Projectors

It's perhaps surprising that the concept of ultra short throw projectors for the home hasn't taken off more readily. Unlike traditional home cinema beamers, which cast images across 3m to 5m, UST models like this £1,000 Optoma GT5000 throw up a 100in image from just 30cm. 

The latest in ViewSonic's LightStream range, the Pro7827HD certainly packs in the features. This modestly priced DLP single-chipper is evidently aimed at the home cinema crowd, with its native 3D support, REC.709 picture preset, ISF modes and eye-catching claimed contrast ratio of 22,000:1.

Until quite recently, you could expect to fork out over a grand for a brand-name Full HD projector with 3D capabilities. Now, though, such spec is a much more affordable proposition – Optoma's HD151X retails for just £650.

Epson makes much of the colour output of its 3LCD projection fleet, and often with good reason – most cast images which glow with Candy Crush vibrancy. The EH-TW6600W is a good example. This latest addition to its home theatre range creates images that compete with LED TVs in terms of kaleidoscopic vibrancy. With this PJ, superheroes appear more heroic and animations more animated. Sackcloth calibration miseries may not approve, but within minutes of installing the projector I was buzzing.