$50 vs $12,000 Projectors Side by Side || Budget vs Performance Comparisons.

I tested 12 of my top rated projectors from different budget categories to figure out how much increased performance you get by increasing your budget. These are the budget sweet spots:
$125-200: Groview JQ818C ⭐
(AmazonUS): amzn.to/47oaf7r
(AmazonCA): amzn.to/3OYZCBc
$200-300: Nexigo PJ40 ⭐⭐
AmazonUS (Gen3): amzn.to/3OKpgK2
AmazonCA (Gen 3): amzn.to/3UQ4hcu
AmazonUS (Gen2, main listing): amzn.to/3HYXF3V
AmazonCA (Gen 2): amzn.to/42UFGVQ
$1200-1800: Hisense C1 (Global) ⭐⭐⭐
AmazonUS: amzn.to/3PzDeit
AmazonCA: amzn.to/49VXy57
ProjectorScreen(dot)com: www.projectorscreen.com/hisen...
$1800-2700: Nexigo Aurora Pro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AmazonUS: amzn.to/3Fei4k7
AmazonCA: amzn.to/3wzZyBC
AmazonUK: amzn.to/46yzQdN
ProjectorScreen(.)com: www.projectorscreen.com/nexig...
$10000+: JVC DLA-NZ8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AmazonUS: amzn.to/3xzdNHg
ProjectorScreen(.)com: www.projectorscreen.com/jvc-n...
Bright Room Projectors:
Dangbei Mars Pro ☀️☀️
(AmazonUS): amzn.to/3JOP5Gg
(AmazonCA): amzn.to/3wB2Ft7
(AmazonUK): amzn.to/3PRd0Zk
AWOL LTV-3500 Pro ☀️☀️☀️☀️
AmazonUS: amzn.to/3IxRtAe
AmazonCA: amzn.to/3Ig0JbN
AmazonUK: amzn.to/46w02pq
*As an Amazon Affiliate I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you*
Support my channel directly:
Patreon: / thehookup
Music by www.BenSound.com
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Under $75: Happrun H1
01:46 $75-125: Zoaybu GC357
02:38 $125-200: Groview JQ818C
03:34 $200-300: Nexigo PJ40
04:40 $300-450: Wanbo Mozart 1 Pro
06:01 $450-600 Paris Rhone 4K
06:55 $600-800 JMGO N1
07:58 $800-1200 Dangbei Mars Pro
09:16 $1200-1800 Hisense C1
10:28 $1800-2700 Nexigo Aurora Pro
12:18 $2700-4000 Epson LS11000
14:18 $4000-6000 AWOL LTV-3500 Pro
16:02 $6000-12000 JVC DLA NZ8
19:54 Conclusions - Budget Sweet Spots

[@TheHookUp]

*Want to make sure you're getting the best deal on one of my recommended products? We manually track the Amazon prices with sales and promo codes here:* www.thesmarthomehookup.com/price-tracker/ All the projectors in this video were "Winners" from my other unsponsored reviews, watch them here: Best Sub $100 Budget Projectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paCpp6yrmcerhKc Best $100-$600 Midrange Projectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp65iZJobsyLfqc Best Portable Projectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6fXoXSoiK2Lm7c Best 4K Lifestyle Projectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXzQfKljibl8h7M Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5eTpYGgfKmihbc Best Premium Home Theater Projectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipvKiZmIgtmgibc Best UST Projector Screens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJObgYuQqbFkp5o

[@rodmunch69]

BTW, I don't know if there's any interest in this, but I ended up keeping that a XGIMI HORIZON Ultra even though I agreed with you that the black levels sucked - I just missed the return window with it being around Christmas. But, I will say the projector has improved greatly - they must have updated it since the black levels, while still bad, are not nearly as bad as they were a few months ago. Also, I don't know if they added in additional options or if I just missed them, but when Dolby Vision is enabled you can go in and tweak the settings a bit, which greatly improves the contrast - still not great for dark scenes, but much better than it was. If you still have one, it might be interesting to include in future comparisons to see if I'm actually correct, or my brain is manipulating me into trying to justify the purchase. You do, however, have to tweak some of the settings, the out of box settings are truly horrific.

[@richardbixler]

@13:45 Are these footnotes reversed. The Nexigo clearly has a purple hue. Or is it maybe because DLP always records a little differently than IRL?

[@dragnar12]

U made me go trough quite an odeal to buy the mars pro from china. Although it took close to 6 months (received it broken returned it factory got flooded and so on ) It is an amazing projector ( best i have ever seen in a home. ) Ty a lot :)

[@kriswingert1662]

I did take your advice on the Hisense F100W 100" Fresnal ALR hard screen. It is just about perfect and in a room that is normally lit, my Vava 4k ust just performs as good as it can be! It did arrive in a huge box on an 8' shipping pallet, but was easy to put up the adjustable wall mounts and do a perfect manual setup with no in projector keystone adjustments.

[@TheHookUp]

@@kriswingert1662 Awesome, congrats on the great setup.

[@ronjatter]

The amount of work that must have gone into this video must have been huge! Thanks for the excellent video.

[@TheHookUp]

It was a really fun video to shoot, but a real pain to edit.

[@denniszhaunerchyk6191]

He does a great job editing and writing a good script.

[@Sekir80]

@@TheHookUp You're looking more and more like Project Farm, but for viewing experiences. Thank you for these videos!

[@jameswarnock5655]

Love this format. This fixes one of the weaknesses of the "Best X for X dollars" format where you don't know what the next step up would be and if it might be worth it. Well done.

[@brucesmith1754]

Rob, This absolutely IS the Ultimate price/performance projector comparison video on YTube! Thanks to you, I'm very satisfied with my recent JMGO N1 purchase(Amazon $699) that I made for my Rec room. But for my Home theater room, I'm anticipating your upcoming feedback on what I hope will be the best of the Lifestyle projectors between the XGIMI Horizon Max and the DangBei X5-Ultra. From what you were able to observe at the recent 2024 CES show, did either of those upcoming projectors appear to have the potential to perform at the levels of the Nexigo Aurora Pro. That would be the next comparison that I would look forward to seeing. Thanks again for your great work!

[@TheHookUp]

X5 Ultra is known to have a pretty high black floor, the same with all ALPD 5.0 projectors, so don't expect it to be competitive for a home theater. Horizon Max looked very promising at CES, but as I understand it's going be be pretty expensive.

[@brucesmith1754]

@@TheHookUp In one of the CES videos , the XGIMI rep estimated that the Horizon Max would be in the high $2500-$2999 range, which would put it in the Aurora Pro price range. This is why I'll be looking to see your comparison of those two in the future. XGIMI gets all the desired technology features correct, but Im really hoping that they significantly improve on your measured contrast numbers on the Horizon Ultra. Thanks again!

[@theroachmotel]

Seriously I am always so impressed with the level of detail you go into with all of your testing and your videos. I really think and hope you need to be a top KZbinr for the quality you bring. Thanks

[@TheHookUp]

Thanks!

[@Sparkyc511]

That's got to be The Best Projector comparison I've ever watched! Lots of information and clear side by side data showing actual differences by the numbers. Great Job!

[@GregForman1015]

I loved that you included the JVC. Very few "normal" reviews of this thing. Honestly I find contrast and shadow detail to be the main things money buys you. In a dedicated room there is absolutely no competition for the JVC.

[@sdfhjklhsfdjdsflhkds]

As always, Rob combines a rigorous process, with actual hard data, to help provide unbiased reviews. But he takes that a step further by also supplying us with very well informed opinions too. Unique content like this is why I am more than happy to sponsor him, and would encourage others to do the same. Keep up the fantastic work Rob!

[@BriGuy-ed5dr]

I've been using my PJ40 since August and have loved the experience. Always love the videos. The most informative projector content I've ever found.

[@TheaterAtReference]

I said it before on AVS and ill day it again... You are doing am amazing job at giving the consumer the power through knowledge at making informed decisions by putting the manufacturers to their claims. Thank you for all your great work.

[@PARCE93]

Thank you for putting this together. You’re helping people a ton! I actually made my first projector purchase thanks to you.

[@TekedixXx]

Hey just want to hop in and say I bought the suggested sub $100 projector that was recommended on a previous video and it rocks! I think this is the only channel I trust with reviews about stuff like this because you actually understand the difference between marketing and performance.

[@lequidsnake]

Been waiting for this one. Thanks for putting it all the time. Brilliant work as usual

[@chadkirk925]

Great video. Thanks for including ambient light tests.

[@brent_in_aussie]

Your videos are motivating me to buy my first projector … Love it 😊

[@Ewoodster]

The best reviews on KZbin. Period.

[@costas.akrivoulis]

Fantastic review format! You set a new bar for other reviewers.

[@ivovass195]

Thank you for directly showing what more money actually gets you, much easier to decide what one would have to spend to achieve a certain level of quality. Great comparison

[@shash_wut]

One of the best review video I've seen, love the format.

[@JuanGarcia-lh1gv]

Thank you! Great video! I hope projector makers watch these and try to improve their products.

[@bradconway5611]

This is an excellent video! You just changed my 12 month agonising decision. Thank you.

[@KimmoJaskari]

I had to pause this video literally 5 seconds in and say great job of another banger of a video. Now, to actually go watch it, but this channel just doesn't disappoint.

[@andrewprashanth1067]

@thehookup You are the projector GURU ! Hats off to you ! Pure facts and numbers, you do the best projector reviews, did not find any other better review videos. You put in so much time and effort on this. Thanks a TON! Could you also review the WiMiUS K9 projector. Thank you in advance.

[@SaulDMC74]

Awesome video and extremely informative on a real life basis, great job man!

[@johanbarron20]

HELL YEAH IVE WAITED FOR THIS ONE

[@parawizard]

I pick up cheap JVC projectors like RS1 for under 100 used once in a while. The picture is really good. It puts consumer single chip DLP to shame. Definitely need a dark room though as they are usually sub 1000 lumens. Just no noise in the picture, quiet, inky blacks and great features with H/V lens shift and good zoom.

[@aleXtreme_]

Thanks for the video, extremely well done and informative.

[@ryanbaker7761]

Best reviews. I love this format

[@avejst]

Impressive test Thanks for sharing with all of us 🙂

[@richiemc10]

Awesome video, I was trying to weigh the pros and cons of the Dangbei Mars vs the Nexigo PJ40 thanks so much for clearing it all up!!

[@richiemc10]

Hope the affiliate link works I'll be purchasing the Mars next week!

[@brucesmith1754]

Before I settled in on the JMGO N1, I tried out the Nexigo PJ40. I would echo Rob's sentiments that it has no business being as good as it is for $240. I just didn't want to miss out on the new triple laser technology offered by the JMGO, which is sharper and has a wide color gamut. Also the Nexigo had a fixed focal range that I couldn't work with. But the Nexigo's LED image was impressive and surprisingly brighter than expected at 700 or so lumens.

[@jtkilroy]

This is a master class on review content, way to go.

[@TheHookUp]

Thanks!

[@theaveragemegaguy]

Incredibly video. Thank you!!

[@Deveyus]

This was super cool, I'm trying to build a table with built in rear projection in it, and while this isn't directly comparable, it's giving me a lot of extra data points to work with.

[@jdavid1801]

Thanks so much for such amazing content!

[@harshiththonda9808]

I am literally searching for this video😅 thanks man for this amazing work and information ❤❤.

[@we8463]

Outstanding, looking forward to seeing how JVC improves on the NZ8 at CEDIA this September! Also some major advantages of JVC is you can project up to 300” screen 😂 I wondered how the Nexigo compared to the Formovie Theater!

[@rx7dude2006]

I have the NZ8 and it is unreal in a totally black setting, nothing comes close.

[@rajlovinglife]

great comparison appreciate your effort comparing the bad to best projectors.....👍

[@t-rex1480]

Outstanding video as usual!

[@jimmypautz]

I've been using the BenQ HT2050A (which was very highly recommended) for a little over a year in my basement home theater setup and also have the Happrun for camping/backyard use. The Happrun was $45 and the Benq was $750, and there's a giant difference when comparing them, but the Happrun works for my use cases and the free stretchy screen is a nice touch. The Benq is great and I have no regrets. I know Benq replaced the 2050A with the 2060. You should consider testing that one too. I'm not sure how it would compare to your current picks, but it is also highly rated/recommended.

[@sturycroft]

Thanks so much for all this awesome detail. I am tempted to go for a more expensive projector, but there’s one thing your videos never contemplate, and that’s kids potentially spilling drinks /knocking etc your projector 😂 so I am tempted by the Nexigo, thanks again

[@han4002]

Thank for the video. One of the best projector tech reviewer about budget and expensive.The good thing,he always mention input lag for gamer to take note.👍👍

[@YKSGuy]

Amazing video as always, however how many projector related videos do we need each year? This one makes 13 in the last 12 mo?

[@UltimateTechHub]

Great video! Thanks!

[@fedex1197]

amazing work! you my friend are my best friend. i got my groveview thanks to your videos. someday il lbe able to afford the pj40 someday. a quick hello from ol Mexico!

[@DIYtechie]

Awesome video. The relevant facts at the right time and highly relevant tests and considerations. Good job. In my tests I also saw a difference in motion handling (stutter etc.), which is something I’m allergic to. But I assume this was not a noticeable issue in these tests. Anyhow. A great video and very interesting test. - a home theater enthusiast.

[@TheHookUp]

Single LCD projectors should basically be immune to stuttering because they naturally have LCD motion blur, but they won't be able to imitate the high refresh rate MEMC look of DLP projectors (which I personally don't like).

[@Winiwin94]

The level of detail and study in this video is unmatched. Finding your channel made me super into projectors and the idea of home theater spaces in the first place, and seeing how comprehensive the budget vs. performance scale is insane. I am super happy I got my Nexigo PJ40 from seeing your comparison videos. However, seeing it scale well before a huge price jump to the next real comparable upgrade makes me even happier! 🤣 I believe I'll upgrade one day, and trust me, I'll definitely come back to this video when I do! Thank you again for your excellent work!

[@retroelectrical]

Great video! I just got a cheapo 1080p projector from Amazon, with the last projector I purchased was a Sony XLR projector in 2005, and to my surprise for $60 bucks (after coupon code) the cheapo projector actually was good. Not great, but good. Something good for the kids to use, or take on a camping trip. The only real caveat is that the input lag is way too slow for gaming. But for $60 bucks I got a good, very compact projector that doubles as a good bluetooth speaker.

[@zim2411]

Great video! I own the Epson LS12000 which is pretty much identical to the LS11000 with additional brightness and contrast. I overall like the LS12000, but it has an issue with handing BT.2020 content that makes HDR sources somewhat unwatchable in my opinion. It's subtle at times, but it manifests as blotchy reds that disrupt gradients, and can produce super weird looking skin tones. I've posted extensively about this on AVSForum in the LS12000's owners thread and numerous users have confirmed across the board that all units are affected. I engaged Epson support as well and had a very lengthy exchange with their support people, and they eventually admitted it saying they'd look into it, but it's been months now without a fix. If you still have the LS11000 and are up for testing/documenting this issue I'd be happy to help walk you through it! Also, at 16:50 you mention the JVC's subpixel alignment as a feature over the Epson, but the Epson does have this available. I've had to dial mine in a bit but it makes a big difference in perceptual sharpness.

[@ewdgwhjfs8078]

For a video like that i waited for

[@lsav1085]

Wow! Excellent video,,, thanks

[@Sparkyc511]

Incredible how good the Nexigo did even compared to a JVC Flagship! I would've thought the JVC would easily beat it but truly the difference isn't enough to justify the extra $9,200!

[@rx7dude2006]

On anything over 100" screen the JVC blows it out of the water, also professionally calibrated makes a huge difference which wasn't done in the test here.

[@johndelossantos1826]

Shout out from the Philippines 🇵🇭 ! 🔥🔥 as always

[@tabularasa820]

Valiant effort comparing these projectors. It’s a near impossible task as individual use cases will sway value to performance metrics. For example, many people will want a larger screen (130” or more) and want to have their screen project both 2.35:1 as well as 16:9. Additionally screen gain and light control will play an enormous part in image quality. Your videos are great, arguably fair, and provide great information and comparison, but I just believe there are so many use case differences that make these comparisons a very difficult task. Great job, and know anyone who complains about these issues doesn’t recognize how Herculean a task it is to compare projectors as you have done.

[@TheHookUp]

Thanks. I tried to include as many of those "what ifs" as possible without making an hour long video :)

[@ewi57ty]

Such a great movie. I think this should be linked to main KZbin page forever !!!

[@linndoria]

These mid-range lifestyle projectors like the Hisense C1 Global seem to be a better deal than buying a normal projector designed for a light controlled home theatre room. If Hisense designed a home theatre projector in a case like the typical HT projector with all the same features as the C1 and C2 (VIDAA & Google TV OS optional). I would be more willing to buy one as it would not stick down as low if ceiling mounted. The US price of the C1 is more attractive than what is priced in Canada though.

[@LePetitBug]

I love your work !

[@exar8355]

Really helpful, thanks

[@JMagicman]

Awesome video. Curious if you've used the Wimius P64 or K9? Was hoping to see that in here. Very good reviews on Amazon

[@cgott42]

Great topic!

[@rodmunch69]

A great video, really well done.

[@TheHookUp]

Thanks!

[@aleprofef2]

Review simplesmente fantástico, parabéns! 👏

[@salehkambijo1849]

Best comparison on the KZbin ever

[@ERIKJESSEN916]

This was an INSANE comparison video! The best I've seen and I appreciate you taking the time to make it! 💯. I don't know what you have in the pipeline but any chance of doing a projector review for projection mapping homes? I'm looking to get into it and would love to have something like this video to help! Thanks so much for your time and effort!

[@TheHookUp]

That would probably only be a "passion video" around Halloween time if I end up doing it. It's too niche to actually get views, but would be fun to make since it's something I'm interested in. Basically you need crazy high brightness (5000+ lumens), and a relatively short throw, as well as a house that is well suited for projection mapping.

[@ERIKJESSEN916]

@@TheHookUp Thanks for the reply! Totally understandable...I'll keep an eye out closer to the holidays to see if you drop anything! Much appreciated!

[@12345idiotsluggage]

The content here is legitimately top notch. I watch way too much KZbin. LIke all the time, everything that I am interested in. The Hookup is amazing quality certainly for projectors. But amazing for just any type of content.

[@PierreLeroy76620]

This video is very nice to watch ! With the % gap between two projector it's soon good

[@tompage8674]

I'm so hyped for the end of the year when you can review all of 2024s new releases

[@HessManZ]

You are the KZbin King of Projectors!

[@sking379]

WOw, what a video, I have not even gotten to the end, and I already gave it a like and comment!!! You Rock sir!!!

[@stiangisnas608]

Excellent video as always. You should try a fresnel screen made for long throw projectors to keep the comparisons on a more equal level. I use a 120 inch fresnel from yovanxer with my Sony XW5000ES, and the difference from my previous ALR screen is huge, also in a completely dark room. Much more of a difference than going from the previous Epson 6050 to the native 4K laser Sony.

[@TheHookUp]

I'll have to see if I can get my hands on one. Is Yovanxer a brand name or just a Chinese white label?

[@stiangisnas608]

@@TheHookUp I do think they have a factory, but I know they buy their UST fresnel screens from fscreen. Fscreen also has 100 and 120 inch fresnels for long throw. I just took a chance on this brand, and it paid off.

[@hybrid686]

Any chance you can make a video or a post on the fully calibrated settings for the Nexigo PJ40 (Gen 3)?

[@greenmonkey.8403]

Which projector would be best for watching sdr 1080p anime/cartoons? Awesome vid btw!

[@robzilla69]

Great video as usual, I wish I could only watch in darker rooms, if I could then I wouldn't need the AWOL and just get an aurora pro.

[@ChickenNuggies]

awesome video, now I need to decide between dangbei mars pro and benq gp500

[@TheHookUp]

GP500 is more color accurate but not as bright.

[@Magnanux]

Hi! Now that Danbei just released DBOX02 (Mars Pro 2) which seems like beefed up version of original Mars Pro, where would they fit in this comparison?

[@duje618]

Thanks for this

[@HomeAce]

What's the best projector for doing small events and production? The quality doesn't have to be over 1080p latency doesn't matter at all. It needs is to be bright and and easy set up and be configurable at different distances

[@chetanpatil548]

Thank you so much for giving your time to make this comparison. Paris rhone gave tough competition to higher model. How sharp is the paris rhone compared to DLP or Laser 4k projectors. Is it marginal difference or negligible?

[@TheHookUp]

Surprisingly sharp, it's definitely native 4K... I've even disassembled it to verify: www.reddit.com/r/projectors/comments/1at9a1h/paris_rhone_4k_sp005_misinformation/

[@pascal3026]

is it smarter to go with an older used higher end projector (like for example an epson eh-tw3200) or with a cheap new one from amazon like the nexigo pj40 both around 300$?

[@sylvainlapointe4017]

How does the wimius projectors compares to those? Like the p62? The amazon's reviews are very positive.

[@brucesmith1754]

For 3D lovers: The JMGO N1 is an excellent projector in its price class. My only problem with it is that I have to use the digital zoom features to adjust my screen settings in my limited rec room space since it has a fixed optical lens throw. Outside of some loss of detail, Satisfactory adjustments were made, but the real problem happens when you go to 3D mode. Although it produces a fine 3D image in the dark, switching to that mode disables alll digital keystoning settings established for non-3D viewing. You must save the settings in the "Projector Memory" mode to get back to a standard viewing setup when desired. Im wondering if this happens with all other projectors that have 3D mode.

[@jdx4174]

What a review, damn. Although a comparison between the Awol 3000 pro and the Nexigo Aurora pro would have been the most interesting one for me personally.

[@TheHookUp]

3000 Pro and Aurora Pro are side by side compared in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5eTpYGgfKmihbc

[@gino_]

Amazing to have parts of all your videos in one narrative! Since you're including more standard throw PJs here, have you considered or tested the LG HU710PW? In the price range of the HC1 but standard throw and a longtime hobbyist favorite.

[@mrgallis]

Excellent work as always, still the best at these comparisons. My only query is why you didn't use a standard/long throw ALR screen to give a fairer light usage comparison against the UST Projectors.

[@TheHookUp]

I've never found a good one to be honest. Willing to take suggestions though. All the ones I've tried have terrible hotspotting issues and are basically unusable with tri laser projectors due to laser speckle.

[@mrgallis]

@@TheHookUp Aaah fair enough, it wasn't a criticism, I just wondered as I know they're available but noticed when ALR is referenced it's almost exclusively about USTs. Thanks for clarifying

[@AndyMachtWR]

@@TheHookUp Are you no longer satisfied with your Vividstorm ALR Screen (Long Throw) with 0.8 Gain? The images shown on it (e.g. with the Dangbei Mars Pro) always looked very good in the videos. I would appreciate an answer! Big up to you :)

[@desiman0786]

Fantastic video.. So much effort and Thank you.. In one of your previous videos you rated the Hisense C1tuk as overall best.. I bought one And am happy but I think I may occasionally see grain and spekle. Hopefully it's normal.

[@TheHookUp]

Sometimes on a single color bright screen you can notice it, but it's nowhere near the level of the JMGO N1 Ultra. If it becomes bothersome an acousitcally transparent woven screen will significantly reduce even the small amount of speckle on the C1.

[@desiman0786]

@@TheHookUp Thank you so much.. I will bare that in mind.. Take this opportunity to say Thank you for such amazing videos. 👍

[@D1Calderon]

What type of screen would you recommend for the JVC NZ8? 125”+ size.

[@Clint3571]

Amazing video. I wonder if some units would be closer with a disc player like the Panasonic UB-420 to add active tone mapping.

[@TheHookUp]

It would definitely look different, but not necessarily better. The issue with using player based tone mapping over display based mapping is that the player needs to know what the display is capable of and EDIDs are not always a reliable source of that information.

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

So much science and interesting results, who’d of thought you could get such good results at that price

[@TheHookUp]

Definitely.

[@Zoranurai13]

Dude this video was so impressive

[@alim998097]

Fantastic shootout. I was hoping the BenQ x3000/3100i made this review. Also I’m still trying to understand the full benefits of an ALR screen with UST. So even in a light controlled room, is there a huge and noticeable difference between using a normal screen vs ALR when paired with UST? From your video you mentioned the ambient light from reflections makes a difference using ALR but wondering how much when the room is painted a darker color?

[@TheHookUp]

Aside from the $300-450 price category where I haven't given any projectors my stamp of approval, all the projectors in this video were the "winners" of my other reviews. I have a x3100i sitting on my desk right now that will be in a video specifically focused on gaming projectors in the next month or so. Yes, UST ALR is an absolute game changer. If you ever watch home theater tours on KZbin you'll see that there is a huge emphasis on making them "bat caves" with velveted blacked out walls and ceilings to prevent room reflections that spoil the black floor of high end projectors. An ALR screen gets you those deep blacks without needing to modify the room as much.

[@alim998097]

@@TheHookUp thank you for the info and look forward to see the x3100i review. I currently have an x3000i and find the brightness and color is quite good that I picked it over an Epson 505, but the blacks could better. The Nexigo looks like it's a noticeable improvement over the x3000i. I asked about the ALR screen is that in the future, the Nexigo seems like a very good option for me as I wanted 3D capabilites, however I now have a Severtson matte grey screen and already painted my room a matte dark grey color to minimize reflections. But I just checked my specification of my screen and it says it is not compatible with UST so if I do replace my x3000i, it appears I need to get an ALR regardless. Have you noticed a significant quality difference between different ALR screen manufacturers?

[@SpOoNmAn365]

Nexigo aurora pro and a spectra pheonix alr screen being delivered next week! Ill miss true blacks of my oleds, but the massive jump in size will be worth it.

[@rx7dude2006]

I have the NZ8 paid $5,300 for it used with 650 hours on it, and with it callibrated and on the right settings it blows away anything under its price range and pretty much anything over it besides the NZ9.Their frame adapt is amazing nothing on the market comes close at all.Also comparing on 100" screen is kinda pointless, a lot of projectors will look good at that size it's when you go to 120" plus is when you really understand why the JVC wins every side by side comparison.

[@TheHookUp]

Congrats on the good deal, glad you're happy with it.

[@Sinisteroid]

Where did you bought it? 🤘😃👍

[@zyghom]

INSANE man!

[@AriosTech]

Can you give us a comparison between the Nexigo PJ30 Ultra and the Elephas W1K? I have noticed that they both look identical but I would like to know whose hardware is the original and what is the brightness since one says it is 800 ANSI and the other is 1000 ANSI. It would be nice to know which one is the real one and which one is copying the other. Thank you very much.

[@sambaldwin1249]

do you have any videos where you talk about projector screens?

[@12345idiotsluggage]

Thanks!

[@Arruu23]

I got my JQ818C from Amazon for just $70 last week. Loving it so far. The fan was too loud for me though, I might swap it out for a higher quality PC fan later.

[@sanjeevthakur5823]

Can you please tell me what's the best and cheapest projector screen i can buy for Nexigo Pj40 Gen 2 and Nebula Mars 3??

[@liquid74]

I think everyone who saw the $90 Groview lightning deal instantly picked up because of your review lol So far its definitely nicer compared to the Happrun, crisp center but not as sharp at the sides, both projecting straight ahead. It's as bright with the lights on than the Happrun with the lights off both in nighttime, making the Groview usable in a daytime, closed curtain room. Louder but deeper frequency, not as easy to disassemble/fix, the interior of the Groview is definitely packed compared to the simple Happrun

[@TheHookUp]

Both the Groview and Nexigo are surprisingly good given their price. I think a lot of people would think differently about single LCD projectors if they were all as good as those 2.

[@brucesmith1754]

@@TheHookUp I enjoyed my brief experience with the PJ40 before i settled in on the JMGO N1.

[@weisscastle]

Great work Would really enjoy seeing your assessment of the "NOMVDIC L500 World's Smallest Triple Laser Portable Projector" when it fits into an appropriate video

[@TheHookUp]

I won't be reviewing it. I got a chance to see one in person a few months ago and it's not good. I don't know what the use case would be that you would want to sacrifice a tremendous amount of quality just to get a smaller package.

[@KimmoJaskari]

Amazing roundup as always - honestly when it comes to the Nexigo vs LS11000 comparo I have long suspected that the UST would at least have parity but I'm not surprised it comes out ahead. The UST form factor has some disadvantages, like zero flexibility, but the benefits of using a CLR/ALR screen made for UST's is actually huge, and it hurts my soul whenever I see people want to buy an UST and then pair it with some DIY spandex shit on the wall, or even just using the wall. I would have liked to see a long-throw normal projector specific ALR screen as well though. A Screen Innovations Black Diamond costs more than all these projectors except the JVC, but it would have been hugely interesting to see the JVC with one of those head to head with the Nexigo with the fresnel screen.

[@TheHookUp]

I currently don't have any long throw ALR screens that aren't just gray. I do have a Vividstorm "Obsidian Long Throw ALR", but it doesn't perform anywhere near a lenticular or Fresnel screen and actually ends up really messing with color accuracy.

[@KimmoJaskari]

@@TheHookUp Yeah, I suspect long throw ALR screen that doesn't introduce major issues is way way harder than a lenticular screen for USTs., and even then you still can't block light from above like an UST can.

[@lhb82]

I own a 135" ALR that is not just gray, but real ALR (Elite Screens) for long throw has one big disadvantage: A hot spot. Or better: it reduces the brightness at the corners. That is even worse when the project is not fully centered vertically and horizontally (and when does that ever happens?) If you now also sit not at the center of the screen, you lose even more light. It's ok and still is better than a white screen for my situation, but it's not a perfect replacement. I'm sure different ALR Screens for LTP make a difference, but I can't imagine that there will be no negative side effects with any of the ALR screens.

[@zim2411]

I knew someone that paired an SI Black Diamond screen with a Sony VPL-VW1100ES (I think) -- one of the earliest 4K projectors and new was around $25,000. The viewing experience was honestly awful. They had designed their theater with 2 or 3 levels of seating, but an aisle straight down the center of the room and all seating was off axis. Sitting off axis from the Black Diamond screen resulted in extremely noticeable light fall off towards the edges. This was also in a light controlled blacked out theater, so the Black Diamond screen was completely unnecessary and a basic Silver Ticket screen from Amazon would have given a better viewing experience. It was a super baffling setup.