If you are looking for an entry-level home theater projector under $1,000, there are several solid projectors that will fit your budget. You won’t get nearly all the bells and whistles of a more expensive projector, of course, but you can still get a decent picture that can be used in a variety of ways, such as for outdoor movie night, or a highly portable projector you can take just about anywhere, etc.
The Philips PicoPix Max is a portable DLP projector that offers Full HD (1,920×1,080) resolution. The LED light source is rated for over 30,000 hours of use. Philips describes the PicoPix Max as “the Smart & fully wireless native Full HD projector with an ultra-vivid picture made for use anywhere.” It has a built-in 3-hour battery, Android OS, a top touchpad, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth casting, and USB-C connectivity.
Portability stands out as the most prominent advantage for this projector. Anyone living in a dorm, barracks, or tiny apartment would appreciate having a variety of viewing options comparable to most Smart TVs in such a compact portable package.
With an MSRP of $899, the Max is the most powerful (and most expensive) of the Philips PicoPix line of projectors. The PicoPix Max is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the functionality of a Smart TV with a paperback novel’s portability.
The Epson EF12 is part of Epson’s EpiqVision series of Smart projectors. The Epson EF12 is a Smart, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), laser-powered home media projector that can deliver 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness. Since it has built-in Android TV, it is packed with all the features of a Smart TV, as well as Wi-Fi.
The Epson EF12 delivered more accurate colors and better black levels than most portable smart DLP projectors we have reviewed. While additional resolution would be nice, better color and contrast have a much better impact on image quality.
Its superior picture quality and excellent audio performance make it one of the best compact projectors on the market which is why we rewarded it with a Hot Product Award
While the EF12 is compact, it has a custom-designed speaker system built by Yamaha that sounds better than most flat-panel TVs and can rival many small soundbars.
While many DLP-based portable projectors can deliver 4K resolution, the EF12 is a 1080P unit. However, the Epson EF12 delivered more accurate colors, better black levels than most portable smart DLP projectors we have reviewed.
The EF12 is a user-friendly plug-and-play machine with a compact design that makes it suitable for everything from binge-watching your favorite show in any room of the house to hosting an outdoor movie night.
While we have reviewed several lamp-based home entertainment projectors that are brighter and cost the same or less than the EF12, those models do not offer all of the Smart features, and they aren’t equipped with a high-quality sound system.
So, while you can get a brighter “dumb” lamp-based projector for less, if you want all the Smart features, the upgraded sound system and the advantage of a laser light source, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector is an excellent option.
The ViewSonic® M2 is a portable Full HD LED projector that is ideal for business travelers and home entertainment applications. Since the M2 is compact and lightweight, it can be carried from room-to-room or slipped into a backpack and taken on the road.
Android-based OS included the Aptoide store, where you can download streaming apps from Netflix, YouTube, and more. For convenient content sharing, a wireless screen mirroring feature (via supplied Wi-Fi dongle) allows users to cast content from a mobile device to the projector easily.
Its LED light source can produce 500 ANSI Lumens (1,200 LED lumens) and has a rated lifespan of 30,000 hours. There are an integrated Micro SD card slot and USB Type-A reader port that allow users to display videos and photos without connecting to an external source. Lastly, the dual Harman Kardon speakers (3watts x 2) deliver room-filling sound.
Due to its compact size, LED light source, smart features, and built-in premium dual Harman Kardon sound system, the Viewsonic M2 is an excellent portable projector option for a conference room, dorm, bedroom, or backyard theater.
The Home Cinema 880 is Epson’s least expensive home entertainment projector. This lamp-based projector produced brighter and more accurate colors than many DLP laser projectors that cost 3X more. The HC880 does not have many bells and whistles, but if you desire an excellent image from an affordable projector, the HC800 should be at the top of your list.
The HomeCinema 880 is the replacement for the popular Home Cinema 760HD. The biggest upgrade is the HC880 is a Full HD (1920 x1080) model, while the 760HD was a WXGA (1280 X800) model.
Epson, one of the top projector manufacturers in the world, had three of the top-selling projectors under $1,000 in 2020. With a current street price of $599, the HomeCinema 880 is Epson’s least expensive home entertainment model.
The unit houses Epson’s 3LCD technology for best-in-class color brightness and a dynamic contrast ratio up to 16,000:1, which allows for rich detail in dark scenes.
The Home Cinema 880 is a very basic 1080P projector, it utilizes a lamp-based light source, and it doesn’t have many smart features. However, at $599, it is very affordable and produces good picture quality for its price. The HC880 walks a fine line between convenience, performance, and value. The projector delivers a bright picture with accurate colors.
While the Home Cinema 880 is a lamp-based projector in ECO mode, its 210-watt UHE bulb is rated to last 12,000 hours while still producing more than enough brightness to fill a 120” screen with a bright, vibrant picture.
While they are less expensive home entertainment projectors on the market, spending a few $100 more on a reputable brand model like Epson will provide a much better viewing experience.
The Epson Home Cinema 880 can produce up to 3,300 lumens of brightness and good color accuracy, making the unit a good option for an entry-level home theater.
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 is a compact and portable laser projector, which retails for $699 and delivers stunning image quality in a variety of settings. With its 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness and Full HD resolution, the EF11 is a good portable solution for both home entertainment use, as well as for business presentations and classrooms. Despite the lack of 4K or HDR features, this projector manages to deliver impressive brightness and image quality.
The EF11 features a sleek, modern compact design that makes it easy to transport and set up. It also has a built-in speaker system, so you can take advantage of an all-in-one setup without having to connect to external speakers. A simple Chromecast device is the only thing you need to begin streaming.
One of the best things about the EF11 is its throw ratio. You can get up to a 150” screen at only 14 feet away. The projector is much smaller than you’d think it would be, with the length and height being smaller than many smartphones. It’s an all-around lightweight and versatile projector that punches far above its size.
The JMGO N1 is one of two new Full HD additions to the company N1 projector lineup, offering 800 CVIA lumens, a triple laser light source, and JMGO gimbal-like design. The N1 is available from Amazon or purchased directly from JMGO for an MSRP of $999.
JMGO is a projector manufacturer fast becoming known for building high-quality, feature-rich video projectors that give consumers compelling alternatives to the products provided by today's mainstream manufacturers. I was very impressed with the video quality of the JMGO N1 Ultra so I'm very intrigued to see how this projector performs compared to its bigger 4K brother. If you are interested in reading my full review of the JMGO N1 Ultra, click on the model number link. Let's get into the details of the new JMGO N1 to find out if this projector is worth your purchase consideration.
JMGO is not new to the projection category; the company has been designing and manufacturing projectors since 2011. JMGO (pronounced Jim Go) has brought a range of projectors to market for the past eleven years. Still, it's in recent years, with the introduction of its two ultra-short-throw laser projectors, that JMGO has been getting a lot of positive recognition in markets worldwide, including the US. In addition to this JMGO N1, I have reviewed the JMGO 01 PRO and the JMGO U2. You can read those full reviews by clicking on the model number links.
The N1 is a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector using a 0.33-inch DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) that can display a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The N1 also fully supports 3D for both movies and gaming as long as the user has a compatible pair of 3D glasses which JMGO sells as an option.
The like all the JMGO N1 Series projectors the N1 is equipped with the latest laser technology: the NUMB12T, a discrete RGB triple laser light source developed in collaboration with Nichia. This cutting-edge laser boasts an industry-leading 9-chip design, making it the first to successfully integrate multiple RGB laser light sources. Compared to other lasers with 14 or 28 chips, the NUMB12T offers higher optical efficiency and a 40% smaller package size while dissipating heat at a 30% lower cost.
The BenQ HT2060 is a 4LED, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p) 0.65" DLP short-throw home entertainment projector. The HT2060 offers a BenQ-rated 2,300 ANSI lumens of brightness, displays vibrant colors that cover 98% of the Rec.709 color gamut, supports low latency gaming HDR content, and all at an MSRP of $999. The HT2060 replaces the company's previous model, the well-regarded HT2050A.
The HT2060 is in the same family of 4LED, 4K projectors as the HT4550i/V4000i I recently reviewed. With the HT2060, BenQ continues to expand its use of high-performance 4LED light sources made popular in the company's gaming projectors, such as the X1300i and X3000i. BenQ projectors with LED light sources have proven to be performers, offering rich colors and decent contrast. In a world where 4K projectors are creeping down in price, is this high-definition BenQ projector worth your consideration? Let's find out.
The BenQ HT2060 is the most recent addition to the company's growing family of LED-powered projectors. BenQ has dominated the sub $1,000 entry-level projector class for years – going back to models like the W1070A, HT2050A, and HT3050. BenQ has consistently introduced entry-level projectors at a $999 price point with features and performance often found in more expensive models.
The new HT2060 projector looks to continue this trend and even step it up a notch. If a Full HD (1920 x 1080p) projector is enough resolution for you, then the BenQ HT2060 could be the projector for you and is certainly worth a closer look.
This projector is perfect for customers looking to create their first cinema-quality big-screen home theater and is ideal for a small to medium-sized home theater or living room. And, if past performance is any indication, the HT2060 will work well in rooms with moderate amounts of uncontrolled ambient light thanks to the company's 4LED light engine.
Epson has introduced a new 3-chip 3LCD projector named the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector, retailing at $429.00. They describe it as the perfect companion for both business necessities and an enhanced entertainment experience. The lamp-based EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 offers WXGA (1280 × 800) native resolution but supports video display formats up to Full HD (1920 x 1080). The projector can deliver 3000 lumens of brightness for a compact package.
Epson's EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is designed to cater to the evolving hybrid work culture where employees split their work week between home and the office. This kind of lifestyle, including full-time work from home, can be significantly elevated with devices tailored specifically for professional and leisure purposes. Epson proposes that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 projector model perfectly balances the needs of professional presentations and the pleasure of an immersive home movie experience.
"As today's hybrid lifestyles continue to evolve, it is important that professionals are equipped with solutions that are easily adaptable to various environments and suitable for a range of applications,” said Kenny Tang, Product Manager, Projectors, Epson America, Inc. "Whether presenting to peers during the day or hosting a movie night with friends, larger and more immersive viewing makes a big difference. With the EpiqVision Flex projectors, users will experience the best of both worlds with technology that offers convenience, versatility, and most importantly, incredibly bright and engaging big-screen images."
Epson asserts that their new EpiqVision Flex projectors are tailored to "own any room.” They mean that the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 grants hybrid workers the luxury of owning a projector that not only displays bright, intricate visuals for work-related content such as PowerPoint presentations, but also has the picture quality necessary to enjoy popular movies and TV shows.
Epson states that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 has the capacity to project images over 300 inches. I do not have a 300 inch projector screen, but when put to the test in my projector lab, it exhibited superb performance at 100 inches. The vertical and horizontal keystone correction of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01, combined with its zoom and manual focus capabilities, makes it an ideal choice for individuals who frequently need to relocate the projector.
The Optoma ML1080 is an ultra-compact RGB laser full HD 1080p projector that retails for $999.00. While it is one of Optoma’s most compact and portable projectors, the ML1080 includes several notable features that make it an excellent solution for consumer and professional applications.
While most projectors its size utilize LED light sources, the ML1080 is equipped with an RGB triple laser light source that can deliver 1200 lumens of brightness (550 ANSI Lumens), and it can reproduce a vast range of colors. It had been several months since I saw the ML1080 at InfoComm 2023, so I had forgotten how lightweight and compact it is. The projector weighs just 2.3 lbs and is the most compact RGB laser projector I have ever reviewed.
The projector’s compact form factor brightness, picture quality, and feature set make the ML1080 flexible enough to use at home, on the go, and in various professional applications. Optoma also offers a short-throw version of the projector called ML1080ST ($1149 SRP) to provide more placement flexibility.
There are portable 4K projectors on the market that cost less than the Optoma ML1080 but most can't deliver the color reproduction, onscreen contrast, and brightness of the ML1080. So, while the ML1080 displays less resolution, its picture quality makes it stand out against the competition.
The unit's premium RGB triple laser light source can deliver up to 1200 lumens of brightness (550 ANSI Lumens) while reproducing colors that many more expensive projectors and flat panel displays cannot. The ML1080 can reproduce up to 105% of the BT.2020 color gamut.
The projector's ability to display a wide color gamut is especially beneficial when displaying HDR (High Dynamic Range) material. The ML1080 supports both HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG).
Due to the projector's energy-efficient RGB triple laser light source, the ML1080 can deliver up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation while maintaining its brightness and color saturation. The RGB laser light source also reduces the unit's power consumption by up to 58% compared to Optoma lamp-based projectors at the same brightness levels.
The LG CineBeam PF510Q is a Full HD, $599.99 portable, 4Ch (RGB) LED smart projector with 450 ANSI lumens. In addition, the PF510Q is an HDR-compatible projector, and the 4-channel (RGBB) LED light source is rated to last up to 30,000 hours. The LG PF510Q portable projector utilizes a single DLP chip to deliver its Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080).
LG sent Projector Reviews a pre-production demo sample of the PF510Q for this review. To test the PF510Q, I connected my Kaleidescape Compact Terra 6TB movie server, Kaleidescape Strato C 4K movie player, Apple TV 4K, PlayStation 5, and Razer Blade 17 4K – GeForce RTX™ 3080 Ti laptop to the projector via certified 48Gbps HDMI cables.
For this review, I projected the LG PF510Q onto a 100-inch (16:9) Elite Screens Aeon fixed frame projection screen with Elite's Edge Free® technology and Elite's CineWhite® UHD-B screen material. Following LG's recommendation of keeping the image size between 30 and 120 inches, I projected a 100-inch image for this review.
The PF510Q is one of the newest models from LG and is part of LG's CineBeam lineup of projectors designed to make projection more accessible and appealing to a broader range of consumers. The PF510Q is Bluetooth capable, meaning you can wirelessly stream sound directly from the PF510Q projector to a Bluetooth-compatible sound system like headphones, home audio speakers, or portable speakers.
The PF510Q has a built-in 5W mono speaker and is Dolby Atmos compatible (Pass Through). The projector has a 3.5mm audio output jack and two HDMI inputs (One ARC). The projector also has a USB 2.0 Type-A connector featuring HID (Keyboard, Mouse, Gamepad) connection through USB functionality and a LAN port.
Best of all, the LG PF510Q has LG's exclusive Smart TV platform, which is easy to set up and offers an effortless discovery of premium content from some of the most popular providers. Furthermore, since the PF510Q uses LG's User Interface (UI), which was developed over numerous years and is used in millions of LG TVs worldwide, the projector is seamless, easy to navigate, and well laid out.
XGIMI has done it yet again! XGIMI has found a way to improve the already great XGIMI Halo Smart Portable LED Projector. The new projector is called the XGIMI Halo+. The new Halo+ Full High Definition (FHD) Smart Portable Projector retails for $849 and it offers smarter setup, more power, more ANSI lumens, and expanded features while maintaining the flexibility and portability of the original XGIMI Halo.
Just imagine if the Halo and Horizon had a projector baby, that baby would be called Halo+. Keep in mind that back in May 2021, we at Projector Reviews awarded the XGIMI Halo the Projector Reviews “Best in Class Award” for it being the best battery-operated portable smart projector in its price range. It is also now on the list for one of the best projectors under $1,000.
Tex Yang, vice president of global sales at XGIMI corporate, said, “Halo+ was designed with the intent to make a projector as capable in the house as it is on the go.” He added, “We packed Halo+ with our best technology to make the most powerful, portable projector that is easy to use for beginners while satisfying the needs of the most discerning technophiles.”
XGIMI sent Projector Reviews a pre-production Halo+ for demonstration purposes. As always, I’m bringing you an independent and honest review. In addition, I have a full review of the XGIMI Halo and a “First Look Review” on the XGIMI Horizon on the Projector Reviews website.
The XGIMI Halo+ is an FHD (1080p) portable smart projector with a built-in 59W battery rated to last up to two hours. The Halo is rated at 800 ANSI lumens, and XGIMI stated at the time, the Halo was the brightest projector in its class. Well, the Halo+ just took over the throne with its rated brightness of 900 NASI lumens. The Halo+’s extra brightness claim will put that to the test later in this review.
The Halo+ also runs Android TV 10.0 which is the latest version and it offers native support for Netflix which the older Halo does not.
If you are looking for an entry-level home theater projector under $1,000, there are several solid projectors that will fit your budget. You won’t get nearly all the bells and whistles of a more expensive projector, of course, but you can still get a decent picture that can be used in a variety of ways, such as for outdoor movie night, or a highly portable projector you can take just about anywhere, etc.
The Philips PicoPix Max is a portable DLP projector that offers Full HD (1,920×1,080) resolution. The LED light source is rated for over 30,000 hours of use. Philips describes the PicoPix Max as “the Smart & fully wireless native Full HD projector with an ultra-vivid picture made for use anywhere.” It has a built-in 3-hour battery, Android OS, a top touchpad, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth casting, and USB-C connectivity.
Portability stands out as the most prominent advantage for this projector. Anyone living in a dorm, barracks, or tiny apartment would appreciate having a variety of viewing options comparable to most Smart TVs in such a compact portable package.
With an MSRP of $899, the Max is the most powerful (and most expensive) of the Philips PicoPix line of projectors. The PicoPix Max is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the functionality of a Smart TV with a paperback novel’s portability.
The Epson EF12 is part of Epson’s EpiqVision series of Smart projectors. The Epson EF12 is a Smart, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), laser-powered home media projector that can deliver 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness. Since it has built-in Android TV, it is packed with all the features of a Smart TV, as well as Wi-Fi.
The Epson EF12 delivered more accurate colors and better black levels than most portable smart DLP projectors we have reviewed. While additional resolution would be nice, better color and contrast have a much better impact on image quality.
Its superior picture quality and excellent audio performance make it one of the best compact projectors on the market which is why we rewarded it with a Hot Product Award
While the EF12 is compact, it has a custom-designed speaker system built by Yamaha that sounds better than most flat-panel TVs and can rival many small soundbars.
While many DLP-based portable projectors can deliver 4K resolution, the EF12 is a 1080P unit. However, the Epson EF12 delivered more accurate colors, better black levels than most portable smart DLP projectors we have reviewed.
The EF12 is a user-friendly plug-and-play machine with a compact design that makes it suitable for everything from binge-watching your favorite show in any room of the house to hosting an outdoor movie night.
While we have reviewed several lamp-based home entertainment projectors that are brighter and cost the same or less than the EF12, those models do not offer all of the Smart features, and they aren’t equipped with a high-quality sound system.
So, while you can get a brighter “dumb” lamp-based projector for less, if you want all the Smart features, the upgraded sound system and the advantage of a laser light source, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector is an excellent option.
The ViewSonic® M2 is a portable Full HD LED projector that is ideal for business travelers and home entertainment applications. Since the M2 is compact and lightweight, it can be carried from room-to-room or slipped into a backpack and taken on the road.
Android-based OS included the Aptoide store, where you can download streaming apps from Netflix, YouTube, and more. For convenient content sharing, a wireless screen mirroring feature (via supplied Wi-Fi dongle) allows users to cast content from a mobile device to the projector easily.
Its LED light source can produce 500 ANSI Lumens (1,200 LED lumens) and has a rated lifespan of 30,000 hours. There are an integrated Micro SD card slot and USB Type-A reader port that allow users to display videos and photos without connecting to an external source. Lastly, the dual Harman Kardon speakers (3watts x 2) deliver room-filling sound.
Due to its compact size, LED light source, smart features, and built-in premium dual Harman Kardon sound system, the Viewsonic M2 is an excellent portable projector option for a conference room, dorm, bedroom, or backyard theater.
The Home Cinema 880 is Epson’s least expensive home entertainment projector. This lamp-based projector produced brighter and more accurate colors than many DLP laser projectors that cost 3X more. The HC880 does not have many bells and whistles, but if you desire an excellent image from an affordable projector, the HC800 should be at the top of your list.
The HomeCinema 880 is the replacement for the popular Home Cinema 760HD. The biggest upgrade is the HC880 is a Full HD (1920 x1080) model, while the 760HD was a WXGA (1280 X800) model.
Epson, one of the top projector manufacturers in the world, had three of the top-selling projectors under $1,000 in 2020. With a current street price of $599, the HomeCinema 880 is Epson’s least expensive home entertainment model.
The unit houses Epson’s 3LCD technology for best-in-class color brightness and a dynamic contrast ratio up to 16,000:1, which allows for rich detail in dark scenes.
The Home Cinema 880 is a very basic 1080P projector, it utilizes a lamp-based light source, and it doesn’t have many smart features. However, at $599, it is very affordable and produces good picture quality for its price. The HC880 walks a fine line between convenience, performance, and value. The projector delivers a bright picture with accurate colors.
While the Home Cinema 880 is a lamp-based projector in ECO mode, its 210-watt UHE bulb is rated to last 12,000 hours while still producing more than enough brightness to fill a 120” screen with a bright, vibrant picture.
While they are less expensive home entertainment projectors on the market, spending a few $100 more on a reputable brand model like Epson will provide a much better viewing experience.
The Epson Home Cinema 880 can produce up to 3,300 lumens of brightness and good color accuracy, making the unit a good option for an entry-level home theater.
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 is a compact and portable laser projector, which retails for $699 and delivers stunning image quality in a variety of settings. With its 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness and Full HD resolution, the EF11 is a good portable solution for both home entertainment use, as well as for business presentations and classrooms. Despite the lack of 4K or HDR features, this projector manages to deliver impressive brightness and image quality.
The EF11 features a sleek, modern compact design that makes it easy to transport and set up. It also has a built-in speaker system, so you can take advantage of an all-in-one setup without having to connect to external speakers. A simple Chromecast device is the only thing you need to begin streaming.
One of the best things about the EF11 is its throw ratio. You can get up to a 150” screen at only 14 feet away. The projector is much smaller than you’d think it would be, with the length and height being smaller than many smartphones. It’s an all-around lightweight and versatile projector that punches far above its size.
The JMGO N1 is one of two new Full HD additions to the company N1 projector lineup, offering 800 CVIA lumens, a triple laser light source, and JMGO gimbal-like design. The N1 is available from Amazon or purchased directly from JMGO for an MSRP of $999.
JMGO is a projector manufacturer fast becoming known for building high-quality, feature-rich video projectors that give consumers compelling alternatives to the products provided by today's mainstream manufacturers. I was very impressed with the video quality of the JMGO N1 Ultra so I'm very intrigued to see how this projector performs compared to its bigger 4K brother. If you are interested in reading my full review of the JMGO N1 Ultra, click on the model number link. Let's get into the details of the new JMGO N1 to find out if this projector is worth your purchase consideration.
JMGO is not new to the projection category; the company has been designing and manufacturing projectors since 2011. JMGO (pronounced Jim Go) has brought a range of projectors to market for the past eleven years. Still, it's in recent years, with the introduction of its two ultra-short-throw laser projectors, that JMGO has been getting a lot of positive recognition in markets worldwide, including the US. In addition to this JMGO N1, I have reviewed the JMGO 01 PRO and the JMGO U2. You can read those full reviews by clicking on the model number links.
The N1 is a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector using a 0.33-inch DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) that can display a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The N1 also fully supports 3D for both movies and gaming as long as the user has a compatible pair of 3D glasses which JMGO sells as an option.
The like all the JMGO N1 Series projectors the N1 is equipped with the latest laser technology: the NUMB12T, a discrete RGB triple laser light source developed in collaboration with Nichia. This cutting-edge laser boasts an industry-leading 9-chip design, making it the first to successfully integrate multiple RGB laser light sources. Compared to other lasers with 14 or 28 chips, the NUMB12T offers higher optical efficiency and a 40% smaller package size while dissipating heat at a 30% lower cost.
The BenQ HT2060 is a 4LED, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p) 0.65" DLP short-throw home entertainment projector. The HT2060 offers a BenQ-rated 2,300 ANSI lumens of brightness, displays vibrant colors that cover 98% of the Rec.709 color gamut, supports low latency gaming HDR content, and all at an MSRP of $999. The HT2060 replaces the company's previous model, the well-regarded HT2050A.
The HT2060 is in the same family of 4LED, 4K projectors as the HT4550i/V4000i I recently reviewed. With the HT2060, BenQ continues to expand its use of high-performance 4LED light sources made popular in the company's gaming projectors, such as the X1300i and X3000i. BenQ projectors with LED light sources have proven to be performers, offering rich colors and decent contrast. In a world where 4K projectors are creeping down in price, is this high-definition BenQ projector worth your consideration? Let's find out.
The BenQ HT2060 is the most recent addition to the company's growing family of LED-powered projectors. BenQ has dominated the sub $1,000 entry-level projector class for years – going back to models like the W1070A, HT2050A, and HT3050. BenQ has consistently introduced entry-level projectors at a $999 price point with features and performance often found in more expensive models.
The new HT2060 projector looks to continue this trend and even step it up a notch. If a Full HD (1920 x 1080p) projector is enough resolution for you, then the BenQ HT2060 could be the projector for you and is certainly worth a closer look.
This projector is perfect for customers looking to create their first cinema-quality big-screen home theater and is ideal for a small to medium-sized home theater or living room. And, if past performance is any indication, the HT2060 will work well in rooms with moderate amounts of uncontrolled ambient light thanks to the company's 4LED light engine.
Epson has introduced a new 3-chip 3LCD projector named the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector, retailing at $429.00. They describe it as the perfect companion for both business necessities and an enhanced entertainment experience. The lamp-based EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 offers WXGA (1280 × 800) native resolution but supports video display formats up to Full HD (1920 x 1080). The projector can deliver 3000 lumens of brightness for a compact package.
Epson's EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is designed to cater to the evolving hybrid work culture where employees split their work week between home and the office. This kind of lifestyle, including full-time work from home, can be significantly elevated with devices tailored specifically for professional and leisure purposes. Epson proposes that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 projector model perfectly balances the needs of professional presentations and the pleasure of an immersive home movie experience.
"As today's hybrid lifestyles continue to evolve, it is important that professionals are equipped with solutions that are easily adaptable to various environments and suitable for a range of applications,” said Kenny Tang, Product Manager, Projectors, Epson America, Inc. "Whether presenting to peers during the day or hosting a movie night with friends, larger and more immersive viewing makes a big difference. With the EpiqVision Flex projectors, users will experience the best of both worlds with technology that offers convenience, versatility, and most importantly, incredibly bright and engaging big-screen images."
Epson asserts that their new EpiqVision Flex projectors are tailored to "own any room.” They mean that the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 grants hybrid workers the luxury of owning a projector that not only displays bright, intricate visuals for work-related content such as PowerPoint presentations, but also has the picture quality necessary to enjoy popular movies and TV shows.
Epson states that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 has the capacity to project images over 300 inches. I do not have a 300 inch projector screen, but when put to the test in my projector lab, it exhibited superb performance at 100 inches. The vertical and horizontal keystone correction of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01, combined with its zoom and manual focus capabilities, makes it an ideal choice for individuals who frequently need to relocate the projector.
The Optoma ML1080 is an ultra-compact RGB laser full HD 1080p projector that retails for $999.00. While it is one of Optoma’s most compact and portable projectors, the ML1080 includes several notable features that make it an excellent solution for consumer and professional applications.
While most projectors its size utilize LED light sources, the ML1080 is equipped with an RGB triple laser light source that can deliver 1200 lumens of brightness (550 ANSI Lumens), and it can reproduce a vast range of colors. It had been several months since I saw the ML1080 at InfoComm 2023, so I had forgotten how lightweight and compact it is. The projector weighs just 2.3 lbs and is the most compact RGB laser projector I have ever reviewed.
The projector’s compact form factor brightness, picture quality, and feature set make the ML1080 flexible enough to use at home, on the go, and in various professional applications. Optoma also offers a short-throw version of the projector called ML1080ST ($1149 SRP) to provide more placement flexibility.
There are portable 4K projectors on the market that cost less than the Optoma ML1080 but most can't deliver the color reproduction, onscreen contrast, and brightness of the ML1080. So, while the ML1080 displays less resolution, its picture quality makes it stand out against the competition.
The unit's premium RGB triple laser light source can deliver up to 1200 lumens of brightness (550 ANSI Lumens) while reproducing colors that many more expensive projectors and flat panel displays cannot. The ML1080 can reproduce up to 105% of the BT.2020 color gamut.
The projector's ability to display a wide color gamut is especially beneficial when displaying HDR (High Dynamic Range) material. The ML1080 supports both HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG).
Due to the projector's energy-efficient RGB triple laser light source, the ML1080 can deliver up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation while maintaining its brightness and color saturation. The RGB laser light source also reduces the unit's power consumption by up to 58% compared to Optoma lamp-based projectors at the same brightness levels.
The LG CineBeam PF510Q is a Full HD, $599.99 portable, 4Ch (RGB) LED smart projector with 450 ANSI lumens. In addition, the PF510Q is an HDR-compatible projector, and the 4-channel (RGBB) LED light source is rated to last up to 30,000 hours. The LG PF510Q portable projector utilizes a single DLP chip to deliver its Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080).
LG sent Projector Reviews a pre-production demo sample of the PF510Q for this review. To test the PF510Q, I connected my Kaleidescape Compact Terra 6TB movie server, Kaleidescape Strato C 4K movie player, Apple TV 4K, PlayStation 5, and Razer Blade 17 4K – GeForce RTX™ 3080 Ti laptop to the projector via certified 48Gbps HDMI cables.
For this review, I projected the LG PF510Q onto a 100-inch (16:9) Elite Screens Aeon fixed frame projection screen with Elite's Edge Free® technology and Elite's CineWhite® UHD-B screen material. Following LG's recommendation of keeping the image size between 30 and 120 inches, I projected a 100-inch image for this review.
The PF510Q is one of the newest models from LG and is part of LG's CineBeam lineup of projectors designed to make projection more accessible and appealing to a broader range of consumers. The PF510Q is Bluetooth capable, meaning you can wirelessly stream sound directly from the PF510Q projector to a Bluetooth-compatible sound system like headphones, home audio speakers, or portable speakers.
The PF510Q has a built-in 5W mono speaker and is Dolby Atmos compatible (Pass Through). The projector has a 3.5mm audio output jack and two HDMI inputs (One ARC). The projector also has a USB 2.0 Type-A connector featuring HID (Keyboard, Mouse, Gamepad) connection through USB functionality and a LAN port.
Best of all, the LG PF510Q has LG's exclusive Smart TV platform, which is easy to set up and offers an effortless discovery of premium content from some of the most popular providers. Furthermore, since the PF510Q uses LG's User Interface (UI), which was developed over numerous years and is used in millions of LG TVs worldwide, the projector is seamless, easy to navigate, and well laid out.
XGIMI has done it yet again! XGIMI has found a way to improve the already great XGIMI Halo Smart Portable LED Projector. The new projector is called the XGIMI Halo+. The new Halo+ Full High Definition (FHD) Smart Portable Projector retails for $849 and it offers smarter setup, more power, more ANSI lumens, and expanded features while maintaining the flexibility and portability of the original XGIMI Halo.
Just imagine if the Halo and Horizon had a projector baby, that baby would be called Halo+. Keep in mind that back in May 2021, we at Projector Reviews awarded the XGIMI Halo the Projector Reviews “Best in Class Award” for it being the best battery-operated portable smart projector in its price range. It is also now on the list for one of the best projectors under $1,000.
Tex Yang, vice president of global sales at XGIMI corporate, said, “Halo+ was designed with the intent to make a projector as capable in the house as it is on the go.” He added, “We packed Halo+ with our best technology to make the most powerful, portable projector that is easy to use for beginners while satisfying the needs of the most discerning technophiles.”
XGIMI sent Projector Reviews a pre-production Halo+ for demonstration purposes. As always, I’m bringing you an independent and honest review. In addition, I have a full review of the XGIMI Halo and a “First Look Review” on the XGIMI Horizon on the Projector Reviews website.
The XGIMI Halo+ is an FHD (1080p) portable smart projector with a built-in 59W battery rated to last up to two hours. The Halo is rated at 800 ANSI lumens, and XGIMI stated at the time, the Halo was the brightest projector in its class. Well, the Halo+ just took over the throne with its rated brightness of 900 NASI lumens. The Halo+’s extra brightness claim will put that to the test later in this review.
The Halo+ also runs Android TV 10.0 which is the latest version and it offers native support for Netflix which the older Halo does not.
