If you would like to choose between a 4K projector or one of a lower resolution, you’re in the right place. Nowadays there are many projector options, and many options to choose from if you’re looking for something with HD clarity.
This can cause a bit of confusion for those who don’t know what kind of specs will best fit their needs and the type of content that’s on the market right now.
Yes, it’s worth buying a 4K projector, if you plan on streaming or watching 4K content. One thing we will note is that you will see a substantial price difference among 4K projectors and their 1080p counterparts.
A 4K projector is great if you’re looking for something to serve as a standalone home theater projector.
Comparing 4K projectors to other HD options
When you’re looking for a projector, it’s paramount to make sure you’re aware of the level of sharpness and range you’ll need. If you need sharper images and dynamic range then it’s important that you look for projectors with either 1080p or 4K resolution.
Projector Resolution
If you’re planning on projecting 4K content then yes, you probably will want to invest in a 4K projector. While there are 8K projectors on the market, there isn’t a whole lot of content that comes with that resolution. The next step would be to look at projectors that are able to display 4K content, a resolution that a lot more content comes in.
The resolution for 4K content is 3840 x 2160 and this resolution is much sharper than the resolutions that preceded it.
*side note: you may not see much of a difference between 4K and 1080p resolutions so, if sharpness isn’t the most important factor in your choice of purchasing a projector, you probably don’t want to invest in a 4K projector.
Comparison of 1080p and 4K projectors
Cost
When you’re purchasing a projector one of the main points you’ll consider is the cost of the projector.itself. 4K projectors tend to cost much more than 1080p projectors. Don’t make your decision on this one point though, as you’ll find that the higher price tag will likely come with some awesome features.
4K projectors tend to offer higher pixels per inch than their 1080p counterparts. The image you’ll get from these projectors will be clearer because of this higher number of pixels per inch.
Contrast
Contrast depends entirely on the projector itself and should be viewed on a case by case basis. The pixels in 1080p projectors however, have been said to be more compact and thus result in higher contrast ratios.
Color Accuracy
Resolution
When it comes to visual technology, the more pixels available, the better the viewing experience. 4K projectors tend to have 8,000,000 pixels while 1080p projectors will only have 2,000,000 of them. This means that 4K projectors tend to have higher resolutions, hence the name 4K.
*actually, the term 4K came from this display type’s horizontal pixel count, which is 4096 x 2160 for most digital cinema systems.
Input/Outputs
The inputs or outputs for a projector should also be taken on a case by case basis as both projector types can have the same or (in the case of a 1080p projector or 4K projector) better inputs/outputs.
Audio Quality
Typically, you’ll find that 4K projectors have better audio systems and thus better audio quality than 1080p projectors. That isn’t to say that you won’t be able to find some 1080p projectors with amazing or better audio though.
3D Capabilities
A good amount of 4K projectors also offer 3D capabilities, most 1080p projectors do not. This is because the timeframe in which they were invented (2007 for 1080p and 4K was created in 2001 but didn’t get much content created in it until 2011).