Projectors have been a home theater mainstay for decades, and their constant technological advances keep them in the spotlight. Here we look at some of the more recent entries to the market, including full-size, ultra-short-throw, and portable models — plus a golf simulator.
Sony BRAVIA Projector 7
Sony BRAVIA Projector 7, powered by XR Processor for projector and high-brightness technology, benefits from the same technology found in the existing BRAVIA Projector 9 and Projector 8. XR Processor for projector enables four picture features — XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black, XR TRILUMINOUS PRO, and XR Clear Image — to deliver a professional-grade cinematic experience. XR Dynamic Tone Mapping analyses peak brightness frame by frame and delivers optimal tone mapping, showcasing images with rich gradation, high brightness, and brilliant colors.
In addition, XR Deep Black controls laser dimming in dark scenes, bringing deeper blacks while maintaining tone and color expression. XR Deep Black improves power efficiency by optimizing laser output frame by frame. Plus, over a billion colors are brought to life by the XR TRILUMINOS PRO feature and refined by XR Clear Image technology, which upscales all imagery to 4K quality by using a vast database to intelligently recreate lost texture and detail, all while minimizing noise.
Epson QS100 UST Projector
The Epson QS100 4K PRO-UHD HDR ultra short throw laser projector projects images of up to 160 inches from just inches away from the screen to bring cinematic-scale entertainment into any space. The QS100 integrates with premium audio and smart home control systems. It is also ISF Certified, allowing calibration to optimize performance based on the viewing environment. The QS100 features 4500 lumens of color brightness (IDMS Rated) and 4500 lumens of white brightness (ISO Rated) with Epson’s proprietary 3-chip 3LCD laser-array technology. The QS100 is powered by Epson’s QZX Picture Processor, a 32-bit proprietary engine that enhances contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. Additionally, its advanced dynamic tone mapping feature further refines HDR performance for a balanced, vibrant, true-to-life image.
Optoma HCPro-4400 Projector
The Optoma HCPro-4400 4K UHD projector delivers 4K UHD visuals and has certifications for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and FILMMAKER MODE. The HCPro-4400 provides lifelike imagery for enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows to viewing live sports with a 3,200,000:1 contrast ratio and 5000 lumens of brightness. With Dolby Vision optimizing each frame of content, the projector brings the big-screen experience home with remarkable brightness, contrast, and color. For greater visual detail and depth, HDR10+ enhances content for improved dynamic range and color precision. To meet the needs of the ultimate film and TV enthusiasts, the HCPro-4400 will feature FILMMAKER MODE by Q3 2025 (available via over-the-air update). With FILMMAKER MODE, users can preserve the director’s creative intent and display each movie’s or show’s accurate temperature, colors, contrast, and motion, ensuring that every scene is shown as originally envisioned.
LG CineBeam S Compact 4K UST Projector
The CineBeam S is LG’s smallest 4K UST projector, combining premium image quality with a sleek, compact and lightweight design that enables portability. Despite its compact size, it delivers 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution and 500 ANSI lumens of brightness, producing vivid, lifelike visuals with 154% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. Its ultra-short throw capability projects images ranging from 40 to 100 inches with just a few inches of wall clearance, maximizing space utilization without compromising on immersion.
Featuring a minimalistic metallic finish, the CineBeam S blends into modern interiors while its rich and immersive sound comes courtesy of its built-in stereo sound system with Dolby Atmos. Powered by LG webOS, it provides easy access to popular streaming platforms. Intuitive features, such as Auto Screen Adjustment, Wall Color Adjustment, and Screen Scaling/Shifting, ensure stress-free setup and optimal screen alignment, adapting to various room configurations and wall surfaces.
JVC D-ILA Projectors
There are four high-end JVC D-ILA home projectors — DLA-NZ900/DLA-RS4200 and DLA-NZ800/DLA-RS3200 — that are all capable of inputting and displaying 8K60p resolution images with higher native contrast and brightness. Each model features JVC’s exclusive 4K D-ILA devices that have been further refined to the third generation to achieve a 1.5 times higher native contrast ratio when compared to a conventional device. JVC’s new proprietary BLU-Escent Laser light engine increases brightness and luminosity. Users can experience higher definition images through the improved performance of these projectors, achieved through 8K input and display, and the expansion of dynamic range by improving contrast and brightness.
JVC’s proprietary Frame Adapt HDR Generation 2 technology uses a proprietary algorithm to instantaneously analyze the maximum brightness of HDR10 content per frame and adjusts the dynamic range in real-time to the optimum range for video projection. The new projectors feature FILMMAKER MODE, which was developed by the UHD Alliance to accurately reproduce the filmmakers’ intentions in the home.
Hisense L9Q UST Projector
The Hisense L9Q is the latest evolution of its L9 Series. With five screen sizes, ranging from 100 to 150 inches, the L9Q is designed to meet the needs of any modern home entertainment setup. The 2025 L9 Series features Hisense’s proprietary TriChroma triple-laser light engine, which reaches 110% of the BT.2020 color space for color accuracy and vibrancy. With increased brightness levels of up to 5000 lumens and a 5000:1 contrast ratio, the L9Q delivers a crystal-clear picture even in brightly lit rooms. Each L9Q comes paired with one of Hisense’s Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screens, available in an expanded array of sizes — 100, 110, 120, 136, and 150 inches. These screens enhance brightness and clarity in any lighting condition, ensuring a theater-like experience in any room. And for the first time users can seamlessly switch between screen sizes thanks to Auto Screen Alignment and Manual Keystone Correction, providing versatility and effortless setup.
Christie Jazz Series
The Christie Jazz Series is a new of next-generation WUXGA and 4K UHD+ 1DLP laser projectors that offer premium performance in a small chassis that weighs less than 65 lbs. The new series uses advanced electronics, featuring Texas Instruments’ 0.8-inch HEP (High Efficiency Pixel) DMD for improved color and contrast and a more efficient cooling system design. With its quiet operation, built-in warping and blending capabilities, and a full suite of compatible lenses, including UST, Jazz Series is ready to illuminate a range of projects — from concerts and theme park attractions to museum exhibits and projection mapping.
Leica Cine Play 1 Portable Projector
The Leica Cine Play 1 mini-projector combines state-of-the-art laser technology with Leica premium imaging quality in 4K resolution at up to 300-inch screen sizes. It features triple RGB laser technology with a service life of over 25,000 hours that enables the projection of a particularly bright image with breathtaking color rendition, with full support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. With a brightness of up to 3000 ANSI lumens, it also enables clear and high contrast movie projection in brightly lit environments. Its high-performance Leica Summicron zoom lens is manufactured in compliance with high Leica quality standards and guarantees consistently high imaging performance in 4K resolution throughout its zoom range with screen sizes of 65 to 300 inches.
XGIMI HORIZON S Series
The XGIMI HORIZON S Series, which includes the HORIZON S Max and HORIZON S Pro projectors, offers Dual Light 2.0 technology. This system combines Tri-Color Laser and LED, offering high brightness, color accuracy, and eye comfort. The HORIZON S Pro is certified by Dolby Vision, while the HORIZON S Max boasts dual certifications with both Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced. Both projectors feature a built-in flexible stand with 360-degree horizontal and 135-degree vertical rotation, making it easy to adjust the projection angle with just one hand. With 3100 ISO lumens, the HORIZON S Max offers 34.7% more brightness than its predecessor, while the HORIZON S Pro shines with 1800 ISO lumens. Both projectors also include dynamic contrast ratios of 1000000:1 and are equipped with Harman/Kardon speakers for premium audio.
Formovie Theater Premium UST Projector
The Formovie Theater Premium 4K ultra-short-throw projector features an enhanced ALPD RGB+ 4.0 triple-color laser technology, upgraded Dolby Vision, and second-generation Bowers & Wilkins acoustics. Its ultra-short throw ratio allows for a large screen in limited space, and integrated Google TV offers easy access to content. The Theater Premium is powered by ALPD 4.0 RGB+ triple laser technology, developed by Formovie’s parent company, Appotronics. This technology offers 107% BT.2020 color gamut coverage and a laser lifespan of up to 30,000 hours for consistent brightness.
Samsung The Premiere Ultra-Short Throw Projector
The Samsung Premiere brings every scene to life in vibrant 4K resolution and exceptional color. The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7 provide color gamut coverage of 154% and 100% of the DCI-P3 standard, respectively, which deliver clear and vivid images in various environments. With a maximum brightness of 3450 ISO lumens for The Premiere 9 and 2500 ISO lumens for The Premiere 7, these projectors both deliver sharp and dynamic visuals. To further enhance picture quality, The Premiere projectors are equipped with AI picture enhancements, including 4K AI Upscaling and Vision Booster. 4K AI Upscaling ensures that content is displayed in 4K resolution, regardless of its original quality, while Vision Booster automatically adjusts color and contrast in various lighting conditions for optimal picture quality. The built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos technology in both models provide immersive audio. The Premiere 9 features 40-watt, 2.2.2-channel up-firing speakers, while The Premiere 7 includes 30-watt, 2.2-channel speakers that envelop you in an expansive dome of sound.
Sharp M Series Projectors
The Sharp M Series projectors — the XP-M421W-W and XP-M401H-W — are the second Sharp-branded projectors developed since the company’s joint venture with NEC. The Sharp M Series projectors provide customers with an easy-to-use, lamp-free compact laser projector requiring minimal maintenance. The essential features of the M Series projectors offer a budget-conscious projector replacement for classrooms, meeting spaces, and more. The projectors are equipped with a reliable laser light source, eliminating the need for recurring lamp replacements, as well as Texas Instruments DLP technology that is designed to be filter-free. With no lamp and no filter, the M Series projectors provide users with years of worry-free operation.
BenQ AK700ST Short-Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector
The BenQ AK700ST 4000-Lumen 4K short-throw laser golf simulator projector switches between immersive golf simulation and cinematic-grade 4K resolution projections. It uses Auto Screen Fit and Quick Focus intelligent technology to automate the install and setup process to achieve full-screen projection and seamless transitions for the chosen screen and space at the touch of a button.
The BenQ AK700ST’s short-throw lens and versatile zoom capabilities allow for safe installation away from the hitting area while preventing shadows on the screen, no matter the screen size. With an onboard camera and motorized zoom and focus, the projector quickly identifies the edges of the impact screen and adjusts the image automatically in seconds. It ensures a flawless setup every time, accommodating all standard screen sizes, including popular 1:1 aspect ratio screens often used in garage setups.
