Hi guys, this is my first post in this forum and I like to share my experience. My journey with Homecinema/projector started during the Covid days.
1. I have picked up an used Vivibright 480p projector along with a tripod and screen for around 4-5k through olx. Lumen was really low, its an OK experience at best. I will not recommend this type of projector. For Screen i was using the elcor matt white screen and white wall. I sold this projector
2. I got an egate 720p projector from amazon at around 11k. Difference is huge, it was a short through projector also, i can get uptp 100inch screen within 10 feet distance. Colour was alright, brightness was a huge upgrade and great to watch movie in this way. I paired with projector with a Altec lansing 2.1 speaker (audio through 3.5mm). For screen I was using my white wall in the room.
This is a sweet spot for anyone to start with projector within 10k budget. Contrast was a challenge with one as in certain dark scenes it gave a negative like effects in the dark area. Eventually I sold this projector after around 8 months of usage.
3. I got Wzatco s6 Full HD projector. This one cost me around 25k. This one is huge in terms of size, has a good brightness (almost double compared to the last projector), no negative like problem, better color. I have also got a zebronic 9500 pro 5.1 dolby soundbar, extract the 5.1 audio through amazon hdmi audio extractor got it through optical audio. It's great home theatre experience, the surround sound really makes a huge difference. For source I am using Amazon Firestick most of the time, also connect to ps3 for Blue ray movies. I am also painted my room with dark grey color and the screen part of the wall with projector color to further enhance the experience. This reduced the light reflection a lot and gives a movie theatre feel to the setup. While connected with PC for gaming, experience was not good, it was bit dark as per taste, please note I am using a 4k 32 inch monitor for my pc setup.
At this budget this is a great home theatre experience for beginners.
4. I have upgraded to BenQ th575 projector and paired with the same source and audio setup. This one is just WOW - zinga la la experience. It cost me 70k comes with a free amazon firestick. Almost three times costlier than the last one (I still have the wzatco s6, looking for a sale
) but performance in terms of Brightness, Colour Accuracy, Contrast is in the level of a LED/LCD tv. While connected with PC for gaming, experience was great, no input lag. This projector also comes with active 3D; I bought a pair of dlp 3D glasses from amazon for 3k, watched Avatar 3d in blue ray, great experience. I am thinking of getting a grey/silver ALT screen to further enhance the contrast.
Future Upgrade : Grey/Silver screen for better contrast and color. For sound, either an audio extractor which can do extract eARC (Dolby atmos) or ideally an AV receiver.
In short, if someone is new, start with a 720p or 1080p Chinese branded projector. A plain white wall is good enough. Sound is the second half of the equation for a home theatre feel, invest on that too.
