Home theatres are without a doubt the best way to enjoy the latest cinematic releases. It has all the perks of a cinema but without the ticket prices and crowds. However, a home theatre system is only as good as its projector. The projector is what delivers your crystal clear, cinema-quality image. If it is compromised in any way, then so is your viewing experience. Sound like high stakes, right! Well, not necessarily. If you follow a few basic tips when you’re choosing a home theatre projector, you’ll come away with the right one for sure. So let’s take a look at a few of those tips below.
Choosing between LCD and DLP for your home theatre projector
If you’ve already done some research, you might have come across LCD and DLP ultimatum. Chances are, you’ve heard views supporting both. So which should you choose for your home theatre projector? Well, that really depends on what you want from it. LCD is dependable projector technology, although it has been known to create a ‘screen door’ effect. That effect basically gives some parts of the image a slightly grainy appearance. DLP projectors employ minute mirrors on a semiconductor chip to deliver high-quality images. However, some have also been known to produce a slight ‘rainbow’ effect. The best tip when choosing one for your home theatre projector is to test it. Ask expert advice, and try to watch a high contrast scene before you buy. That should expose any potential issues.
Projector lamp brightness: here’s what you should know before choosing one for your home theatre
Projector lamp brightness is measured according to ANSI lumens. These basically inform you of how bright the projector lamp is. But what is a projector lamp, and why is it important? Projector lamps essentially contribute to the quality of contrast in your images. The lamp brightness distinguishes your image, from ambient light. As a result, brighter projector lamps are especially important in home theatre rooms with added ambient light. So if your home theatre room has even a slight amount of light coming through, we suggest choosing the brightest projector lamp you can!
Choose a home theatre projector with Wi-Fi connectivity for the best viewing experience
Wi-Fi connectivity is almost a given these days. But, nevertheless, it’s important to ensure that your projector has connectivity before you purchase it. The reason is simple: a vast majority of cinematic content is stored online. Without online access, getting onto Netflix, Stan, or any other streaming service won’t be possible. It might seem like a simple addition, but connectivity makes all the difference when it comes to choosing a projector.
Of course, wireless connectivity should be accompanied by HDMI options!
Even though wireless connection is vital, there are few things quite as dependable as the classic HDMI connection. HDMI allows you to connect devices such as Chromecast – which then gives you access to online content via another device. Basically, it’s a pretty handy substitute for Wi-Fi connectivity!
Choosing a good home theatre projector is one thing – but you need a screen to go with it!
Choosing a good projector for your home theatre is important. But without a specialised screen to match, your image quality will take a hit. Not even the best projector can perform perfectly if it is projecting onto a wall. Of course, you’ll still be able to enjoy the cinematic experience. But the finer lines of the image may be distorted, and high contrast scenes might lose their edge. Our advice: when you choose a home theatre project, choose a good screen to go with it.
For all your home theatre needs, get in touch with AV Everything today on 0418 737 021.