What to Look For in a 4K Smart Projector
If you are looking to purchase a smart projector, there are several features that you should look for. These include Screen Mirroring, App Store Integration and Voice Control.
Unlike traditional projectors, 4K models reveal more color details and provide higher resolution than 1080p. They also support HDR, which brings out more colors and improves contrast.
Image Quality
When looking for a 4K smart projector, you want to find one that has a high resolution. That way, it can show a crisp and clear image that has more detail than 1080p models. This makes it easy to read text, watch movies, and play games. It also provides a better viewing experience than TVs.
Pixel-shifting technology is used by most of our picks for 4K smart projectors. It works by displaying four sets of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels on the screen at once and rapidly shifting the pixels’ position in each set. This trick simulates a higher-resolution picture by creating “in between” pixels that your eye blends together.
Contrast ratio is another important factor in a good projector. A low contrast ratio can cause images to look dull and washed out. Some manufacturers attempt to fix this by adding an automatic (or dynamic) iris that adjusts the brightness and black level on a scene-by-scene basis.
You should also look for a smart projector that supports HDR content. Most support the standard HDR10 format, while a few have Dolby Vision support. This lets the projector use a wider color gamut for HDR content, which can bring more life to colors and details. However, some projectors can’t process an HDR signal as accurately as 4k smart projector a good TV. Lastly, you should choose a projector that has an audio system. Most built-in projector speakers are weak and tinny, which can make them unsuitable for home theaters. However, some manufacturers have begun to design ultra short-throw projectors and room-to-room portables that feature better onboard audio systems.
Streaming Options
The best smart projectors have built-in apps so you can play content directly on them without a streaming stick or box. They also offer a wide range of connection ports to support all your devices. Look for options like ultra-short-throw to allow you to place the projector close to your screen, or screen mirroring so you can instantly cast what’s on your smartphone. Ensure the projector you choose supports 5G Wi-Fi, which is faster and more reliable than standard Wi-Fi technologies.
If you plan to use the projector for presentations or education, check the resolution and refresh rate. Higher resolutions and higher refresh rates deliver smoother images. Also look for 4K support to make detailed line graphics and small text easier to read. For gaming, look for a low input lag of less than four times the refresh rate.
Some of the best smart projectors feature HDR, which gives you a wider range of colors than standard SDR video. The majority of projectors on the market now support HDR10, while some support a newer format called Hybrid Log Gamma, or HLG.
Some models even support 3D playback for immersive cinema. To avoid eye strain, look for a low blue light setting that reduces the amount of blue light being emitted into your eyes. Some smart projectors also include anti-reflective coatings to further reduce the amount of blue light that penetrates your eyes.
Portability
Most projectors can handle gaming and home entertainment, but the Optoma UHD55 is a top-tier pick for anyone who wants a portable, all-in-one model that’s ready to go right out of the box. It supports both HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), delivers good color accuracy, contrast, and shadow detail, and has a bright-enough image that stands up to ambient light.
You can connect most major image sources to the UHD55, including a Blu-ray player 1200 ANSI super bright projector and streaming services. It has HDMI 2.1 ports that support the new eARC standard and offers an Android smart TV interface, which means you don’t need to use a separate streaming device for content. It also features a powerful built-in speaker system that can stand on its own without a soundbar, plus it has lens shift and zoom for flexible placement.
The X10-4K isn’t as portable as the UHD55, but it has the advantage of a much higher native resolution for better images. It also comes with a longer-lasting light source and 3D video playback, so it’s an excellent choice for people who want to watch lots of movies and TV shows in their home theaters. It’s also a great option for people who want to be able to take their projector with them when traveling. It has a compact, lightweight design and can run off a power bank for portable viewing on the go.
Battery Life
Using a brighter screen requires more power, which can shorten the battery life of a projector. Fortunately, many smart projectors have longer battery lives than traditional home projection systems, so you can stay immersed in movies, TV shows, and gaming for hours on end.
Besides streaming content from your favorite apps, smart 4k projectors come with built-in speakers to deliver clear and loud sound. Some of them also have Bluetooth, allowing you to play music from other devices and turn Movie Night into a dance party. Additionally, some of them have ultrasonic eye protection that shuts off the projector’s image when someone is staring directly into it.
In addition to offering a crisp and vivid display, smart projectors with HDR support provide better contrast and shadow detail in dark scenes. This allows you to experience the dramatic visual impact that original movies were intended to have. Some smart projectors that offer HDR support even have Dolby Vision, a key variation on the popular HDR10 standard.
One of the best options is the LG CineBeam Q, which supports Dolby Vision and HDR10. It features LG’s webOS smart TV platform and works well in dim viewing conditions. It’s the first room-to-room portable 4K projector that offers both Dolby Vision and HDR10, and it also has excellent color accuracy, resolution, brightness, and image stability.