Tag Archives: home movie theater

How to Choose Your First Short Throw Projector

In today’s blog, we will talk about short throw projector. Choosing a projector can be a difficult decision when you are a first timer because you have to learn about projectors’ features such as brightness (lumen), contrast ratio, resolution, throw ratio, and so on. When shopping for a projector, one of the most important decisions that you have to make is picking between short throw or long throw. So, what is a throw ratio? The throw ratio is the relation between the throw distance and the width if the projected image. In short, the smaller the throw ratio, the larger the image that a projector will project at a shorter distance. A short throw projector has a throw ratio between 0.4 – 1, and the ultra-short throw has a throw ratio between 0.1 – 0.4.

Pros and cons of short throw projector.

Pros: When you are in a small space area, a short throw projector will come in handy as it will save you more space than a long throw projector. Its ability to project much larger image will be great to replace your regular TV.

Cons: There are some disadvantages of a short throw projector. Cost is one of them, a short throw projector tends to be more expensive. And brightness is also an issue because projectors can’t go as bright as a TV.

Here are some of the best short throw projectors that we hand-picked for you to consider:

  • Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300

The Epson LS300 short throw projector is the most expensive short throw projector in this list, MSRP at $1,999.99. It delivers picture up to 120” at 1080P (accepts 4K format). With an incredible 3,600 lumens, the LS300 short throw projector produces vivid picture even with some ambient light in the room. The Audiophile 2.1 sound system by Yamaha is nothing like others, it provides a unique experience. All in all, you can’t go wrong with the Epson LS300 projector, it’s an ideal short throw projector that could be a replacement for your TV.

Pros: High lumen brightness, loud speaker, high contrast ratio

Cons: Expensive for 1080P native resolution

Amazon Link for the Epson EpiqVision LS300 short throw projector

  • AAXA P400­­

The AAXA P400 is a budget short throw projector. It’s the most portable and affordable mini short throw projector in the list with the price tag of $269 MSRP and the dimension of 4.5″ x 4″ x 2.3″, and weighs at 19.8 ounces. It can easily fit in your palm. Even though the P400 short throw projector is small, it’s a powerful unit which can project a vivid 100″ screen with 1080P resolution at just 5.25 feet from wall and holds up to 2 hours of battery in one charge. If you are in a position where money is short, and want a short throw projector that can get the job done, you can’t go wrong with the P400 since it offers almost everything that you need in a short throw projector.

Pros: Portable, native 1080P FHD, inexpensive, best value for money

Cons: Lack of smart features

Amazon Link for The AAXA P400 short throw projector

  • BenQ TK700STi

The BenQ TK700STi short throw projector is made for gamers with a low input lag 16ms at 4K/60Hz, you can experience your gameplay with unnoticeable lag. It’s compatible with major consoles such as Xbox, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and a few more. This short throw projector is an incredible entertainment powerhouse. The only downside of the TK700STi is the throw ratio of 0.9 so you will need to place it a little far away from your wall in order to have a big screen.

Pro: Low latency, great for gaming, 4K resolution

Cons: 0.9 Throw ratio, not great black level

Amazon Link for The BenQ TK700STi short throw projector

Should you get a short throw projector?

Deciding what kind of projector is best fits for you need depends on numerous of factors. The most important characteristic that you should consider when purchasing a projector is space. If you are setting up a home theater in a small room, then you should consider a short throw projector. Not only it will save you more space, but also preventing unwanted shadows. And if space is not an issue for you, then you should consider getting yourself a long throw since it will save you some cash.

Creative Photography using Projectors

There are many different ways to express creativity when dealing with photography. One popular style of photography is Projector Photograph. With the right equipment and setup, you can turn your normal photoshoot into an “Art of Projection”. The main thing to focus on for projector photography is your shooting environment, your camera, and the projector that you will use. 

It is important to find the right projector for you. For projector photography, you will need at least 1080p resolution with at least 1200 lumen brightness. It is also important to know your filming location since a more portable projector might be advantageous. One recommended projector would be the AAXA 4K1 Projector with 4K native support. Modern projectors are nice with different ways to connect and mirror directly from your phone, giving you the option to create unique backdrops and lighting that are unique to you. 

Some things to bear in mind is the colour temperature of the image you are projecting.  Select  an image that’s nice and bright, with large sections of white, and just project that as your background. It will take a couple of trials to get the best shots and exposure to the projector settings, so you should keep practicing and trying different camera settings. .

According to Projector Photography – How to Use a Projector for a Creative Shoot, some techniques you should try are Try Long Exposures for Creative Effects, Movie Magic, and Use Unique backdrops. 

Four of the Most Affordable 4K Projectors!

My NEW 4K Home Theater Setup! (2019) - YouTube
Image from: Here

Most homes nowadays have 4K TVs that can fulfill their basic entertainment needs. However, most people do not own a 4K Projector, mainly due to the cost of them being really expensive! Let’s dive into four of the most affordable 4K projectors we found that you can use to upgrade your entertainment system further!

Epson Home Cinema 3200

Buy now: Here

BenQ TK800M

Starting with the Epson Home Cinema 3200 4K Pro. This projector uses 4K UHD technology to enhance; resolution, color, and image processing. With an impressive 2,900 Lumens, this projector will definitely light up a room! The Epson Precision Lens has a multi-element precise glass construction for exceptional picture quality, edge-to-edge focus uniformity, and precision vertical and horizontal axis lens shift adjustment. At a price point of $1,400, this is perfect for your premium home theater on a budget!

Buy now: Here

ViewSonic PX701-4K

Next, we have the BenQ TK800M, sporting high contrast ratio to enhance the sharpness of image quality and black levels. Coming in with 3,000 Lumens, you will definitely have 4K quality. With BenQ’s Glass 4K-optimized Lens Array, the clarity and light penetration is unmatched. At a price point of $999, the buy is worth it!

Buy now: Here

AAXA 4K1

Here we have the ViewSonic PX701-4K. Being able to project onto a screen up to 300 inches, this projector will be great for those with a dedicated wall for projectors! With an input lag of 4.2ms and a 240Hz refresh rate, you can turn this home theater into a big-screen gaming room! Having 3,200 ANSI Lumens, you will not ever worry about the brightness of the projection. At a price point of $899, why wouldn’t you buy it!

Buy now: Here

Lastly, we have the AAXA 4K1 LED Home Theater Projector. Boasting a native $K UHD Resolution, you will definitely know the difference between 1080p HD and 3840p 4K. Using LED and DLP technology, you’ll get the best of both worlds when it comes to image clarity, sharpness, and colors. With the 2W speakers installed, you’ll be immersed in your viewing experience. At a price point of only $799.99, this has got to be the most affordable 4K projector you can find!

Let us know in the comments what you think! Till next time!

Living Room Setup with 4K Projectors

For a lot of people, finding the perfect spot for TV can be tough considering the many factors like the lighting and limited space. With the increase in popularity for 4K home entertainment projectors, many people are switching to 4K projectors instead of traditional 4K televisions. The benefits of a 4K projector setup is that you can go from 50 inch to 150 inch screen without taking up any space in your living area. It is also cheaper to buy a flat 100-150 inch screen than it is to buy 100 inch televisions. 

Projectors are increasing in all aspects including throw ratio, allowing users to display 100 inch screen size with the projectors only 3-4 inches away from the screen. It used to be much more expensive to get a projector with a high lumens brightness, but now it is much more affordable. The number of lumens needed for a room is determined by the amount of ambient light in the room. If there is a high amount of ambient light then the projector will need higher lumens to properly light the screen. With modern 4K projectors ranging from 2000-5000 lumens, there are many options out there that will work best with your home setup. 

When setting up your projector for your home setup, there are many options to mount or place your projector. Most will mount the projector, place it on a table, or mobile projector stand. Mounting the projector is the most common because of the fixed location and the option to hide cables into the ceiling. Mobile home theater entertainment is also becoming popular with new mini portable 4K projectors like AAXA 4K1 Projector, allowing the user to not be limited to just the living room with the size and portability of the projector. 

The built in sound quality of internal speakers in the 4K projectors are good, but not movie theater experience good. To add to the home theater experience, most people will include external speakers to the setup. There are many types of external speakers that you can use, like sound bars, bookshelves speakers, or Bluetooth speakers. Sound bars are popular aesthetically because of the form factor, allowing users to install under or near the screen without taking up much space. One good cheap sound bar is the Bose TV Speakers with options to connect using HDMI or optical audio. For wireless Bluetooth connection, the Sonos One  is a mid-priced smart speaker with the option to control audio from your phone, without the hassle of running long cables from your speakers to the projector.

5 Portable Projectors For A Viral Fake Window Challenge Video

People love the Fake Window Challenge! Why? The trend set by @nam__p on Tiktok opened brand new windows – literally and metaphorically – a window where you have total control over the weather, the content on your wall, and a window to creativity. To hop on the Fake Window Challenge, you need good lighting, some effort in setting up, and most importantly, a good projector. For extra fun and flexibility, portable projectors will be a good choice as you can project your fake window anywhere you want without the cable hassle. Here is the list of 5 battery-operated projectors that will create a beautiful fake window for you!

1.       Portable Projector, Anker Nebula Solar Portable 1080p ($499.99)

Where to buy: Anker Nebula Solar Portable 1080p

The newest portable projector from Anker Nebula is equipped with a 3-hour battery and it has native 1080p Full HD resolution. The brightness is set to 400 ANSI lumens, which should be decent for your fake window in a dark room. With Android TV 9.0, you can easily access YouTube and load your favorite Fake Window Challenge content. If you have some budget for a projector, the Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector is the one for you.  

2.       AAXA Technologies P300 Neo LED Video Projector ($279)

AAXA Tech has been one of the best brands when it comes to portable projectors and mini projectors. In comparison with the Anker Nebula Solar Portable, the AAXA P300 NEO is significantly smaller: the AAXA P300 NEO weighs 0.84lbs while the Anker Nebular Solar Portable weighs 2.8lbs. It is slightly bigger than your iPhone 12 Pro Max – about twice as thick. However, with a smaller size, the P300 NEO also comes with a lower resolution. The AAXA P300 Mini Projector has a native resolution of 720p. For a Fake Window Challenge video which should not include too many details, 720p resolution is more than enough. This mini projector by AAXA has a 150-minute rechargeable battery and 420 Lumens brightness.

3.       ViewSonic M1+ Portable Smart Wi-Fi Projector ($299)

Advertised as an ultra-portable LED projector, the ViewSonic M1+ Projector has a 2.5-hour battery life and 300 LED Lumens brightness. The design of the ViewSonic M1+ Portable Projector is over the top with elegant details and nice silver color. This projector might be much bulkier and heavier than the AAXA P300 NEO as it weighs 1.65 lbs but it has Aptoide UI for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Keep in mind that this mini projector has VGA resolution (640x480p), which is much lower than both the Anker Nebula Solar Portable and the AAXA P300 NEO LED Projector. If you want to invest in a nice, futuristic look, the ViewSonic M1+ Portable Smart Wi-fi Projector is for you.

4.       Anker Nebula Capsule ($299.99)

Where to buy: Anker Nebula Capsule

At the same price as the ViewSonic M1+ Portable Smart Wi-Fi Projector, the Anker Nebula Capsule is an alternative. This projector has a 360-degree speaker which should spice up any summer parties that you are planning on. This level of sound quality will upgrade your Fake Window experience with immersive music. The Anker Nebula Capsule is portable enough for a Fake Window Challenge video as it weighs just 1.04 lbs and it can achieve up to 4-hour playtime in battery mode. At a $299.99 price point, the Anker Nebula Capsule is quite expensive when it has only 100 ANSI lumen and 854×480 native resolution. This is indeed a multimedia device with good sound quality.

5.       JMGO Explorer Portable Projector ($409.99)

Just like the ViewSonic M1+ Projector, the JMGO Explorer Portable Projector has a minimal and futuristic design. The JMGO Explorer Portable Projector has 380 ANSI lumens of brightness for a very bright fake window for your viral video. At 1280×720 native resolution, the JMGO Explorer Portable Projector can deliver a clear image. With over $400, you are also paying for wireless features such as Android OS for Netflix, Smart YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and so on.

History of Projector Screen

The history of the projector and the projection screen began as early as the 17th century, with a slow progression until modern times. Today, technology has advanced at an unprecedented pace, leading to more development and innovation of all kind of projectors.

Opaque Projectors

The opaque projectors are the earliest form of projectors that allow users to project materials or small objects  by shining a bright lamp on the materials. The image is displayed by directing the reflected light through the projection lens and displayed. Opaque projectors have a maximum image size of approximately 20X magnification, a minimum distance of 18 ft.

Overhead Projectors

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The overhead projector was used since the 1960’s with many purposes. A transparency is needed and can be placed on the overhead projector to project into a wall or screen.The main benefit of the overhead projector is the option to annotate the projected image while presenting, very commonly used in the classroom. 

Computer Data Projectors

In the early 1990’s, computer data projectors became popular as they combined the overhead projector and the digital projection panel into one device, making it smaller and more portable compared to other models. The earlier models of the computer projectors were big, heavy, and expensive compared to later models that got lighter and better image quality. 

Home Theater Projectors

The rise of the home theater projector became very popular as it became possible to experience the home theater movie experience with very minimal cost. For anyone that wants to set up their own home entertainment, the home theater projector can achieve a 100+ inch image for a fraction of the cost of an 80-100+ inch 4K TV. These home theater systems now compete with Cinema to play high resolution videos. To remain competitive, many cinema companies are replacing their film projectors with high-end digital projectors, which are much higher in resolution and quality. 

The 4k Projectors

The first 4K home theater projector was released by Sony in 2012 a small and portable projector that fits into the palm of your hands. These 4k home theater projectors use clusters of LEDs as the light source and are powered by battery or wall outlet. The future of pocket projectors is very promising as new technology has allowed these projectors to project a smaller pixel size, allowing for a crispier picture than ever before.



DLP vs. LCD Projectors: Picking Out The Right Projector for YOU!

Projectors are a daily tool used in many different ways. Some use projectors for demonstration purposes and some use projectors to create designs! Are you struggling with deciding on what type of projector you want and don’t know the difference between DLP and LCD? Well, today’s your lucky day, we’re going to explain the differences between a DLP projector and an LCD projector. They both have big differences between one another and have different functions, but this should help you figure out what projector will be the best for you!

What is DLP?

DLP stands for Digital Light Processing. Most DLP projectors are standalone and are usually used in a business environment. An example of this would be a classroom projector or a projector being used for the cinema! DLP projectors are comprised of chipsets and rely on micromirrors to project the image. The DLP chip is the key component in a DLP Projector to be able to project the image files a person uses and a spinning wheel that projects red, green, and blue light to create the images that are to be projected.

What is LCD?

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. This type of technology is typically seen on most modern televisions, monitors, tablets, and smartphones. LCD projectors channel light through a metal lamp then through a prism that divides the light into 3 different panel colors; red, blue, and green. A polarized light moves through each of the panels to project the desired image.

The Advantages?

The advantages of having a DLP projector are its; portability, grayscaling, wide color range, and not requiring as much maintenance. Whereas the advantages of having an LCD projector are its; versatile projection, high light capacity, 3LCD chips that offer less energy consumption with a higher brightness than usual LCD projectors.

AAXA Technologies P6X 1100-Lumen WXGA Portable DLP Projector

Which is The Best for YOU

There are a lot of factors that can come into play when deciding which projector to go for. Some of the biggest factors can be; budget, how the projector is going to be used, brightness, color contrast, portability, and special features. DLP and LCD Projectors can vary in price depending on the certain specifications you are looking for. In terms of brightness, LCD projectors triumph because of the option of having 3LCD chips in some. For true colors and portability, DLP would be the better option for you. A straightforward answer would be if you plan on purchasing a projector for office settings where the projector will always be traveling a DLP projector would be the best fit for you. An LCD projector would be best for anyone using it for still images or having it in a fixed spot.

Here’s a list of some of the best DLP projectors to buy:

AAXA P6X DLP Projector
Optoma HD146X
ViewSonic PA503S

Here’s a list of some of the best LCD projectors to buy:

YABER Y60
VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini
DBPOWER L21 LCD Video Projector

Tells your thoughts and what you decided to go for in the comments below!

Top 3 Short-Throw Projectors for Home Entertainment Setup



If you are serious about setting up a home theater entertainment system, you should consider getting a short-throw projector. A short-throw projector typically produces a brighter, more vibrant picture than a standard projector. A short-throw projector or ultra-short-throw projector (UST) can cast a brilliant and clear image from only a few feet or inches away. Short-throw projectors have many advantages over traditional standard throw or long-throw projectors. The main advantage of a short-throw projector is the ability to cast an over 100-inch image even in a tight space. If you want a projector in your living room or bedroom, a short-throw projector/ultra-short throw projector is perfect in situations with limited space. 

  1. Optoma X309ST Projector – $599

The Optoma X309ST Projector is the cheapest option out of the three short-throw projectors. The 0.62:1 short-throw ratio, 3,700 ANSI Lumens brightness, and 25,000:1 contrast ratio, enable 100-inch projection from several feet away. This is ideal for small conference rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, and other space-constrained environments. The speaker is a clear, powerful audio 10W speaker, which will sound great in a small room. The main downside of this short-throw projector is the 1024×768 resolution, which is somewhat offset by the amazing 3,700 ANSI Lumens brightness at a short distance. 

  1. BenQ TH671ST– $799

BenQ  is a major player in the monitor and projector space, and its TH671ST gaming and cinema projector is perfect for users looking for a short-throw projector at lower and more competitive prices. The BenQ TH671ST short-throw projector can easily replace a large TV in your living room, and it’s capable of equally delivering a satisfying gaming or cinema experience. The projector has a 1920×1080(FHD) resolution with a 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness and can project up to 100-inch picture at 5 feet away. In addition to the long list of premium features, this unit is lightweight and portable enough to take on the road or game with friends. Best of all, this projector’s price starts at $699 and comes with a three years warranty. However, I wished that the projector would come with USB-C, allowing for different options to connect and play movies from different USB-C devices.  

  1. PowerLite 530 XGA 3LCD Projector$949

The PowerLite 530 XGA 3LCD Projector from Epson starts at $949. This short-throw projector offers 3200 lumens of color brightness (color light output) and 3200 lumens of white brightness (white light output). This short-throw projector can be mounted 4 feet away from the board or wall, and the projected image can get as large as 108″ diagonal. The PowerLite 530 also features management software which allows users to wirelessly share and play movies/pictures from the computers, as well as iOS and Android devices.



New! AAXA P6X Mini Projector – World’s Brightest Battery-powered Pico Projector

2021 Mini Projector 100% Portable with 4- Hour Battery 1080P Support

The well-respected brand AAXA Technology who lives and dies in the pico projector world has released its newest product – the P6X “World’s Brightest Battery-Powered Pico Projector”. Aiming at the business projector market, theP6X Pico Projector is fully portable with a massive 12,000mAh battery, which allows 4-hour playtime in native WXGA HD resolution. In partnership with Texas Instruments DLP and Osram LED Technology, the projector delivers crisp text and amazing color quality for presentations at up to 160” projection display. The P6X’s exceptional brightness level of 1000 LED Lumens in Eco Mode promises to light up your meeting, boost your confidence, polish your public speaking skills while efficiently eliminating the struggle of tangled cords and power supplies.

Multiple-input Mini Projector

AAXA Technologies’ products are known for their multi-input interfaces, and this time the P6X Pico Projector does not fail to meet your expectations. In contrast with its tiny size and light-weight of only 1.8 pounds, the projector is equipped with any input option that you need for a presentation. Besides the old-but-gold full size 2.0 USB input which is sufficient for PowerPoint slides, Photo & Video streaming, and even Smart Phone charging, the P6X Pico Projector has a wide range of connection input such as HDMI input, composite AV 3.5 mm jack, 3.5mm Stereo Headphone output jack, and Micro SD/ TF Card slot. You name it, the P6X Pico Projector has it.

A LED Projector for Business Use

The average human attention span has been decreasing to an extent that our attention length is no better than a notoriously ill-focused goldfish, and that does not help with your presentation at all. Wondering how to spice up your presentation and get more people to engage? The P6X’s premium speakers are the answer: the built-in dual 4W High-Low stereo speaker delivers immersive & impressive sound quality to any motivational TED-talk video you would like to share with your co-workers.

Best Outdoor Projector for a Movie Night

Screen mirroring is another interesting feature of the P6X Pico Projector. If you have a mirroring cable, you can connect your smart devices to the P6X’s HDMI input and watch YouTube vlogs, Netflix & Hulu movies & shows, viral TikTok stories, Instagram’s reels & IGTV videos, Twitch live streams on a bigger screen. At this point, the P6X Pico Projector is not only a modern business projector but also a versatile entertainment device that brings joy to your next camping trip, outdoor movie night, and at-home work-out session. Without the need to be connected to a power source, the P6X Pico Projector brings about extreme portability and limitless fun at an
affordable price (only $3xx). Check it out yourself on AAXA’s Website or Amazon for free 2-day Prime delivery! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SHZKRHC/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza