3D projectors find extensive and across-the-board applications nowadays, including home theaters, education, industry, gaming applications, architecture, and many other areas. Even a few decades back, 3D projectors were not used extensively across different sectors of trade and commerce, but over the years, their implementation has increased tremendously. Especially, the education sector throughout the world has taken to three-dimensional projectors in a big way.
There used to be a time not very long way when 3D projectors were beyond the reach of many individuals and institutions. However, with the demand for the best 3D projectors going up consistently, their prices have come down sharply over time. Nowadays, you can buy an entry-level 3D projector at a price ranging from $600-$1050.
A 3D projector scores over a 2D model in that the former reproduces images and illustrations having depth, thereby enabling a cinematic experience. Enjoying a movie or footage at your home project by a 3D projector is almost like watching the action live. This article reviews the best five 3D projectors available in the market along with a buying guide to help you pick up a model that best fits your needs and preferences.
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Table of Contents
How To Choose The Best 3D Projector in 2021: Buyers’ Guide
Under this section, we walk you through the benefits of 3D projectors, besides offering an in-depth analysis of their essential features. The final section of this review discusses the top five 3D projector brands and models, together with their distinctive features and drawbacks.
The pictures, images, illustrations, and representations replicated by a 3D projector appear very natural and life-like as the graphics have depth. They were viewing pictures and images in 3D benefits an entire range of professionals, including but not limited to, architects, engineers, designers, and teachers. Engineers and architects can figure out in advance how the blueprint of a particular building or structure will look in real-life once the edifice is built.
Educators and instructors find 3D pictures and videos immensely helpful when it comes to explaining lessons and topics, thanks to their superior quality typified by enhanced resolution. 3D projectors also help project life-size images that causes less eye strain, and therefore more comfortable to view. Such projectors let you adjust the configuration of the illustrations, resulting in the projection of larger or smaller images.
Modern-day 3D projectors can be installed easily even in a tight space, thanks to their compactness. On the other hand, their compact size implies that you can carry them along with you anywhere you want to. To say the last but not the least, these projectors are compatible with a range of devices, including smartphones and tabs (MHL), AV, wireless, HDMI, SD, and VGA.
Take the following aspects into close consideration before making up your mind on the 3D projector you wish to bring home.
Image projection technology
State-of-the-art 3D projectors take advantage of two distinct display technology types: LCD and DLP. 3D LCD projectors make the most of the same display technology that LCD televisions use. A 3D projector driven by LCD (liquid crystal display) technology does not have any moving components, unlike a DLP model. Rather, a 3D LCD projector optimally exploits intense beams of light for reproducing images and pictures with higher contrast ratios.
Of the three distinct technologies used for reproducing or projecting images, namely LED, LCD, and DLP, cinematic and 3D projectors mostly use the latter. DLP (digital light processing) makes use of a chip comprised of microscopic mirrors and a spinning color wheel for creating images. 3D projectors exploiting DLP technology not only reproduce brighter and sharper images but also have enhanced response time compared to LCD projectors, and can do without filters.
However, a DLP projector’s lamp life is remarkably short (about 2000-5000 hours). Viewers have reported seeing color ghosting resulting from the rainbow effect caused by the color wheel.
Brightness
Another significant and distinctive feature of 3D projectors is brightness, especially inexpensive and high-end models. However, there is a limit to the extent to which you can augment a projector’s brightening capacity. Images appear more distinct and vivid if you tone down the brightness to a specific level.
A 3D projector’s brightness is rated in terms of ANSI lumens. The projection screen’s size (measured diagonally), together with the ambient light (natural or artificial) in your living room, determines the ANSI lumens rating of your 3D projector. The larger your projection screen and the bigger the viewing room, the higher will be the ANSI lumens rating.
Resolution
Resolution implies the maximum number of pixels that can be generated by a projector for reproducing high-quality pictures, thereby making movie-viewing or gaming a pleasure.
Contrast ratio
Like a TV, the contrast ratio is the single most significant attribute of a 3D projector that influences its performance. A 3D projector’s (or an LCD or LED TV for that matter) contrast ratio is the contrast or disparity (hence a ratio) of the device’s brightest image (white) with the darkest one (black). The higher the contrast ratio, the better will be the quality of the projected illustrations, in terms of picture clarity.
Since there is no standardized or accepted norm for computing and setting the contrast ratio of a projector or any other projection system, there is a wide variance in the ratings of manufacturers.
Longevity of bulb
The lamp or bulb installed inside the 3D projector serves as the device’s light source. Contemporary 3D projectors have built-in metal halide lamps or bulbs that use a laser or LED technology for reflecting light beams. DLP projectors, by and large, have metal halide lamps whose effective life ranges from 2000-5000 hours. LED projectors, on the other hand, come equipped with lamps that continue to emit light rays for more than 20,000 hours.
While laser lamps tend to be brighter than LED and metal halide lamps, LED lights to have the longest lifespan, and reflect colors that cause less eye strain.
Screen size
The size of your projection screen is measured diagonally (in inches) from the upper end to the lower end or vice versa. While choosing a projector, make sure its magnification is perfect for your projection screen’s size or the images may not appear clear and natural.
Best 3D Projectors in 2021 – Top 5 Products Reviews
| Product | Best Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Optoma HD 142 X 1080p DLP | Best Home Theater Projector | 4.8 |
| 2. ViewSonic 1080p Projector | Best Gaming Projector | 4.5 |
| 3. Android Smart Projector by COCAR | Best WiFi Portable Projector | 4.2 |
| 4. BenQ TK800 4K UHD | Best 4K Projector | 4.5 |
| 5. Epson Home Cinema 4010 4K PRO-UHD | Best 3-Chip Projector with HDR | 4.6 |
1. Optoma HD 142 X 1080p DLP – Best Home Theater Projector
The Optoma HD DLP Home Theater Projector reproduces pictures and representations having a 1920 X 1080 resolution. The 3D projector has a 3,000 lumens lamp, which ensures that projected images are incredibly bright and crystal clear. A high contrast ratio of 23,000:1 means that you’ll be able to enjoy videos and movies that appear lifelike and realistic.
This Optoma HD DLP 3D projector has built-in HDMI, USB, MHL, and audio ports, making it supremely compatible with mobiles, MP3 players, gaming consoles, and PCs. Embedded with a 3000 ANSI lumens lamp that has a lifespan of 8,000 hours reduces overall usage cost. REC.709 Color Space technology, together with a 10W integrated speaker enables the projector to deliver crystal clear pictures and crisp sound.
Pros
- A high contrast ratio coupled with a 3000 lumens lamp results in a perfect reproduction of realistic images
- A 1920 x 1080p resolution leads to more detailed projection: watch Blu-ray movies without any compression or downscaling
- 8000 hours of lamp life means you can enjoy a two-hour movie daily for at least ten years
- The built-in 10w speaker reproduces crystal clear crisp audio
- The MHL port lets you connect the projector with a tab or smartphone for sharing photos, streaming videos, and gaming
Cons
- Does not have any AV input
- The color wheel could cause a rainbow effect leading to image ghosting
- Despite having a 3000 ANSI lumens rating, the images are not as bright as they should
2. ViewSonic 1080p Projector – Best Gaming Projector
If you wish to have an unprecedented experience viewing movies at home or helping out your child with his school projects, then look no further than the 1080p DLP projector from ViewSonic. Designed exclusively for home entertainment, the PX700HD projector makes the most of full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 3500 lumens lamp for projecting vivid and realistic pictures. A plush off-white framework and ergonomic design not only augments its aesthetic appeal but also makes it’s performance-oriented.
You can rest assured that the projector will reproduce stunning images and illustrations in almost any setting, thanks to its embedded SuperColor technology. Extremely low input latest facilitates unfolding of rapid FPS action while the ‘Sports Mode’ ensures the delivery of images with impressive details, thereby allowing you to enjoy dynamic sporting action.
Pros
- Proprietary SuperColor technology ensures projection of a range of bright colors, resulting in vivid and realistic images
- 3500 lumens lamp together with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p makes for theater-style movie viewing
- Diminished input latency facilitates fast response time, resulting in speedier delivery of crystal clear images
- The lamp has a lifespan of nearly 15,000 hours, thanks to the SuperEco mode
- Universal companionability: Has HDMI, VGA, USB 2.0, Mini USB, and audio ports for connecting to smartphones, PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and media players
- Intuitive ‘Sports Mode’ functionality adds an extra edge to images of sporting events, making you feel as if you’re watching live
Cons
- You could experience a lag in the display when playing video games
- There could be dimming issues if and when you watch full-length movies or become involved in extended gaming sessions
- The Super Eco Mode could at times make the illustrations in movies and videos excessively bright and overly dark in quick succession
3. Android Smart Projector V5 by COCAR – Best WiFi Portable Projector
The Android Smart Projector V5 Wi-Fi Home Theater LED Portable 3D DLP Projector by Cocar features a range of versatile features that imparts a new dimension to your movie viewing or gaming experience. This 3D projector is compatible with your Android smartphone or iPhone iPad. A focal distance ratio of 1:1.19 and a 2.5m throw aspect, you can bet that projected images will be extremely lifelike and natural.
The projector is companionable with downloading application software for enjoying movies online and playing VR video games, and much more. The 3D projector supports 2.4G and 5G dual-band Wi-Fi and 4.0 Bluetooth for wireless amplifiers. The unit has one built-in Ethernet port, one HDMI 2.0 port, and two USB ports.
Pros
- Comes equipped with two 5W speakers
- Takes advantage of DLP technology: Incredible picture clarity without blurring
- Across-the-board compatibility: Can be set up with multiple devices supporting HDMI, AV, VGA, SD, and MHL technologies
- Supports 4.0 Bluetooth, 2.4G/5.0G dual-band Wi-Fi: Companionable with multiple speakers or amplifiers
- A throw distance of 1-6 meters and a throw range of 30-300 inches, images appear bright and clear from any corner of the room
- The projector reproduces images having a size of 300-inch which is multiple times larger than pictures projected by 50-inch TVs
Cons
- You have to always use the remote for focusing on the screen
- The manufacturer could have included a case or pouch that would have to help in carrying the product with ease
- A gigabit LAN port would have added greater versatility to the product
4. BenQ TK800 4K UHD – Best 4K Projector
After its 2,200 lumens HT2550 3D projector registered massive sales, BenQ launched the TK800 Home Entertainment Theater Projector. And very much like its predecessor, the 4K TK800 projector with a 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution projects strikingly vivid pictures and images. The projector-optimized HDR delivers 8.3million pixels with balanced contrast and brightness that makes for watching lifelike movies and footages.
The 4K color wheel syncs with the 3000 ANSI lumens rated bulb to reproduce bright and dynamic images and pictures. You can select from five bespoke picture modes such as cinema, vivid TV, bright, sport, and football mode. The TK800 home theater projector sports a compact chassis that is also sleek and lightweight making the device eminently portable.
Pros
- Lamp lifespan is over 10,000 hours
- Two HDMI ports
- Vertical keystone
- 4K color wheel
- Support for HDR10
- 3000 ANSI lumens lamp
- True 4K UHD
Cons
- The brilliant Color feature is without incremental scale
- You may be able to distinguish a halo surrounding the projected images
5. Epson Home Cinema 4010 4K PRO-UHD – Best 3-Chip Projector with HDR
The Epson Home Cinema 4010 4K projector with HDR comes at a price but offers much more than what you pay for it. The projector exploits sophisticated 3LCD technology for displaying a 100% RGB color signal for every imagery frame. Thus you get to see pictures and illustrations incorporating the full-color range with seamless brightness and contrast minus image ghosting or blurring.
4K resolution processing, which entails monitoring three distinct HD LCD chips (for activating millions of pixels), enables you to have an unparalleled 4K viewing experience. Your viewing pleasure receives a good boost, thanks to the full 10-bit HDR color processing. Digital image processing converts real-time 12-bit analog signals to digital video signals while doing away with blocking, ghosting, and banding of images.
Pros
- 4K Pro-UHD resolution
- 2400 ANSI lumens
- Incredibly high contrast ratio: 200,000:1
- Wide color gamut
- Epson precision minimizes light leakage
- Digital image processing
- 3-chip projector design
- 4K resolution processing
Cons
- You have to buy 3D glasses separately for enjoying the 3D features
- The unit gets heated up if you use it for an extended period necessitating you to switch on the ventilation
Conclusion
So, there you’ve it: five of the best 3D projectors you’ll find in the market. Every 3D projector we reviewed starting from Epson to BenQ to Optoma was found to be up to the mark for projecting 3D images. Additionally, every projector was found to be compatible across-the-board, enabling you to set up the product with mobile phones, game consoles, and media players.
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