STACK #224 June 2023

TECH FEATURE

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Setting the scene

Whether you’ve set up a dedicated home theatre or just want to add a bit of cinema ambience to the lounge room, simple things like a makeshift candy bar, posters, and dimmable lighting will enhance the experience. And if you want to go the extra mile, some premium

It’s time to recreate the spectacle of the cinema in the comfort of your own home.We’ve selected four projectors that will deliver an unforgettable big screen experience, along with some fun tips to add an authentic cinema atmosphere to your movie nights – albeit without the exorbitant ticket and candy bar prices. Words Scott Hocking THE ULTIMATE HOME CINEMA EXPERIENCE

seating – recliners with cup holders, of course!

IT’S SHOWTIME!

Double the fun Why watch just one movie when you can screen a double feature in the traditional cinema style. Choose two complementary films from a specific genre, or pair an original with the sequel. Kick things off with some soundtrack selections to set the mood, add a couple of trailers before each feature, and break for a short intermission.

TONIGHT 7:30

PLUS

Host a film festival Select a specially tailored line-up of movies to screen during the week, or as a weekend marathon. Curate your personal film festival by genre, star, director, country of origin, or a particular decade. Create and print a programme with session dates/ times for your guests.

BENQ TK850 i TRUE 4K PROJECTOR WITH BUILT-IN ANDROID TV A good all-rounder for movie buffs and sports fans, this compact DLP projector beams a 4K HDR image on a screen size up to 100” from 2.5m, with 3,000 lumens brightness and HDR-PRO to boost contrast and detail in a variety of lighting conditions. There’s a dedicated Sports mode and 60fps motion enhancer for smooth action, Android TV and Chromecast built-in for wireless streaming and casting content from a smartphone or laptop, a Google Assistant remote, and two HDMI ports (including ARC).

HISENSE LASER CINEMA PL1H 4K ULTRA SHORT THROW SMART PROJECTOR This sleek projector features 4K and Dolby Vision HDR for a detailed and vibrant picture, and the inbuilt speakers support Dolby Atmos. With 2,100 ANSI lumens of brightness, it performs best in a darkened room or home theatre. The PL1H can sit 42cm from a wall to project a screen size of 120”, which can be varied by simply changing the distance. Streaming apps and free-to-air TV can be accessed via the VIDAA OS and built-in tuner, respectively, and there are two HDMI ports for external devices.

SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE TRIPLE LASER 4K SMART PROJECTOR The Premiere will turn every movie night into an event with a triple laser system that delivers precise colour accuracy and contrast for 4K resolution plus HDR, with 4.2 channel audio built in. A bright projector at 2,800 lumens, it’s a perfect fit for lounge rooms and home theatres, with an ultra-short throw minimum distance of 11.3cm for a big 130” screen. Samsung’s smart TV content at your fingertips or voice command, and there are three HDMI ports for external device connection, including eARC for a soundbar. interface and an inbuilt tuner put a wealth of

LG CINEBEAM HU710P 4K HOME CINEMA SMART PROJECTOR The HU710P uses a hybrid laser and LED light source for peak brightness and vivid colours, and excels with 4K HDR content. 2,000 lumens of brightness make it ideal for a home theatre or ambient-lit room. A long throw projector, it’s best positioned 3–4.5m from a wall for a 100” screen, which can be increased to 150” at a greater distance – and a massive 300” if you have the space! Elevate it using the adjustable legs or a ceiling mount. Streaming apps can be accessed via the webOS platform, but there's no inbuilt TV tuner.

BACK TO THE '80s

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British photographer Eadweard Muybridge invented the first movie projector in 1879. The ‘Zoopraxiscope’ projected images painted on rotating glass discs to create a moving picture. DYK?

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports and eARC.

36 JUNE 2023

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