Why Buy a 4K Projector?
Most of the best 4K projectors have great contrast ratios, bright images and excellent color accuracy. Exceptional HDR handling is also key.
Almost all projectors that offer a 4K image costing less than $5,000 use pixel-shifting technology. They start with a 1080p image-creating chip, then rapidly shift the pixels four times to display a 4K image.
Enhanced Color Accuracy
If you’re buying a 4K projector, you’ll want to make sure it can produce vibrant, true-to-life colors. This is especially important with HDR content, which requires a higher range of colors to be displayed than standard SDR video. Precise color reproduction ensures that your movie viewing experience is as close as possible to the filmmakers’ intent.
To achieve vivid, accurate colors, a 4K projector must be bright enough to reach your screen’s maximum brightness. Look for a rating of at least 1,500 ANSI lumens for your home theater, and even more for a living room.
Look for a model with a short input lag, which measures how quickly the projector sends pixels from its chip to the display. Hardcore gamers should seek a minimum of 17ms of lag at their preferred resolution and refresh rate, while casual gamers may be comfortable with a slightly longer lag time. Some projectors use a technology called Pixel Shifting to achieve their high resolution. Sony’s 4K Projector GTZ380, for example, uses a new 0.74” native 4K SXRD panel that is rated to deliver a stunning 16,000:1 contrast ratio and deep blacks. The projector also employs a new Z-Phosphor light source that includes an extra red laser diode to expand the color gamut without losing brightness.
Higher Pixel Per Inch
The increased pixel count of a 4K projector allows for more detailed and sharper images. The greater pixel density makes for higher image clarity, sharper text, better color saturation, and superior contrast ratios. 4K is also ideal for displaying HDR content, which reveals more intricate details in the color spectrum and provides a more immersive visual experience.
Native, or True 4K projectors have 8.3 million pixels on their panel to deliver a stunningly crisp picture with incredible detail. They often outperform simulated 4K projectors, or ‘faux-K’ units. Pixel shifting technology uses lower-resolution chips and panels, but rapidly shifts each pixel on the screen to create a faux 4K image at a much more budget friendly price.
Strict purists will argue that a projector cannot be called ‘4K’ if it doesn’t use a native panel, but for those who don’t mind the extra expense of a native model, pixel shifting offers an excellent upgrade from 1080p. We highly recommend upgrading to a native 4K projector, if your budget allows it. It will truly impress you and your guests.
Enhanced Contrast
The ability of a projector to deliver vibrant, rich colors is an essential element of picture quality. A high contrast ratio is another important factor for a great image, and it’s the one area where projectors tend to be superior to TVs.
A projector with a wide color gamut can display a larger range of colors, creating more vibrant images that are closer to the filmmaker’s original intention. This is especially important for viewing HDR content, which has a much wider range of colors and brightnesses than standard video formats.
While some experts disagree about what makes a 4K projector, all agree that it has to have a native resolution of at least 8.3 million pixels. Pixel shifting technology is one method that allows a bluetooth projector non-native 4K projector to produce the illusion of 8.3 million pixels.
Another way to improve picture quality is by using a projection screen with a smooth surface that doesn’t reflect any tiny bumps or wrinkles. A good quality screen will also help your projector to shine, delivering more vibrant and detailed images.
Enhanced Detail
Compared to regular HD, 4K provides more explicit color details, which help you follow the action on a large screen from any distance. This makes it easier to watch movies, TV shows, and sports events from your couch or even from the kitchen.
If you’re a fan of HDR movies or TV shows, look for a projector that supports Dolby Vision. This is a variation of HDR that’s supported by some major streaming services and available in a growing number of projectors.
If you’re more concerned about image resolution than HDR, consider a model that uses pixel shifting technology to display 4K images. JVC’s eShift system and Epson’s 4K Enhancement (or “4Ke”) are both examples of this approach, which combines a standard 1080p chip with fast pixel-shifting to trick the eye into seeing a higher-resolution picture.
Enhanced Picture Quality
As a result of their higher resolution, 4K projectors can display more detailed images on screen. This makes it easier to watch movies, TV shows, and play games without losing image clarity or pixelation.
Some of the more expensive 4K projectors use native 4K chips to show a true 4K picture, which is three times sharper than HD 1080p. But most use a process known as pixel shifting. JVC calls their version eShift, while Epson and Texas Instruments refer to it as 4K Enhancement.
In terms of upscaling, both approaches are very good. The key differences are contrast and color accuracy. For dedicated home theaters with controlled lighting, the difference will likely be negligible. In living rooms with ambient light, a high enough lumen count is crucial to overcome the brightness of other objects and maintain a vibrant, clear image.
Additionally, hardcore gamers will want a 4K projector with low input lag, which measures how quickly the video signal is processed by the projector’s hardware. Look for a lag measurement of no more than 17ms at your preferred settings.