Until a few years ago, we could only relate projectors with board room meetings or conference rooms to project corporate videos or presentations. Today, there is a shift in this perception as projectors are also gaining popularity in the personal entertainment segment. These devices have the power to transform any room into a home theatre by giving us a close match to the silver-screen experience.
Investing in the right projector can significantly improve how you enjoy your favourite shows, movies, sports, and even playing video games. Read along to learn the advantages of projectors for home theatres, the many types of projectors, buyer tips for choosing the right projector and a list of the 10 latest and best projectors for home use in India with specifications and ratings.
What is a Projector?
Before we go deeper into the subject, let us first understand what a projector is.
A projector is an electronic device that can project a magnified version of images or videos onto surfaces like a wall or a screen. Some of these devices contain small transparent lens which magnifies the light rays and projectors enlarged images or screen, while others can project images directly with the help of laser rays. There are also projectors which can directly project images onto the retina for a more realistic experience.
Different Types of Projectors:
Currently, there are four types of projectors for home usage, which have different projection techniques, outputs and budgets. Let us look into each of them in detail.
1. DLP Projectors:
DLP stands for Digital Light Projectors, which use small mirrors to reflect light rays onto a surface. More mirrors indicate more pixels and better image quality! The projector contains a colour wheel which physically moves to generate sequential colours based on the image or moving images. Typically, DLPs come in two categories – 1 chip or 3 chips.
Single-chip DLPs use a rotating wheel of sequential colours (RGB), which rotates really fast to produce the desired combination of colours on the screen. 3 Chip DLPs have 3 LDC chips which use Red, Green and Blue colours that travel in different paths to display more detailed outputs.
- Ideal For: Home theatres, office rooms and digital classrooms.
- Benefits: Cost-effective, good quality images and higher colour contrasts, Portable, Lightweight.
- Negatives: A rainbow effect that creates patchy colours, limited pixels, and a lack of enough brightness.
2. LCD Projectors:
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. These projectors work by sending light through a prism. The prism separates white light into three different colours. Each of these colours is then sent to one of the three LCD panels inside the projector. The LCD panels then create an image on their surface by selectively turning pixels on and off. The mirrors behind each panel reflect the image onto a screen so it can be seen by the audience.
- Ideal For: Schools, corporates, home theatres.
- Benefits: Less expensive, Superior video quality, Better colour saturation.
- Negatives: Cannot use used for longer hours, less life, high maintenance, Bulky.
3. LED Projectors:
LED stands for Light Emitting Diodes. They are similar to other project types, except that they use a combination of red, green and blue LED’s instead of traditional projector bulbs. This means that they can produce white light instead of blue light, and they don’t need frequent replacement as bulbs in other types of projectors.
Since the LED projector uses arrays of LEDs as its sole source of illumination, it needs low heat output than traditional projection methods that rely on incandescent or fluorescent lamps. LED projectors gain the upper hand over other projector types for being more energy-efficient and durable.
- Ideal For: Sports bars, Sales presentations, home theatres.
- Benefits: Low heat output, Highly durable, Quieter performance, compact size, Great image quality.
- Negatives: Too much brightness and production of blue rays.
4. LCoS Projectors:
LCoS is a hybrid between DLP and LCD, which stands for Liquid Crystal Technology on Silicon. It combines the reflective technology of the mirrors in DLP with the colour-blocking technology using panels in LCD. The resultant output has a higher resolution compared to DLP and LCD projectors. The whites and blacks are deeper too!
Also, LCoS projectors use three chips which simultaneously produce RGB colours instead of alternating colours with a spinning wheel in DLP. So, there is no rainbow effect with LCoS.
- Ideal For: Auditoriums, large home theatres, educational and training fields.
- Benefits: Higher image resolution, higher contrast ratios, no “rainbow effect”.
- Negatives: Bulky and not portable.
How To Choose The Best Projector In India?
Buying the best projector in India can be a difficult task, as there are many factors to consider before making a purchase. This buyer guide highlights the three main aspects to consider for finding the right projector for your needs:
1. Throw Distance of Projector vs Room Size:
Different projectors come with different throw distances to make them suitable for certain room sizes. To simplify things for you, a throw distance refers to the distance between a projector and the screen, on which it “throws’ images. Based on this concept, there are three types of projectors:
- Short Throw Projectors: These projectors have a throw distance of 1.5 mts-2.5 mts and are ideal for smaller rooms and cosy spaces where the projector needs to be closer to the screen.
- Standard Throw Projectors: They are best for medium-sized rooms and have a throw distance between 2.5 mts to 4 meters.
- Long Throw Projectors: They are suitable for rooms with large or high ceilings where the distance between the screen and projector is greater than 10 metres.
2. Viewing Environment:
The environment of your room will be a deciding factor in how bright you want your projector to be. Typically, projector brightness is measured in ANSI Lumens, which is a measurement of the total amount of light output from a projector. Projectors have a brightness range of 1000 lumens to about 3000 lumens.
- Rooms with dim light setups, like home theatres, need projectors with 1000 lumens or slightly higher.
- Rooms with ambient lighting from windows or natural lighting should have a minimum of 1500 lumens.
- Rooms with too much ventilation or outdoor spaces will require about 3000 lumens.
3. Image Quality:
The image quality of a projector is based on two main aspects- native resolution, and contrast ratio.
- The native resolution of a projector is measured in pixels, and it determines how sharp the image will be. A higher-resolution projector generates more pixels, which translates to a clearer image. Currently, there are two types of resolutions in projectors – Wide XGA and HD. Wide XGA has a 1280 X 800 Resolution which generates 1, 024, 000 total pixels. HD has a 1920 X 1080, which generates 2,073,600 total pixels.
- The contrast ratio indicates how much light is projected onto the screen for each pixel (the higher the ratio, the better). Projectors with low contrast ratios produce washed-out colours and less detail in dark areas. High contrast ratios translate to better image quality and display of deeper blacks, which can be very useful when you are watching in dark rooms. It’s always better to go for projectors with adjustable contrast ratios to control the blacks and greys in different environments.
10 Latest and Best Projectors For Home Use In India 2024:
Here is a roundup of the 10 top and best projectors for home and office use in India with detailed descriptions, specifications, pros and cons, and ratings.
1. Everycom X7 (1080p Support) LED Projector 1800 Lumen:
Let’s get started with this best FULL HD 1080p LED projector from Everycom, which offers great cinematic experiences with its crispier images. It comes with a generous brightness of 1800 lumens for clear and sharp output. You can get a theatre-like experience with its large display of up to 120 inches. The projector is packed with amazing features like smartphone connection, multiple audio formats support, built-in speakers, set-box connectivity, video game support, IR remote control etc.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Everycom
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Wall mount, Tabletop, Tripod Mount.
- Special Features: Compatible with Amazon Firestick.
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Best 1080p Full HD LED Projector below 10,000.
- Multiple connectivity options- HDMI, VGA, Aux, USB.
- Works as a smart projector with Amazon firestick compatibility.
- Multiple audio formats support.
- Large display screen.
- A good amount of brightness.
- 15-degree Keystone adjustment.
Cons:
- May not support certain video or presentation formats.
Ratings: 4.1/5
2. Play Full HD LED Smart Android 6.0 Advance Projector for Home & Office with 3000 Lumens 1080p:
Play1080p is a compact-sized projector, ideal for home theatres and conference rooms. It comes with a quality lens that offers the best image quality. The Play full HD Smart Android 6.0 Advance projector brightness has 3000 lumens which offers better visibility even in ambient light conditions. It is a high-definition HD projector which allows pen drive connectivity. It comes with a remote control that has in-built speakers, a pair of 3D glasses, an AV Cable and a power cable.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Play
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Table Mount
- Special Features: Portable Projector
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight projector.
- Easy wireless connectivity.
- Remote control for easy operation.
- Decent sound quality.
- A good amount of brightness.
- Includes a 3D glass.
- Comes with an in-built android version.
Cons:
- The laptop connection cable is not included.
Ratings: 3.8/5
3. BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector with HDMI 2.0*2:
BenQ is one of the leading projector brands available in India, which specializes in the gaming projectors segment. Here is the latest gaming project from the brand, which blends superior-quality graphics and excellent sound clarity to give you an unbeatable gaming experience. This model belongs to the TK series, which displays 4K HDR contrast colours, cinematic immersion gameplay and virtual 3D sound. It has diverse console compatibility with flexible throw distances and a 2D auto vertical keystone.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: BenQ
- Resolution: 4K HDR
- Display Technology: DLP
- Mounting Type: Table Mount
- Special Features: Gaming projector, 3D surround, realistic images.
- Warranty: 2 Years
Pros:
- Ideal for professional and serious gamers.
- Dark threat detection with amazing details, even in the dark areas of the screen.
- Universal connectivity.
- 4k 16ms low input lag to eliminate blurs and response time.
- 3200 lumens brightness for darkroom settings.
- The 2D keystone gives perfect square alignment.
- Comparatively low fan noise.
Cons:
- Expensive (Falls in the >1 lakh price range).
Ratings: 4.3/5
See More: Latest Android TV Brands In India
4. Epson EB-E01 XGA Projector Brightness: 3300lm with HDMI Port:
Here is an XGA projector from Epson that promises to enhance your visual experience with its remarkable image quality. It comes with 3LCD Technology and 3300 lumens brightness that offers the best visibility in any kind of environment. The projector can also achieve an impressive 350-inch display which elevates your movie-watching experience. Additionally, the wider colour gamut and the 15,000:1 contrast ratio produce clearer and sharper images while highlighting the deeper blacks.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: EPSON
- Resolution: XGA
- Display Technology: 3LCD
- Mounting Type: Table Mount
- Special Features: Native XGA resolution, 3LCD Technology
- Warranty: 3 Years
Pros:
- Easy setup.
- Excellent white, black and colour output.
- Longer lamp life in ECO Mode.
- The brightness of 3000 lumens.
- Massive screen size.
- Keystone correction for positioning flexibility.
- HDMI connectivity.
Cons:
- No Miracast features.
Ratings: 4.4/5
5. ViewSonic M1-Portable Projector with Dual Harman Kardon Speakers:
The Viewson M1-Portable projector is a perfect choice for enjoying entertainment on the go. You can easily carry it to any room of your choice, thanks to its ultra-lightweight and nearly palm-size design. Don’t underestimate the performance based on its small size, as the projector is packed with features. It has 16GB of internal storage, 360 deg. Projection with smart stand, Built-in battery etc. The highlight is the Dual Harman Speakers, which render unbelievable audio clarity.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: ViewSonic
- Resolution: WVGA
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Stand, Table Top
- Special Features: Portable, lightweight, Dual Harman Speakers.
- Warranty: 2 Years
Pros:
- Palm-size design with excellent portability for indoor/outdoor usage.
- Comes with a smart stand for 360 deg projection.
- Wireless display option.
- Built-in battery with 2.5 hrs life.
- C-pin compatible.
- 100 inches projection image.
- Dual Harman Speakers for excellent audio output.
- Flexible connectivity.
Cons:
- Pricey (Nearly Rs.65,000 after discount on Amazon).
Ratings: 4.2/5
6. EGate i9 Pro-Max 1080p Native Full HD Projector 4k Support:
If you are looking for the best project with a large-screen display, the i9 Pro-Max from EGate is just the one! The projector offers a massive 150-inch screen size that takes your cinematic experience up by many notches. It delivers superior image quality with an FHD LCD Panel of 1920 X 1080 pixels, 4K support, 2000:1 contrast and up to 3600 Lumens. The best part is that EGate is a proudly “Made in India” brand with excellent after-sales service and support.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: EGate
- Resolution: Full HD 1080p
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Special Features: Large Screen Display, Multiple Digital Connectivity.
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Native 1080p resolution for better image quality.
- 60% more brightness.
- About 150 inches large screen size.
- Great on price point.
- Offers 4k Support.
- Unlimited connectivity options.
- In-built harmonized speakers.
Cons:
- Works well in darker rooms and is not very suitable outdoors.
Ratings: 4/5
See More: Best Quality TV Brands In India
7. WZATCO Alpha 2 Smart Projector | 2022 Special Edition | 9500 Lumens (840 ANSI):
The WZATCO Alpha 2 Smart projector draws inspiration from the Indian army, which is evident in its design and packaging. It is a premium flagship model of the company which promises to deliver an outstanding cinematic experience with sensational picture quality. The latest 2022 edition projector is known to be India’s first model with automatic focus and image correction. It comes with 840 lumens for unparalleled brightness, dual high-fidelity speakers for excellent sound clarity and the latest chipset and android 9.0 OS.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: WZATCO
- Resolution: Full HD 1080p
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Special Features: Instant autofocus and omnidirectional auto-correction.
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Autofocus and auto-correction for hands-free operation.
- The brightest projector in the segment with 840ANSI.
- Ultra-fast Wi-fi 6 connectivity.
- Smart projector with In-built Android 9.0 OS for instant entertainment access.
- High-fidelity speakers for excellent sound output.
- Indian-army-inspired design.
- Easy plug-and-play setup.
Cons:
- There are some usability issues on some apps like Amazon Prime.
Ratings: 4/5
8. WANBO T6 Max Auto Focus Auto Keystone Projector for Home:
The WANBO T6 Max is a fully-packed, smart projector which offers best-in-class picture quality. The projector comes with a true 1080p resolution and HDR 10+ technology with frame-by-frame colour boosting for an incredible viewing experience. The 650 ANSI Lumens brightness makes it ideal for daytime watching. T6 Max comes with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It has a 20000+ Hours lamp time for longer life.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: WANBO
- Resolution: Full HD 1080p
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Special Features: Smart projector, Preinstalled Apps
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Smart projector with the latest Android OS.
- Comes with HDR 10+ technology.
- Native 1080p resolution with 4k support.
- Displays highly detailed visuals.
- Brightness is suitable for daytime viewing.
- Preinstalled OTT apps like Netflix, Hotstar etc.
Cons:
- Amazon Stick is recommended as the projector doesn’t support HD versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Ratings: 4.1/5
9. BIG VUE Mini LED Projector for Home Entertainment | 2700 Lumen Brightness Projector:
BIG VUE Mini LED projector is a super investment if you want to experience great visuals with zero lags. The HD Multimedia projector brings theatre to your home with its Full HD 1080p resolution and impeccable sound clarity. It is also suitable for gaming with its lightning-fast system that boasts an 8.4ms response time and 120 Hz refresh rate. The Game Display mode offers better visibility even in darker scenes and shadow areas. BIG VUE certainly proves to be big in specs and entertainment value.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: BIG VUE
- Resolution: Full HD 1080p
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Special Features: Gaming Projector
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Affordable projector (under 10k).
- Compatible TV sticks.
- 150 inches large screen display.
- 2700 lumens brightness.
- Almost 45000 hours of lamp life.
- Advanced LCD technology.
- Compact in size and comes with a storage bag.
Cons:
- No miracast options and no auto keystone correction.
Ratings: 3.8/5
See More: Home Projectors In India
10. ZEBRONICS Zeb-PIXAPLAY 16 Android Smart LED Projector with Dual Band Wi-Fi:
Here is another best-rated Smart LED projector from Zebronics, which will hit an upgrade to your at-home entertainment. The projector lets you enjoy larger visuals with its 200 inches screen size. It comes with the latest android 9.0 OS that unlocks unlimited entertainment options, including YouTube, Netflix etc. The projector also has 4000 lumens for stunning and bright visuals in all conditions. It has a long 30,000 hrs of lamp life for an uninterrupted video experience.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: ZEBRONICS
- Resolution: Full HD 1080p
- Display Technology: LED
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Special Features: Smart Projector
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Impressive screen size.
- Latest android support.
- 4000 lumens for bright and colourful visuals.
- Supports multiple connectivity methods.
- Has Miracast support.
- Supports dual-band Wi-Fi.
- Reasonably priced.
- Remote control and in-built speakers.
Cons:
- Generates some heat with longer usage.
Ratings: 4/5
Those are the 10 top and best projectors for home use in India that promise to take your entertainment to the next level. After reading about their amazing features, we can safely conclude that projectors can redefine the way we experience video content. They are a valuable investment which can elevate our home entertainment from good to great!
1. What is keystone correction in projectors?
Key stoning refers to the distortion of image when the projector is placed non-perpendicularly to the screen. The resultant image usually looks like a trapezoid and needs horizontal or vertical adjustment to look like a square. Some models offer manual keystone correction, while others offer automatic correction.
2. Does ‘high lumens’ translate to better quality in a projector?
High lumens indicate better brightness which in turn indicates better image quality. If the projector is bright, you can use it in settings like classrooms which have a fair bit of light. For darker rooms, a moderate amount of brightness will work as there is no external light which is disturbing the quality of an image.
3. Can I use a projector on a white wall without a screen?
Yes! It is the most economical way of viewing visuals with a projector, but with compromised quality. White walls don’t have reflective coatings like a projector screen which can decrease the overall output.
