Best 4 DLP Projectors of 2019
Digital Light Processing (DLP) Projectors are one of the most common projector types out there, along with LCD, LED, Laser, and many more.
Typically smaller and more portable projectors that require little maintenance, many people prefer DLP projectors over LCD due to their better contrast and more theater-like images.
Using Digital Light Processing, DLP projectors give off great images that many people love and enjoy whether they be 4K or 1080p. If you’re interested in learning about the best 4K units read our guide to the best 4k projectors.
Now that you guys know this, let’s get onto the list:
DLP Projector Reviews - Our Top 4 Picks
Specifications
- L x W x H → 13 x 19.6 x 6 in
- Weight → 16 lbs
- Connectivity Technology → VGA cable, USB, HDMI, HDCP
- Image Brightness → 3,000 lumens
- Contrast Ratio → 1,000,000:1 with Dynamic Black enabled
- Resolution → UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Lamp Life → 4,000 hrs
Key Features
- True 4K UHD Resolution
- HDR-10 Support
- Flexible zoom, throw, and shift
- Amazing Color Gamut
- Bigger picture
- 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio from Dynamic Black
PROS
CONS
Optoma UHD60 Review
A true 4K UHD projector with HDR-10 support, the Optoma UHD60 is an amazing projector with astounding picture quality.
With 3,000 lumens, the UHD60 produces very bright, razor-sharp images. These images are enhanced even more by its HDR-10 support producing the blackest blacks and whitest whites.
Combined with its 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio from its Dynamic Black mode and its large color gamut, it brings an impeccable picture quality like no other.
The UHD60 gives a bigger picture than other projectors, allowing you to experience its 4K pixels from 10 feet away. It also has the great features of a flexible zoom, throw, and shift, as well as many cords and connections for devices.
But the UHD60 has a heavy, massive, plastic, and cheap build. Since it lacks a keystone and also has common HDMI port malfunctions, it is even less desired.
Yet, its amazing 4K picture quality, contrast, and brightness make those negatives almost irrelevant.
Specifications
- L X W X H → 8.8 X 12.37 X 4in
- Weight → 5.5lbs
- Connectivity Technology → USB, HDMI
- Image Brightness → 3000 lumen
- Contrast Ratio → 28,000:1
- Resolution → 1920x1080p (Full HD)
- Lamp Life → 8,000 hours
Key Features
- Full HD 1080p
- Full 3D
- Astounding Color
- Enhanced Gaming Mode
- 8000 hr Eco Lamp Life
- 100” image from 4’ Away
PROS
CONS
Optoma GT1080 Darbee Review
The best short-throw projector for gaming, the Optoma GT1080Darbee is a Full HD and Full 3D projector with amazing capabilities.
Designed for the player, the GT1080Darbee has a marvelous response time and an enhanced gaming mode. This is only amped up by its amazing picture quality.
With vivid colors, an amazing contrast of 28,000:1, an Eco mode giving up to 8,000 hours of lamp life, and a great throw of 100” from 4 feet away, the GT1080Darbee is a great DLP projector for both gaming and gaming uses.
This projector is the quietest one on the list and works great with most devices. The speakers produce a high quality which could make it cheaper in the long run.
There has been a common problem with the projector not optimizing anything on the wireless adapter.
See related - Top Projectors for Gaming 2019
Specifications
- L X W X H → 15 x 11 x 5 in
- Weight → 8 lbs
- Connectivity Technology → HDMI
- Image Brightness → 2,200 lumens
- Contrast Ratio → 15,000:1
- Resolution → Full HD
- Lamp Life → 3,500/5,000/7,000 hours
Key Features
- CinematicColor
- 16.67ms Ultra-fast Response for Smooth Gaming
- Microsecond DMD response time
- 96% Rec.709 for Color Accuracy
- Superior Short Throw of 100” from 8 ft away
- Side projection with 2D keystone
- Full HD
- Vertical lens shift with 1.3x zoom
PROS
CONS
BenQ HT2050A Review
A Full HD projector with CinematicColor and 96% Rec.709 color accuracy, the BenQ HT2050A is a great projector for all DLP fans.
The HT2050A gives amazing picture quality from its 2,200 lumens and 15,000:1 contrast ratio that isn’t even dampered by its Eco Mode.
The HT2050A even has a 16.67ms and a microsecond DMD response times, making it great for gaming. Its immersive speakers only add to its overall value.
With a 1.3x zoom and a vertical lens shift, you can project its images from a side-angle without trapezoidal projection. This projector is even better if you have smaller rooms, being a short throw projector that projects 100” from 8 feet away.
Both its black levels and color accuracy are loved and hated depending on the person. Thus, you may or may not like them, depending on your own discretion.
There are many cons to this projector. It is used best in very dark rooms because it isn’t bright enough in most others.
It also has faulty speakers which sometimes don’t work or make irritating buzzing sounds and many have seen the DLP rainbow effect (see related - Best Bookshelf Speakers). Also, its 3D isn’t great, taking away a big reason why many people get it.
The biggest problem is its auto shuts down. Most people attribute this to the projector overheating, though this can happen even ten minutes after it’s turned on.
Despite these problems the HT2050A is a great short throw HD projector that DLP fans are sure to enjoy.
Best DLP Projectors: Honorable Mention
Specifications
- L X W X H → 9 x 11.7 x 3.8 in
- Weight → 5.5 lbs
- Connectivity Technology → USB, HDMI
- Image Brightness → 3,000 lumens
- Contrast Ratio → 23,000:1
- Resolution → Full HD
- Lamp Life → 12,000 hours
Key Features
- Bright 1080p projection
- Stunning picture quality
- Extended lamp life
- 1.3x flexible zoom
- 1.47-1.62 throw
- Full 3D
- Reference Mode
- RGB
PROS
CONS
Optoma HD143X Review
The Optoma HD143X is a really bright and powerful Full HD projector with a whopping 3,000 lumens and 23,000:1 contrast ratio.
With bright 1080p projection, the HD143X produces very clear and sharp pictures. Combined with its Reference Mode and RGB, it creates amazingly colorful pictures with Rec.709 accuracy.
This projector is also great for gaming with fast response times when it’s not even in its gaming mode, and has phenomenal Full 3D. On top of this, it is a cheaper projector that has a long and extended lamp life of 12,000 hours and a flexible zoom and throw.
See related - Best HD Projectors
But the HD143X’s zoom, as well as its keystone, is very limited; making it harder to adjust the image.
The biggest drawbacks of the HD143X are its dead pixels and light bleed. Its dead pixels leave many irregular black and white pixels all over the screen. It starts with a few, but then explodes and really damages the picture itself.
Light bleed is, essentially, the projector light bleeding outside of the picture. This not only looks bad, but can eventually wash out the picture.
This is a big downside because of its damage to the overall picture, so it’s definitely something to consider.
Despite the dead pixels and light bleed, this is a very good and bright projector with great features at a near inexpensive $500 price.
Best DLP Projectors: Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to buying a projector, you’re going to want to consider many things. Here are a few pointers to help you out.
Cost: What is Worthwhile?
You can find a decent projector at a very cheap price, but if you want one with amazing features and great quality then you’re going to have to spend a lot. You should at least be ready to spend $500-$3,000 on a projector, though some of the best cost more than that.
If you want to look into those best projectors, check here (Interlink to Best Home Theater Projectors).
This price isn’t even considering a good screen or surround sound system. Thus, the cost of these are all things you should consider when buying a projector.
Resolution: To 4K or Not
If you plan to use your projector for only watching sports or TV and you don’t plan on using it outside or to watch UHD Blu-Ray or play video games, then you don’t need 4K.
But If you want a projector with amazing resolution, brightness, HDR, and UHD that will give you a movie-like experience and works better in smaller rooms, then a 4K projector may be perfect for you.
Lens Zoom: Getting a Better Picture
Lens zoom is very essential to projectors and should be something you always consider. You may need to cast a bigger image into a smaller area or enlarge an image depending on your environment.
Because of this, it is best to learn a projector’s throw and zoom to make sure you can create the best picture for your room.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many common questions that come up with DLP projectors. Here are a few of them.
Are DLP projectors better than LCD?
There’s no correct answer here. Both DLP and LCD have pros and cons to them.
Where DLP has better contrast and gives off a better cinematic vibe, LCD has sharper, brighter, and more colorful images.
You would have to research and test them both out to see which one fits your needs better.
How do DLP projectors work?
DLP projectors use a spinning color wheel, millions of microscopic mirrors in its DLP chip, and a lamp to produce its images. The mirror structure in DLP projectors allows for the projector to produce a fine image.
What should I look for in DLP projectors?
You’re going to want a brighter, sharper, and more colorful projector, but, in general, you should look for the same things in DLP projectors as every other one - great features, great reviews, and amazing specs.
In Conclusion
If you want a DLP projector then any option above should be a great one. Whether for gaming or just home theater use, each of those options will satisfy your needs.
Before you go out and buy everything, make sure to go over your options and all of their pros and cons. And if you use our FAQ and Buyer’s Guide, you’re sure to be able to find the best DLP projector for you.
Sources
My name is Steve Scott. Father of 2 and owner of Outdoor Movie HQ. I’ve been involved in the A/V industry for most of my life and built this blog to help people better understand projector technology. Please leave a comment if you have any questions.