As the holiday season tiptoes closer, home entertainment takes center stage. Choosing the perfect 4K projector to illuminate your living room can feel like navigating a constellation of options. But fear not, cinephiles and gamers! This guide will be your star map, comparing four candidates to help you find the perfect projector to light up your nights. In this article, we will introduce you the key factors while choosing a 4K projector, and compare the pros and cons of the four candidates: NOMVDIC P1000, XGIMI Horizon Ultra, the BenQ X3100i, and the Formvoie X5.
Understanding the Factors
Before we dive into specific models, let's shed light on the key factors to consider:
Price
Before you begin, consider your budget: are you seeking a budget-friendly option or willing to splurge? If you're on a tighter budget, remember that major sales like Black Friday and Christmas often bring discounts on a variety of brands, making it the perfect time to find 4K projector deals.
Display Type
DLP or LCD? Each offers distinct advantages. DLP projectors generally offer superior sharpness, contrast and black levels, and finer detail compared to LCD models due to different display technologies. LCD projectors, on the other hand, have better color accuracy and less “rainbow effect” compared to some DLP models.
Brightness
Choose your lumens level based on the environment you'll be using the projector in. If you plan to watch movies or play games indoors with some ambient light, we recommend choosing a projector with at least 2000 ANSI lumens.
Throw Ratio
Throw ratio is a crucial factor to consider when your space has limitations. It measures the distance required between the projector lens and the screen to achieve your desired image size. Although the most common throw ratio for projectors falls between 1.1 and 1.5, if you have a relatively small space or want to project a larger image from a shorter distance, we definitely recommend choosing a short throw projector (throw ratio 0.5-1.0).
Input Lag
Are you competitive gamer? Input lag is the amount of time it takes for the monitor to display the received signal, so a low input lag projector ensures the best gaming experience.
Weight
Portability matters even if you're not taking your projector outdoors. A lighter weight makes it easier to carry and move between different rooms in your house, adding flexibility to your entertainment setup.
Speakers
Immersive Dolby Atmos or basic audio? Which speaker brand do you prefer? Choose the sound and speaker that suits your preferences.
Smart Features
Do you crave seamless streaming and the convenience of voice control for a smooth experience? Or perhaps you value auto keystone correction, focus, and obstacle avoidance for quicker setup? These features elevate your viewing experience by saving you precious time.
Now, let's meet the candidates:
1.NOMVDIC P1000: The Versatile, Budget-Bending Champion
This pocket-rocket 4K home projector at 2300 ANSI lumens proves you can have affordability without sacrificing quality. This 4K projector supports HDR10 and HLG. Its 0.65-inch DLP chip delivers two times brighter, sharper picture than the traditional 0.47-inch chip, while the industry lowest input lag of 4.2 milliseconds makes it ideal for gaming and movie nights. Built-in Harman/Kardon speakers heighten the immersive experience, and its portability makes it perfect for impromptu movie nights anywhere.
The P1000 further shines with smart features like auto H/V keystone correction, autofocus, and 4-corner adjustment, ensuring a perfectly aligned image. It is weigh 3.1 kg (6.8 lbs) with a hidden handle to ensure portability.
Unique among our choices, the P1000 boasts a flexible, short throw ratio ranging from 0.68 to 0.83 with 1.2x optical zoom. This lets you adjust the image size without sacrificing resolution or brightness by merely moving the projector closer or further from the screen. You can project a 100-inch image from either 1.5 meters or 1.8 meters away. With an average selling price around $1,299, the P1000 offers excellent value for its specs and features, making it a budget-friendly yet powerful contender.
Learn more about the P1000: 4K projector designed for movie and gaming here.
2.XGIMI Horizon Ultra: The Streaming Streamliner
Launched in late 2023, this sleek projector stuns with its design, 4K performance, and 2300 ISO lumens. Its built-in Harman Kardon speaker and Android TV make it a dream for movie lovers. According to the specs on its website, the Horizon Ultra utilizes a 0.47-inch DMD chip, while its lowest input lag clocks in at 18 milliseconds.
While its throw ratio of 1.2 to 1.5 is relatively longer than other contenders here, it still provides user-friendly features like multi-port connectivity, auto keystone, auto focus, and Google Assistant. The average selling price is $1,599.
3.BenQ X3100i: Large Screen Gaming Immersion
For ultimate gaming experience, the BenQ X3100i reigns supreme. This LED projector delivers 4K resolution with HDR support and 3300 ANSI lumens brightness. Matching the NOMVDIC P1000's lightning-fast response, the X3100i also boasts an input lag of around 4.2 milliseconds and dedicated game modes catering to various genres and platforms. The throw ratio is from 1.15 to 1.5.
Powered by Google-licensed Android TV, it unlock a world of streaming content. However, one potential drawback is the BenQ X3100i's weight of 6.8 kg (15 lbs), significantly heavier than its competitors. So, if portability is a priority, you might want to consider this before taking it on a room-to-room entertainment tour. Also, at $2,399, the X3100i commands a premium price tag for its performance.
Formovie X5: The Affordable Choice
The Formovie X5 packs a punch within its sleek frame, boasting a 0.47-inch DMD chip and a laser+phosphor light source for vibrant visuals. While its brightness rating of 2450 CVIA lumens (approximately 2244 ANSI lumens according to Projector Central) might not quite match the ANSI luminescence standards, it still delivers plenty of punch for most home theater setups.
One feature that might raise eyebrows is its ability to project an image up to 1,000 inches – impressive, yes, but perhaps not the most practical application for most home entertainment spaces. Nonetheless, its 1.27:1 throw ratio ensures flexibility in placement. Audiophiles will rejoice at the Dolby Atmos support and Denon speakers, promising immersive sound to complement the visuals.
Weighing in at 4 kg (8.8 lbs) and priced at $1,399, the Formovie X5 offers good value for its features. However, a potential hurdle for some might be its Chinese streaming OS, FengOS. If you're a Netflix, HBO, or Disney+ fan, you'll likely need additional streaming devices to access your favorite content.
TL;DR
|
|
NOMVDIC P1000 |
XGIMI Horizon Ultra |
BenQ X3100i |
Formovie X5 |
|
Average Price |
$1,299 |
$1,599 |
$2,399 |
$1,399 |
|
Display Type |
2cm DLP |
1 cm DLP (1) |
DLP(1) |
DLP(1)
|
|
Brightness |
2300 ANSI lumens |
2300 ISO lumens |
3300 ANSI lumens |
2450 CVIA lumens |
|
Throw Ratio |
0.68 - 0.83 |
1.2 - 1.5:1 |
1.15 - 1.5 |
1.27:1 |
|
Input Lag |
4.2 ms (1080P/240hz) |
18 ms |
4.2 ms (1080P/240Hz) |
N/A |
|
Weight |
3.1 kg (6.8 lbs) |
5.2 kg (11.4 lbs) |
6.8 kg (15 lbs) |
4.0 kg (8.8 lbs) |
|
Speaker |
Harman Kardon 6W Cube x2 |
Harman Kardon 12W x2 |
5W x2 |
12W x2 |
|
Smart Setup Features |
Auto Horizontal & Auto Vertical Keystone Auto Focus |
Auto Keystone Auto Focus Obstacle Avoidance |
Auto V Keystone |
Auto Focus |
Ultimately, the best 4k projector is the one that lights up your life with countless hours of cinematic joy. So, take this guide as your compass, explore the features, weigh your options, and discover the projector that will illuminate your perfect home entertainment constellation.
Happy projecting!