can get closer to the screen. For a video projector 720p, the reversing distance must be equivalent to 3-4X screen height. For a video projector Full HD, The recommendation is approximately 2.9x screen height. And for a video projector Ultra HD, The SMTPE has not yet pronounced, rather lean towards the values ​​indicated by the giant Sony: it advises a distance of perspective equal to 1x the screen base (Or 1.5x height)).

For its part, THX recommends Angle of vision 40 °, which corresponds to 2.44x screen height, Be a little less than the SMTPE. Let us also add that Thx advises a 15 ° vertical vision angle : this means that you should not have to move your eyes more than 15 ° up or down to see the center of the screen. These values ​​are good if you make a Mainly Home-Cinema Use your video projector. Free to youAdapt these recommendations Depending on your tastes and use !

Opt for a suitable projection screen !

Know that The projection screen perfect does not exist. However, there are screens adapted to certain uses, and certain constraints. The most frequently asked question concerns the size of the canvas. What screen size to choose For a video projector ? A simple calculation exists: it will allow you to determine the minimum screen base and the maximum screen base, depending on the projection distance, and the projection ratio of your video projector. This will allow you to choose the right screen for your video projector. Remember this: Minimum screen base = minimum projection / projection ratio and Maximum screen base = maximum projection / projection ratio. Be careful not to see too large: when the projection surface is doubled, we divide by 4 the brightness of the image.

It exists Different types of canvas adapted to specific uses, and offering earnings different. Roughly, the gain of a canvas tends to determine its capacity to reflect light. The higher the gain, the higher the reflection of light. But it is not enough to find the highest gain to have the best canvas: the gain of a canvas must be chosen Depending on your use. For a dedicated room Home cinema (therefore obscure), the most serious opinions recommend a canvas with a 1 gain (for a video projector from 1000 to 2000 lumens, depending on the image size and the projections distance envisaged). In a living room (moderately bright), we will also lean for a gain of 1 to 1.2 (But this time with a brighter video projector, from 2000 to 4000 lumens depending on the image size and the projections distance envisaged). Finally, for projections in full day, We can either opt for a high -gain canvas (2.5), either for a 1 gain canvas, but with a very bright video projector (more than 4000 lumens ??)).

THE Mat white pvc fabrics are the most common and the most versatile on the market: they have a gain from 1 to 1.2, are washable, And very resistant. Mat white pvc canvases are Ideal for home cinema, and may be suitable for pro presentations in Light ambient light or for a unlit living room, provided you opt, in this case, for a suitable video projector. THE Mat white fiberglass canvas offer the same attributes as those in PVC, but adopt a thicker texture, with a better flatness (they are however more expensive. )). THE pearl fabrics (at high gain) are indicated for very bright pieces (full day). They have the disadvantage of being fragile, and of having a small angle of vision. You will also find Transonary fabrics (gain of 1) micro perforated, designed for let the sound pass speakers hidden behind them. They imply a loss in brightness and definition. There are also High contrast canvases gray in color. Their gain is weak (0.85), but they display a important contrast and reduce the brightness of a video projector that would be a little too much.

Finally, to finish on the screens, it is advisable to take a little tour of Different types of screens Available on the market. First, you will have the choice between screens of different formats (16: 9, 4: 3, 21: 9. ): remember to choose a screen suitable for your main use. In Home cinema, We will very much favor the format 16: 9. But hardened moviegoers will also be able to opt for a canvas 21: 9, provided you have a compatible video projector. 21: 9 is well suited for certain DVD/Blu-ray in 2:35 format.1, and allows you to display the whole image, without bands at the top and bottom. It also allows you to broadcast images 4: 3 and 16: 9 without problem. Think about it. And the black edges in all of that ? With or without ? With, without discussion ! This will allow you not only an easier fit in your image, but also a contrast gain, and more intense colors (or at least an impression. )). Then you are free to opt for a screen to Electric or manual deployment, for a Frame screen, for a foot screen, or for a Pull-up screen. It is only a question of taste and practicality (Lumene offers a very practical configurator named Configurator screen)).

To conclude.

The main advantage of the video projector compared to a television lies in The size of the image obtained. With a base of 2 meters, 3 meters, or more, The immersion in the viewed program is drastically reinforced, and the sensations are increased tenfold. Combine an efficient video projector with a System 5.1 or 7.1, And you will get a Installation worthy of dark rooms. Finally, don’t forget: between theory and practice, there is often a world. Nothing replaces a life -size test, and we invite you to come and discover the best video projectors of the moment in COBRA COBRA !

NOT.B: The terms 4K and Ultra HD are sometimes confused with a concern for understanding. As a reminder, the ultra HD definition is equivalent to 3840 x 2160 pixels (TV), and 4K at 4096 x 2160 pixels (cinema).

Which video projector to choose for a home cinema ?

It’s somewhere the Holy Grail for home cinema enthusiasts: a good amp 5.1 or 7.1, an optimized acoustics (a dedicated room in short), enough to sit comfortably and a beautiful and large image. Almost as in the cinema in short and for that, it is the video projector that is essential. But even without all these elements, the video projector brings incomparable sensations for those who are looking at films and series a lot.

For home cinema use, certain criteria are more important than other.

Definition, format, 3D, what image for a home-cinema video projector ?

If we still have 720p models, Favor the Full HD at least. Most of our sources (TV, streaming, smartphone, blu-ray …) are suitable for it and it is undoubtedly the best quality/price compromise.

Of course, If your budget allows, opt for a 4K video projector is the best thing to do: The contents are more and more numerous and many devices know how to scale up (upscalling). It is also partly on this point that the models are sometimes distinguished, the video processing varying from one brand to another of course.

Precision concerning the format: 16: 9 is the most common format. 4: 3 is often reserved for office automation And the other formats, including those of cinema like the 2:35 are adapted (by black bands or a piece of truncated image) often effectively by models 16: 9.

Finally, although dying in dark rooms, 3D continues its adventure in the world of VPs, Even if there too it is becoming scarce. The fact remains that compatible sources (reader and content) are always needed, active or passive glasses according to your camera and a 3D compatible video projector so. The good news is that in the Home Cinema ranges, most of them are !

Home-cinema video projectors see home cinema video projectors

Video projector, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

4K video projector, laser, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

Full HD video projector, 1920 x 1080

Video projector, 1280 x 800 (WXGA)

12,000: 1, 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD), DLP technology, 3500 lumens

Full HD video projector, 1920 x 1080

Video projector, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), Android TV

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

4K video projector, ultra short focal length, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

4LED 4K video projector, ultra short focal length, 3840 x 2160 (UHD)

4K video projector, ultra short focal length, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

Video projector, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD)

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

Brightness and contrast for a home-cinema

We mentioned it at the beginning of this guide, the image rendering of a video projector is completely linked to the projection environment. The clearer your room, the more brightness and contrast you will need.

But since a home cinema is not supposed to bathe in full light (as if the room was not extinct to the movies ^^), You will not need high brightness value: a very dark room and 1500/2000 lumens should be enough, 3000 lumens if the brightness is low And 4000 and more if the room is very lit (which we do not recommend for a home cinema).

Attention ! The larger your screen, the more you will have to take a light model.

Side contrast, Even in a dark room, it is better to have high values. We could advise a base of 3,000: 1, 10,000: 1. Las, these values ​​indicated by the manufacturers are measured as they see fit, some displaying 500,000: 1… If you can, consult specialized tests to get an even more precise idea.

HDR compatibility is also a good indication, This technology precisely providing good contrasts as well as its HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision derivatives.

Best sales video projectors Home-cinema See products

Video projector, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

4K video projector, laser, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

Full HD video projector, 1920 x 1080

Video projector, 1280 x 800 (WXGA)

12,000: 1, 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD), DLP technology, 3500 lumens

Full HD video projector, 1920 x 1080

Video projector, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), Android TV

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

4K video projector, ultra short focal length, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

4LED 4K video projector, ultra short focal length, 3840 x 2160 (UHD)

4K video projector, ultra short focal length, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

Video projector, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD)

4K video projector, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), WiFi

Additional criteria

An important point when you want to watch a movie in good conditions, it is also The environment … sound. However, we pointed out at the start of this guide, a video projector is equipped with ventilation and this can be understood (not to mention chromatic wheel models like DLP). The noise level is indicated in our product sheets; expressed in decibels, it is easy to understand that you have to opt for the smallest value !

Connectors is finally an important crossing point: list all your devices (present and future) that you want to use with your video projector. We said it, and even more for a home cinema, the sound is not to be used. The most “simple” configuration for a home cinema is therefore often to centralize everything on the AV amplifier and to give “only” the image to the VP.

Nevertheless, HDMI and today the easiest solution. However, be sure to have the right standard according to the image, the 2.1 being the last.

USB is a real plus, Especially if you have multiple sources (USB key, HDD, etc.) while we will avoid wifi for a home cinema.