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The Smart Projector Buyer’s Guide

So, what is a smart projector anyway? A smart projector is usually a portable device that combines the latest display technologies with smart integrated functionality. The latest generation will connect with your mobile devices, home network, and content services for a seamless viewing experience. And you’d be amazed at what the right projector will do for your viewing experience. 
 
Keep reading to learn why smart projectors are on the rise. Or take a look at the ViewSonic Portable Smart Projectors. 

Many projectors make the ‘smart projector’ claim. But, ‘smart’ means more than just having a built-in computer. So, it’s important to know what to look for when buying a smart projector. By considering how you’re going to use it, you’ll get the right mix of features. 

Smart Projector Advantages 

Portable Design 

Smart projectors achieve much smaller form factors. The smallest weigh as little as a pound, and can even fit in your pocket. Home entertainment projectors are much bigger but still offer a portable design. Usually via a handle. 

Think about the situations you’re going to be using your projector for. Make sure to find a projector that fits that function. Taking your smart projector on-the-go? Consider how well the projector achieves a portable design. Does it come with a carry handle? Or, can it fold into a travel-ready container? 

If your projector is going to sit on your coffee table, make sure it says it’s a “short throw.” Are you going to want to use it outside? Make sure it has enough lumens to do the job. Knowing exactly how you’re going to use a projector makes a big difference in buying the right one. 

Lamp-free Light Source 

Smart projectors usually use lamp-free light sources, such as LED and the newer RGB projector technology. Lamp-free light sources provide a much longer lifespan, making it a much better investment. 

Traditional bulb projectors dim over time, but smart projectors with LED and RGB lasers remain consistently bright. LED projectors use light-emitting diodes, which offer a consistent brightness level throughout their lifespan. RGB laser projectors, which use pure red, green, and double blue light sources, provide more vibrant color and luminosity. 

Additionally, lamp-free projectors are also eco-friendly, as they eliminate the need for mercury-containing glass bulbs. 

M10 Portable RGB Laser Projector

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Resolution 

Smart projectors have much smaller form factors than standard projectors. This makes resolution the first thing to go. Understand how you’re going to be using your projector. This helps determine what resolution you’ll need. For those who enjoy camping, and just want some form of entertainment next to the campfire, a lower resolution works. 

Mini projectors have the hardest time with resolution. But, not all smart projectors suffer from poor resolution. Smart RGB projectors are now on the market. If home entertainment is your preferred use, opt for 4K resolution. The highest-end smart projectors will call themselves “True 4K” projectors. 

This means the image is not using upscaled technology. Rather, you’re getting True 4K: UHD, native 3840×2160 with 8.3 million pixels. Smart projectors deliver less cost per inch (vs. a smart tv) without compromising on image clarity. 

4K-Ultra-HD on a smart projector

True-to-Life Colors 

Lumens measure the light output of a projector. The brighter the room, the more lumens you’ll need. Smart projectors, often using LED or RGB laser light sources, typically specify their brightness in LED lumens or RGB lumens, which differ from ANSI lumens. Dark rooms need fewer lumens, allowing you to focus more on other specs (like contrast). Look for ≥10,000:1 contrast ratio for dedicated home theater projectors. 

Compatibility with Streaming Sticks 

Choose a projector that works seamlessly with popular streaming sticks like Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku for a hassle-free experience. Plus, if the projector comes with a built-in USB-A port, this is another plus point as you can easily charge your streaming device directly, without the need for extra adapters. Opting for a projector with these smart features will enhance your entertainment experience, making it both effortless and enjoyable. 

More Smart Features 

Once you’ve decided which smart projector features are most important to you, there are more smart features to help make your decision. 

Auto Focus & Auto Keystone 

Auto Focus is a truly smart feature. It allows your projector to do the work for you. A small motor rotates the lens for a sharpened image. Auto Keystone is great, especially when your viewing angle optimal. Again, smart projectors are able to do the work for you. 

Premium Speakers 

Most smart projectors have to compromise on sound. This is the only way to fit all the components into such a small form factor. If you don’t already have a premium sound system integrated into your home theater, opt for premium speakers. The M10 projector happens to have Harmon Kardon® speakers.  

What’s great is you don’t even need to be watching a movie to activate the sound! Using Bluetooth, you can play back messages on your phone, talk with Alexa, or turn Movie Night into a dance party.   

Height Adjustment 

Sometimes just a stack of magazines will do. But if you don’t have a bunch laying around, you’ll really enjoy having a height adjustment stand. Look for a two-tiered adjustment stand that provides up to 130 degrees offset. 

Ports & Connections 

Ports & connections are important if you’re not streaming from your phone. HDMI 2.0 connections offer better support for 4K UHD content, and USB-C connections allow you to charge your phone while mirroring your screen at the same time. (Ensure the host device supports video transmission via USB-C for screen mirroring.) 

USB Type-C Streaming 

Why watch on a smartphone, when you can watch something on the big screen? Sure, you can use Wi-Fi. But, sometimes your connection is too slow. USB Type-C streaming allows you to play content straight from your phone. Of course, this only works if your phone allows USB Type-C streaming. iPhone and iPad users need to buy an Apple-authorized Lighting to HDMI cable adapter. 

M10 Living Room

Screen Mirroring 

Screen Mirroring means being able to instantly cast your phone onto a big screen. This is a big enhancement for those who already have a lot of content on their phones. 

5G Wi-Fi 

Not all smart projectors are optimized for mirroring content from your smartphone to the big projection screen. That’s why it’s important to make sure your smart projector operates 5G Wi-Fi band. 

Eye Protection 

Staring directly into a projector is not advised. But, sometimes these things just happen. That’s why there’s eye protection. With a built-in ultrasonic sensor, smart projectors shut off when something gets too close to the lens. 

Frame Interpolation 

The final thing you’re going to want to look for is Frame Interpolation technology. Sometimes abbreviated as MEMC (Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation), this feature smoothes quickly changing images at the video processing stage. Intermediate frames are generated between actual ones, to help increase perceived framerate. Especially valuable in sports, frame interpolation lets you catch even the most minor of details on the big screen. 

Final Thoughts 

Whether for entertainment at home or on the go, smart projectors offer unmatched versatility and convenience. Explore the benefits of these advanced devices and see how they can enhance your viewing experience, no matter where you are. 

Ready to find your ideal smart projectors? Explore ViewSonic portable smart projectors.