#VerticalLensShift

[appliancesreviews]

TOP list of the best 4K HDR projectors 2019

This review is updated regularly with new models Last updated: 6 September, 2019 As known, almost all segments of modern consumer electronics offer a huge number of models and are characterized by intense competition. The segment of projectors, whose popularity is growing rapidly in recent years, also follows this trend. Of course, the abundance of offers pleases consumers, but sometimes it complicates the choice of the optimal model. Various TOPs help solve this problem. Of course, any TOP from experts is always subjective. Nevertheless, most successful models are present in many lists, which, of course, testifies to the objectivity of their assessment. Today, the following models are most often present in the TOP lists of various experts: - BenQ HT3550 (2019) (W2700 in Europe), BenQ HT2550 (2018) and BenQ TK800 (2018) DLP projectors; - Optoma UHD51A (2018) and Optoma UHD65 (2017); - Epson Home Cinema 4010 (2018) (EH-TW7400 in Europe). This list does not include the new 2019 models, with the exception of BenQ HT3550, and does not match the list of the best projectors according to consumers. But this situation is natural, as experts analyze first of all objective characteristics. Usually, new models have a maximum price in the absence of customer reviews. In turn, the opinion of consumers largely depends on the price, advertising credibility and positive feedback from other consumers. This review may be useful for those buyers who сhoose the most profitable home theater projector based on the actual specs of models.

BenQ HT3550 Ultra HD 4K HDR projector

BenQ introduced a new great 4K HDR projector, which claims to lead the list of the best budget Home Theater models. HT3550 continued the very popular series, which includes BenQ HT 3050, HT 2050, and HT 2050a.

It appeared in April 2019 at a price of only $ 1,500. At the same time, this projector provides brightness of 2,000 Lumens, 30,000: 1 (full on / off with dynamic iris on) contrast, uses Dynamic Iris and supports Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution! Main pros: - TI 0.47-inch chip with four-phase pixel shifting provides 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution; - projector supports HDR10 and HLG HDR-standards; - the new 0.47-inch next-generation DLP XPR chip minimizes the dark frame around the image (company also uses it in the HT5550); - color accuracy from box reaches less than 3 Delta E for Rec.709, 100% Rec.709 coverage and 95% DCI-P3 coverage. In addition, a 10-element, 8-group, all glass, 1.3x zoom lens projects 100-inch diagonal image from throw distance of nearly 8.25 to 10.75 ft (Throw Ratio of 1.13:1 - 1.47:1(D:W)). Unfortunately, BenQ's default settings provide smaller gamut compared to max possible (95% DCI-P3 vs 105% DCI-P3), and input lag is too high for some modern games.

Other BenQ HT3550 key features:

- six-segment RGBRGB color wheel; - 100% Rec.709 color gamut in D, 97% Rec.709 in Cinema mode at a higher brightness, and 95% DCI-P3 in the preset version; - dynamic iris modes - Low, Middle, High, or Off; - +10% vertical lens shift and ± 30 ° Vertical Keystone Correction; - two 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2 ports; - 4 color preset modes, one user mode for SDR, and modes for 3D, HDR10, and HLG; - lockable ISF Night and Day mode support; - silence mode blocks the pixel shift option, reducing the resolution to 1080p; - color control system provides settings for RGBCMY hue, saturation, gain, and adjusts white balance for RGB gain and offset; - 5-position HDR Brightness control; - CineMaster video processing includes color enhancement, flesh tones, detail enhancement, and frame interpolation; - two built-in 5-watt speakers; - Full HD 3D playback support; - backlit remote; - Lamp Life is 4,000/ 10,000 /15,000 hours (Normal/Eco/SmartEco modes); replacement lamp costs $150, 3-year warranty, and 1 year on lamp. Today, this model successfully competes with the popular Epson 5050UB, which is more than $ 1,000 more expensive.

BenQ HT2550 (2018)

Of course, this model does not require the introduction due to its enormous popularity in 2018. A significant reduction in the price, which today does not exceed $ 1,000, has provided it with a place in many TOP lists.

Model uses the 0.47" UHD DLP chipset and supports 3D. Additionally, the projector is quite compact and weighs under 10 lbs. In addition, the model has a built-in speaker with a very wide dynamic range for this size and provides keystone adjustment. Basic specs also correspond to a fairly high level. The projector brightness reaches 2,200 Lumens with Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution and 10,000: 1 dynamic contrast. Its optics with Throw Ratio of 1.47: 1 - 1.76: 1 (Zoom Lens 1.20: 1) provides a 150-inch diagonal projection with Throw Distance nearly 17 ft (zooming 1.1x). As usual for BenQ models, projector has a very bright factory calibration with a little green bias. It's convenient for compensating ambient light through windows. HT2550 supports Brilliant Color mode, but without customization, for example, from 1 to 10. The projector provides only On or Off of this option. Brilliant Color provides about 80% of white in all color modes. Off mode reduces lumen output by about 20%, increasing color brightness to almost 100% of white. But, of course, the optimal perception of the image depends on the individual preferences of the person. Many viewers use Brilliant Color very rarely. CinemaMaster Flesh Tone provides very simple adjustment for HDR Picture Quality. Of course, high 3D performance is one of the main pros of the model, providing it a place among elite 4K projectors. Unfortunately, input lag of 50 ms is quite suitable for most casual gaming only.

BenQ TK800 (2018) 4K UHD Home Theater projector

This no less popular model of 2018 today costs a little more than $ 1,000.

In fact, the BenQ TK800 is a brighter version of the BenQ HT2550. Of course, the increased brightness to 3,000 Lumens vs 2,200 Lumens in the BenQ HT2550 became their main difference. Other differences are less significant. For example, TK800 uses four-segment color wheel instead of six-segment in HT2550. Other specs of these models are almost identical. Both models form a traditional dark frame around image, the dimensions of which do not exceed of 4.5% of the picture width or 5" for 120" diagonal image. As known, all models with 0.47" UHD DLP chip have this artifact. But most viewers do not notice it because of the high brightness and contrast of the image. The BenQ TK800 supports 3D for 1080p content only, not including 4K. In addition, the projector does not recognize the 3D signal in automatic mode and requires the activation of 3D mode in menu. In general, these models are very close in their specs, and a situational difference of about $ 100 from different sellers simplifies the choice between them.

Optoma UHD51A (2018)

This model was first introduced in spring 2018 at a price of $ 1,700 and became the first 4K UHD HDR projector with voice-activation through Amazon Alexa. This model is almost identical to the Optoma UHD50, which is cheaper by about $ 300. Both projectors use the RGBRGB color wheel and 0.47" DLP chip. But Optoma Smart Home Skill set for Amazon Alexa provides on / off and adjusting volume. In addition, the UHD51A additionally provides frame interpolation (FI), Full 3D support, a built-in USB media player for 4K video playback, and support for wireless display from mobile devices with an optional Wi-Fi dongle. Main features: - 3840 x 2160 resolution (4K UHD); - Alexa support; - four HDR modes; - wide color gamut DCI-P3 , REC.2020, and REC.709; - three levels of Frame Interpolation; - two HDMI 2.0 ports; - 1.3x zoom lens; - vertical lens shift +15.0%; - full 3D with DLP Link glasses; - Lamp Life of 4000/10,000/15,000 hours in full power/ Eco / Dynamic modes at replacement cost $ 200; - two 5-watt stereo speakers. Its optics with Throw Ratio of 1.21:1 - 1.59:1 (Zoom Lens 1.30: 1) provides a 150-inch diagonal projection with Throw Distance nearly 14 ft (zooming 1.16x). The list of model flaws includes: - no keystone correction; - relatively low brightness uniformity for this class; - no Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) support (HDR standard for broadcast TV); - input lag reaches 68 ms.

Optoma UHD65 (2017)

This model has been consistently present in many TOP lists for 3 years.

Today, it remains popular at a price of about $ 2,300. This projector provides brightness of 2,200 lumens with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution at an unprecedented 1,200,000: 1 dynamic contrast. Its optics with Throw Ratio of 1.39:1 - 2.22:1 (Zoom Lens 1.60:1 ) provides a 150-inch diagonal projection with Throw Distance nearly 19 ft (zooming 1.3x). In addition, it provides Vertical Lens Shift ± 15.0% and has Frame Interpolation mode to smooth the movements of highly dynamic content. Unfortunately, it does not provide Digital Keystone, its weight reaches 16.0 lbs, and the input lag exceeds 74ms, which is a lot for modern games.

Epson Home Cinema 4010 (2018)

This super popular Epson 4K PRO-UHD Home Cinema projector is also well known in the market since autumn 2018.

At that time, it cost $ 1,900. Epson 4010T is the latest in a line of 4K-compatible projectors, which provide "4K Enhanced" resolution at native 1080p LCD imagers. According to the company, this pixel-shifted projector uses an advanced algorithm that provides even better image quality compared to traditional 4K projectors. This projector provides brightness and CLO (Color Light Output) of 2,200 lumens with 1920 x 1080 resolution (4K w/pixel shifting) at 200,000:1 (full on/off) contrast ratio. Its optics with Throw Ratio of 1.35:1 - 2.84:1 provides a 120-inch diagonal projection with Throw Distance nearly 12 ft (zooming 2.1x).

PROS - 3LCD design without rainbow artifacts; - improved 4K PRO-UHD pixel shifting for input signals up to 4096 x 2160; - exelent 15-element glass lens provides even light throughput and eliminates chromatic aberrations; - lens memory saves up to 10 positions for CIH (Constant Height Image) installations on a CinemaScope 2.4:1 screen without an anamorphic lens; - Full HD 3D support; - brightness of 2,400 lumens for colors and white; - auto-iris to optimize dark scenes provides 200,000:1 rated contrast ratio; - 100% of DCI-P3 color space; - color depth up to 12-bit for standard dynamic range content and 10-bit for HDR; - 2.1x motorized zoom with ± 96% vertical and ± 47% horizontal lens shift; - 1080p 3D support; - optional WiFi dongle. CONS - no support for 4K/60 Hz HDR; - Frame Interpolation for 1080p/24 signals only.

Conclusion

Naturally, that 4K HDR projectors from segment leaders, including BenQ, Optoma, and Epson among the TOP lists of many experts. All these models have excellent specs and are great for Home Theater with a screen size of 120" or more. Moreover, today their price mainly varies from $ 1,000 to $ 2,000, which is comparable with the cost of modern TVs with a diagonal of 65". Unlike other projectors, the BenQ HT3550 is the 2019 model. As a result, it uses the most innovative solutions, including the new 0.47-inch next-generation DLP XPR chip. Therefore, this relatively cheap model with excellent specs may well take pride of place among Best Sellers. But, of course, the final choice depends on the user's preferences. We sincerely wish you the Right Solution! This video shows the BenQ HT3550 playing 4K H.264 (120Mbps). Read the full article

[appliancesreviews]

ViewSonic PRO7827HD projector

As known, the cost of TVs with a large diagonal does not decrease. Models with a screen of 60 "or more are quite expensive. Probably, this trend will not change significantly in the near future. Today, companies continue to increase their resolution (8K, 10K), supported color depth (10-bit and 12-bit color grading with HDR 10+, Dolby Vizion, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support), HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) connection standard, HFR (high frame rate) format, etc. For example, a presented at CES 2019 new LG Signature Rollable OLED TV with flexible screen amazed the most imperturbable viewers.

In addition, companies are constantly improving the technologies of matrices. For example, Nano Cell and Micro LED technologies perfectly illustrate this trend. Unfortunately, the cost of innovative TVs is also increasing. For example, the gorgeous LG OLED 8B 2018 is positioned as a “budget” model due to the price of less than $ 1000. On the other hand, the projector segment is also not standing still. Today, the companies offered quite a lot of 4K HDR models, including Optoma UHD60, BenQ HT3550, Epson 4010, etc. At the same time, the cost of Epson Home Cinema 4000, for example, does not exceed $ 2,000. Given the projection diagonal size (from 150 to 300 inches) and its quality, the appeal of this solution increases for many consumers. As a result, modern projectors have become a good alternative for many users. Of course, the screen 300" is impressive compared to the traditional 50-60".

ViewSonic PRO7827HD

In addition, companies traditionally lower prices for their previous models. As a result, the market offers excellent models at a fairly reasonable price. Of course, the ViewSonic PRO7827HD refers to this type. Today, its price on Amazon is only $ 750. Image quality of Full HD format provides enough comfort for viewing even on a large screen. Video hosting and online services have long offered video in this format. Of course, their assortment is much wider compared to 4K-content. Therefore, Full HD models are still very popular for home theater. UHD projectors of 4K format are actively promoted in the market. However, the limited amounts of 4K-content and cost of these models limit process. Therefore, UHD projectors remain an exotic novelty for most users. Black plastic, glossy stripes and a matte surface give the projector a stylish design that fits perfectly into any interior.

The projector has a relatively small size, but weighs more than 5 Lb.

ViewSonic Pro7827HD has a resolution of 1920x1080 and supports 3D. Сontrols on the upper surface and remote control provide easy and convenient navigation.

Additionally, projector provides connection of analog and digital sources. It has a hidden compartment with HDMI / MHL, two HDMI ports on the rear panel (including one with MHL) and USB to connect wireless modules.

Key features

According to spec, model provides 2200 ANSI-lumens. But testing demonstrates up to 1400 lm in colors and up to 1744 - in white. However, this brightness provides enough image quality even without full dimming in diffused daylight. Color brightness reaches 80% of the white brightness in dynamic mode. BrilliantColor value in the additional image settings reaches 10, that corresponds to the maximum white magnification. But standard mode uses 4. Respectively, maximum brightness decreases in this mode up to color brightness. ViewMatch and Film (Rec.709) modes do not use BrilliantColor (BrilliantColor value=1). Thus, the dynamic mode is designed for less darkened rooms; Standard and Film (Rec.709) modes are optimal for rooms with good dimming. ViewSonic Pro7827HD demonstrates an excellent level of "honest" contrast ratio for this segment (measurement method-full on/full off ). It reaches 1300:1 in the film (Rec.709) mode. Projector supports sRGB and Rec.709 color standards, has ISF certified calibration mode and a special profile for movies. As known, certified calibration (ISF- Imaging Science Research) provides an almost perfect picture.

Moreover, acoustic system with a power of 10 W provides a very clear sound with SonicExpert technology. Sound tract uses a modern sound-emitter, providing high sound quality with an optimum sound response. The audio system is configured in Sonic Mode. Projector also uses SuperColor technology to extend the color range. SuperColor RGBRGB technology provides a very realistic image due to excellent display of color gradients. The RGBRGB color wheel in conjunction with dynamic lamp control ensures acceptably high image quality even at bright enough lighting.

Pros & Cons

Unfortunately, ViewSonic Pro7827HD has the rainbow effect, which is present in almost all single-matrix DLP projectors. As known, this effect forms red-green artifacts along the contour of high contrast objects.

Unfortunately, the six-segment RGBRGB color wheel compensates it incompletely. Bright subtitles sometimes also provoke this effect. Service life of the lamp varies from 3500 to 6500 hours. This corresponds to about five years of operation with a daily two-hour viewing. A sufficiently short throw lens provides a throw ratio of 1,1: 1. Projector has optical zoom of 1.3x and Vertical Lens Shift with adjustment range of 20% of the image height. Model provides 100" screen diagonal at a distance from 8,5 to 11 ft (2,6 - 3,3 meters). High accuracy of the color rendering in the Film (Rec.709) mode does not require additional setting. Projector also has a simple and convenient manual adjustment of the white balance. PROS - high brightness; - very high contrast ratio; -SonicExpert technology; -ISF calibration support; - wide color gamut; - SuperColor RGBRGB color wheel; - superb black level; - high stability of color temperature; - high color accuracy and good sRGB colors without additional adjustments; - almost perfect image after calibration; - HDMI / MHL connectors. CONS - rainbow effect in darkened scenes with high contrast; - too large an input lag in games; - uneven luminous flux; - sufficiently high noise level of the fan; - average service life of lamp; - power consumption reaches 350 W. Of course, all these factors affect the choice of the optimal projector. This video offers side-by-side comparison between ViewSonic PRO7827HD vs EPSON EN-TW 5300 Read the full article