Home cinema equipment lets you enjoy films, sport, gaming and streaming on a much larger screen than a laptop or TV. A projector can create a big, immersive picture, while speakers, soundbars and streaming devices help complete the experience.
Whether you want a simple projector for occasional film nights or a dedicated home cinema setup with a large screen and surround sound, there are options to suit different rooms, budgets and viewing habits.
Best Selling Home Cinema & Projectors
Types of Projectors
Home Cinema Projectors
A home cinema projector is designed to create a large image for films, sport and gaming. It can project a picture onto a wall or projector screen, often at sizes of 100 inches or more.
Home cinema projectors are available with different resolutions, brightness levels and light sources. They are a good option if you have a room where you can control the lighting and want a more cinematic experience than a TV.
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Portable Projectors
A portable projector is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move between rooms or take to a friend’s house. Many models include built-in speakers and battery power for flexible use.
A portable projector is a good option for occasional film nights, outdoor viewing and travel. It may not offer the same brightness or image quality as a larger home cinema projector, but it is convenient and easy to set up.
Short Throw Projectors
A short throw projector can create a large image from a shorter distance than a standard projector. It is useful in smaller rooms where there is not much space between the projector and the screen.
A short throw projector can be placed on a table or shelf closer to the wall, reducing the chance of someone walking through the light beam. It is a practical option for living rooms and medium-sized spaces.
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Ultra Short Throw Projectors
An ultra short throw projector sits very close to the wall or screen, sometimes just centimetres away. It can create a large image without needing a long throw distance.
An ultra short throw projector is a good option for small rooms or a clean, modern setup. It can sit on a low cabinet beneath the screen, keeping cables and the projector out of the way.
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Smart Projectors
A smart projector includes built-in streaming apps and wireless connectivity, allowing you to watch films and TV without connecting a separate streaming device. Some models also include built-in speakers.
A smart projector can be a good option if you want a simple, all-in-one setup. Check which streaming services and voice assistants it supports before buying.
Projector Technology
DLP Projectors
DLP stands for Digital Light Processing. These projectors use tiny mirrors to reflect light and create an image on the screen.
DLP projectors can produce sharp, colourful images and are commonly used in both home cinema and portable models. They are often a good choice for compact designs and high-contrast images.
LCD Projectors
LCD projectors use liquid crystal panels to create an image. They can produce bright, accurate colours and are commonly used in home cinema and larger-room setups.
An LCD projector can be a good option if colour accuracy is important. It is also less prone to certain visual artefacts than some single-chip DLP designs.
LED Projectors
LED projectors use LED light sources rather than traditional lamps. They can offer long-lasting performance and a compact design.
An LED projector can be a good option for portable use and smaller rooms. Check the brightness level carefully, as LED models can vary widely in how well they perform in rooms with ambient light.
Laser Projectors
Laser projectors use laser light sources and can offer high brightness, strong colour and long-lasting performance. They are often used in premium home cinema setups.
A laser projector can be a good option if you want a long-term home cinema solution. It can maintain consistent brightness over time and may require less maintenance than a lamp-based model.
Projector Features
Resolution
Resolution affects the detail and sharpness of the projected image. Common options include Full HD and 4K.
A Full HD projector has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and is suitable for many home cinema setups. A 4K projector has a resolution of 3840 x 2160, offering more detail and a sharper image on larger screens.
Brightness
Brightness is measured in lumens and affects how well the image performs in different lighting conditions. A brighter projector can be useful in a room with windows or ambient light.
For a dark, dedicated home cinema room, around 1,500 to 2,500 lumens can be sufficient. For a living room with some ambient light, consider a projector with 3,000 lumens or more.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio affects how well a projector displays dark and bright areas in the same scene. A higher contrast ratio can help produce deeper blacks and more detail in shadows.
Contrast is especially important for films with dark scenes, such as thrillers, sci-fi and horror. A projector with good contrast can create a more cinematic image.
Throw Distance
Throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. It affects how large the projected image will be.
Before buying, measure the distance from your seating position or mounting point to the wall or screen. Check the projector’s throw ratio to make sure it can create the image size you want in your room.
Keystone Correction
Keystone correction adjusts the shape of the image if the projector is not placed directly in front of the screen. It can help correct a distorted picture when the projector is angled upwards or sideways.
Keystone correction can be useful for temporary setups and portable projectors. Lens shift can also help adjust the image position without distorting the picture.
Projector Screens
Fixed Frame Screens
A fixed frame screen is stretched tightly over a frame and stays in place. It can provide a flat, even surface for the best possible image quality.
A fixed frame screen is a good option for a dedicated home cinema room. It is usually mounted on a wall and is designed to stay in position.
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Pull-Down Screens
A pull-down screen rolls down from a casing when needed and rolls back up when not in use. It can be a practical option for living rooms and multipurpose spaces.
A pull-down screen can be mounted on a wall or ceiling. It is useful if you want to hide the screen when it is not being used.
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Tripod Screens
A tripod screen is a portable screen on a stand. It can be moved between rooms or taken to events, making it a flexible option for presentations and temporary setups.
A tripod screen is a good option if you do not want to mount a screen permanently. Check the screen size and stability before buying.
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Ambient Light Rejecting Screens
An ambient light rejecting screen is designed to improve image quality in rooms with some background light. It can help reduce the effect of light from windows and lamps.
An ambient light rejecting screen can be useful in living rooms that cannot be fully darkened. It can help improve contrast and make the projected image easier to see.
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Home Cinema Audio
Soundbars
A soundbar is a slim speaker that sits below or in front of a TV or projector screen. It can improve dialogue clarity and provide a wider sound than built-in projector speakers.
A soundbar is a simple way to upgrade home cinema audio without installing multiple speakers. Some models include a separate subwoofer for deeper bass.
AV Receivers
An AV receiver is the central hub of many home cinema systems. It connects sources such as streaming devices, games consoles and Blu-ray players, then sends video to the projector and audio to speakers.
An AV receiver is a good option if you want a more advanced surround-sound setup. Check that it has enough HDMI inputs and supports the video and audio formats you need.
Surround Sound Speakers
Surround sound speakers are placed around the room to create a more immersive audio experience. They can add effects from behind and beside the viewer, making films and games feel more engaging.
A surround sound system can be a good option for a dedicated home cinema room. It usually includes front speakers, a centre speaker, surround speakers and a subwoofer.
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Subwoofers
A subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sound, such as deep bass in films and music. It can add impact to action scenes, explosions and music.
A subwoofer can be a useful addition to a soundbar or surround sound system. Check the size of your room and where the subwoofer will be placed before buying.
Streaming Devices
Streaming Sticks
A streaming stick plugs into an HDMI port and adds apps such as streaming services to a projector or TV. It is a compact way to turn a projector into a smart entertainment system.
A streaming stick is a good option if your projector does not include built-in streaming apps. Check that it supports the services you use and that it can output the resolution you need.
Media Players
A media player connects to a projector and plays digital files from a hard drive, USB stick or network storage. It can be useful for people with large collections of films, music and photos.
A media player can be a good option if you want more file format support than a basic streaming stick. Check the supported video and audio formats before buying.
Games Consoles
A games console can connect to a projector through HDMI, allowing you to play games on a large screen. This can create an immersive gaming experience in a home cinema room.
Check the projector’s input lag, refresh rate and HDMI version if gaming is important. A projector with low input lag can provide a more responsive gaming experience.
Choosing the Right Home Cinema Setup
Measure Your Room
Measure the room before buying a projector or screen. Consider the distance from the projector to the wall, the seating position and the amount of available space.
A larger screen needs more viewing distance, while a smaller room may suit a short throw or ultra short throw projector.
Consider Ambient Light
Think about how much light enters the room. A dark room can suit a lower-brightness projector, while a living room with windows may need a brighter model.
A projector with 3,000 lumens or more can be a better option for rooms with ambient light.
Choose the Right Resolution
Choose a resolution based on your viewing distance and content. Full HD can be suitable for many setups, while 4K offers more detail on larger screens.
If you sit close to a large screen or want the sharpest possible image, 4K can be worth considering.
Choose the Right Audio
Built-in projector speakers can be convenient, but a soundbar, AV receiver or surround sound system can provide a much better experience. Choose audio equipment based on the size of the room and how immersive you want the sound to be.
A soundbar is a simple upgrade, while an AV receiver and surround speakers offer more flexibility.
Check Connectivity
Check the projector’s inputs and outputs before buying. HDMI is essential for connecting streaming devices, consoles and laptops, while USB ports can be useful for playing files directly.
If you plan to connect a soundbar or AV receiver, check whether the projector supports audio output through HDMI or another connection.
Home Cinema FAQs
What is a home cinema projector?
A home cinema projector is a device that projects a large image onto a wall or screen. It is used for films, sport, gaming and streaming.
What is the difference between a short throw and ultra short throw projector?
A short throw projector creates a large image from a short distance, while an ultra short throw projector sits very close to the wall or screen. Ultra short throw models are useful in smaller rooms.
What resolution projector do I need?
Full HD is suitable for many home cinema setups, while 4K offers more detail on larger screens. Choose based on your screen size, viewing distance and budget.
How bright should a projector be?
For a dark home cinema room, around 1,500 to 2,500 lumens can be enough. For a living room with ambient light, consider 3,000 lumens or more.
Do I need a projector screen?
You can project onto a plain wall, but a projector screen can provide a flatter, more even surface and improve image quality. A screen is especially useful for a dedicated home cinema room.
What is throw distance?
Throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. It affects how large the projected image will be, so it is important to measure your room before buying.
Do projectors have built-in speakers?
Many projectors include built-in speakers, but they are usually basic. For a better home cinema experience, connect a soundbar, AV receiver or surround sound system.
What is an AV receiver?
An AV receiver connects audio and video sources, sends video to a projector or TV and sends audio to speakers. It is the central hub of many home cinema systems.
Can I connect a laptop to a projector?
Yes. Most projectors can connect to a laptop through HDMI. Some also support USB-C or wireless connections, depending on the model.
Can I use a projector for gaming?
Yes. A projector can create a large, immersive gaming image. Check input lag, refresh rate and HDMI support if gaming is important to you.