What Is A Smart Projector? Is It Worth Investment? And Excellent Smart Projector Brands

In the continuous evolution of technological innovation, projectors have become multifunctional smart devices, reshaping the way we watch movies and play games. The functionalities, convenience, and interactivity they offer are unparalleled compared to traditional projectors. In this article, we delve into what makes projectors "smart" and explore the exciting possibilities these devices showcase.

What Is A Smart Projector?

A smart projector runs on operating systems, typically Android, AOSP (Android Open Source Project), Android TV. The system provides a robust platform for a range of smart functionalities, including seamless wireless connectivity, built-in streaming services, IoT Integration, interactive capabilities, and more. 


360-Degree free rotation portable smart projector

 

What does a smart projector do?

With the blessing of the built-in operating system, smart projector provide users with a more interactive, versatile, and connected experience. Here are some key things a smart projector can do.
  • Stream Smartphones Wirelessly. Smart projectors can connect to Wi-Fi networks, enabling you to stream content directly from devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops without the need for physical cables.
  • Play Movies & Videos without An Extra Device. Smart projectors often come with built-in streaming services, allowing you to access platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube directly from the projector without external devices.
  • Downloading and Installing APPs. Access the app store or marketplace native to your projector's operating system. You'll find categories ranging from entertainment and productivity to education and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for streaming services, productivity tools, or interactive games, the app store is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Browse through the featured apps, top charts, or search for specific applications to find what suits your preferences.
  • Communication with Other Smart Devices. Some smart projectors are designed to integrate with the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. This enables seamless connectivity with other smart devices, allowing you to control the projector remotely, share content, and create a connected digital environment.
  • Interactive Presentation. Some smart projectors incorporate interactive features, such as touch-sensitive interfaces, gesture controls, or compatibility with external interactive accessories. This allows for interactive presentations, collaborative work, educational activities, and even interactive gaming.

What is the Difference Between Smart Projectors and Regular Projectors?

Smart projectors boast integrated operating systems (e.g., Android, Linux, Windows) that elevate their capabilities. The system supports app installations, turning the projector into a smart hub. Users can download and run APPs directly on the projector for a more versatile experience. While regular projectors operate as display devices without an integrated operating system. They serve as a visual conduit for connected devices but lack the intelligent functionalities associated with operating systems.


Are Smart Projectors Worth It?

The convenience of wireless connectivity, the versatility of an integrated operating system, and the all-encompassing entertainment and productivity features make smart projectors a worthy investment for those seeking a comprehensive and intelligent projection experience. Also, smart projectors are often designed to be portable and compact, making them suitable for a variety of settings and applications.

While smart projectors shine with their intelligent features, it's crucial to recognize the potential drawbacks of smart projectors.

  • The initial setup of smart projectors can sometimes be more complex than that of regular projectors. Connecting to Wi-Fi, configuring settings, and navigating through integrated operating systems might pose a challenge for users less familiar with technology.
  • The app ecosystem of smart projectors, while expanding, may still be more limited compared to other smart devices like tablets or smartphones. This can result in fewer choices for productivity tools, entertainment apps, or specialized applications tailored to specific needs.
  • Some projector manufacturers use intelligence as a selling point to significantly increase the price, while the adopted projection technology and actual projection quality of the product have not undergone any improvement.

Despite the above-mentioned drawbacks, we believe smart projectors are worth the investment - they are a brilliant investment in the future of projection technology.

8 Well-Known Brands of Smart Projectors

In today's smart projector market, there are many excellent brands, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are eight of the most popular brands.

High-end Brands

Samsung, a prominent player in consumer electronics and famous for cutting-edge displays and sleek design, brings its legacy of excellence to the world of smart projection. The main smart projector products of Samsung are The Freestyle - a portable smart projector with a 180-degree tilting stand, The Premiere - 4K smart laser projectors.


SAMSUNG The Freestyle 2nd Gen


LG, a global leader in consumer electronics, extends its innovation to the realm of smart projectors. The LG smart projectors operate on the webOS system and are characterized by high resolution and high brightness. The product line of LG smart projectors includes high-end 4K UHD CineBeam Laser Projectors, entry-level Full HD CineBeam LED Projectors, and Ultra Short Throw CineBeam Projectors.


LG HU810PW 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) Smart Dual Laser CineBeam Projector

Sony, a name synonymous with cutting-edge electronics, brings its expertise to smart projectors. The SONY smart projector is built with the Android TV system, offering various technologies such as 4K, HDR, laser, LED, ultra-short throw, and more, catering to the diverse needs of different users.

Sony's representative smart projector products include the VW590ES: 4K SXRD Home Cinema Projector with Native 4K HDR and 1,800 lumens brightness, VPL-XW5000ES: 4K SXRD Laser Home Theater Projector with Native 4K HDR and 2,000 lumens brightness, VPL-GTZ380: 4K Ultra short-throw Smart Laser Projector, MP-CD1: WXGA DLP Portable Projector with 105 lumens brightness and up to 50,000-hour light source life, etc.


Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K HDR Laser Home Theater Projector

 

Mid-range Brands

Epson Corporation was established in 1942 and is primarily engaged in the production of electronic products such as printers, projectors, printing machines, scanners, and more. With a long history and rich experience in the field of projectors, Epson is renowned for its intelligent projector products, known for their high quality, multifunctionality, and reliability.

Epson's representative smart projector products include the Home Cinema 4000: 4K PRO-UHD Projector with HDR and 2,400 lumens brightness, EpiqVision Ultra LS300: 1080p PRO-UHD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector with 3,600 lumens brightness, EF-100: Portable Streaming Laser Projector with 1080p resolution and 2,000 lumens brightness, EB-685: WXGA Interactive Projector with 3,800 lumens brightness and 50,000-hour lamp life, etc.


Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD Smart Laser Projector

 

BenQ is a global technology company headquartered in Taiwan, founded in 1984. The company focuses on designing and manufacturing innovative products across various domains, including digital displays, projectors, digital cameras, laptops, and more. BenQ's smart projectors come equipped with the Android TV system, delivering excellent image quality and ample brightness.

BenQ's representative smart projector products include the TK700STi: 4K UHD Short Throw Projector with 3,000 lumens brightness and Android TV, GV30: Full HD 1080p Mini Projector with 300 lumens brightness and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, RP602: Interactive Projector with 4,000 lumens brightness and Android OS, etc.


BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Gaming Projector

XGIMI Technology is a technology company specializing in the fields of smart projection and laser TV. Established in 2013, it is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. The representative XGIMI smart projector products include the AURA: 4K UHD Short Throw Projector with Android TV and laser technology, Halo+: 1080p Portable Projector with 900 ANSI lumens and Harman Kardon speakers, etc.


XGIMI Aura 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector

Budget-friendly Brands

Kodak is an American technology company founded in 1888 and is one of the earliest photography companies in the world. It is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Kodak smart projectors come with the Android TV system, typically featuring a compact and lightweight design for easy portability. The prices are also affordable and budget-friendly. The representative Kodak smart projector products include the Luma 450: Full HD (1920x1080) Smart Projector with Android TV, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI connectivity, FLIK HD10: 1080p (1920x1080) Smart Projector with Android TV, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI connectivity, etc.


KODAK Luma 450 Portable Full HD Smart Projector

Nebula is an intelligent projection brand under Anker Innovations, established in 2017. Recognized for its high cost-performance ratio, portability, and smart features, Nebula has gained rapid user acceptance and development. The representative Nebula smart projector products include the Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K: The ultimate home cinema experience with 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and 1,800 ANSI lumens, Nebula Capsule 3 Laser: Pocket-sized cinema with a vibrant 1080p image and long-lasting battery, etc.


NEBULA by Anker Cosmos Laser 4K Projector(Upgraded)

The Future of Smart Projectors

Without a doubt, smart projectors are leading a revolution in home entertainment with their intelligent features. So, what does the future hold for smart projectors? Here are some exciting possibilities.

  • Integration with AI and Voice Control
    The future of smart projectors envisions seamless integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced voice control features. Imagine a projector that not only understands your commands but also learns your preferences over time, creating a personalized and intuitive user experience. Whether it's adjusting settings, searching for content, or enhancing presentations, AI-powered smart projectors will become intuitive companions in our daily lives.
  • Enhanced Connectivity and Compatibility
    Future smart projectors will prioritize connectivity, offering enhanced compatibility with a myriad of devices and platforms. From smartphones and laptops to wearables and smart home devices, these projectors will effortlessly sync with our digital ecosystems. The ability to wirelessly connect and share content across various devices will make collaboration, content sharing, and entertainment more fluid and accessible.

  • Further Compact and Portable, and AR / VR Integration
    The future will see smart projectors evolving into even more compact and portable devices without compromising performance. These portable powerhouses will redefine the concept of on-the-go entertainment and presentations. Whether it's a spontaneous movie night under the stars or a business presentation during travel, the smart projectors of tomorrow will be versatile companions for every occasion.

    These more compact and portable devices may even integrate AR and VR features to cater to individual viewing or gaming experiences.

  • Higher resolution and brightness
    The display technology of future smart projectors will make significant advancements, achieving higher resolutions extending from 4K to 8K and beyond. Additionally, progress in laser technology will enhance the brightness of projectors, ensuring that the image quality and color accuracy remain unaffected even in well-lit environments.

Finally, I hope this article has provided you with some new insights into smart projectors. If you are considering purchasing a smart projector, I also hope this article helps you make the right decision. Thank you for reading!     

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