Home theatre projectors, a good idea for a Gamer? (How I chose mine)
In a few weeks I’ll need to replace my TV with something “new”, for various reasons. I currently have a 37” TV that cost us $1000 (don’t laugh. That was 5 years ago, and electronics are super expensive in Japan, despite popular belief).
A few weeks ago I went to a friend’s place and we played video games (we played the OUYA, as a follow up to the great afternoon I had playing with the same friends a few months ago). The guy had a video projector, with 2 HDMI inputs, surprisingly good brightness. It gave us the impression that we were playing on a 100” TV. And he had bought it for less than $1000. I was basically impressed, and quite envious.
As I’m facing the upcoming purchase, I started looking into projectors, and what matters when people buy one. I’ll share my findings with you below, from the point of view of a gamer.
It’s the holiday season and Amazon have an ongoing sale with many projectors sold at 30% off or more. I’m trying to decide if those are a better deal than a TV, to plug in my PS4 and potentially my computer. The prices of the Amazon sale range from $275 to $5000, but obviously I’m not going to go that far. I’ll limit myself to $1000 or less.
The pros and cons of a projector
First, to dive into the generic stuff: for an equivalent perceived size (think 70 to 100 inches!), projectors are way, way cheaper than an LCD TV, even if you factor in the fact that lamps have to be changed once in a while. They also have a better picture quality overall, and a much better viewing angle. On the cons side, they might require an external audio system (although some of them come with reasonable audio – at least comparable to what TVs can offer), and will require a darker room.
The amount of light in your room when you play or watch movies is going to be the main decision factor between a TV and a projector basically. In a room full of windows, assuming you don’t like curtains or you like to play in daylight (???), a TV will be the most reasonable choice. I think for movies the issue is less obvious, because most people like to watch movies in a darker atmosphere.
People who own a projector told me the main issue of owning a projector, is that everybody else’s TV now just seems way too small 🙂
What to get? Don’t forget you’re a gamer
I’m now going to filter down my selection, between price and expected features. There are a few important things to consider when buying a projector, in particular if you’re a gamer.
First of all, as we mentioned above, the brightness of the device is an essential factor. It is even more important for a gamer, to avoid eye fatigue, and to be able to clearly see important details. 1500 Lumens seems to be a minimum, but 3000 Lumens are recommended if you plan on playing in a room with ambient light. I’ll aim for 2’000 Lumens
Professionals also mention that a high refresh rate (the rate at which the project processes the input, not the rate at which it displays it!) is essential for gaming. You shouldn’t go under 120Hz, and they recommend 480Hz for people who can afford it. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not provide that information, so this leaves us with reading customer reviews to get information about “lag” or global responsiveness of the projector when playing games.
Contrast is another essential selection filter for gamers. a contrast ratio of 5’000:1 is the mimimum requirement for gamers, although numbers in the range of 20’000:1 or even 100’000:1 are recommended for people who can afford it. These will help perceive details in shadows, etc… which is essential for many games.
Last but not least, we expect support for HDMI, and High Resolution output (which is known as UXGA or WUXGA for projectors). Be careful here, some projectors are “1080p compatible”, which means they accept HD input, but not necessarily that they will output in full HD.
Ok, so let’s summarize: 2’000 Lumens, contrast ratio of above 5’000:1, and big refresh rate. I’d also like to stay under $1000, and I’ll only keep things that are getting 4 stars or more on average in customer reviews.
The results
With my search criteria, first, let me announce that it is not possible to have a true 1080p experience under the $500 range. For a result equivalent to a 100 inch TV, anything below $1000 is still a great deal (a 90” TV costs more than $5000 today).
Sacrificing a bit of quality, to go to 720p instead of 1080p for example, leaves some room for cheaper prices, but I want some quality time, not a cheap device that I won’t use.
It also appears that in my price range, the 3 leading brands are BenQ, Optoma, and ViewSonic. I have owned a viewSonic screen monitor for more than a year now and am very happy with it. It was cheap and is of great quality. BenQ are a reputed brand, and Optoma have the best deal (by far) in my selection… I’ll get to it soon :). As a reminder, all the projectors I found below are getting great customer reviews (more than 4 stars on Amazon on average).
Various projectors meet the criteria of the gamer that I’ve defined above:
In the $800~$900 range, the HT-1085ST (Short Throw),and the 108ST, both by BenQ.
In the $700~800 range, BenQ has the W1070. Optoma have the GT1080, directly aimed at PS4/Xbox One gamers, and the HD25-LV (3500 Lumen!). Viewsonic sell the PRO8200 (2000 Lumens) and the PRO8300 (3000 Lumens)
for $600 to $700: The DH1009 by Optoma (3200Lumens), the HD26 (again by Optoma, 3200 Lumens as well), the MH680 by BenQ, and the PJD7820HD by Viewsonic are all great options.
In general, the difference in pricing comes from additional inputs (e.g. 2 HDMI instead of 1), better brightness (higher Lumens) , or additional features. Short Throw projectors for example (such as the HT1085ST above) allow for a big projection size even if you have space constraints and need the projector to be close to the projected surface.
My Number 1
But to me, the best choice of all is Optoma’s HD141X. Currently for sale at $599, this one is a best seller on pretty much every electronics store right now, and is getting terrific reviews. It does not stop here, until November 30th, Amazon have a promotion where people buying this projector receive a $50 gift card, making its actual cost $549! 3’000 Lumens, contrast ratio of 20’000:1, integrated audio (although I’ll probably hook it up to my Hifi), terrific reviews, and incredibly cheap price: This is the projector I’ll be getting 🙂
Below is a picture of what it feels to play on that projector (from an actual review on Amazon). As a matter of comparison, they put a 42” TV at the bottom of the screen… *drools*
Next step: figuring out if I want a projector screen to go with it, or if the wall will be enough…
How about you? Do you have a projector or a TV for your gaming needs? Are you happy with your choice? Any recommendation?
Disclaimer: the links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, you don’t pay anything more, but I get a percentage of the sale. Independently, the research and recommendations here are totally genuine.
And where would u place the projector also maters if u want to change channels through remote
1st!!! please love me..
fail 🙁
I use a projector for classic gaming and it kicks ***! 😀
I painted the whole room matte black and i am using it on a white wall. Since i use it for classic gaming and Rock Band it’s not HD but it does have 3000 lumens and it looks fantastic! The room you use it in should have darker walls with non-reflective paint if possible for the best experience.
Enjoy your new toy! Projectors are awesome! 😀
My advises :
1st : calculate the max size you will be able to get as rendering surface in your room.
2nd : Test for real any video projector with same config or similar on an equivalent rendering surface. I personnally have no ideo of what a 720p projector can look like on a 50″ +rendering surface but I fear the quality will look terrible whetever the optic quality will be.
3rd : If both previous points are OK, compare the price of a classic HD TV of this size if this exists with the price of your projector.
Finally be aware that a projector will always require lesser ambiant light to have something correct rendered than a TV will require. So : be prepared to live in the dark :p.
720p doesn’t look AWFUL, but my projector had trouble maintaining focus over long periods of time (had a 500 lumen LED projector from InFocus). I paid $300 for that projector, but decided that I want a 1080p projector instead.
The Optoma HD140x is on sale on newegg right now – just ordered one for $540
Great article Wololo. Please share pictures once you get it and set it up. I’d like to know where you want to install it? In your living room or in a dedicated/dark room?
If by “chance” you install it in your living room, please share your thoughts at using it in ambiant light. I too am considering changing my really-too-small-40″-TV, and I didn’t think about a projector. However, I’d need to install it in my living room that is, even with curtains closed, kinda bright in the day.
Thanks!
I doubt he will have a dedicated room for gaming, remember he lives in Japan, they have limited space there(housing)
Thanks for the article and im glad that my pick: the optoma HD25-LV is on your list. I use it for games and movies both 2D and 3D if available. And it does everything that i want it to do. The projector was not that expensive in the Netherlands. But the 3D glasses that you will need cost € 100,- a piece. so if you want to use with friends/family this will cost you.
I play at my GF’s house on a 3d projector. It’s an optoma if I remember correctly. It only set us back about 300 on eBay. We’ve had it almost a year and it’s great. The only issue we had was running the HDMI cable through the ceiling and having the right length. Disappointed by the number of 3d games actually out there, but playing through Arkham Asylum in 3d is pretty neat. Even better on 100″ of wall/screen.
I have an Acer® H5360. Got it for a great deal on amazon a few years back and the thing does 1080i and 3d, not that I use the latter at all. The room I’m in has lots of windows and light walls, but I invested in curtains and pull down screens. It takes a hit during the day, but it is glorious at night. The sound set up was a bit of an issue, but it’s nice to have the screen area be totally clear. All of the electronics are in the corner to the left of the couch, and I have to change inputs to get sound to different devices. I could probably get an amp and streamline that whole process, but that’s my own laziness, not a lack of options. I have an 80 inch pull down screen that I’ve had for a while, but when I got this place, the throw makes the image way too big for it. I’ve had to SHRINK my screen size!
Eventually, I’m going to upgrade to an 100 inch screen and take full advantage of my viewing space.
If you have no space and whant a big screen, you can stay for Oculus rift like project, i think 2015 will be the year of 4K for mobile phone, and 4K on a so small screen will be a huge goal for Virtual Reality 3D/2D games and movies.
I actually just got a projector! its an Acer h6510bd..1080p native 3d projector for only $800 and it has higher than 2000 lumens! and its a wide angle projector… i can get a 120inch screen on my white wall that is about 10ft away :D!
Just as a warning though… i used to only play my ps4 once every 2 weeks or so… no i try to play it any chance i get =_=..
The built in speaker for the acer H6510BD is horrible though… i would recommend getting some great sounding computer stereo speakers with a subwoofer. I got mine for $60 and they are way better than my tv speakers and sound amazing :D! Also… the projector i got was used and off of craigslist… $400 >:D and its practically brand new… not a scratch on it… it just came with 1000 hours already on it
The noise of the fan is something many people don’t take into the pro/con consideration.
If the projector is strictly for gaming, this might not be the biggest issue. But if you are a movie enthusiast it might a different issue. I had a projector a while ago and I got rid of it, because of the fan noise.
And even if they are called ‘low noise’ or whatever, I am still bothered by it. A movie with tension you are focussing…..and in the background you hear the bssssss.
No, thank you.
This could be said for owners of systems with fans as well…ps3 or 360 from personal experiences. My projector is smaller and quieter than the ps3 when a movie is playing.
I picked up a pretty sweet projector last year just before Black Friday at probably 70% off general pricing via Woot. I’m not plugging them or an advertiser, just an experience I had. I’d recommend definitely keeping an eye open there and sites similar in the next couple weeks. If you can spring it, then it may be the time to leap. I picked of an 83″ screen with tripod and yea, it kicks ***. 🙂
so u got urself a personal home cinema projector …
i remember when the first xbox was bundled with one lol
I bought mine nearly 4-5 years ago. I have an Optoma Gametime Projector Model 720 or something like that. It’s not the best but it works great. Been playing Minecraft on it lately
Was saving up for a 30″ tv. Completely forgot about projectors. Guess I’m saving up for the Optoma’s HD141X.
I prefer small screens in a computer desk set up. My screen also must have low input lag so like a monitor…
In terms of movies I would love a projecter because the quality is just stunning!
I own a BenQ W1000 full HD projector for over 3 years now. It my old appartment, it had 169″ picture, currently only ~90″. I use it primarily for watching movies, but I also play Xbox360/PS3/PS4 on it. The efect of the big picture is not compareable with a small 42″ TV. It is amazing, even though you have to somehow get the room dark if you want to play. Playing at daylight is not possible, that’s fact. If you have the space in your appartment, then I would recommend a projector! Ah, and a white wall is absolutely sufficient, you do not need a special screen.
Well if you have a proper area and sound system go ahead. Because you will then later be spending money on a home entertainment unit. And organizing everything in place properly is also safer for the kid. ; )
I just installed a projector in my basement. If you want an upgraded version of the BenQ W1070, the new model is the HT-1075 and it adds a input for apple TV, Google Chromecast etc. It meets all the above min specifications, if not all the nominal. Best part is that is was just over $1000 CAD.
I haven’t tried my gaming yet, however with my newly installed Sony receiver, I will get my PS4 connected this weekend.
Well always wanted a projecter jus so I could play my ps3 on a real big screen. Thought if u move the projected closer to the screen the picture will be more better quility well was cool playing ps3 on a projecter with one of the homies.
Last but not least and especially when it comes to gaming, some folks (like me) are sensible to the rainbow effect induced by the DLP technology. I too would have loved to use a DLP projector for gaming but I have to stick to 3LCD panels since the games goes “little Pony” on DLP. The image is clean though it’s an old one (a 720p bought in 2007), the black lacks… black and the contrast ratio could be better but at least I can play or watch an action movie with it.
Before buying a projector, go test yourself in a shop to see by yourself if you’re sensitive to rainbow effects.
Thanks, extremely good point, I am very sensitive to the rainbow effect myself.
Congrats Wololo, You filled me with PROJECTOR LUST – I bought an HD141x. Should be arriving today.
I’ve never seen this “rainbow” effect in my past projectors. Hopefully this one will be no different.
I had a very nice hd sony projector some years back. i loved it. I played games on an 8 ft x 12 ft screen and loved it. like stated above the room had to be dark for it to be enjoyable. This is my only gripe with said projector and the reason i now own a 50 inch vizio led tv. After about 2 years of use the lamp in the unit went bad. at the time a replacement bulb was a few hundred bucks from sony. I purchased it and it only lasted aout 8 months. it wasnt under warranty of course so i went with a cheaper brand bulb and the first one was bad out of the box. i returned it which took 3 weeks only to get another bulb that only lasted 2 months, i returned that under warranty and got a bulb that worked but had a crack at the base of it.
i gave up on the projector after that. my parents also have 2 tv’s that use bulbs and had the same problem after the factory installed ones went bad. They also had the same issues when buying replacements. I will only buy led tv’s now after dealing with the nightmare of replacing bulbs every 6 months. Just beware that after the factory bulb goes the replacements never last as long even if you shell out the money for the brand name one. Although ulb costs have gone down quite a bit in the last year or so. good luck.