Home cinema projectors are made for watching films, sport and playing games on a large screen in a living room or a dedicated cinema room. Our range includes over 50 models, using DLP and 3LCD technology, with lamp, LED and laser light sources. Most come from Epson, Acer and BenQ, and you will also find Hisense and Optoma.
How to choose a home cinema projector
Resolution. Many projectors in our range show UHD 4K (3840x2160), which makes sense if you watch 4K films or play on a console. There are also 1080p (1920x1080) models, which suit a smaller screen or a longer viewing distance. A few models go further, with 4K+ (5120x3200).
Light source. The lamp in a lamp-based projector has to be replaced after a few thousand hours, and the rated life in our range runs from 3,500 to 6,000 hours. LED and laser models need no lamp, and many are rated at around 20,000 hours. If you will use the projector every day, that saves both time and replacement costs.
Technology. 3LCD projectors show all colours at the same time, so they avoid the rainbow effect that some people notice on single-chip DLP projectors. DLP is the most common technology in our range, and most viewers never notice that effect. If you are sensitive to it, try a projector in person before buying or choose 3LCD.
Brightness and room. A dark room needs only moderate brightness, while a lit living room without blackout curtains calls for a brighter model, rated in ANSI lumens. Screen size matters too: the larger the image, the dimmer it looks.
Connections. Most models have one or two HDMI ports, and some have three or four. If you will connect a console, a player and a streaming box, choose at least two ports or use an AV receiver.
Projector brands in our range
- Epson: known for 3LCD projectors, where colour brightness equals white brightness, so colours stay rich even in a lit room.
- Acer: has a Predator line aimed at gamers, alongside its standard home cinema models.
- BenQ: puts a lot of effort into colour accuracy and cinema picture modes, which is why its projectors are popular with film enthusiasts.
- Hisense: known for laser ultra short throw projectors that sit right next to the wall.
- Optoma: specialises in projectors and is known for DLP models with low input lag for gaming.
- LG: known for its CineBeam LED projectors with the built-in webOS app platform.
Also in our range: Philips and ViewSonic.
Frequently asked questions about home cinema projectors
Is a 4K projector worth it for home cinema?
Yes, if your screen is large or you watch 4K content, since 4K gives a sharper picture. UHD 4K models make up most of our range. 1080p is often enough for a smaller screen and less demanding viewing.
What is the difference between a laser and a lamp projector?
A laser projector needs no lamp replacement, switches on almost instantly and keeps its brightness for longer. A lamp gradually dims over a few thousand hours and has to be replaced. Our range includes both laser and lamp models.
Does a home cinema projector need a dark room?
A dark room gives the deepest contrast, but it is not essential. In daylight you need a brighter projector and ideally an ambient light rejecting screen. If you mostly watch in the evening, a model with moderate brightness will do.
Can I use a home cinema projector for gaming?
Yes, as long as it has low input lag and a free HDMI port for your console or PC. Our range includes models that manufacturers position as gaming projectors. Check the stated input lag in milliseconds and whether it supports 4K at 60 Hz.
