4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Thread/Recommendations

I want to buy a projector, however, I'm sure like others when doing research, it feels overwhelming with what to go with.

It helps to have certain parameters you have to work within, problem is, I'm coming from using a cheap $100 projector - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/513096

Literally anything is better than that, so, I can only really go up.

I like the idea of an UST projector for easier installation/flexibility in a living room/can put it on a bench/cupboard and not have a screen as a focal point of a room like a TV is.

My only real parameter is budget, I don't really want to spend like $5k, ideally even sub 2k, but it really depends on quality/if it's worth spending more to make it last longer/futureproof.

I nearly bought this - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/618039 - it seems like good value but isn't 4K

Whenever I look on other sites for ideas, I get overwhelmed as to why https://au.banggood.com/New-VersionXIAOMI-Fengmi-4K-Cinema-L… costs more than https://au.banggood.com/Global-Version-Xiaomi-Mijia-Ultra-Sh… when the cheaper one was 3 x the lumens?

Is there any brands that I should ultimately avoid? (or those I should lean towards?) Open to any feedback/ideas/advice though - thanks in advance if you made it this far.

Comments

  • +1

    The cheaper one is only 1080P native.
    The other one is native 4K.

    No other advice sorry but that should be why one is more expensive.

    • +2

      "4k supported" is such shady language, can't every HD device downscale 4k content automatically?

      • nope they can not, its a useful feature. for example for someone that has a plex server and wants to direct play from their 4k library it will avoid having to transcode to 1080p, instead this projector will accept the 4k signal and downscale it internally and saving your server from doing any transcoding.

        • -1

          Sorry but your post is completely wrong and doesn't make sense.

          Projectors don't run Plex and have nothing to do with if content is played at 1080p or 4k. Plex doesn't know what your projector is and it doesn't need to know.

          Also, that guy is right, most HDMI enabled TV's are able to accept a 4k input scaled down to the resolution of the TV. You generally don't want this though as the scaling is often terrible quality, native resolution is better.

          • @samfisher5986: ccgtv is what runs plex, if the ccgtv is running at 1080p it will force plex to transcode at 1080p. I have tested this so not sure what your on about. the projector/tv would have to accept a 4k input via hdmi and downscale it so that chromecast thinks its playing on a 4k enabled device…

            • @Silent-zai: You have it wrong.

              The plex app installed on your chromecast is specifically saying, I'm at 1080p, I only need 1080p please. Depending on the plex app, you can simply change your settings and say you want to direct play 4k, even on a 1080p screen/device.

              The other problem is that your chromecast might not be able to play 4k, or mkv, or 10bit/HDR etc. That will cause a transcode because the plex app decided that.

              It has nothing to do with anything else, its just thinking its doing you a favour by only asking for the same resolution as your screen.

              For example, I have a 1080p projector and I direct play everything in 4k simply because I can, and transcoding is a waste of resources with no benefit unless you are using it remotely.

              • @samfisher5986: what projector do you have? I bet it accepts a 4k signal because you can not configure plex to direct play 4k if the device is running at 1080p. I have tried in the past.
                I have a 4k tv and plex direct plays fine to that using the same ccgtv device.
                this is the same with if you have a ps4 pro. you will only be able to play at 4k if the device accepts a 4k signal.

                just to add to this, my plex server has transcoding disabled completely because I only use it at home and don't have external users currently.

                • @Silent-zai: You are confused thinking that plex on the chromecast (which might have this limitation) means that all plex clients have that limitation.

                  You don't seem to understand that the projector doesn't decide, Plex does. Plex does not know what your projector is capable of, it knows the current resolution its displaying.

                  • @samfisher5986: I am not confusing anything. you don't seem to understand that there are 1080p projectors that accept 4k input via hdmi and will allow you to run a ccgtv at 4k and output the image at 1080p. I was using plex as an example but the same example can be made for a ps5/pc/xbox. if it doesn't accept a 4k signal you can maybe get an app that will play a 4k video but the console or streaming stick will not output 4k to the hdmi port if the device does not accept a 4k signal…

                    • @Silent-zai: by your logic anything with a hdmi source can accept any resolution, including 16k…

                    • @Silent-zai: Yes, but you need to understand these facts, its important to understand this as you don't seem to be knowledgeable enough on technology.

                      I can run 4k Plex content directly, while in 1080p resolution on the screen.
                      I can run a TV at 4k resolution and it will be scaled.
                      I can run a projector at 4k resolution, even without it being "4k supported".

                      "4k supported" is a scam because its very common.

                      You can't display 16k unless the output device (computer/chromecast etc) and the cable support 16k, thats the most important part anyway, there may be other limitations.

  • +1

    I have one, it's 4k but with pixel shifting.
    Xiaomi 1s 4k. Need to spend around 2.5k to get the 4k model

  • and new HDMI UHS Cable if 10m+ and PJ is 4k.

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