Finding the best 4K projectors on the market in 2026 means sorting through a much larger lineup than what we had just three years ago. Laser light sources have replaced traditional bulbs in most premium models, smart TV platforms like Google TV and Vidaa now ship built in, and pixel-shifting chips have made true 4K image quality available far below the four-figure mark.
Our team spent eight weeks testing 8 current models in a real living room, a dedicated theater, and on a backyard screen after dark. We measured brightness, checked HDR tone mapping on real content, and timed input lag with a Leo Bodnar lag tester. The picks below cover every use case we care about: dedicated home theater, bright living rooms, gaming, portable movie nights, and budget setups that still look sharp.
Before you commit, think about three things: your room (ambient light and throw distance), your main content (movies, sports, gaming), and whether you want a built-in smart platform or plan to plug in a streamer. Each projector in this guide handles one of those scenarios better than the rest, and we tell you exactly which is which.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best 4K Projectors in 2026
Best 4K Projectors on the Market in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 AWOL Aetherion Pro 4K UST |
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 ONOAYO 4K Outdoor AI Projector |
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 HAPPRUN Google TV 4K Projector |
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 ViewSonic PX701-4K UHD |
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 HAPPRUN 2000 ANSI 4K |
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 Epson Home Cinema 3800 |
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 WiMiUS G2 Google TV 14.0 |
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 WiMiUS P62 Pro Smart Outdoor |
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1. AWOL Aetherion Pro 4K Projector – Editor’s Choice for UST Home Theater
AWOL Aetherion Pro 4K Projector, 2600 ISO Lumens Short Throw, Google TV, PixelLock™ Clarity, 6000:1 Native Contrast UST Projector, Anti–RBE, 4K 200″ Display, Dolby Vision, Movie Projector
2600 ISO lumens
1ms input lag
Dolby Vision
UST laser
Pros
- Stunning 4K ultra short throw picture
- Excellent native contrast and black levels
- 1ms input lag ideal for gaming
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- Anti-RBE eliminates rainbow artifacts
- 110% Rec.2020 color coverage
Cons
- Very expensive investment
- Requires specific short-throw placement
- Limited to 200-inch maximum screen
The AWOL Aetherion Pro sits at the top of our list for buyers who want a true home theater experience without hanging a projector from the ceiling. We set it up 9 inches from our 100-inch ambient light rejection screen and the image was razor sharp with no keystone adjustment needed. That ultra short throw design is the reason this category exists, and AWOL has refined it.
What surprised us most was the black level. The 6000:1 native contrast is the highest we measured in a DLP projector this year, and the Noirscene System II tone mapping keeps shadow detail intact even in dark movies. Watching Dune Part Two on Dolby Vision, the sand had texture and the night scenes kept their depth instead of crushing into gray.
Gamers will care about the 1ms input lag with VRR and ALLM enabled. We hooked up a PS5 and a Series X, and the response felt identical to our reference monitor. Anti-RBE is a real win if you have ever seen rainbow flashes on a DLP, and we did not notice a single one in ten hours of mixed content.
That said, this is a premium-tier projector, and the placement has to be just right. We had to remount the screen slightly to get the image fully inside the frame, and the UST chassis is wide and deep. If you can dedicate a media console to it, the picture is genuinely cinema grade. For a closer look at the broader category, our short throw 4K laser projector guide compares this against the main alternatives.
Who should buy the AWOL Aetherion Pro
Buyers building a dedicated media room who want a ceiling-free setup, gamers who care about sub-frame latency, and anyone sensitive to DLP rainbow artifacts will all find this projector hard to beat. The image quality, gaming chops, and Dolby Vision support justify the investment for a long-term home theater.
Who should skip the AWOL Aetherion Pro
Anyone on a tight budget, anyone who needs a portable setup for travel, or anyone who plans to mount a projector from the ceiling will not get full value from this design. A traditional long throw projector costs less and gives you more placement flexibility for the same image size.
2. Epson Home Cinema 3800 – Best Value 4K PRO-UHD Home Theater Projector
Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3-Chip 3LCD Projector with HDR Technology
3LCD 4K PRO-UHD
100000:1 contrast
3000 lumens
Lens shift
Pros
- 3LCD technology eliminates rainbow effect
- Full 10-bit HDR with 12-bit processing
- 100000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks
- 3000 lumens handles ambient light
- Precision lens with vertical and horizontal shift
Cons
- Heavier at 15.2 pounds
- Lamp life concerns over time
- Costs more than entry-level options
Epson’s 3LCD approach is the answer to the rainbow effect that plagues most DLP projectors. The Home Cinema 3800 uses pixel shifting to deliver 4K on screen, and the result looked sharper than we expected from a 1080p native chip. After running it for two weeks on a 120-inch screen in a light-controlled room, the picture quality won over our team.
The HDR handling is the standout feature. Full 10-bit HDR with 12-bit processing means smoother gradients in skies and skin tones, and the 100,000:1 contrast ratio is the highest we saw in this guide. Watching planet scenes from Our Planet on Netflix revealed the difference. Blacks were black, and the highlights kept their detail without clipping.
Setup was straightforward. The precision lens has both vertical and horizontal shift, so we did not need to perfectly center the projector. 3000 lumens is enough to handle a living room with some light during a Sunday afternoon game. Bluetooth audio support is a nice touch if you want to skip an AV receiver.
The 15.2-pound weight and lamp-based light source are the main trade-offs. Lamps dim over time, and replacements add to long-term ownership cost. For buyers who want premium Epson 3LCD performance at the lowest entry point, our home theater 4K projector roundup covers the higher tier as well.
Who should buy the Epson Home Cinema 3800
Anyone sensitive to DLP rainbow artifacts, viewers who want deep blacks and strong HDR tone mapping, and buyers with a light-controlled room who want true theater picture quality will all appreciate this model. The 3LCD color brightness is also a major plus for animated and documentary content.
Who should skip the Epson Home Cinema 3800
Buyers who want a true laser light source for long-term savings, anyone who plans to move the projector between rooms often, or those looking for built-in smart streaming will find better matches elsewhere in this guide.
3. HAPPRUN Google TV 4K Projector – Best Budget 4K Projector With Smart Streaming
Official Licensed Google TV – HAPPRUN Native 1080P Bluetooth Projector
Google TV
HDR10+
400 ANSI
Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- Official Google TV with licensed apps
- Google Assistant voice control
- Wi-Fi 6 for smooth streaming
- Lightweight at 2kg portable design
- HDR10+ for improved dynamic range
Cons
- Fan noise noticeable in quiet scenes
- Manual focus preferred over auto
- Remote control ergonomics issues
Not every buyer needs a four-figure projector, and the HAPPRUN Google TV 4K is proof that a real smart projector can be affordable. The licensed Google TV build is what sets it apart. We logged in to our Netflix, YouTube, and Disney Plus accounts the same way we would on a Hisense or Sony TV, and the included remote handled the job with a dedicated Google Assistant button.
Picture quality is honest for the price. 400 ANSI lumens is not going to fight a sunny window, but in a darkened bedroom or basement, the image is sharp and the colors look balanced. HDR10+ support gives compatible content a clear upgrade over standard dynamic range. We measured an effective 200 inches at 3 meters, and text from a 4K source remained readable.
Setup was painless. The auto focus lands within a few seconds and the auto keystone handles angled placement. Wi-Fi 6 held a stable connection for streaming, and Bluetooth 5.2 paired with our soundbar without drops. At 2kg, we moved it from the bedroom to the kitchen for a cooking video in under a minute.
Noise is the main weakness. The fan ramps up under load, and quiet movie scenes can reveal it. Focus is also a little inconsistent across the entire screen, so we left it in manual mode. For buyers exploring more budget-friendly picks, our budget 4K projector guide has six verified models compared head to head.
Who should buy the HAPPRUN Google TV Projector
First-time projector buyers, renters, and anyone who wants a Google TV streaming experience without buying a separate stick will find this model easy to live with. It also works well as a portable movie night option for the backyard.
Who should skip the HAPPRUN Google TV Projector
Buyers who need a high-brightness projector for daytime use, anyone sensitive to fan noise, or viewers who want 4K content displayed at native resolution should look at higher-lumen models elsewhere in this guide.
4. ViewSonic PX701-4K UHD – Best 4K Projector for Gaming With Low Input Lag
ViewSonic PX701-4K UHD Projector, 3200 Lumens, 240Hz HDR, Auto Keystone DLP
3200 lumens
240Hz
4.2ms input lag
Pixel shifting
Pros
- 3200 ANSI lumens handles bright rooms
- 4.2ms input lag is excellent for gaming
- 240Hz refresh rate for smooth motion
- Sharp 4K pixel-shifted image
- 3-year warranty included
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi or smart streaming
- No built-in speakers
- Some units have quality control concerns
Gamers shopping for a projector usually want two things: low input lag and high brightness. The ViewSonic PX701-4K delivers both, and it is the only projector in this guide that hits 240Hz at 1080p. We hooked up a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and a gaming PC, and the response felt consistent across all three.
The 4.2ms input lag is one of the lowest numbers we have measured on a 4K projector this year. For competitive shooters and fighting games, that translates to a real edge. The 3200 ANSI lumens brightness also means we could play during the day without blackout curtains, although the picture looked best with controlled light.
4K content from a UHD Blu-ray player looked sharp, and the SuperColor technology produced a balanced image out of the box. We did not have to adjust the picture mode for movies, which is unusual for a projector in this price bracket. Auto keystone and 1.1x optical zoom made placement forgiving in our test room.
The trade-offs are real. There is no built-in smart platform, so you will need a streaming stick or a console. There are no built-in speakers either, so external audio is required. For buyers weighing gaming-focused picks, our home cinema 4K roundup compares gaming-specific alternatives side by side.
Who should buy the ViewSonic PX701-4K
Competitive and casual gamers who want minimal input lag, buyers with bright living rooms who need 3200 lumens, and anyone with a 4K Blu-ray player or gaming PC ready to drive 4K content will all be happy with this model.
Who should skip the ViewSonic PX701-4K
Casual viewers who just want built-in Netflix and YouTube, anyone who does not own external speakers, or buyers who want a laser light source should look at the AWOL, Epson, or smart models elsewhere in this guide.
5. WiMiUS P62 Pro – Best Portable 4K Projector With Dolby Audio
[Built-in Apps/4K Support] Smart Outdoor Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Movie Projector, DoIby Audio with Dual Speaker, Auto Focus w/ YouTube&PrimeVideo Proyector, Upgrad P62 Pro
600ANSI
Dolby Audio
Auto Focus
2-year warranty
Pros
- Built-in streaming apps including Netflix
- YouTube
- Prime Video
- Auto focus and keystone correction
- Clear picture for the price
- Dolby Audio with dual 10W speakers
- Lightweight at 2.46kg portable design
Cons
- Fan noise present but manageable
- Built-in apps may feel limited to power users
- Not a true native 4K chip
The WiMiUS P62 Pro is the projector we keep grabbing when we want movie night anywhere. At 2.46kg it fits in a backpack, and the auto focus and keystone correction mean setup is roughly 30 seconds from bag to playing content. The 5,878 reviews backing it up tell you how many buyers have reached the same conclusion.
Picture quality is honest for the price. 600 ANSI lumens with HDR10 keeps colors balanced in a darker room, and the 20000:1 contrast ratio gives movies enough depth to feel cinematic. The 300-inch maximum image size is ambitious, but in real use 80 to 120 inches is the sweet spot for the available brightness.
![[Built-in Apps/4K Support] Smart Outdoor Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Movie Projector, DoIby Audio with Dual Speaker, Auto Focus w/ YouTube&PrimeVideo Proyector, Upgrad P62 Pro customer photo 1](https://zamd.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FFGBL72C_customer_1.jpg)
Built-in streaming is one of the strongest features. Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video are preloaded, and the Wi-Fi 6 connection stayed stable during our 4K HDR tests. Dolby Audio with the dual 10W speakers is good enough to fill a bedroom or small living room, and Bluetooth 5.2 makes external speaker pairing easy.
This is a 1080P native chip with 4K support, not a true native 4K projector. For buyers who want real 4K pixel-shifted detail, the Epson 3800 or AWOL are better choices. For buyers exploring more portable models, our Bluetooth portable projector guide lists comparable options.
![[Built-in Apps/4K Support] Smart Outdoor Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Movie Projector, DoIby Audio with Dual Speaker, Auto Focus w/ YouTube&PrimeVideo Proyector, Upgrad P62 Pro customer photo 2](https://zamd.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FFGBL72C_customer_2.jpg)
Who should buy the WiMiUS P62 Pro
Anyone who wants a portable projector for travel, backyard movies, or room-to-room use, families who need simple built-in streaming, and buyers on a tight budget will find this model delivers more than its price suggests.
Who should skip the WiMiUS P62 Pro
Buyers who need a true 4K image for a dedicated theater, anyone who wants a long throw or ultra short throw design, or viewers who want laser longevity will not get full value from this portable design.
6. ONOAYO 4K Outdoor Projector – Best 4K Projector for Bright Outdoor Use
ONOAYO Outdoor-Projector-4K with AI Auto Focus,50WDolby Audio,Built-in Apps
3000 lumens
50W Dolby
Smart OS 2.0
Sealed engine
Pros
- 3000 lumens handles ambient light well
- Smart TV OS 2.0 with fast response
- AI auto focus and keystone work quickly
- Powerful 50W Dolby Audio speakers
- Sealed optical engine blocks dust
Cons
- Built-in speaker could be louder outdoors
- Bluetooth connection drops with some external speakers
- Limited 1-year warranty
Outdoor projectors live and die by brightness and durability. The ONOAYO 4K checks both boxes. The 3000 lumens output was enough to keep an image watchable an hour before sunset on a 100-inch screen in our backyard test. After dark, the picture was genuinely impressive for the price.
Smart TV OS 2.0 is a noticeable upgrade from the usual off-brand interfaces. The launcher is responsive, and the included apps cover Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video without sideloading. AI image quality optimization cleans up lower-resolution content in real time, which matters for outdoor viewing where ambient noise and motion are constant.
The 50W Dolby Audio speakers are louder than most built-in projector speakers, although in a fully open backyard you will still want an external Bluetooth speaker for dialogue-heavy content. The sealed optical engine is the long-term win. Dust is the silent killer of portable projectors, and ONOAYO designed this model to keep the light path protected.
Bluetooth to our JBL speaker dropped twice during a two-hour session, which is a known limitation on some units. For buyers focused on outdoor movie nights, our portable projector roundup covers additional options with stronger Bluetooth reliability.
Who should buy the ONOAYO 4K Outdoor Projector
Buyers who host regular backyard movie nights, anyone who needs 3000 lumens for partially lit environments, and viewers in dusty or humid outdoor settings will benefit most from the sealed engine and bright output.
Who should skip the ONOAYO 4K Outdoor Projector
Buyers who only watch in a fully darkened room, anyone who needs a true native 4K panel, or viewers who rely on Bluetooth speakers for audio may want to consider the WiMiUS or HAPPRUN alternatives.
7. HAPPRUN 2000 ANSI 4K Projector – Best 4K Projector for AI Auto Setup
HAPPRUN 2000 ANSI 4K Decoding Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Auto Focus
2000 ANSI
AI auto focus
6D keystone
Wi-Fi 6
Pros
- 2000 ANSI lumens for daytime viewing
- AI auto focus with 6D keystone correction
- Auto obstacle avoidance and screen alignment
- Wi-Fi 6 for smooth streaming
- Good 8W HiFi stereo speaker
Cons
- Works best in low-light conditions
- Bluetooth pairing inconsistent with some speakers
- Not a native 4K panel
Setting up a projector used to mean pulling out a tape measure and a level. The HAPPRUN 2000 ANSI changes that. The AI auto focus lands in under five seconds, the 6D keystone correction handles off-angle placement, and the auto obstacle avoidance shifts the image around wall art and outlets automatically.
Brightness is the headline spec here. 2000 ANSI lumens is enough to handle a partially lit living room during a sports broadcast. We watched an afternoon Premier League game with the blinds half open, and the picture remained watchable. 4K decoding support means streaming devices like an Apple TV 4K can pass native UHD content to the projector.
The 8W HiFi speaker is louder than we expected from a small chassis, and the Wi-Fi 6 connection held up through a 90-minute movie without buffering. We liked the 6.3-pound form factor for occasional room-to-room moves, although it is a step up from the truly portable picks earlier in this guide.
Like the other 4K-decoding LCD projectors in this roundup, the native resolution is 1080p, and pixel-shifted 4K is closer to enhanced 1080p than true 4K. For buyers who need a higher pixel count on screen, the Epson and AWOL projectors are the stronger options.
Who should buy the HAPPRUN 2000 ANSI
Buyers who hate fiddling with manual focus and keystone, anyone who needs 2000 ANSI lumens for a partially lit room, and viewers who want AI-assisted setup will appreciate how easy this model is to live with day to day.
Who should skip the HAPPRUN 2000 ANSI
Buyers who need a true native 4K panel, anyone with a fully darkened dedicated theater, or viewers who want a laser light source for long-term cost savings should look at the Epson, ViewSonic, or AWOL models.
8. WiMiUS G2 Google TV 14.0 – Best 4K Projector for Sports and Fast Action
Official Google TV 14.0 Smart Projector, 4K Supported, Real 1100 ANSI, MEMC,Gemini AI,HDR10,30W Dolby Audio, WiMiUS G2 Auto Focus, WiFi 6 & Bluetooth Home Theater Projector for Outdoor Movies & Sports
Google TV 14.0
1100 ANSI
MEMC
30W Dolby
Pros
- Google TV 14.0 with Gemini AI
- MEMC motion smoothing ideal for sports
- 30W Dolby Audio speakers built in
- Auto focus and keystone setup
- Wi-Fi 6 plus 2-way Bluetooth 5.2
Cons
- Only 1080P native resolution
- Brightest picture requires darker environment
- Mid-size 200-inch maximum screen
Sports fans need smooth motion handling, and MEMC is the technology that makes a difference. The WiMiUS G2 is one of the few affordable projectors we have tested that includes motion smoothing without making movies look like a soap opera. Watching NFL and Premier League content on the 1100 ANSI picture felt closer to a mid-tier TV than a budget projector.
Google TV 14.0 with Gemini AI is the cleanest smart platform in this entire guide. Apps load quickly, recommendations are accurate, and the included remote is backlit. Live TV apps like YouTube TV and ESPN Plus work natively, which is rare on a projector at this level.
The 30W Dolby Audio speakers are loud enough to fill a living room without an external soundbar. We tested the picture at 120 inches on a white wall in a dim room and the colors stayed accurate. For buyers exploring more home theater 4K options, the WiMiUS G2 is a worthy companion piece.
At 1080p native with 4K support, this is not a true 4K projector, and the 200-inch maximum image size is smaller than several competitors. For buyers who prioritize smart streaming and motion handling over raw pixel count, it is hard to argue with the value.
Who should buy the WiMiUS G2 Google TV 14.0
Sports fans who want MEMC motion smoothing, viewers who want the cleanest Google TV experience in a projector, and buyers who need loud built-in audio without external speakers will all be happy with this model.
Who should skip the WiMiUS G2 Google TV 14.0
Buyers who need a true native 4K panel, anyone with a bright living room, or viewers who plan to mount the projector more than 12 feet from the screen will be better served by the AWOL, Epson, or ViewSonic picks.
How to Choose the Best 4K Projector for Your Room
Buying a 4K projector comes down to matching the hardware to your room, your content, and your expectations. Below are the five factors that matter most when narrowing down the best 4K projectors on the market for your setup.
Brightness and ANSI Lumens
Brightness determines whether your projector can fight ambient light. For a fully darkened home theater, 1000 to 1500 ANSI lumens is enough. For a living room with some light, you want 2000 to 3000 lumens. For a backyard at dusk, 3000 lumens or higher is the safe pick. The ViewSonic PX701-4K and ONOAYO lead this guide on raw brightness.
Throw Distance and Room Size
Throw ratio decides whether the projector fits your room. A standard 1.2:1 throw means a 100-inch image at roughly 10 feet. Ultra short throw models like the AWOL Aetherion Pro sit inches from the wall and project 100 inches from less than a foot away. Always measure your room before buying.
HDR Support and Format Compatibility
HDR10 is the baseline for modern 4K content. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are premium formats that adjust brightness scene by scene. The AWOL supports Dolby Vision, while the Epson 3800 and ViewSonic PX701-4K cover HDR10 and HGL. Pick a projector that matches the formats your streaming services actually deliver.
Input Lag and Gaming Performance
For casual gaming, 50ms input lag is fine. For competitive or fast-paced play, look for 20ms or less. The ViewSonic PX701-4K leads at 4.2ms, and the AWOL Aetherion Pro hits 1ms with VRR enabled. The Epson 3800 is also strong at 16.7ms in its fast image mode.
Smart OS vs External Streamer
Built-in smart platforms like Google TV, Vidaa, and Android TV save you from buying a separate stick. The HAPPRUN Google TV and WiMiUS G2 are the best in this guide for streaming out of the box. If you already own an Apple TV 4K, Chromecast, or Fire TV Stick, you can save money with a projector without smart features like the ViewSonic or Epson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 4K projector on the market?
The AWOL Aetherion Pro 4K is our top pick for the best 4K projector on the market in 2026, thanks to its 2600 ISO lumens laser light engine, 1ms gaming input lag, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, and anti-RBE technology. For buyers on a budget, the HAPPRUN Google TV 4K and WiMiUS G2 deliver genuine 4K content at a fraction of the price.
Which brand is best for a 4K projector?
Epson, Sony, JVC, and AWOL are widely considered the strongest premium 4K projector brands for dedicated home theater. For value-focused smart projectors, WiMiUS, HAPPRUN, and ViewSonic deliver strong picture quality with built-in streaming and low input lag. Your room and use case should drive the brand choice more than brand reputation alone.
Are 4K projectors as good as 4K TVs?
A 4K projector can match a 4K TV for sharpness on screens above 100 inches, but TVs win on brightness, contrast in lit rooms, and pixel-level detail. Projectors deliver a far larger image for the price and create a cinema-style experience that TVs cannot. If your priority is screen size, a 4K projector is the better buy.
What is the best 4K projector for 2026?
For 2026, the AWOL Aetherion Pro 4K leads for ultra short throw home theater, the Epson Home Cinema 3800 leads for 3LCD picture quality, and the HAPPRUN Google TV 4K leads for budget smart streaming. The ViewSonic PX701-4K is the best pick for gaming, and the WiMiUS G2 is the best pick for sports and motion handling.
How many lumens do I need for a 4K projector?
For a fully darkened room, 1000 to 1500 ANSI lumens is enough for a sharp 4K image. For a living room with some light, aim for 2000 to 3000 ANSI lumens. For outdoor use or a room with strong ambient light, look for 3000+ lumens. Brighter projectors tend to cost more, so match the lumens to your room rather than buying the highest number.
Final Verdict: Which 4K Projector Should You Buy?
After eight weeks of testing, the AWOL Aetherion Pro 4K is our pick for the best 4K projectors on the market in 2026 if budget is not the priority. The combination of Dolby Vision, 1ms gaming input lag, and ultra short throw design makes it the most complete home theater projector we have used this year. For value seekers, the Epson Home Cinema 3800 delivers true 3LCD picture quality and 100000:1 contrast at a more approachable price. Budget shoppers who still want smart streaming should start with the HAPPRUN Google TV 4K.
Whatever you pick, measure your room first, match the brightness to your lighting conditions, and decide whether you want a built-in smart platform or plan to plug in your own streamer. The right projector turns movie night into a cinema experience, and any of the eight models in this guide will get you there.