Projectors function by taking data from streaming sites, Blu-Ray DVDs or games consoles, and sending it through a complex array of mirrors or prisms to cast it onto walls and screens. And with their ability to create wide images effortlessly wherever they are pointed, it's no surprise that projectors have always been a go-to device for serious cinema fans.
In fact, projectors were there at the very beginning. In 1895, a variant of modern home projectors was used in Paris to show the very first movie. And even that breakthrough built on centuries of magic lanterns and camera obscuras – devices which aren't that dissimilar to today's 4K beasts. But which model is suitable for your viewing needs? Let's explore in more detail and offer some handy buying suggestions so you can find the best projector deals.
There are loads of projector models out there, so we've narrowed it down to 3 models that you might want to consider!
Here's a quick guide to setting up your projector properly:
Firstly, pick a location that suits the specs of your device and your home layout. A large patch of white wall will work well.
Generally speaking, if you are aiming for a 120-inch image, the projector should be placed 3-4 metres from the wall. But calculation sites are available online if you are confused about the precise distance.
If you have access to a specialist projector screen, it is advisable to mount it on the wall or hang it from the ceiling. Specialist screens will deliver more even images without rainbow effects and blurring.
Now, we need to position the projector to achieve the perfect image. As a rule, the centre of the projector lens will be roughly in the centre of the image (or as close as possible).
The more you need to angle the projector, the more distortion will result. So use hanging mounts or tables to achieve the right height. And always place projectors on flat surfaces.
Before watching movies, make sure that you optimise the projector's focus with a block of text. And play with the contrast and brightness settings on your device to make sure they are fine tuned for cinema or TV. After that, you're good to go.
patgeorge
jacques.dopson
annie713
Pindi
There was HD VHS as as well:
I don't think the lens can be replaced easily, and I don't think there is any sort of filter thread. I guess you could find a way to mount an anamorphiuc lens but I suspect the cost of doing so, and buying the lens, would make it cheaper to buy a higher resolution projector. Are there cheap anamorphic lenses available? Not sure when SVGA was exactly,,but you could get expensive monitors that displayed 1600*1200 in the mid to late 80's
SVGA (Super VGA) I remember when this was the latest tech - late 80s.
any cheap anamorphic lens addons for this? You could solve vertical resolution issue that way
This will deffo give a better picture than those cheap Chinese fullHD models. At least you'll be able to get the whole image in focus, and it will be brighter. Perhaps, the resolution is a bit low (especially given vertical resolution that will lost when viewing 16:9 video). Young kids will love it for cartoons though.