(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best video projectors

These projectors are all LED based instead of your standard bulb based projector.

LED Projectors:

• Aren't that bright (brightness = 'lumens') and just aren't good outside under very controlled conditions like under a gazebo projecting onto a dark wall. The less light, the better, especially for LED projectors.
  
• Colors may not be as vivid, as sharp/crisp looking as some bulb-based projectors but LED projectors are still good.
  
• Cheaper LED projectors don't usually have a lot of controls to set things up. They have an options menu like all other projectors but they don't have a lot of 'features'. They're very plug and play, which can be good and bad.
  
• Are much more portable and lighter than bulb-based projectors.
  
• Are a big bang for buck, you don't have to replace bulbs like you do in bulb projectors which are $80-$300 (they last for roughly 3,500-7,000 hours).
  
• Their picture doesn't really get 'dim' over time like bulb based projectors do.
  
• LED projectors will last for 20,000 to 30,000 hours but when they die then they are just done, similar to that of a TV.
  
  The brand is AAXA which isn't the worst and isn't the best. The majority of their projectors are smaller but have pretty good build quality from what I've seen. I can't really judge on the quality apart from the specifications (480p, 720p, lumens, etc) or looking at picture/video reviews. So, if you're interested, you can go looking through youtube or searching for it on Projector Central. :)
  
  AAXA LED Pico. Seems great for what it is and can project up to a 60" image, but the very, very low lumens means it's going to be in a dark room 1000% of the time. Has quite a few ports for such a small projector. Much better than many of the $100 no name chinese projectors you see on Amazon that are 480p SD (Standard Definition) or less because this one is 540p HD (weird res, but that's ok).
  
  AAXA P3-X. Looks like a better version of the LED Pico above, can project up to an 80" image, more lumens but still needs to be in a completely dark room to see anything, more battery life, more ports for different devices.
  
  AAXA P5. The best and most expensive of the three. It's 720p HD, can project up to 100", still needs to be in a very light controlled room because it's only 300 lumens, you get the idea. The only problem with this guy is that he's better than the 480p projectors but he's not as good as some of the $500-$600, 1080P HD bulb based projectors. So, he has a lot of competition from things like the LG PH300, the bulb-based Acer H5380BD and other used/refurbished projectors.
  
  Anyways, hope this helped. Feel free to ask questions, I know this was a little long-winded but I try to reply to posts like I'd reply to close friends and family. Even if you're only spending $150 on the LED PICO projector, I'd want you to get your moneys worth. :)
  

If you're willing to stretch your budget just a bit more, the BenQ w1070 is raved for it's price range and will compete with many pricier projectors. It's selling for $585 on amazon at the time of this post. There are newer models of it, but it was the gold standard <$1k projector when I was shopping around a year ago. Otherwise, the Optoma HD142X is also well received, athough again $48 over your price range. I personally purchased an Acer H5380BD a year ago around $400, with a factory refurb currently selling on amazon for $280 (steal price!!). If you're buying new though, I'd recommend stretching out for the w1070, or newer BenQ generation if you can save up to the $700 mark. The w1070 is worth the extra cash compared to my Acer, but I do enjoy my Acer quite a bit and would jump on that refurb if you're comfortable purchasing a refurb. Things have changed in the past year though, so might help to do a quick search on wire cutter or other sources for newer tech.

ninja edit: if the BenQ was <$600 when I got my Acer, would have purchased without a doubt. It was around $750 when I was holding out for it but got too impatient.

double edit: Acer 5382 is a brigher version of the 5380 for $420. These are 720p though and I'd still recommend the BenQ. As someone else mentioned, H6510BD is a solid projector as well, but the BenQ w1070 was repeatedly named best value for a reason.

• Projector: Epson 5040, its a pseudo 4K like the one recommended to you, but much better. It can be had for $2500 or $2800 if you want wireless HDMI. A step down from that (regular 1080p) will be the Epson 5030 with wireless HDMI for ~$2475 (non-wireless is actually more expensive, as limited stock).
  
  Actually, 5040 be too bright for the room, it is meant for >150" screens or rooms with tons of ambient light, get the 5030. It can be mounted anywhere from 11ft-17ft while still being bright. I would suggest just setting it to THX mode and seeing how dim that would be, with that doesn't work at 11ft, set it to Cinema mode. At worst, set it to Living Room mode. You don't want to pre-mount the projector if it isn't good in that spot obviously. While projectors state >2000 lumens, that's like the dynamic setting on tv's at BestBuy, an accurate picture will have less light output.
  
  A mount for these should run you <$150
  
  
• Screen: 110" SilverTicket fixed frame in grey (better black level) for $290.
  
  Now, that leaves ~$3300 for audio (forgot about the universal remote/app thing, it seems good enough, but I don't know enough about it, Logitech's Harmony set is what's usually used though).
  
  
• Receiver: Denon X1300 for $400 (usually $600). Much better than the S510 model.
  
  
• Fronts:
  
  
  • Option #1: The PSA's, 2 orders of these and 1 of these. Totaling, $2275. These are pretty much the baddest boys on the block, don't get much better unless you really get into the Hi-Fi stuff.
    
    
  • Option #2: For a cheaper option (but not a cheap option), with towers, I would recommend the HTD Level Three towers + center. Now, they are a Texas company, so I don't know if sales tax is applied, if not, they will cost you ~$1050-$1175 depending on color and shipping costs. Now, these are very, very good speakers in their own right, but those PSA's would work in an actual movie theater. However, "Are the PSA's worth literally double the HTD setup?", I would say no, I would say $1750-$2000 would be a better price for the 3 speakers.
    
    
• Subwoofer: Rhythmic FVX15 for $1000. If with the PSA's, get the HSU VTF-MK5 for ~$600.
  
  
• Surrounds: Really no money for surrounds if you get the PSA's (unless downgrade the receiver and/or subwoofer). If going HTD's, you would have enough to do 7.1 easily.
  
  For surrounds, what is your seating layout going to be? Will there be just 1 row of seating, or will you have 2?

Yep, I've got a great one. And it's actually hooked up to my PC via Steam link, so I think it can be relevant to this sub. Here's my advice:

1. Light is important. You want higher lumens (brightness output) and the ability to make the room as dark as possible.
   
   
   
   
2. Since you are budget conscious, stick to 1080p. The image quality is still great and prices jump a lot with resolutions above that. I think that's where you'll get the best value in general.
   
   
3. Remember to look at inputs - does it support HDMI and how many ports does it have?
   
   
4. Think about audio...some have speakers built in but they are not ideal
   
   
   I have an Optoma, similar to this one but an older model. Mine has lasted 4 years now without even needing a bulb change and has been a great experience. The image is huge (size of a 127 inch TV) and clear, and it can get a lot bigger by adjusting the options. I can vouch for the brightness too - mine has the same lumens as this one and is very clear most of the time. I do have some trouble seeing dark images during the day, as the room has a lot of natural light, but it's still usable.

I love the mods. But as a reviewer, it's a question I struggle to answer.

It just so happens I'm someone who would very much use all four of the currently available mods on a regular basis, and has.

The style mods because they look nice. The battery mod for obvious reasons. The speaker mod because it's pretty much perfect as personal boombox when outdoors or going to the park, or even a house party. And the projector when I Netflix and chill at my girlfriend's place.

But I get to play with them because it's my job. That skews my perspective, as much as I try to compensate for that. Would I actually pay for them? I think so, if I had the money, especially the battery packs and projectors.

For me, it comes down to portability and practicality. Yes, you can just use an external Bluetooth speaker or battery pack or pico projector that can work with any device, but as someone who has multiple of each of those (#techreviewlife), they are all much clumsier solutions.

The Moto Z are pocketable with any of the mods attached. Normally, when my phones run out of juice, I'm used to carrying a battery pack and running a cable out of camera bag or pocket. It's clumsy and annoying. The cable snags on stuff. And battery cases are too big (and I hate cases).

Compare that to simply using a battery mod, which takes 2 seconds flat to attach. The smaller Z just feels like 'a bit of a thick phone' when a battery mod is attached, and I can totally see someone leaving it on all the time.

Also, the projector is actually quite nice, and is my favorite mod. It's about as good as the RIF6 cube, but comes with automatic keystone correction that works really well, and the integrated kickstand makes it easy to project onto a ceiling.

I have this guy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039XRJ5Y/

...and I love it. Some people on Amazon complain about the brightness, but I find it perfectly watchable even on a bright day as long as the curtains are closed. The picture is great semi-HD, it's quiet, and does everything I need it to.

It's right at your price range, and it's roughly the same size as the Pi. I say go for it.

EDIT: Mine is actually the 301+, which is 25 lumens brighter than the one I posted.

Friend of OP here; this is our back yard. :-) This is the projector that we bought and have been using the past few times we've done this. It's worked great for movies too, and the only downside I've seen is that there are no keystone or perspective settings (in case the projector needs to be off to the side). The remote feels a little cheap and the IR distance is a little spotty, but the volume control is handy when things get a little loud. In terms of projectors you can definitely do better, but for our meager needs this has been awesome.

Edit: It's also worth noting that it comes with an RGB converter that we used to connect the Retron 3 to the AV port on the projector. That little thing saved a lot of headaches. The projector does not have S/VGA connection, so a converter may be necessary if you can't use HDMI.

Fron Karl G
February 2, 2017 at 10:18 am
Actually the UO Smart Beam Laser (https://www.amazon.com/UO-Smart-Beam-Laser-resolution/dp/B014QZ4FLO) which uses Lasers to illuminate LCOS will also be focus free (have “infinite focus”). I can’t really recommend the UO product because they do a poor job of color balancing (generally red deficient), but their resolution is much higher and they are about 1.5X brighter. I have not measured the color on the Sony projectors, but the color was off (too red) on the Celluon Pico Pro which use a Sony optical engine. I saw UO at CES and they will be coming out with new products this year (hopefully they will fix the color).

Note that most projectors that call themselves “laser,” particularly the ones with over 1000 lumens, use a blue laser to illuminate a phosphor wheel with green (and often red and blue phosphors) on it and are NOT focus free. For marketing reasons t they emphasize the word “laser” but are technically “hybrid laser/phosphor” projectors.

For a few applications, like yours, focus free is necessary. Most of the time you set up a project and the screen and there is no need to change the focus. So in today’s market you can get an much brighter and higher resolution LED based projector with better color for less than half the cost of a laser projector; so unless being focus free is absolutely necessary, the vast majority of people will op for the LED projector.

Nice one, friend!! Good luck !! Hope you win ! I’ll take this projector at $399 :)

Optoma HD27E 1080p Home Cinema https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077942K1S/

right on right on.

In my experience those lighting things are kind of you get what you pay for ish, while LED's are a dime a dozen for sure.

this is the projector I have and it is very pixelated for your computer screen or movies but for milkdrop its perfect, it just has to be very dark.

But more like the other things your looking at I would suggest a UV LASER!! it instantly makes anything that glows in the dark, well glow or just your plain OG green laser if you can't be trusted with ultraviolet eye damaging power.

MOAR LASERS

I would suggest some glow in the dark pigment to mix with paint or glue for any and all places. Or you could paint a surface and draw on it with the UV laser.

My friend got this from his sister as a gift and left it at my house and, while kewl, I could buy much much much more mind blowing stuff for $100.

I hope you have a way of displaying your presentation - may i recommend:

https://www.amazon.com/Brookstone-MP100-Pocket-Projector-Mobile/dp/B008D6JDS8

And i hope you're not going to rely on your computer speakers for the acoustics. Sonos has some great wireless speakers that you should be able to interface with. I'd say 2 Play:5s, 2 Play:1s, the Subwoofer, as well as a sound bridge will do the trick.

Good luck!

Wow, this is a very cool giveaway! I don't think my odds of winning are very good, so I will go with this projector. Congrats and thank you for doing this!

Yeah I mean one option is going used but for under $100 it's gonna be like classroom type projectors with probably not much bulb life left so they'll already be dim and a replacement bulb will cost near as much as the projector itself.

The only other option is the cheap chinese stuff off Amazon like this:

https://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-Projector-Custimized-Compatible-Smartphone/dp/B07DR9GP45/ref=sr_1_18?keywords=projector&qid=1555611377&s=gateway&sr=8-18

I'll be honest about these a lot of people here will just say "it's crap" and leave it at that but it's not too helpful. It'll be usable but you will need some other source for sound for it to be really useable with more than one person. I had problems with my cheap Vankyo projector and a Crenova where the audio out would produce a loud humming noise but not everybody experienced that. Even a small bluetooth speaker would be better.

With the quality of these it's more likely going to be a neat party trick and not something you're going to use more than a few times. If that's okay then go for it but don't expect too much.

You would first NEED an LED projector just to cope with the hours of reading. That means (unless you are a loaded college student) going 720p with something like this. Then figure out if you want vertical or horizontal and then how big a projection is comfortable and then how big a font you like and then play with the "Cleartype"-ish options if you have any on the mac.

You may also want to play with different materials to project onto. A white or off white wall will work if it is perfectly flat.

You can't go wrong with this Viewsonic Beauty. If you're okay spending the $377 it really is the best bang for your buck. I have one in my living room and use it daily for movies/etc. I've also brought it over to friends houses for special occasions. Can't say enough about how much I love this thing.

If portability is your main concern, you should check out the little Optoma Pico Pocket.
I use one of these for screenings at my job when I'm on the go and it always performs as desired. Not nearly as beefy as the other one and you have to keep an eye on the battery but it'll certainly get the job done.

Hope this helps!

That's a big ask for a 150" screen. Maybe an Optomoa HD142X ($100 over your budget) but that's 1080p and actually nice and bright (not reference image quality but its cheap and super bright).

https://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD142X-Lumens-Theater-Projector/dp/B01HQCF6R6/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Cheaper than that Acer has a decentish 720p projector for $450: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IPAKKY2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I0VRE6E&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwpuresimula-20&linkId=DJTW4J2N355YOSLV&th=1

I don't see how it could possibly automatically correct keystone from the sides, it has no reference point, it would need a camera for that, and even then...

I imagine it could correct keystone from tilt, that's a common feature on many full size projectors, but that doesn't take care of side correction.

You can buy a micro laser projector 2" square for the same price and twice the brightness and HD.

https://www.amazon.com/UO-Smart-Beam-Laser-Laser-KDCUSA/dp/B014QZ4FLO

But you are correct, I'm all for innovation, and it does look like a cool product, but the ad is a lie :-)

You can always go for this one. It has an acceptable range of specs. I got an older model of those, the ML300. Really small, not very bright but great for normal use, but the problem here is that I got it refurbished and it overheats every 20 minutes. I even bought a PC fan to cool it and add some lifetime to the LED bulb and it's hit or miss.
If you get the model I linked or a NEW ML300 you're good to go for a fraction of the price.
For projectors, you almost never go other than NEW, not even refurbished. I say this from experience.

real lumens>everything including resolution

Probably a wuxga unit meant for conference/classrooms would be your best bang for the buck bet. 4,000 lumens plus. Something similar to https://www.amazon.com/Epson-Cinema-Brightness-Theater-Projector/dp/B014D7XHR8 would be great

Screenwise, could go with an ALR something, but would definitely prioritize a gain above 1. But they can get expensive and there are tradeoffs with viewing angles and the like and if it ever gets actual, direct sunlight it's likely worse than a plain white screen

Ahh I see, not sure what a solution might be, there's stipulations like what providers are available where the school is, how much they have in the budget, etc.

Are you able to have a TV in your room? Is there a library with a movie selection? Physical media seems like your best bet. Have you tried downloading movies onto your iPad from a location with better wifi? I know the Criterion Channel for instance has an option to download so you're able to watch when you're totally offline. Maybe a cell phone projector, something like this. Not sure how well those work.

Projector - Epson Powerlite 3020 $1249.99 This projector comes highly recommended by one of our experts, /u/ZeosPantera here. Quote from his thread on this projector "you will find this series of Epson projectors in $50,000 home theaters and for good reason".

Surround Processor - Emotiva XMC-1 $1999 The Dirac Room correction plus other must-have features make this worth the price of admission. This room correction actually calibrates dual subwoofers separately while most receivers and processors will treat 2 subs as 1.

Power Amplifier - Emotiva XPA-7 $1279 200 watts x 7 channels. Unlike receivers, which have decreases in power outputs with all channels driven simultaneously, power amps give you the full rated power with all channels driven.

**I'm suggesting separates (pre-amp or processor + power amp) vs an all-in one receiver because 1.it's what I use and 2.larger rooms require more headroom and receivers don't cut it in the amp power department. Some reading material here -> "Audioholics - AV Receivers VS Separates: Which One Is Better?" if you want more info for you or your uncle to familiarize yourselves with.

7.1 Speakers - SVS Prime Bookshelf Surround System $1249.99, Dual SVS PC-2000 Subwoofers $1499.99

Universal Remote - Logitech Harmony Ultimate $234.75 I wouldn't recommend having a home theater without it.

Total $7512.72 (not including taxes, shipping, etc.)

Strongly recommending Emotiva and SVS as you get WAY more performance to price ratio over just about any other brick/mortar store brands that I can think of.

This is a little over your budget, but is a great bright projector with a long bulb life. ViewSonic PJD5155 3300 Lumens SVGA HDMI Projector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ4G4YE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SouDzbK7WHHDA

if you're going to get a TV, may as well get a nice projector. They cost less and you can make the screen any size you want with a big enough room. this is the one I have, I love it.
https://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD27HDR-Lumens-Theater-Projector/dp/B07GYJ7MBP

Selling on Amazon for $347.99 with solid reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-PH300-Minibeam-Projector/dp/B00PSERELG

Seems like a nice projector for someone on a budget looking to spice up their entertainment center.

ok great Epson Home Cinema 1440 1080p 4400 Lumens Colour and White Brightness 3LCD Home Theater Projector is for you

Look into one of these

Cheap and it works well. I had a cheaper projector and upgraded to this and it's wonderful. Throw some speakers on it and good to go.

Agreed, movie theatre quality is going to cost a fair amount. The bulbs alone can really add up.

I owned this one the past 4 years in college and it was perfect for watching TV and playing Xbox: amazon link here

Again, not movie theatre quality, but really did the trick. We were able to have a ~70inch screen for about $350. If you're able to set it up in a very dark room that would help a lot (would allow you to get away with fewer lumens)

Everything you seem to want to accomplish would be exactly the same using a PC monitor. I am not sure how using a small projector would be in any way better? For your bezel issue just design a gap in front of the monitor where you can slide in different bezel shapes. There are also bezel artwork options in mame to fill in the blank spaces with artwork. Do not take this as discouraging advice, by all means try it your way. I just don't see any difference in using a monitor vs a projector.
Also, most projectors require about 2-3 feet of space to project the image clearly. This one needs 2 feet for a 20" screen size:
https://www.amazon.com/UO-Smart-Beam-Laser-resolution/dp/B014QZ4FLO

Here's what I'd go with that might be a little bit different from some other people:

Projector: http://smile.amazon.com/Epson-Cinema-Brightness-Theater-Projector/dp/B009EPSJXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1427349477&sr=1-1&keywords=epson+projector+3020

Screen: Just find the fixed screen that works for you.

Front/center Speakers: http://emptek.com/r55ti.php
(I'd go with 3 of these, and set one up in the center. conveniently enough, they're sold separately anyways.)

Side Speakers: http://emptek.com/r55wi.php (On wall!)

Rear Speakers: http://emptek.com/r5bi.php

Subwoofers: http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/dual-subwoofers/dual-pb-1000

Reciever: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4100w/denon-avr-x4100w-7.2-atmos-receiver-w/wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay/1.html

Should run you about ~$6000 depending on the price of the screen. If you were to upgrade anything about this setup, get 2 PB2000 subwoofers instead of the PB1000. Otherwise it's awesome. Alternatively, you could go with the same receiver, but go with a full Hsu Research setup (http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hybrid15mk2pkg.html) and save some money to spend a little bit more on the projector.

I was watching this thread and found out that RPI kits are currently on sale on amazon. Pretty killer deal, and a lot of the other components I needed for emulation were on sale too. I was able to put together everything I need for a portable (and cordless) emulation station for about $170 shipped.

Edit: This includes the 7" monitor that will be mounted on the carry case.

Currently two cheap options from two different sources. I ended up going with the CannaKit version. The differences I spotted in the two that might make the price increase reasonable are:

-Cheaper: Kingston memory v Canna: Samsung memory
-Cheaper: No listing on power source rating v Canna: listed rating for RPI B+
-Cheaper: Clear case v Canna: Black case
-Cheaper: smaller profile wifi dongle v Canna: a bit bigger.

Otherwise components will probably be exactly the same. There are other kits from both companies with less or more options. This package seemed like a good starting point for a lot of different projects.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LAAZKXQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-Components/dp/B00G1PNG54/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1422629217&sr=1-2&keywords=raspberry+pi

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PSERELG/

It was arguably the best deal on the market when I got it for $300 last year. There may be better models on the market now. Throw distance probably is a concern too; mine has a normal projector distance so the screen is often small when using it on the go.

I'm not sure why, but the low lumen levels actually look brighter than my friend's 1200 lumen lcd projector. Both do get washed out easily.

I ordered this one largely because it is "short throw". You can have it close to the wall, or put it on a table, or move it around to different rooms. It doesn't have to be mounted on the ceiling, with all the commitment to dealing with the cords. People, apparently, are loving them, and they are not very expensive.

I don't know about energy consumption but I think I read that there was an option to turn it to an "economy" mode. That might also (or instead) have something to do with the bulb, which I guess is expensive to replace.

I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully, I'll try it this week.

I recommend considering a short-throw projector. They can throw a 100" image from about 6' out, something that would take about 12' on a standard projector. With a short-throw, people walking around the room is less likely to cast a shadow on the screen.

I have the previous generation of this BenQ short-throw projector and am very happy with it and it's under $1000:
http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-HT1085ST-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00LTMPOUE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456853297&sr=8-1&keywords=benq+1080st

I have a Vilros kit, seems pretty good.
This is the one I have, it's more for computing: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Quick-Start/dp/B00L87YMGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422173960&sr=8-1&keywords=vilros&pebp=1422173986857&peasin=B00L87YMGM

This one is for electronics, etc: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-components--Raspberry-Kingston/dp/B00LAAZKXQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1422173960&sr=8-2&keywords=vilros

> I find it funny btw that the videos says that the message is more likely to be taken serious because the message is conveyed by men.

[It's cute how they think people who criticize SJWs care about the gender of the SJW](http://amzn.com/B00EY24CCC
).

Amazon usually has some good deals like this one or this one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079MQD2TL/ good projector, cheaper than renting a theater :)

This one for 1080 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077942K1S/

They are honestly fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4fQDb91n6w

That is a review of the one I have.

Here is a link to the newer version of that one on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-PJD5155-3300-Lumens-Projector/dp/B00SZ4G4YE/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1484164483&sr=8-15&keywords=projector&th=1

I would get This, it's a very nice HD projector for iPhone 4/4s/5. I've been using one for a couple months and I like it so far, although the battery only lasts about two hours on a full charge

Absolutely not. Those cheap chinese projectors are little more than toys.

Save up a bit more. Any of the cheapest brand name projectors would be miles ahead of that one.

Like this, this, or this, or this

That's cool! I'm looking into it now, something cheap like this. How would you say the video quality compares to a tv?

Go for it! I have one of these mouted with a ceiling mount. A great home theater projector for the money https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ4G4YE

I think it's this

Buddy of mine got one for Christmas and it works pretty well

Maximum size you are going to get with these projectors is 88".
Get the short throw projector like this https://www.amazon.com/BenQ-HT1085ST-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00LTMPOUE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469973359&sr=8-2&keywords=benq+st

And you can easily achieve 120" with 7.5 feet throw distance.

Are you in Canada?

I would like to start off saying that I would like to receive one of these for Christmas: http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-PK301-Pico-Pocket-Projector/dp/B0039XRJ5Y

I wish I could tell you! He plays games on his computer so maybe game? I see the B+ and would go for that but wanted to get a starter kit so he could mess around with that, but there are a few options on amazon. Like this or this.

I own this projector and the picture quality was just as good as the vast majority of large HD televisions I have seen. Obviously DVDs don't look quite as good, but Blu-Rays look extremely sharp even at 100". The reviews say it looks just as good up to 120, but unfortunately I currently don't have the room.

Projectors aren't loud at all... They have a cooling fan? Maybe I missed the point of the question...

Understand that I use my computer for all of my TV-shows and DVD watching and video games. The only reason for a separate TV then is the massive screen. If I want high resolution, I use my computer. That being said, amazon.com has a number of well reviewed projectors (one and two) under the $430 price tag that OP got.

If I were going to get a projector tomorrow, it would probably be one of those.

I really liked mine: https://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-Projector-Custimized-Compatible-Smartphone/dp/B07DR9GP45/ref=sr_1_acs_bss_3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535944871&sr=8-3-acs&keywords=projector

The price seems to fluctuate on newegg, for sure. Still well under the amazon price.

thanks! I'll look and see if I can buy one from a place I can return it. I'm going to borrow one from a buddy today and see how that one works before purchasing anything.
Right now I'm leaning towards the viewsonic pjd5133

Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Brookstone-MP100-Pocket-Projector-Mobile/dp/B008D6JDS8 or http://www.rakuten.com/prod/lumex-pico-max-beam-pod-mini-projector-mx-65-pocket-projector-dlp/283926653.html?listingId=426582809&sclid=pla_google_Adorama+Camera&adid=29963&gclid=CNjMgbXw_c4CFQkIaQoddHUE1Q

This projector


This arm, clamps right to edge of the table.


I add in a Bluetooth speaker (the projector's sound is a little tinny) and a Chromecast. Some white contact paper on the table for a nice high contrast screen.

Epson 1080P 4K Lumens Projector $1400

Visio 1080P 70" LED/LCD Smart TV $1900

I wish someone did a side-by-side on YouTube.

I'm actually looking at https://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD27HDR-Lumens-Theater-Projector/dp/B07GYJ7MBP/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=1080p+hdr+optoma+4k&qid=1566655046&s=gateway&sr=8-3

For my home setup.

Somebody tell me about the UO Smart Beam ...

https://www.amazon.com/UO-Smart-Beam-Laser-Laser-KDCUSA/dp/B014QZ4FLO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=oledinfo-20&linkId=4ea9a8b7221d351e97e0560065880e47

i think benq 1085ST is a decent option, but not cheap. in that picture, projector is pointed at the table, but what if you aim the projector up, and have it bounce off a mirror on top, then image comes back down. that way you could use a regular projector, but double the throw distance. i was looking at this idea for myself. you're supposed to use a kaledescope mirror

https://www.amazon.com/Front-First-Surface-Mirror-Kaleidoscopes/dp/B01HGF5CZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468383049&sr=8-1&keywords=surface+first+mirror

Oops, I just checked and it looks like I was a little off on the price, it was $300. This is the newer model of the one I have, they discontinued the exact one I have.

looks like this one.

http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Pocket-Projector-Mobile-100-Lumen/dp/B008D6JDS8

After Effects for the titles, Premiere for the cuts and media encoder for final rendering. Amazon sells this projector for $50 http://amzn.com/B00EY24CCC Believe it or not a projector with less lumens actually performs better.

It's a BenQ MH530. I guess I never checked to see if it had audio out ports. That's the solution then?

https://vimeo.com/81981760

It appears to be a projector pushing the image onto the back of the jars.

In the link you posted it may be a pinhole to hide where the light is coming from (small hole) or may be a small LED screen meshed behind the jar magic mirror style.

You could make it with a small projector like [this]
(http://www.amazon.com/RIF6-Projector-120-inch-Portable-Rechargeable/dp/B00QXS8L6I/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1462914845&sr=1-8&keywords=handheld+projector), flipped video, a small hole, and a jar.

This one is half the cost and much smaller. There's about thousand reviews. I'd say this one would be worth a shot. But of course do your research, ask questions, get info from sources.

RIF6 CUBE Pico Projector with 120 Inch Display - 2 Inch Mobile Portable Mini Projector 20,000 Hour LED Compatible with HDMI Devices Phones Laptops Tablets and Gameing Consoles - Includes Mini Tripod https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXS8L6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bmuxzbW24J5P5

I had that same idea! My plan when I get some money is to get:

1. A small laptop/netbook.
   
   
2. A mini projector.
   
   
3. A usb BluRay drive.
   
   
4. And a bunch of BluRay disks.
   
   
   I burn all the movies, music, books, documentaries, archives, libraries, videos, tv shows, and games that I want, then put the projector, netbook and USB drive in a Faraday Cage. This gives me an unbeatable storage archive that is waterproof, drop-proof, EMP-proof, corruption-resistant, and very portable.

This is the right answer if you want an entire class to see what you are showing them. Plus projectors are very tiny these days https://www.amazon.com/Brookstone-MP100-Pocket-Projector-Mobile/dp/B008D6JDS8

https://www.amazon.com/Optoma-ML550-Portable-Projector-Enabled/dp/B00CY9PWKI/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

This is all you need my brother.
Read the reviews and make the decision yourself.

It's my buddy's set up but this is it

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HEOO6OU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mind you that this was at 8am so no where near peak sunlight. That said it works for what I need and I out the main race feed on the tv so that's never an issue.

Projector is a BenQ short throw 1080p projector: https://www.amazon.com/BenQ-HT1085ST-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00LTMPOUE

I can remember the brand or specs on the screen other than it's a 92" pulldown non tensioned screen. Not great but it works in my basement

My brother gave me an apple tv, but my projector only supports vga, s-video, and composite video input.

I bought one of these:

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/H9139VC/B/kanex-atv-pro-x-hdmi-to-vga-adapter-with-audio-support

but it doesn't work. The apple tv shuts off as soon as I plug it into the adapter.

My questions:

Does anyone have experience making apple tv work on low-def projectors with an adapter?

Failing that, is there a projector I can buy that works with apple tv?

this one seems like it would work, but reviews say that it doesn't support separate audio channel, meaning you'd have to rely on the shitty in-built speakers on the projector.

Any ideas? Thanks.

The UO Smart Beam Laser Ad, on Amazon, no longer says Sony's or Celluon's name in regard to the remark about laser danger. It just uses initials now (S and C). Someone but the kibosh on that one.
There are currently 3 portable laser projectors in the world: SK Telecom's UO Smart Beam Laser and other S and C brand that use technology very similar to that of an electron gun. One can see through a camera lens, electron beam wave flowing on the projected image like an analog TV. This laser beam can cause serious harm to human eye.


https://www.amazon.com/UO-Smart-Beam-Laser-resolution/dp/B014QZ4FLO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1480986346&sr=1-1&keywords=uo+smart+beam+laser