Projectors

The 4K world is confusing for punters. Is it 4K or UHD? Do you need an HDMI 2.0 socket for proper 4K playback? Is ‘true’ 4K 4,096 x 2,160 or 3,840 x 2,160? What compression/coding format will eventual 4K discs use? And so it goes. Frankly, the last thing the burgeoning 4K world needs is a projector that can take in 4K content, uses a technology called e-shift 4K but isn’t actually a 4K projector. Except that in some ways it sort of is.  

Is the ultra short-throw projector finally about to storm the home entertainment market? A staple of corporates and education, their ability to cast a huge image when placed close to a wall, rather than rely on a long throw and screen, would seem to make them ideal for domestic applications. Other brands have hinted as much – LG has touted its prohibitively expensive Hecto laser projector Stateside, while Sony recently presented 4K short-throw projection as a home-of-tomorrow concept. At £1,500, the Philips LED DLP-powered Screeneo is a rather more real-world proposition.

Although called a 'home projector', Epson's EH-TW490 is compact, weighs only 2.4kg and even arrives with a neat travelling case – in this regard, it looks like it's been designed as much for the travelling salesman as the movie-mad AV enthusiast. Furthermore, the resolution is only 1,280 x 800 (essentially 720p), although connectivity does include HDMI, so cash-strapped BD fans may well be interested.

Unless you’re one of those weird PC gamers who thinks the zenith of gaming is to play exceptionally high-resolution games on tiny screens, you’re probably of the opinion that quality games are best enjoyed on big screens. Especially now that a new generation of consoles is nearly upon us, promising even greater graphical prowess.

I know what you’re thinking: how in the name of Citizen Kane can any home cinema ‘toy’ like the SIM2 Super Lumis justify a price of £37,000? Well, I'm going to tell you. And if I do my job right, by the end the only question you’ll be asking will be ‘Where can I get my hands on 37 grand?’.

Most of Acer's projectors have been aimed at commercial and educational users, but a handful have been designed with home cinema in mind. Of these, the latest is the H7532BD. Surprisingly compact, this Full HD 1080p PJ sports all of the connectivity you'll find on bulkier units. First and foremost are the two HDMI inputs, which will accept 3D signals from suitable Blu-ray players, although no pairs of the necessary Active shutter glasses are supplied.

Design-wise, the HD25 is passably attractive by budget projection standards, thanks to its gloss white finish and curved forward edge. Casual users will appreciate its small, cupboard-friendly footprint – though this does raise concerns about running noise issues.