STACK #249 July 2025

TECH FEATURE

BEAM IT UP! A QUICK GUIDE TO PROJECTORS

Thinking of turning your lounge room, backyard, bedroom, or even a tent into a personal cinema? Projectors have never been more versatile! Here's what you need to know to bring the big screen home. Words Scott Hocking

A home theatre setup with a projector was formerly reserved for those with deep pockets. But today, projectors have never been more affordable, and can pack the kind of advanced image tech and prerequisite for using a projector; many of today’s models are bright enough for rooms with ambient light. So, 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’s what you need to know before you go shopping. functionality found in smart TVs. A pitch-black room is no longer a

Auto adjustment: The best projectors do the heavy lifting – auto focus, screen fit, and keystone correction – so the picture always looks sharp and correctly aligned with minimal fuss. Throw distance: No room? No problem. Ultra-Short Throw (UST) projectors can sit right beneath a screen/wall and still beam a screen size up to 120”. Long throw models need more space, but are great for big rooms and home theatres.

everything from backyard movie nights to business presentations, while larger high def home theatre projectors suit permanent setups in a lounge room or theatre room. Screen size: How big do you want to go? Projectors can beam images from 60 inches up to a massive 300 inches! For most homes, a 100–120” screen is the sweet spot – just make sure you have the wall space to match. Picture quality: Entry-level models generally deliver Full HD (1080p), while more premium projectors can rival top-tier TVs, offering stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision and HDR10.

Sound: Built-in speakers are fine for casual and outdoor viewing, but for that blockbuster feel, look for a HDMI output and hook up a soundbar. Smart features: Many projectors now come with Google TV and streaming apps built in, voice control support, and screen mirroring. Just add Wi-Fi and you're good to go! Connectivity: Look for HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for maximum compatibility, so you can stream, game, or present without a hitch.

Brightness and lamp life: Brightness matters, especially in well-lit rooms or outdoors. Look for up to 2,000 ANSI lumens for dark rooms and 3,000+ for brighter spaces. Portable models need at least up to 1,000 lumens. Lamp life is solid nowadays, often lasting 20,000–30,000 hours. Contrast Ratio: A high contrast ratio means deeper blacks and brighter whites, giving you a more vivid, cinematic experience – aim for 3,000:1 or above.

What to consider: System: DLP is great for gaming and general use; LCD for colour accuracy, home theatres and business use; LED for long lifespan and portability; Laser for top-tier brightness and contrast – ideal for home theatres and large rooms. Versatility: Portable models are perfect for

34 JULY 2025

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