Top 5 video projectors of 2018 based on image quality and price

In this article I will try to answer few questions regarding video projectors. What can you do with a video projector? What is the best video projector and how to choose one?

A video projector allows you to organize document presentations, pictures, videos and to watch movies. By using a video projector, you can also play games and enjoy a cinematic experience at the same time. In other words, the possibilities of using such a device are almost limitless. But in order to fully enjoy them, you need to know how to choose a good video projector without spending too much money.

Best Video Projectors: content-dependent types

There are 4 main types of content that can be presented when using a video projector: presentations (text based), video, pictures and games. Most of the video projectors handle all types of data, but some are better for movies, while others are specially designed for business presentations. This is the reason why home electronics stores exhibit projectors divided into two major categories: business video projectors and home video projectors. The first category works great with displaying PowerPoint presentations, PDF files, Excel and more. The projectors designed for home usage are primarily designed for movies and posters.

When we have decided to create this top containing the best video projectors you can buy, we have focused our attention on Home units. They perform better with document presentations than business projectors perform with movies.

There are 3 projection technologies used for video projection: LCD, DLP and LCoS.

1. LCD or liquid crystal display – is a technology coming from TVs. The LCD projectors use three panels of crystals, each designed to create images using one of three primary colors: red, green or blue. At the simultaneous design of the 3 images, a common color image is obtained.

2. DLP or digital light processing – involves the use of a micro-chip chip that reflects the light to the screen or to the opposite direction. Colors are obtained thanks to a rotated filter with three basic colors, which rotates in front, creates the range of colors needed for the image. There are DLP video projectors that use 3 chips, one for each base color. This decision solves the problem of the rainbow effect of single-chip units, but it is more expensive.

3. LCoS or liquid crystal on silicon – is a somewhat hybrid technology, where light is reflected by micro-glows – like DLP, and light blocking takes place with liquid crystal – like the LCD. The LCoS video projectors offer the best picture, but the price is a bit on the pricey side.

LCD vs. DLP vs. LCoS – which is the best video projector?

If we are talking about video projector having the best contrast, the winner is the LCoS. There is a constantly fight for the second place, and the DLP units seem to lose their position, especially since the LCD projectors have exhibited outstanding performance lately.

If you plan to buy a video projector with best brightness, you should go for a DLP or a LCD video projector. Talking about the most beautiful colors on a video projector, it’s difficult to pinpoint a winner. There is a tie between them three, mainly since the performances depend on each projector individually.

Best Video Projector: Resolution

Ideally, the native resolution of a video projector should be identical to the resolution of the tracked content. If you plan to use the video projector for projecting movies, you should get one with a 16:9 or 16:10 resolution. If the budget is not an issue, you should get a projector with 1080p resolution. It should allow you to watch the movies you love at the highest clarity. But these type of projectors are not cheap, so if you are on a tight budget, you should go for the next best thing: 720p or 800p video projectors.

Top 5 video projectors of 2018 that you can buy right now IN EUROPE

1. BenQ 3D TH683

This device is built around DLP projection technology. It offers a 10000: 1 contrast and a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 with a 16: 9 aspect ratio. The minimum diagonal it can project is 1.47 meters and the maximum diagonal – 4.41 meters. TH683 has 3D capability, a 10W speaker and a lamp expected lifetime of 10,000 hours. On the back, we find two HDMI connectors, Audio in and out, composite input, RS232C, one VGA input, 1 USB, 1 USB B, 1 MHL.

Pros:

Native resolution 1080p, great for movies and videos
Compared to other units, the lamp has a long lasting life
The projected images are crystal clear
The rainbow effect is not noticeable
Rich and vibrant colors
Fair price for quality
Easy to use
Silent operation
It features a built-in 10W speaker

Cons:

It has support for 3D content, but it requires additional 3D glasses.

2. BenQ MW533

This video projector feature a DLP projection technology. It offers a contrast of 15,000: 1 and a native resolution of 1280×800 with an image aspect of 16:10. The minimum projection diagonal is 1.52 meters and the maximum projection diagonal is 7.63 meters. This projector has 3D capability, 3300 Lumens and an estimated lamp life of 4500 hours. BenQ MW533 features USB, connectors – 2 HDMI, Audio in and out, composite input, RS232, two VGA, USB.

Pros:

This projector offers high brightness
Clear pictures
Bright colors
It has two integrated speakers of 2W each
It has support for 1080 content
Decent price.
USB port

Cons:

Users reported that it can get a bit noisy sometimes
The lamp has an average lifespan
It has support for 3D content, but it requires additional 3D glasses.

3. OPTOMA HD183X

Specifications: DLP projection technology, contrast – 25000: 1, native resolution – 1280×800, image aspect – 16:10, minimum diagonal – 1,50 meters, maximum diagonal – 10 meters, 3D projection, 3000 lumens, lamp lifetime – 10,000 hours, connectors – HDMI, Audio in and out, composite input, RS232C, VGA, USB.

Pros:

Very high contrast for a video projector
Compared to other units, the lamp has a long life
The rainbow effect is not noticeable
It supports 1080p content
High Quality images
Easy to use
Silent operation
It has USB input

Cons:

It has support for 3D content, but it requires additional 3D glasses.
It has a single HDMI input
It is not cheap

4. Epson EH-TW5400

Specifications: LCD projection technology, 30000: 1 contrast ratio, native resolution – 1920×1080, 16: 9 aspect ratio, minimum diagonal – 0.80 meters, maximum diagonal – 8.43 meters, supports 3D, 2500 Lumens, lamp life – 4000 hours, connectors – 2 HDMI, Audio in and out, composite input, VGA, USB.

Pros:

High brightness
Very good contrast
Bright colors
Native FullHD resolution
It features an integrated 5 watt speaker.
Very clear pictures

Cons:

It is expensive
The lamp has a modest life
It has support for 3D content, but it requires additional 3D glasses.

5. Epson EB-W42

Specifications: 3LCD projection technology, contrast – 15,000: 1, native resolution – 1280×800, image aspect – 16:10, minimum diagonal – 0.83 meters, maximum diagonal – 8.12 meters, no 3D capability, 3600 lumens, lamp life – 6000 hours, connectors – 1 HDMI / MHL, Audio in and out, S-Video input, VGA input, 1 USB port.

Pros: