Projectors

A projector is a device that displays an image on a screen. Most projectors shine a light through a clear lens to create an image on the screen, with some new projectors creating images using lasers. Projectors are a great way for you to watch your favourite movies and TV shows on a large screen without buying a big screen TV.

To decide on a good projector, first consider your room size, lighting, and reason for buying a projector. Are you setting up a home theatre room, using it in an office environment for presentations, or would you like a portable projector to use wherever you choose?

If you’re using a projector for business presentations, you’ll find the lower priced projectors will suit your needs, easily connecting to a computer and suitable for rooms that can’t be darkened.

To create the ultimate home theatre, you won’t go wrong with a 4K projector. You’ll also want to check the lumens (the brighter, the better for a home theatre), and if you’re playing games or watching sport, look for brands offering a low input lag. If you’re not as worried about the picture quality but want to watch movies, videos or TV shows anywhere you go, you should consider a portable projector.

The room where you’ll be watching your favourite old time movies or the latest blockbusters will determine the type of projector you should choose for your home.

If you’ve designed a theatre room, besides being the envy of your friends, you’ve created the best possible set up for watching movies using a projector.

Rooms that can fully block out light when using a projector will reward you with the richest and most crisp imagery that will make you feel like you’re in a movie theatre. To achieve this, you’ll want to choose a higher end device like a 4K projector.

If you can’t fully block out light, or you’re looking for a projector for a living room to watch occasional movies, TV shows or sports, a portable or mini projector is the way to go.

You’ll also need to know the size of your room. As a guide, to project a 100” image, the projector needs to be 100” away from your screen. If your room is smaller, look for a short throw projector.

If you want the ultimate viewing experience, you’ll want a screen with a smooth finish that’s designed to reflect light, not a plain white wall.

Projector screens are made with ambient light reflecting materials and come in a range of sizes to suit your projector, from 60” to 120”. You can choose if it’s a permanent screen (ideal for home theatre rooms), a pull down or a portable screen.

Most projectors will have built-in sound, but you can add a home theatre system to create a movie experience in your home. And if you don’t want to be running wires everywhere, you can go all out and upgrade to a wireless theatre system. That’s perfection!

You’ll also need to consider how to watch movies, TV shows or sports through your projector. Smart projectors are the best in that you can stream YouTube and your subscription entertainment like Netflix, Disney Plus and more from the device itself. If you don’t have a smart projector, you’ll need to connect devices (phones, computers, Blu-rays etc.) using HDMI cables or Google Chromecast. 

Portable (or mini) projectors are ideal if you want some flexibility on where you can watch movies. You can easily set these up in separate living areas or take them over to a friend’s house if you want to share a movie with them.

You can also create memorable date nights or family movie nights by setting up a cosy outdoor cinema using a portable projector and screen.

If you don’t expect cinema quality, you'll find a portable projector, such as the NEBULA brand, quite an affordable option.

For general home theatre use (i.e. using a projector in a lounge room), you’ll find 4K projectors offer exceptional quality and value. You can choose a short throw projector (for smaller spaces) and smart projectors for inbuilt online streaming.

Buyers with dedicated home theatre rooms opt for higher end products to get the full impact of the home cinema experience. Samsung, Hisense and Epson are the brands of choice.