In the year 2024, home projectors have become the mainstream choice, with the entry-level threshold for flagship models hovering around the ¥5000 mark. Many people are looking for a projector to enhance their entertainment options, but value for money has become increasingly important. So, which brands offer good projectors around the ¥5000 price range, and today, apart from recommending some models, we'll also guide you on how to quickly make your selection.
When choosing a projector around 5000 CNY, it's important to consider the display technology. The main options in this price range are DLP, LCD, and LCOS. For a projector intended for use in the living room, DLP technology is often the best choice. DLP projectors offer faster response times, higher brightness, and better contrast compared to LCD and LCOS projectors. Moreover, in the mid to high-end range, DLP projectors typically offer comprehensive features without compromising too much on overall quality, making them smart and user-friendly options.
2. Light Sources
The light source of a projector is closely related to its imaging technology, mainly divided into three categories: lamp source, LED source, and laser source. In terms of overall performance, the laser source surpasses the lamp source and LED source. Regardless of mainstream trends and overall development, laser technology should be the optimal choice for future home theater projectors.
Brightness is fundamental to the performance of all projector imaging. Currently, there are two common units for projector brightness: CVIA lumens and ISO lumens. Generally, a higher value of lumens indicates better image quality from the projector. Since living room projectors have more stringent requirements for ambient light, it's recommended to opt for a brightness level of no less than 2000 CVIA lumens if daytime viewing is anticipated.
When it comes to image resolution, we're talking about the number of pixels packed into a square inch. The higher the pixel count, the sharper the resolution, resulting in clearer image quality. For most living room projectors, opting for a 1080P resolution is sufficient. As for common DLP projectors, the choice typically revolves around the size of the display chip. Opting for 0.47DMD or higher ensures native 1080P resolution.
When it comes to projection, we look at the throw ratio.
The throw ratio is calculated by dividing the projection distance by the width of the screen. So, the smaller the ratio, the closer the projector can be placed to produce a larger image. When buying a projector, it's advisable to opt for a smaller throw ratio. For everyday use, typical throw ratios for standard to long-throw projectors are around 1.2:1, while short-throw projectors usually have ratios around 0.25:1. For living room setups, it's generally not recommended to use short-throw projectors.
Before finalizing your projector purchase, it's essential to ensure it comes with some excellent special features. These could include voice control, remote control retrieval, ambient light adaptation, and more. If the projector won't be permanently ceiling-mounted, then automatic keystone correction and autofocus become particularly crucial. Therefore, opting for a model with rich functionality should be a priority as it will be much more convenient.
Specifications: Equipped with MT9679 chipset, 4+64GB storage, boasting 2450 ANSI lumens.
Reasons for Recommendation: Dangbei X5 stands out as the only projector in its price range featuring the MT9679 chipset, delivering brightness comparable to ceiling-mounted home projectors at 2450 ANSI lumens. Additionally, it utilizes ALPD laser technology, known for its market-leading performance, and offers advanced features such as WiFi 6 and USB 3.0. It's truly a versatile contender in the $5000 price bracket for projectors, earning its title as the "all-rounder hexagon warrior."
Pre-purchase tip: This model has recently seen significant promotional activity, making it a great opportunity to buy. Anticipate a subsequent rise in price, so it's worth acting quickly. Additionally, the X series maintains its glass integrated appearance, which may still attract fingerprints. If you're particularly sensitive to this issue, it's something to consider.
Second Place: XGIMI H6
Basic Configuration: MT9669, 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM, 1700 ANSI lumens
Recommendation: This projector offers excellent value for its price in the 4K resolution category. It maintains flagship-level specifications from the past two years, coupled with a Harman Kardon co-branded audio setup, delivering a stunning dual audio effect. Additionally, it supports a 240Hz high refresh rate and a 12ms low latency, making it suitable for gaming and entertainment purposes.
Pre-purchase tip: The overall brightness is slightly lacking in this price range, so users who prioritize daytime viewing should be cautious. Additionally, this model is a downgrade from the previous H6 optical zoom version, so there has been some reduction in core features. Therefore, for a budget of around 5000 CNY, if you're solely seeking 4K resolution, the overall value for money is indeed relatively low.
Basic Configuration: MT9669, 4+64GB, 1350CVIA
Reason for Recommendation: Vidda C1, specializing in professional imaging, boasts a 107% BT.2020 wide color gamut, with a high color accuracy of approximately ΔE≈0.9. It also filters harmful short-wave blue light below 455nm, ensuring true color reproduction and eye protection. With its AI visual calibration system, it swiftly achieves focus and correction reminders, making viewing preparations effortless.
Pre-Purchase Tip: Many in the industry have reservations about the traditional laser light source used in projectors like those from Hisense. This type of light source can exhibit noticeable speckle and chromatic aberration issues in certain images and for users with astigmatism, so it's advisable to exercise caution when making a purchase. Additionally, this projector model is relatively older among those currently available for sale, so it's important to carefully consider whether its specific configuration details still meet your requirements.
Here are all the recommendations for projectors around 5000 CNY in 2024. These brands have good reputations and quality assurance in the projector industry. Everyone can confidently choose according to their own needs. Hopefully, this can help friends who don't know how to choose a suitable home projector at the beginning of 2024.
