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room, while portables can be set up anywhere, indoors or out, for the best of both worlds. And mini projectors also offer portability and are ideal for business presentations and students, as well as everyday home use. What about the screen? The beauty of a projector is its point-and-project simplicity. A clean and smooth white wall

makes the perfect screen, without the added cost of buying a portable, rollable or fixed one. Plus,

there are no size constraints – the screen can be as

big as the projector allows, provided you

have the wall space.

Recreating the big screen cinema experience at home and outdoors with a projector has never been easier or more affordable. But before you pop one in your shopping cart, it pays to do some groundwork to get the best out of your new projector. Words Scott Hocking A dedicated home theatre setup with a projector was formerly reserved for the affluent or ardent movie buff. However WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A PROJECTOR

Moreover, portable projectors can be pointed at a white sheet, a shed wall, or the

side of tent. And ceiling projection is also a fun option if the model has

a 180° rotatable stand – perfect for big screen viewing in bed! If you’re serious about your cinema, however, and have invested in a projector with 4K resolution and HDR, an anti-light reflecting (ALR) screen will bring out its best in both dark and well-lit rooms. And if you don’t want a wall-mounted screen, or are short on wall space, there are plenty of portable and rollable options available (see page 24). Where will you put it? The distance between the projector and the wall/screen determines the size of the projected image, so find a prime position beforehand. Ultra-short throw home theatre projectors sit very close to a wall, while a portable or mini can be easily positioned on a coffee table or behind the couch. Ceiling mounting is also an option for a fixed setup.

What’s your budget? From entry-level portables and minis to premium home theatre models and units designed for gaming, there’s a projector to meet all needs and budgets. Serious cinephiles wanting the highest resolution possible should opt for a 4K projector, while a good portable can be more affordable and still include many high-end features and functions. When you consider the exorbitant cost of taking the family to the cinema nowadays, a projector is an investment that will pay for itself in no time. How and where will you use it? Projectors are versatile devices, so it should be easy to pick the type that will best fit your home, lifestyle, viewing habits, and, of course, budget. Will it sit in a permanent spot for

today, projectors have not only substantially dropped in price, but also pack the kind of advanced image tech and functionality found in smart TVs. A pitch-black room is no longer essential for the best possible picture quality from a projector; many of today’s models are bright enough for both daytime viewing and movie nights.

Some modern projectors can beam images in stunning 4K Ultra HD on screen sizes up to 150 inches (or more), and, even better, portable models can take the cinema experience outdoors under the stars. Whether you’re looking to set up the ultimate home theatre or want to enjoy a pop-up cinema anywhere with a portable projector, here are some important questions to consider before you go shopping.

everyday use, or only be set up for special occasions like movie nights, sports matches, or gaming sessions?

Projectors should always be placed on a flat surface, although some portable models can auto-straighten the picture if the surface is uneven. The amount of light in a room should also be factored in, particularly if you intend to use the projector for daytime viewing.

Home theatre projectors are generally bigger and best suited for a dedicated theatre room or to replace or complement the TV in the lounge

10 JUNE 2024

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