Home projector: “big” movie in a “small” house

Most buyers have no idea how to choose a projector for a home theater. Reading one review or rating in a magazine is not enough, as well as listening to the recommendations of friends. In the end, due to carelessness and the lack of a rational approach, such a delicate device is acquired, in fact, the first one that comes across.

The issue of choice

A wide range of this or that product more than once could play a cruel joke with its potential buyer. A projector for home use costs a lot of money, and it is endowed with an incredible number of functions, as well as its special characteristics.

The task of each buyer: for the minimum amount of money to buy the "maximum" in terms of quality and functionality, which is most preferable in each specific situation. Experts recommend buying a projector, guided, first of all, by their wishes regarding its further use.

Basic classification

A projector for a home theater is an autonomous type device, the task of which is to project information from a source outside the system. A computer or a laptop, a VCR, a player, a portable video camera, and a conventional tuner can act as a storage medium, as well as its main translator.

Given the functional qualities of the device, all projectors are conventionally divided into three global categories:

• Projectors for watching home movies, game consoles;
• Devices for entertainment facilities (for example, a projector for movie theaters);
• Technical devices for business or study.

It is worth noting the fact that a home projector is always focused on playing "live" video. Devices from the second and third categories work both in the direction of dynamics and statics. High-tech 3d projector is rarely used at home, and in business projects, so a lively picture is not always appropriate. Most often, such devices are used in the entertainment industry, as well as to “revive” the educational process (presentations in schools, universities, museums, galleries).

Projector Types

If a person does not understand such delicate technical devices at all, reading a review of projectors for a home theater will be useless. As a rule, even the most high-quality and scrupulously composed rating is a selection of “dry” terms and information presented in a concentrated form.

It is better to start your acquaintance with the study of basic classifications. There are several global data types of technical devices.

Handheld devices

The weight of such devices does not exceed 400 gr. Ideal for active people who, due to circumstances, are forced to work with information flows, and sometimes to convey the necessary data through special devices. Due to the miniature forms and mobility of the device itself, its functionality is rather meager.This is more of a “working" tool for an activist student or a traveler-businessman, but not a good multimedia projector for a home theater.

Ultraportable Projectors

Another option acceptable for business presentations, as well as used for spontaneous events requiring mobility and speed. The functionality of these technical devices is somewhat reduced. No matter how much the projector costs, the size, as well as the dimensions of the device will always be directly related to its functional content.

Portable projectors

These devices are used for presentations. They are more bulky, but also much more functional than previous options. Against the background of increased functionality, these projectors can be classified as compact portable devices.

Stationary devices

Stationary devices are used only in one location. They are distinguished by a particularly competent technical stuffing, amaze the imagination with a colossal set of functional features, and also differ in their talent for broadcasting the image in reference quality. If the choice of a home projector fell precisely on a stationary form, it is worthwhile to think through all the nuances in advance, for example, where such a luxury as a home theater will be located.

Once the basic type of devices has been selected, it's time to study in more detail the functional content of the devices. It is important to pay attention to all the details.

High tech in every home

Choosing a projector is not an easy process, but at the same time a very exciting event. One trip to the store or consultation with a competent specialist is equivalent to a full lecture. If you are not lucky with a consultant, which projector to choose for home viewing, you can figure it out yourself.

Depending on what technologies are used in each case, all technical devices can be divided into the following categories:

• LCD Three matrices are used (blue, red and green). Due to the powerful light flux generated by the lamp, translucency occurs. Designs are usually particularly light. The image is clear and colorful. Using such a projector for a home theater is extremely convenient and simple, even those who are not openly friends with modern technology will not get confused.
• DLP Systems where the matrix acts as the core responsible for the creation of "pictures". The main advantages of such home devices are extremely deep detailing of shadows. The image is particularly contrasted. Choosing a DLP system, you can be sure that it will last a long time. However, there is one drawback. Particularly low-cost versions can “throw” an ugly “grid” onto the canvas while watching.
• LCoS is a new technology, similar to the previous version, but more advanced. The main advantage is the absence of the notorious "grid" even in the most inexpensive devices.

We should also mention CRT projectors. They generate high quality images, durable and easy to use. The main disadvantage can be called an excessively weak stream of light, as well as a rather high cost of the device.

About information sources

Most, planning to create a home theater, first of all, think about how to make the video system as progressive and modern as possible, but not costly in terms of money.

Distracted by the question of money, it does not occur to everyone to analyze the sources of information from which information will ultimately come. The choice of a projector should also be based on these features. Most models allow you to work with USB flash cards. Some devices have card readers. They display the image directly from the "classic" memory cards.

Among the latest innovations, it is worth noting models with already built-in DVD players.If the device is also equipped with acoustic surround sound systems, then we can talk about integrated systems for home theater.

Projectors

Most imaging devices operate on an Ethernet network. As a rule, every year the rating of the best projectors is headed by those devices that can freely receive data on the local network and broadcast content in high quality.

Wireless led projectors or full hd models are becoming more and more popular, which allow you to connect to a data source via WiFi. This is especially convenient during the presentation of business projects or during educational events.

BluRay and HD are broadcast sources. They are distinguished by a particularly high clarity of signals. Full-fledged full hd devices are devices that have a matrix extension of 1920 by 1080. They also lead the “top” universal models for entertainment and work.

Functional Potential: Important Trivia

Modern laser projectors for home theater or progressive full hd counterparts always have a traditional set of features. List of required qualities:

• The presence of a convenient interface, on-screen menu, as well as a remote control;
• Inversion of the image in various planes (the instructions usually explain in detail how to make the image vertical or horizontal);
• Convenient system for adjusting all key parameters (sound, light, sharpness, contrast, clarity);
• Tincture of a color palette;
• Progressive 3d projector allows you to work with 3D content;
• The ability to correct distortion on the screen;
• Economy mode (how to make the luminous flux less to increase the service life of the device is described in the instructions).

In fact, any home laser projectors should include such functionality. It is much more difficult to study the various highlights that led projectors have or to clarify the additional functionality of full hd models. During the purchase process, you must correlate all the pros and cons of a particular model and give preference to the most optimal option.

About advanced features

Not everyone knows how to choose this or that new device for a home theater. However, the study of additional functionality can help in this difficult matter. The following functional qualities are not inherent in every model, but you need to know about their existence:

• Replacement lens with different tricks;
• Interactive board (allows you to make a spectacular working presentation, and enrich the film while watching a movie at home);
• Auto-tuning or auto-correction of the image (often accompanies technology format full hd);
• The projection of the image on an unbleached wall (how to make a real movie festival on an unprepared canvas, producers tell with special love, making this feature central in their advertising campaigns);
• The function "picture in picture";
• Curtain function;
• Laser pointer;
• Protection systems.

This is not a complete list of exclusive functional additions. Choosing led projectors or models of a different type, first of all, pay attention to those functions that are really useful during operation. For example, a laser pointer will be needed by active students and people whose professional activities are closely related to the development and demonstration of various complex schemes, charts, graphs.

The IRIS function is useful for lovers of a particularly clear and high-quality image, which is formed by adjusting the brightness taking into account the illuminated room. When working together with a projector, the lens shift function is useful when you need to combine several signals on the basis of one projection canvas.

Noise level

A special criterion that should be considered when choosing projectors for home use is the noise level that a working device generates. Usually the most silent models top the quality and comfort rating. This indicator depends on the type of device design and the capacity of the ventilation devices supplemented by the model.

The optimal indicator should not exceed 50 dB. Models that are in the top of the best technical devices for home theaters should not generate more than 35 dB in small quiet rooms and locations for families.

In general, this data is enough to navigate the range of modern components for home theaters. Armed with the support of an experienced and competent consultant, you can buy a truly useful and durable installation that allows you to enjoy watching multimedia at home.