What to look for in smart projectors and why the little things make a big difference

A smart projector can transform not only your home entertainment experience, but also your entertainment experience anywhere you go; you can turn any wall into a dynamic screen for movies, gaming, presentations…you name it!

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? What do all those terms mean? While the big specs like resolution and brightness matter, it’s often the small details that will elevate a projector from good to great. Let’s explore what to look for in a smart projector and why the little things make a big difference.

Lumens

One of the first specs people look at is brightness, measured in lumens. A high lumen count, such as CVIA lumens, ensures a clear, vibrant image, even in well-lit rooms. Many projectors advertise high brightness, but the accuracy of this measurement varies. Look for a reputable standard like CVIA lumens or ANSI lumens for a more reliable indicator; the numbers can be deceiving at first glance, but when you know what to look for, you’ll be reading those numbers like a pro.

Contrast Ratio 

In short, the contrast ratio determines how deep your blacks are and how vibrant your colors appear. A higher contrast ratio means better picture quality, especially in darker scenes. While many projectors boast high contrast numbers, they’re not necessarily factoring in HDR support and dynamic contrast adjustment, which lends a hand in how the colors will project.

Upon testing, the Lumi MAX outperforms competitors with an impressive 2000:1 contrast ratio. Bring on the color!

Audio Quality 

Most projectors come with built-in speakers, but not all speakers are created equal. High-quality audio, like speakers powered by Boston Acoustics or enhanced by Dolby Audio, can make a significant difference. There’s nothing worse than prepping for a movie night, only to realize you can hardly hear the dialogue. Who wants that?! Crisp dialogue, immersive surround sound, and deep bass create a theater-like experience without the need for external speakers. Lumi Max features Dolby Audio with speakers powered by Boston Acoustics, providing an immersive sound experience.

Smart Features 

If a smart projector is truly smart, it should make your life easier. Features like automatic keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, and auto-screen alignment can save you from the frustration of manual adjustments. These little details ensure your big screen magic is always perfectly aligned anywhere you go.

Connectivity 

Many projectors come with standard HDMI ports, but HDMI 2.1 with ARC (Audio Return Channel) offers superior audio and video transmission, especially for high-quality streaming and gaming. Additionally, dual-band WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 provide stable connectivity, reducing lag and buffering issues. 

Operating System & Content Integration

A built-in operating system like Google TV offers access to streaming apps without needing an external device. Having a well-optimized OS ensures smooth navigation, frequent updates, and access to a wide range of content without compatibility issues. From Netflix to Disney+ to Apple TV, the Lumi Max allows you to connect within seconds, bringing the big screen magic anywhere you go.

At first glance, two projectors with similar major specs may seem nearly identical, but small details can significantly impact your overall experience. A slightly better contrast ratio, smoother auto-focus, or improved speaker quality might not be deal-breakers on their own, but together, they create a seamless, enjoyable experience every time you use your projector. When shopping for a smart projector, pay attention to the little things; they can make all the difference between a frustrating setup and a flawless home theater experience.

Grab your Lumi Max today.