In World Cup fever? 15 home cinema projectors tested by Stiftung Warentest
7.6.2018
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Ramon Schneider
With so many different projectors to choose from, it can be quite difficult to make a decision. In addition to image quality, criteria such as handling and environmental characteristics are also decisive.
The Stiftung Warentest put 15 video projectors with a price range between 550 and 3380 francs and at least HD resolution through their paces. Three short-throw projectors and a new type of laser projector were also included. Ten of these devices were very close to each other in the test results, achieving at least a "good" rating, four "satisfactory" and one "sufficient". However, they all have problems in bright surroundings.
Find out more about the test and the results. See for yourself which projector is perfect for watching football in large format. Whether in your own four walls or in the garden.
Test criteria
- Picture quality (60 per cent weighting): Sharpness, brightness, edge sharpness, brightness and colour gradients in TV, graphics, gaming and 3D applications.
- Handling (20 per cent weighting): Operating instructions and menu navigation.
- Environmental properties (20 per cent weighting): Power consumption, operating noise, heat development.
Test results
The tested devices are now bright enough to provide a sufficient image even at dusk.
Luminous intensities of between 1000 and 2400 lumens were measured for these projectors.
The new laser projectors Sony VPL-PHZ10 and Epson EH LS100 are even brighter than the others with around 3000 lumens each. Both devices were given a poor rating in terms of environmental properties, as they consume a lot of power. This puts them at the bottom of the ranking. The Viewsonic PJD7720HD, on the other hand, proved to be the price-performance winner. You can get it for around 550 francs. It measured 2000 lumens.
Stiftung Warentest used the German rating system. This means that a score of 1 is the best possible result in Germany.
Short-throw projectors
These projectors require a distance of 0 to 110 centimetres from the projection surface and have an image height of 84 centimetres (16:9).
Even though the technical approach is so interesting, none of these projectors performed well. Of the short-throw projectors, the Epson EH-LS100 offers the best image quality - but not with angled projection. Its operating noise is also very high.
The ten best long-throw projectors
These projectors need a distance of 190 to 260 centimetres from the projection surface and have a picture height of 84 centimetres (16:9). They can usually be seen on a shelf behind the sofa or on the ceiling.
Two projectors from Epson were the most convincing. The slightly more expensive EH-TW5650 offers the best picture of all projectors. The inexpensive Viewsonic placed among the good projectors and the expensive Sony eats up a lot of power.
1st place, "Good", grade 2.2: Epson EH-TW5400
This Full HD projector left a generally good impression when tested. However, you have to expect high electricity costs, operating noise and heat development.
Plus points
- Delivers a good picture for films, sports and presentations
- With helpful instructions
- Easy operation
- Shutter glasses included
Minus points
- High power consumption
- Operating noise and heat development suboptimal
2nd place, "Good", grade 2.2: Epson EH-TW5650
No weaknesses were recognisable in any part of the image test. Its power consumption is also somewhat high.
Plus points
- Picture quality
- A good choice for sports fans
- Suitable for brighter environments thanks to good luminosity
- Good display in 3D
- Easy operation
Minus points
- Slightly high power consumption
- Exclusive shutter glasses
3rd place, "Good" grade 2.3: Acer P5530
It proved to be a good DLP projector when tested. The brightness can also be used well in daylight. The only drawback with this device was the excessive power consumption.
Plus points
- A good choice for sports, films and games
- Images are displayed in good quality
- Easy operation
Minus points
- Rather high power consumption
4th place, "Good", grade 2.4: BenQ W1700
The image quality of this projector is excellent, but the power consumption is high and the brightness is only partially sufficient for projection in daylight.
Plus points
- First-class result for films and sports
- Suitable for gaming and photo display
- Bring 4K content to the screen in superb quality
- Easy operation
Minus points
- High power consumption
- Not suitable for bright surroundings
5th place, "Good", grade 2.4: Epson EB-U05
In addition to the high power consumption and heat development, this projector displays consistently good quality, with sufficient brightness to transmit a good image even in daylight.
Plus points
- Good projector for films, sports or computer games
- Easy handling
Minus points
- Very high power consumption
- High heat generation
- Does not bring 3D content to the screen
6th place, "Good", grade 2.4: Viewsonic PJD7720HD
This projector offers good light output and is therefore also suitable for use in somewhat brighter environments. It is a good projector as long as you can cope with the somewhat loud operating noise and, above all, the high power consumption.
Plus points
- Image in perfect quality
- A good choice for films, photos, sports and games
- Easy to handle
Minus points
- Loud operating noise
- High power consumption
7th place, "Good", grade 2.5: Acer H6521BD
On the whole, this DLP projector only left a moderate impression. It was criticised for its rather high power consumption and somewhat high volume and heat development. However, it is suitable for use in daylight thanks to its good brightness.
Plus points
- A good choice for films, sports and computer games
- Good 3D playback
- Good instructions for use
Minus points
- High power consumption
- High noise level
- High heat development
- Exclusive shutter glasses
8th place, "Good", grade 2.5: Acer M550
This 4K projector scores with first-class image quality and achieves good results even in daylight. However, it is a power guzzler.
Plus points
- Excellent choice in terms of picture quality
- Easy operation
Minus points
- High power consumption
9th place, "Good", grade 2.5: BenQ W1050
This projector only delivers convincing image quality in darkened rooms. The power consumption and heat development are worthy of criticism.
Plus points
- Good operation
Minus points
- Not suitable for bright surroundings
- High power consumption
- High heat generation
10th place, "Good", grade 2.5: Optoma UHD550X
With this projector, you can enjoy the World Cup to the full in very good quality. However, you unfortunately have to do without 3D content here, as this projector is only suitable for bright environments to a limited extent.
Plus points
- Very good picture for sports, films or games
Minus points
- Not suitable for bright surroundings
- High power consumption
- Heat development
11th place, "Satisfactory", grade: 2.6: BenQ TH671ST
When it comes to image quality, this DLP projector cannot keep up with the top devices tested. But it still proves to be a good choice for films, sports and gaming. Unfortunately, it failed to impress in the tests when it came to environmental properties.
12th place, "Satisfactory", grade: 2.7: Optoma GT1080Darbee
This short-throw projector is well suited for sports and also offers a good picture for films. Due to its moderate brightness, it is better used in darkened rooms. The power consumption and heat development are worthy of criticism.
13th place, "Satisfactory", grade 2.8: Optoma HD144X
You can watch films and sports in good quality with this projector. The 3D-capable projector also displays games well, but only if sufficient dimming is provided.
14th place, "Satisfactory", grade: 3.5: Epson EH-LS100
Thanks to its very good brightness, this projector is also suitable for use in rooms flooded with light. However, it is very loud and consumes a lot of power.
15th place, "Sufficient", grade 3.7: Sony VPL-PHZ10
Unfortunately, this projector failed to impress in the tests in terms of environmental properties and technology. However, the pure image impression is strong and is also suitable for outdoor use or light-flooded rooms.
To the test report from Stiftung Warentest.
Arbenita Jashari
Junior Editor
arbenita.jashari@digitecgalaxus.chWhen it comes to office supplies, I believe in form and function. From pens, scissors, paper notes to glittery glue and funky folders. That’s what I’m about at work. When I’m not busy checking out the latest desk accessories, I enjoy jetting off to remote corners of the world, lifting weights or taking an evening walk.
