4K Projectors

Projectors have long been a staple for presentations in the business community, but recently they’ve become popular in home theater systems, too. This is especially true with the emergence of the 4K projector, and even better, the 4K HDR projector. One good reason is that a 4K home theater projector delivers high-resolution images to a projector screen of 100 inches or larger more affordably than a similarly sized television. Of course, you need content. And while most projectors don’t have a built-in tuner, you can easily connect a set-top box, streaming device, or Blu-ray player using the appropriate HDMI or USB cables. Or, you can get a smart 4K projector, with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-compatibility, that will allow you to access websites and apps just like a smart TV. You’ll also want to think about the sound that will complete your immersive viewing experience. Some projectors have built-in speakers, but you may want to incorporate a home theater system into your entertainment area, or perhaps Bluetooth speakers, to fully complement the impressive impact of the high-quality video.

One of your first considerations when you’re browsing for a 4K projector will likely be the type of projector you want. The three most popular types are LCD (liquid crystal display), DLP (digital light processing), and LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) which is something of a hybrid of the first two. SXRD and D-ILA technology are variations of LCOS, manufactured by Sony and JVC respectively. While there are pros and cons for each type, LCD 4K projectors provide impressive color output that excels in well-lit rooms, offer sharp images, and are quieter and more energy efficient than DLP projectors. On the other hand, DLP projectors tend to be lighter and more compact, and offer smoother motion in fast-paced action scenes, along with high contrast. LCOS 4K projectors tend to be higher end, and offer a bright display, excellent color saturation and smooth motion. 

To find the best 4K projector for you, you’ll want to have a good idea of your entertainment area setup and the space you have to use. A 4K projector can reside on a table, or on a shelf in the back of the room, or you can use a projector mount to install it on the ceiling or a wall. But if you mount it too close to the screen, the projected image will be too small, and if you mount it too far away, the image will be too big. Many projectors have a zoom adjustment that will allow some flexibility in adjusting image size, but you’ll still want to consider the throw distance rating of the 4K projector you select. The throw distance is the measurement between the projector lens and the screen and is illustrated as a ratio such as 1.5:1. This example means that for every foot of screen width, you’ll need 1.5 feet of throw distance. In this case, a five-foot screen would require a throw distance of 5 x 1.5 = 7.5 feet. Today you can get a 4K short throw projector, or even an ultrashort throw projector, that can be mounted within inches of the screen. You can find all the details you need to choose the best 4K projector for you in each product description at Best Buy. If you want help installing your 4K projector, or with any aspect of your home theater installation, don’t hesitate to contact our professional Geek Squad^® agents. If your still trying to decide between a home theater projecter and a smart TV be sure to get our expert tips on the Best Buy Discover & Learn blog.