Projector Test 2022 - Leaderboards from the experts

Projector test

In the field of consumer electronics, a large number of devices are nowadays tested by many different trade journals or institutions. These tests help consumers to get a better picture of the products, their quality or their features. The most widespread are TV reviews, for example, but in the home cinema segment projector tests and projector reviews are also becoming increasingly common. It is usually much more difficult to see a projector live in action than it is to see a TV set, for one they take up considerably less space along with the fact that electrical goods stores are much more widely distributed than specialist retailers for home cinema equipment.

In a projector test, the image quality is of course of primary importance, as this is one of the main characteristics of a projector. Of course, there are many other points that should be tested and examined in a projector review. In addition to picture quality, aspects such as light output, noise development and workmanship are also on the agenda. To keep the test as neutral as possible, it should always be carried out under the same conditions. This applies both to the test material and to the test environment in which the tests take place.

When testing a projector, the room should, if possible, be completely darkened so that no light disturbs the projection or the result on the screen. This also applies to the walls, ceiling and floors. If possible, they should be dark and not create any reflections. The test for operating noise should have comparable conditions, only in terms of acoustics. Here, the room should be designed in such a way that no noise from outside enters the room during the projector test and falsifies the result. It therefore makes sense to insulate the room against noise. The microphone should then always be at the same distance from the fan outlet so that there is always an equal basis here as well. In addition to the measurable values, however, a projector test always depends on the characteristics of the tester. Particularly in the case of fine image differences, the human eye perceives differences that a camera would not currently be able to detect. The same applies to hearing. Often, subliminal sounds are perceived that a microphone would not be able to identify.

In addition to the characteristics of the device, however, other features also need to be considered in a projector test. For example, prices for replacement lamps or power consumption can play a role. The price of replacement lamps in particular often plays an important role, both in tests of home cinema projectors and of business devices. This is because the purchase price is not the only cost factor in this case, as a lamp replacement is due after a few thousand hours. This is not the case with LED and laser projectors.

Of course, there are always winners and losers in a projector test. It should be noted that the price difference is always also a clear indicator of what expectations can be placed on the devices in a test. As is the case with almost all electronic products, high-quality and expensive projectors often perform best in tests, but you usually have to be prepared to pay a higher price to buy a test winner. A test is therefore a good indicator for a projector comparison, but in the end everyone must find the right balance between price and performance for their requirements.

All projectors