Whether for a cozy evening with friends or a relaxed series marathon alone or with the family – the right projector gives your home a great cinema atmosphere. TECHBOOK knows what to look out for when choosing a projector and what features make home cinema fun!
If the home cinema is to guarantee a feel-good experience in a small room, short-throw projectors make sense because they can be placed relatively close to the screen. If the cinema room at home cannot be completely darkened, a laser beamer can help, with an impressive image quality even under home lighting conditions. When deciding for or against a projector model, it is of course not only the set-up that needs to be considered, but also the budget: a higher price does not necessarily mean better quality. TECHBOOK was particularly impressed by five mid-range projectors from Acer, BenQ and Epson.
What makes a good projector?
A wide range of innovations have been developed in projector production in recent years. The focus of the innovations is on the light source used. Energy-efficient technology makes those hearts beat faster for whom sustainability is a strong selling point. Manufacturers are gradually replacing LEDs with high-pressure mercury vapor lamps or lasers. This in turn has possible effects on the image quality in different lighting conditions and on electricity costs: Laser projectors offer a relatively high-contrast image in daylight, but they also consume more electricity.
TECHBOOK also took a closer look at the image generators in the projectors: Whether DLP or LCD, the selected device should also offer sensitive eyes a relaxed viewing experience. In addition, a good projector should have a quiet ventilation system in order to be able to really enjoy even quieter film scenes.
The comparison winner: Acer PL 1520i
Pure cinema feeling: The Acer PL 1520i DLP projector convinces with relatively clear colors and a sharp image even after years of use. Many a football fan knows it when the white jerseys are still clearly visible with less powerful projectors, but the image quality decreases with darker jerseys and the lawn. But not with the Acer PL 1520i! This projector shines above all with its relatively high contrast ratio. This not only inspires football connoisseurs, but also fans of dark horror films or romantic night shots. Because the projector runs particularly quietly, tense, quiet scenes are shown to their best advantage. The relatively long running time is ideally suited for a relaxed series marathon without interruption.
Features of the Acer PL 1520i
Advantages and disadvantages of the Acer PL 1520i
Evaluation result in the ISO 9001 TÜV-tested procedure: Very good (11/2021)
Per
- + Particularly good brightness
- + Relatively high resolution and even illumination
- + With remote control
- + Sustainable eco mode
- + Relatively quiet operating noise
cons
- – Relatively heavy weight
- – Defects in color reproduction possible
Best value for money: Acer H6541BDi
A variant that is completely convincing: The Acer H6541BDi proves that even devices for a small purse are more than satisfactory with their quality. What performs particularly well with this DLP projector in comparison is the automatic keystone correction for image alignment. It also has a variety of connectivity options, a compact size and a lightweight body. Therefore, it offers more freedom of use. The wireless adapter enables home cinema without the hassle of tangled cables – simply connect wirelessly to WLAN devices and enjoy the cinema experience!
Features of the Acer H6541BDi
Advantages and disadvantages of the Acer H6541BDi
Evaluation result in the ISO 9001 TÜV-tested procedure: Very good (10/2021)
Per
- + Inexpensive model
- + Particularly good brightness
- + Relatively high resolution
- + With remote control
- + Integrated WiFi
- – Relatively low contrast ratio
- – DLP technology sometimes with annoying rainbow effect
The consumer favorite: Acer P5630
A little one with pep: The Acer P5630 is compact, can be used in daylight and at night and scores even at a short distance from the screen. The quiet device is therefore not only a benefit for home cinema, but also as equipment for conference rooms. The smallest differences in brightness are easily recognizable thanks to the contrast settings. The Acer P5630 delivers a sharp image right into the corners – the image quality can even be improved manually if necessary.
This projector convinces above all with its price-performance ratio and the flexible application possibilities thanks to its size and type of fastening on the floor.
Features of the Acer P5630
Advantages and disadvantages of the Acer P5630
Evaluation result in the ISO 9001 TÜV-tested procedure: Very good (12/2021)
- + Particularly good brightness
- + Very long service life in eco mode
- + Relatively high resolution
- + With remote control
cons
- – Colors a little pale in the basic settings
- – Disturbing whistling on some devices
For gaming fans: BenQ TH685 projector
The most solid of the models presented is the BenQ TH685 projector. Its size ensures a stable stand and flexible use. Whether in the living room or in the office – its brightness and contrast ratios offer sharp images even in daylight in darkened rooms. Thanks to the low input lags, the device is particularly well suited for gaming: plunge into adventure without delay and immerse yourself in the gaming world with the rich sound of the speakers. The projector also impresses with precise image adjustment options: 1.3x zoom, digital lens shift and vertical keystone correction.
Features of the BenQ TH685 projector
Advantages and disadvantages of the BenQ TH685 projector
Rating at idealo: grade 2.6 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Various picture settings
- + Flexible installation
- + Very good resolution
- + Low input lag
cons
- – Relatively short lamp life
- – Sometimes disturbing sounds on higher frequencies
Ultra HD color experience: Epson EH-TW7000 projector
Bright and high-contrast picture – what more could you ask for in home cinema? But the Epson EH-TW7000 projector offers a lot more! Once you get to know all of its functions, you will be as enthusiastic about this model as other users. The heavy housing ensures particular stability. The LCD technology offers an eye-friendly picture experience without annoying rainbow effects. The cost-effective 4K home cinema is therefore the optimal solution for cinema enthusiasts with a smaller budget and the desire for the best possible picture quality. In addition, the projector is quick to set up thanks to clever features: with a 1.6x zoom, the lens shift function and keystone correction.
Features of the Epson EH-TW7000 projector
Advantages and disadvantages of the Epson EH-TW7000 projector
Rating at idealo: grade 1.8 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Rich image colors
- + Convincing contrasts
- + Relatively quiet operating noise, especially in Eco mode
- + Precise alignment
cons
- – Relatively heavy case
- – Rather short service life of the UHE lamp
Conclusion
If you want to create a real cinema feeling at home, you first have to think about which projector is best suited for your own set-up, which disadvantages you may have to accept and which functions you definitely don’t want to do without. Whether with eye-friendly LCD or with powerful DLP technology, with daylight or night light, with stable floor mounting or more complex ceiling mounting – the projectors presented are just as diverse as the preferences for cinema genres and snacks. Whether with a bowl of tacos or popcorn, there is sure to be one among the devices that fits perfectly into your own four walls.
All projectors are easy to install and quiet in operation. In relation to this, the cheapest variant Acer H6541BDi performs just as well as the most expensive device presented, the Acer PL 1520i.
Other articles worth knowing about home cinema and projectors
For everyone who wants to perfect the cinema feeling at home and learn more about the variety of devices and installation options: TECHBOOK offers many other articles and recommendations on the subject of home cinema. From current streaming and cinema trends to practical advice for public viewing in your own four walls – our editorial team offers you a comprehensive overview.