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!

Interactive Video-mapped using Projectors

Have you ever seen floors, walls, or objects with abstract light and shadow effects, that look like they are coming to life? If so, you probably saw a version of video mapping or projection mapping. Lighting a 3D object or an irregular shape with a digital display is called video mapping or projection mapping. Video/projection mapping had been popular with DJ artists using lights from projectors to enhance the audio with synced visuals. Recently, projection mapping has been used on a large scale projection such as Cinderella Castle in Disney Parks, which is used to project special 3D events and shows. Large scale projection mapping like this uses large projectors with 20,000 lumens output or greater. Video mapping has also become more mainstream with the accessibility to many different types of projectors as well as specialized software to help design and map the projection. 

Video and projection mapping is not easy work as it requires a lot of planning as well as learning 3D modelling. If you are thinking of creating your own interactive video mapping project, here are some simplified steps that might help you understand the process. A more detailed instruction can be found at Make an Affordable Interactive Videomapped Installation. The first step is to determine what image or video to project as well as the object or surface that you want to project on. After that, you would need to find out what projector you want to use based on your where, how, and what you are planning on doing for the mapping. You want to install the projector at a fixed location. Next, you are going to need to design your image to fit with the surface that you are working on. On irregular surfaces, you will need video mapping software such as MadMapper, HeavyM, Qlab, Troixatronix’s Isadora, FaçadeSignage, ArKaos, or Photopshop to help you edit your design. If you are able to get your design, the next step is to use your projector to display your designs. For more examples for creative ideas, you can check out: Top 20 Best Projection Mapping Examples. For smaller scale video mapping on everyday objects, check out this Projection Mapping website.

AAXA P6X Portable Projector Vs. Dr. J HI-04 Mini Projector Comparison

Having trouble deciding what type of mini projector you want? Well look no further, we went and did a review and comparison on some of the most frequently bought mini projectors on the market, the AAXA P6X Portable Projector with 4-Hour Battery and 1000 LED Lumen on Battery (Eco Mode), and the Dr. J HI-04 Mini Projector 1080P Full HD Resolution. We based this comparison on a few factors that matter the most when looking to purchase a home movie projector; portability, resolution, and brightness.

*Scroll down for shop links of the two mini projectors.

Portability

Starting things off with portability;  the P6X Mini Projector boasts a weight of only 1.81 lb and with the dimensions, 6.25″ x 6.2″ x 1.85″. Whereas the Dr.J HI-04  mini projector weighs in at 3.00 lb with the dimensions 7.80″ x 6.02″ x 2.7″. Based on these specs the P6X mini projector seems to have the advantage in terms of portability, this matters mainly for anyone that tends to travel or has to meet certain criteria in terms of placement looking for a portable projector. 

Resolution

Right up next we have the resolution; the P6X portable projector native resolution starts at 1280×800 and a max resolution of 1920×1080.  The Dr.J Mini projector HI-04’s native resolution starts at 1280×720 and a max resolution of 1920×1080. In terms of native resolution, the P6X Portable Projector has the upper hand, having a better-projecting resolution at the start. However, in terms of max resolution, the two mini projectors are neck and neck! I can definitely see both of these projectors being used as outdoor projectors for family home theaters.

Brightness

Next, we have brightness; the P6X mini portable projector has a lumen rating of 1000 Lumens, whereas the Dr. J projector HI-04 does not have any information on the number of lumens it has. Based on what I see the P6X portable projector is a lot brighter in comparison to the Dr.J HI-04 mini projector, overall both have great brightness with neither being too dim.

Results

Overall it’s hard to say which mini projector triumphs over the other, both mini projectors have their pros and their cons. I wouldn’t say that one would is better than the other,  both range at different price points and are aimed towards two different audiences. Be sure to look for the mini projector that is the best fit for you and has the functions you really need.  Let us know what you think!

Link: AAXA P6X Pico Projector $359.99

Link: DR. J HI-04 Mini Projector $94.99

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.

This Fake Window trend is going viral on TikTok-Here’s how to do it with a projector!

I’m sure if you’re an avid TikTok user, you already know about the many trends that arise from the app. One of the latest trends that are going viral on the app is the “Fake Window” Challenge. How it works is very simple and anyone can do it, so long as you have the right tools (hint: projector?)

What is the “Fake Window” Challenge?

The “Fake Window” challenge is exactly as the name states, a fake window. This is done by using a projector in your room to project a video of a fake window. This gives off the appearance that the view from your bedroom could literally be anything! During times like this when it’s normal to stay home, being able to have a change of scenery in the comfort of your bedroom is great.

There are two things you will need for this challenge to work:

  1. A fake window video/gif(can be found on the internet)
  2. A projector (doesn’t need to be something fancy)

Finding the best “Fake Window”

Do a quick google search and you’ll be able to find a lot of different fake window images. Most people usually use videos to give off that super-realistic feeling where they can not only see but hear as well! These videos can easily be found on YouTube, here’s a link to one:

The Best Projector for YOU

There isn’t necessarily a perfect projector for this challenge to work. Obviously, some projectors are overall better than those that aren’t nearly as good, but people shouldn’t be limited to expensive choices. An example of a good projector at an average price would be the AAXA BP1 Bluetooth Speaker Projector ($155 USD).

Buy: AAXA BP1 Bluetooth Speaker Projector

AAXA is well known for its PICO (portable and mini) projectors, making their projectors a perfect example of this type of challenge. We wouldn’t want to have a super big projector bringing in heat when doing this challenge (especially since summer is just around the corner), we want to be able to show you something that affordable and convenient! The BP1 Bluetooth Speaker Projector as the name states is a mini projector and a speaker at the same time. This portable projector will get you the best of both worlds in terms of picture quality and ambient sounds to soothe you while you lay near your fake window.

Buy: AAXA P300 Neo 420 Lumen Pico Projector

Another contender that would be great for this challenge is another projector from AAXA, the P300 Neo 420 Lumen Pico Projector($294 USD). With its sleek design, lightweight, and native 720p resolution, you best believe you’ll have an amazing experience with this mini projector, not just with the “Fake Window” challenge but with many different uses as well! This mini projector is great for the challenge especially if you’re looking to have it running without being plugged in. Wait, did I forget to mention that it has a rechargeable battery? Well, that’s a bonus in itself, you won’t be limited to a fixed location and you can place it anywhere you want since its keystone function will allow you to adjust the vertical angle from where you place the projector.

So what are you waiting for? Go get a projector and download the best “fake window” image or video you can find, and let us know your results!

Top 5 High-end Home Theater Projectors

If you are looking to buy the best high-end 4K projectors for your home theater setup, then these top 5 high-end home theater projectors are the way to go. Between $3,000 and $4,999, you’ll find the true native 4K projectors offering the sharpest images as well as the least expensive home theater projectors with a laser light engine instead of a lamp. The projector screen will provide the best out-of-the-box color accuracy and brightness, perfect for a dark home theater. You will surely find one projector that fits you, whether the projector ultra short-throw beamer or a more compact HD model.

  1. Optoma CinemaX P2 Projector $3299

The Optoma CinemaX P2 is a 4K Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projector up to 120” image with True 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 compatibility that ensures the Optoma CinemaX P2 renders vivid 4K UHD content. Enjoy smooth action-packed movements with PureMotion technology which processes videos filmed in 24fps and inserts transitional frames to compensate for motion blur and reduce motion judder, resulting in pure fluid motion, just perfect for your home theater. The Optoma also features Dolby Digital 2.0 soundbar with two full range speakers, two woofers, ported chambers, and 40-watts of power. The Smart+ technology enables Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as iOS and Android app support, allowing you to control your home theater from anywhere in your home. 

  1. Sony VPL-VW295ES Projector– $4,999

If you are looking for a big screen high-end 4k projector,  the VW295ES 4K HDR Home Theater Projector sizes up to 200″ , which bring lifelike 4K HDR resolution to any room. Enjoy crisp, sharp pictures with 1,500 lumens of brightness with 4K Motionflow and Advanced Reality Creation technologies . The VPL-VW295ES has a native 4K SXRD panel,  HDCP 2.2 compatibility on both 18 Gbps HDMI inputs, and HDR capability. For gamers looking to play games on the big screen, the Input lag reduction ensures a faster refresh rate. 

  1. LG CineBeam AU810PB Projector$3,999

The Lg CineBeam is a high-end projector with incomparable precision and detail up to 300-inch screen. The 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio Black level helps express the deep black, and accurately represents colors, thanks to a wide color gamut 97% of DCI-P3. This high-end 4k projector is best designed for bright and dark environments with the use of Brightness Optimizer (Iris Mode & Adaptive contrast).

  1. Samsung Premiere LSP7T Projector$3,498

The Samsung 120” Laser Projector is a Ultra Short Throw and Compact Minimal Design High-end projector that brings the big theater screen experience home with cutting edge laser technology and 4K resolution. The Samsung Premiere LSP7T delivers cinema-like pictures and contrast with 2200 lumens, 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, and delivers dramatic home cinema viewing that’s just like being in a theater. This high-end projector features powerful Audio 2.2 Channel System and Built-in Alexa, the Google Assistant, and Bixby voice assistants let you control your projector with your voice from anywhere in your home. 

  1. Epson Home Cinema 5050UBe Projector$3099

The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO-UHD is the cheapest high-end 4k projector on this list but still delivers an amazing 4K home theater experience for the DIY enthusiast. With a display of 2,600 lumens for both color and white brightness – the Home Cinema 5050UBe produces incredible brightness, color accuracy, and image detail using True 3-Chip Projector Design, Pixel-Shift Processor, Precision HDR Adjustment, and Extreme Color Gamut. All features that make the Epson Home Cinema perfect for enthusiasts with a budget.

Vankyo V630 LED Projector VS. AAXA P6X Mini Projector

There is a myth that portable projectors which operate on batteries often have lower brightness or lumen rating than traditional projectors which lack built-in battery. Is it necessarily true? Today we’re going to review and compare the Vankyo V630 Projector 1080P HD LCD and compare it to the brand new AAXA P6X Mini Projector for Outdoor Movie and Backyard Movie Theater.

Size & Portability

Now I think what jumps out immediately is the size comparison, the AAXA projector is much smaller than the vankyo projector and much lighter. With the P6X only being at 1.81lbs and the V630 being at 5.95lbs. The Vanko Mini Projector 1080P HD will need a continuous power source, will not be hand-held, and not portable. The AAXA portable projector will have a 4-hour battery in eco mode, it comes with a tripod, and it is a 100% hand-held pico projector. Our verdict: The AAXA P6X Portable  Projector wins in size and portability.

Link: World’s Brightest Battery-powered Pico Projector

Resolution Comparison

The Vankyo V630 Projector claims 1080p which is Full HD Resolution 1920 x 1080p. Note that the throw ratio and the lumen rating are missing in their official manual. The AAXA P6X goes green with an electrical manual. It is very detailed with 42 zoomable pages. The AAXA P6X claims a native resolution of WXGA which is 1280 x 800 Pixels. The Vankyo V630 Projector has some focus problems and the Images on the edge are out of focus, it has unreadable small texts on the left of the projection. We hope this issue only happens to the unit we ordered.

AAXA P6X   Vankyo V630

The AAXA P6X Mini projector has sharp images in perfect focus while the Vankyo Projector V630 has focus issues

Link: Comparison Video AAXA P6X vs Vankyo V630

Lumen (brightness) & Color Quality

AAXA P6X has 1000 LED Lumens on battery and 1100 LED Lumens plugged in thus

giving brighter image quality. This projector is perfect for those looking for the great clarity of an image. The Lumen rating of the V630 is unavailable in the manual so we are unable to say how bright their projector can actually be. Based on our initial observation, the Vankyo projector does not seem to have a greater Lumen rating compared to the P6X.

The AAXA P6X boasts vibrant colors and crisp details, whereas the Vankyo 630 has washout images and colors in a low-light room. It seems that the Vankyo projector falls short in terms of color quality most likely due to the lower-end Lumen rating it has.

Final Words

The Vankyo V630 costs $249.99 and the AAXA P6X costs $359.99, would you pay $110 more for portability and better image quality? Overall the AAXA P6X seems to be the best bang for your buck projector in terms of overall convenience. With the Vankyo V630 still being a good option, it’s safe to say that paying extra would definitely be better in the long run. 

Link: Review Vankyo 1080p Movie Theater Projector Versus AAXA Mini Projector

The 5 Best Mini Projectors For Your Home Theater

Have you ever wanted to own a projector but then you asked yourself “Do I really need it?” I always asked myself that question until I owned one myself and then it changed my whole home movie streaming experience. Currently, I own the 4K1 Mini Projector from AAXA Technologies the main thing I enjoy using it for is streaming shows and movies. Here’s a list of the best mini-projectors for your home theater.

  1. AAXA 4K1 Mini Projector $999.00

The AAXA 4K1 mini projector is one of the best projectors in the market. Being able to project in 4K Ultra HD Resolution really shows the power it. The projector screen is very clear for its price seeing as though most 4K Mini Projector prices range over thousands of dollars. This could be used not only for an inside-home theater projector screen but also as an outdoor projector. 

Where to buy: AAXA 4K1 Mini Projector

Some more information about 4K Mini Projectors: Is LED Projection Taking Over The Projector Market?

  1. Sony MP-CD1 Mobile Projector $1,329.95

I’d say it’s safe to say that most people are very familiar with Sony and their work in the entertainment industry and how well they produce their products. The Sony MP-CD1 Mobile Projector is one of the slimmer-designed mini projectors for your outdoor movie screen. For the design and the portability of this mini projector, it’s definitely on the pricier side. The native resolution is 854 by 480 pixels, a.k.a WVGA, effectively a 16:9 aspect ratio and a common resolution for low-brightness pico projectors. On the plus side, it weighs less than 1 pound, making it possible to take it anywhere you want! Perfect for an outdoor movie screen as an outdoor projector.

 

Where to buy: Sony MP-CD1 Mobile Projector

More Information on the Sony MP-CD1: A smartphone-sized projector that means business

  1. AAXA P6X Pico Projector $359.00

AAXA is definitely a pioneer in the mini projector industry, their newly released P6X Pico Projector is the world’s brightest battery-powered mini projector. This will definitely be a great addition to anyone’s outdoor movie screen. At its current price, I’d say it’s a steal of a projector that can deliver 1000 LED Lumens solely on battery! Being able to run a 4-hour battery life on a 160” image display, will be perfect for a binge outdoor projector. 

Where to buy: AAXA P6X Pico Projector

More Information on the P6X Pico Projector: AAXA P6X Mini Pico Projector

  1. LG Minibeam LED Projector $454.49

LG is well known for their work with Monitors and TVs but did you also know they’re great with their Mini Projectors as well? The LG Minibeam LED Projector is a great budget mini projector for your outdoor movie screen.  It provides 720p (1,280-by-720) native resolution at a 16:9 aspect ratio and has a rated brightness of 550 lumens which is lower than the 1000-lumen rating of the AAXA P6X Pico Projector.

Where to buy LG Minibeam LED Projector

More info on: LG Minibeam LED Projector

  1. P7 Pico Projector $419.00

Another addition to the AAXA family would need to be the P7 Pico Projector. This mini projector is a small handheld projector with a native 1080p HD resolution. The P7 measures just 2.7 by 4.7 by 4.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.4 pounds. The P7 is a DLP projector with an LED-based light source. The rated brightness is 600 lumens when the P7 is powered through its AC adapter, or 450 lumens when using the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. With the rechargeable battery, you will be able to operate for up to 90 minutes, perfect for short movies or videos on the go. 

Where to buy: P7 Pico Projector

More info on P7 Pico Projector

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

Xbox Concept With Its Very Own Projector

Gamers, Audiophiles, and Pico Projector fans are marveling at the concept of what some gamers think should be the next rendition of Xbox Consoles! Introducing the Xbox Project Oris; this concept utilizes AI technology, Speaker systems, and a Pico Projector to give the ultimate gaming experience.
The Xbox Project Oris is the creation of designer Joseph Dumary, who answered the question whether “game consoles should remain just a console”, and designed a new Xbox console that not only includes an audiophile 3D speaker system but also projects a high-resolution image of games thanks to a built-in pico projector.
The projector is the star of the Project Oris, the laser projector, a short-throw unit with high dynamic contrast uses Motion+ technology and automatic wall detection. Brightness is rated at 2,500 lumens and its lamp life is estimated at 23,000 hours.
This concept, of having one portable video game console that delivers audiophile sound quality and high-resolution gameplay via micro projectors is the stuff that dreams are made of. From Gamers to Audiophiles to Pico Projector fans, this concept is an overall buy!