The best mini projectors do a lot of the work for you, but they can’t do it all alone. Here are a couple of ways to lend your video projector a hand for the ultimate home theater experience.
1. Choose the Right Model
What’s the best portable projector to choose? That depends. Pocket projectors, projectors for laptops and phones, and ultra-portable mini projectors all come with their fair share of pros and cons.
Do you need to feel the 4K in your soul, or are you just looking for a cheap portable projector to keep the family entertained on camping trips? Weigh your options. The mini LED projector of your dreams is out there. You just need to find it.
2. Create an Ideal Viewing Environment
The more ambient light you’ve got filling the room, the more you stand to lose in terms of image quality. While you can strengthen the image in defense of this reality, it’s always best to start with a room that’s dark and that won’t distract from the movie.
You know the drill. Dim the lights and draw the blinds. One of the great things about mini projectors: you can use them in any room in your house.
3. Optimize Contrast Ratio and Brightness
Projection calibration and projector optimization go hand-in-hand. The output of a video projector is determined by way of lumen output.
If your mini projector boasts an output rating of 500 lumens, for example, you’re working with a 500:1 contrast ratio—that is, the darkest possible value in its output gamut, an output of zero lumens, is five hundred times dimmer than the brightest possible value, an output of all 500.
Most of us want the brightest image possible, and many factors will play into your final outcome. If the projector is closer to the projection surface than the manufacturer recommends, for example, the picture is going to be much brighter overall.
4. Calculate Projector Throw Distance
The difference between a long-throw projector and a short-throw projector may be pivotal.
Most portable projectors will include the throw distance that’ll net you a perfect 100-inch screen. You can deviate marginally from this figure, of course, but it’s definitely the place to start.
5. Adjust Your Projection Angle
The angle of your projection will also play an important role; an off-kilter cell phone projection produces a distorted image. You want the projected plane to be as close to parallel with your projection screen or surface as possible.
Many brand-name mini projectors will actually level the projected image for you, but your results may vary. Put your mini projector in a position to succeed. All that it takes is a bit of lateral thinking and crafty placement.
6. Use a Suitable Projection Surface
Some portable projectors come with their own projector screens. Others do not. If yours didn’t, you’re in luck. Any matte, white surface will get the job done, no problem at all.
Again, the quality of your viewing experience will depend much more on things like the brightness of the image in relation to the room’s ambient light levels. A wall, a sheet, or even the side of your house is all that you need.
7. Make Sure the Lens Is Clean and That the Projector Is in Focus
If you’ve ticked everything off of the list and your portable projector still isn’t performing, try giving the lens a wipe. If cleaning the lens doesn’t fix the problem, your portable projector might be slightly out of focus.
To address the issue, consult your portable projector’s user guide. Some smart projectors will be able to auto-focus automatically, which can be really convenient. For an intelligent viewing experience that requires little equipment, thinking, or manual labor, a smart projector is certainly the way to go.
How to Create the Ultimate Home Theater With Portable Mini Projectors
With these guidelines in mind, you can coax a stellar performance out of even cheap mini projectors. The best portable projector for you might end up being the smallest projector in your price bracket.
Sometimes, a small projection is ideal. For others, you really will want to splurge. Consider your space and your resources. Small projector or otherwise, the freedom and versatility of a portable projector cannot be beat.
