Home Theater Projectors $2000 to $5000

If your budget is between $2,000 – $5,000 you are sure to find a quality 4K capable projector. This class has several projectors that will deliver excellent picture quality, good black levels, strong sharpness, and still leave room in the budget to buy quality accessories to support your total home theater experience.

The BenQ HT5550 is a 4K DLP projector part of BenQ CinePrime series projectors designed for home theater applications where deep blacks and accurate colors are more important than maximizing brightness. It is one of the least expensive projectors equipped with a dynamic iris, giving The HT5550 an advantage in black level compared to most projectors in its price point. The projector’s six-segment RGBRGB color wheel combined with a built-in cinema filter can reproduce 100% Rec.709 color gamut and 95% DCI-P3. The HT5550 supports both HDR10 and HLG, using auto HDR tone mapping to maximize the projector’s brightness.

Some of the most notable features of this projector are:

• Dynamic Iris – This may be the most significant feature of the HT5550 because it noticeably improves black levels. None of the 4K UHD competition, anywhere near the HT3550 price point, offers an iris.
• 4K UHD Capable – While the HT5550s DLP (0.47″ DMD) chip isn’t native 4K, rapid pixel shifting gives the DLP chip the ability to deliver a perceived resolution 8.3 million pixels. This system works so well that it would be difficult for any viewer to notice a difference in resolution from a native 4K UHD (8.3 megapixels) imager.
• Cinema Filter – When the filter is slid into the projector’s light path, the unit can reproduce a claimed 95% of P3 color with HDR in D. Cinema Mode. Note when engaged, like other projectors with this feature, there is a noticeable reduction in brightness.
• Six Segment Color Wheel – BenQ’s CinematicColor™ technology combines an RGBRGB color wheel with light source management to more accurately reproduce the Rec. 709 color gamut.
• Factory Color Calibrated – Each HT5550 is tested and adjusted to ensure accurate white balance and color reproduction. Included in the box is a factory calibration report guaranteeing accurate playback of Rec.709 content right out of the box.
• Optical Len Shift – The HT5550 includes optical horizontal and vertical lens shift adjustment, which makes it easy to adjust the image’s position compared to the installed location. Making this adjustment optically rather than using digital keystone or other digital geometry correction offers the best possible image.

The HT5550 is geared toward serious movie enthusiasts who care about picture quality enough to optimize their rooms for the best picture. The HT5550, like all BenQ CinePrime projectors, works best in rooms with little or no ambient light. The unit’s cinema filter expands the color gamut at the expense of some brightness, but the HT5550 can project some colors that other projectors in its price point simply cannot.

It is also one of the least expensive 4K HDR compatible projectors to sport a dynamic iris to improve black levels and optical lens shift. The HT3550 won one of our Best Value Awards due to its good black levels and accurate color reproduction at an affordable price.

We reviewed this projector in May of 2019 and were impressed by its high performance at an affordable price point. The HC5050UB had good color reproduction “right out of the box”.  The black levels were better than most competitive home theater projectors.

The HC5050UB supports HDR (high dynamic range) both the HDR10 standard for 4K UHD Blu-ray discs and streaming as well as HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) which is optimized for live broadcast.

The most notable features of this projector are:

• 4K PRO-UHD Projection Technology – A new approach to 4K home theater projection utilizing dedicated hardware processing for resolution enhancement, HDR, and image processing – resulting in an exceptional 4K home theater experience.
• True 3-Chip Projector Design – Advanced 3LCD technology ensures 100% of the RGB color signal is displayed for every frame. This ensures outstanding color gamut while maintaining excellent brightness, without any bothersome “rainbow effect” nor “color brightness” issues typical of single-chip projectors.
• Dedicated 4K Pixel-Shift Processor – Advanced 4K pixel-shifting hardware precisely controls three-individual high-definition LCD chips to parallel process up to 12 million pixels of information. This breakthrough in resolution enhancement technology results in an exceptional 4K visual experience – surpassing virtually all other forms of 4K home theater projection.
• 3-Axis Motorized Lens – For maximum placement flexibility. You can shift the lens up to 96% on the horizontal axis and up to 47% on the vertical axis. You can also set the zoom and focus, then store all the settings in one of ten presets.  The lens’s 2.1:1 zoom range provides maximum placement flexibility.

These Epson projectors are great examples of getting the biggest bang for your buck. Razor-sharp 4K content, stunning P3 color, HDR reproduction, and an extensive feature set, truly sets the 5050UB apart from the competition. For a list price of $2999, owners will get to enjoy some excellent picture quality, with best in class black levels for great handling of really dark scenes.

With proprietary dedicated processors for resolution enhancement, HDR, and image processing – the result is incredible brightness, color accuracy, and image detail – faithfully displaying all your favorite content from the classics to the latest blockbusters.

If you’ve been looking for the best possible 4K home theater experience for an affordable price, the HC5050UB just may be the one!

The JVC LX-NZ3 is an HDR-compatible DLP home theater projector that can deliver true 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). With a retail price of $3,699, its 4K resolution combined with its laser light engine results in a great amount of performance at a reasonable price.

JVC claims it has 3,000 lumens, which is quite respectable. The laser engine is rated for 20,000 hours in HIGH POWER Mode, allowing for several hours a day, every day for a decade.

While all JVC NX Series projectors utilize JVC’s new 3^rd generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices, the NZ3 is a DLP based projector. By utilizing a DLP chip, JVC can deliver 4K resolution with a laser light engine’s low maintenance at a price point below their NX Series models. While NX Series projectors offer deeper blacks and higher contrast, the LX-NZ3 is noticeable brighter, which probably makes it a better solution for a room with higher ambient light. We reviewed the JVC LX-NZ3W, which is the white model. However, there is an identical black unit available called the JVC LX-NZ3B.

The most notable features of this projector are:

• Laser Light Engine – The LX-NZ3 utilizes JVC’s BLU-Escent™ technology, a blue laser diode array that provides the blue light and excites a yellow phosphor color wheel. The yellow light is then combined with the blue light to create white light. JVC rates its laser light engine at 20,000 hours (in High Power Mode). This provides years of worry-free operation
• 4K UHD Resolution – The LX-NZ3 utilizes a Texas Instruments 2^nd generation DLP (0.47” DMD) chip. Rapid pixel shifting gives the DLP chip the ability to deliver a perceived resolution of 8.3 million pixels. This system works so well that it would be difficult for any viewer to notice a difference in resolution from a native 4K UHD (8.3 megapixels) imager.
• HDR Compatible – The LX-NZ3 supports both HDR10 and HLG. Since most HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content is either backward compatible with or available in HDR10, you can enjoy 99% of HDR content available on the market now and in the future.
• Auto HDR Tone Mapping – The LX-NZ3 automatically adjusts the projector’s HDR settings (tone mapping) to optimize HDR10 image quality. The LX-NZ3 uses the static HDR metadata to determine which of the five different preset PQ curves to apply. The goal is to utilize better the LX-NZ3’s brightness capabilities based on the content being shown.

JVC has also added a couple of 4K DLP-based projectors to their lineup, starting with the LX-UH1 and now the new LX-NZ3. Now, JVC offers two different 4K projection options that fit different price points and the needs of a wider variety of consumers.  Except for the DLA-RS4500K, which retails for $29,999, the LX-NZ3 is the only laser projector in JVC’s current lineup.

Another notable thing about the LX-NZ3 is its HDR performance. On a lot of projectors, HDR video can appear dull due to a lack of brightness. The LX-NZ3’s AUTO TONE MAPPING feature tries to eliminate this problem by automatically adjusting the LX-NZ3’s settings to deliver the best HDR picture possible.

Overall, we were pleased with the picture the LX-NZ3 delivered in my media room. If you are looking for a bright, compact 4K projector with the worry-free operation provided by laser illumination, the LX-NZ3 should be on your shortlist.

Epson’s UB series (Ultra Black) projectors use special high contrast 3LCD panels that aren’t used in any of Epson’s other home or commercial projectors, except the near-identical Home Cinema 5050UB. Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB includes a spare lamp, a ceiling mount, and a cable cover, and those goodies are not included with the HC5050UB. The Pro Cinema 6050UB also gets an upgraded warranty – three years parts and labor with a rapid replacement program.

The Pro Cinema 6050UB had good color reproduction “right out of the box.” The black levels were better than most competitive home theater projectors. The PC6050UB supports HDR (high dynamic range), both the HDR10 standard for 4K UHD Blu-ray discs and streaming, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), which is optimized for live broadcast.

The most notable features of this projector are:

• 4K PRO-UHD Projection Technology – A new approach to 4K home theater projection utilizing dedicated hardware processing for resolution enhancement, HDR, and image processing – resulting in an exceptional 4K home theater experience.
• True 3-Chip Projector Design – Advanced 3LCD technology ensures 100% of the RGB color signal is displayed for every frame. This ensures outstanding color gamut while maintaining excellent brightness, without any bothersome “rainbow effect” nor “color brightness” issues typical of single-chip projectors.
• Dedicated 4K Pixel-Shift Processor – Advanced 4K pixel-shifting hardware precisely controls three-individual high-definition LCD chips to parallel process up to 12 million pixels of information. This breakthrough in resolution enhancement technology results in an exceptional 4K visual experience – surpassing virtually all other forms of 4K home theater projection.
• 3-Axis Motorized Lens – For maximum placement flexibility. You can shift the lens up to 96% on the horizontal axis and up to 47% on the vertical axis. You can also set the zoom and focus, then store all the settings in one of ten presets.  The lens’s 2.1:1 zoom range provides maximum placement flexibility.

These Epson projectors are great examples of getting the biggest bang for your buck. Razor-sharp 4K content, stunning P3 color, HDR reproduction, and an extensive feature set truly sets the 6050UB apart from the competition. For a list price of $3999, owners will get to enjoy some excellent picture quality, with best in class black levels for great handling of really dark scenes.

With proprietary dedicated processors for resolution enhancement, HDR, and image processing – the result is incredible brightness, color accuracy, and image detail – faithfully displaying all your favorite content from the classics to the latest blockbusters.

The Pro Cinema 6050UB is Epson’s flagship home theater projector. Black levels are excellent for the price.  Of lower cost projectors, nothing but the 5050UB comes close to the 6050UB’s black levels.  The great blacks truly enhance those really dark scenes and separate “serious” projectors from merely “home entertainment.”

Due to its performance and feature set, the Pro Cinema 6050UB or the less expensive HC5050UB will remain our top recommendations in this price range.

The LG GRU510N is an HDR-compatible DLP home theater laser projector that retails for $3999. It utilizes a single DLP (0.47” DMD) chip to reproduce 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160). The unit’s laser phosphor light engine can deliver 5,000 ANSI lumens of light output and has a rated life of 20,000 hours in Standard (high power) mode.

The GRU510N is part of LG’s ProBeam series of projectors, which were initially developed for professional applications. The GRU510N is nearly identical to the LG BU50NST business projector we reviewed earlier this year. The only difference between the two units is the model number, and the BU50NST has a longer 3-year warranty.

The most notable features of this projector are:

• Laser Light Engine – The GRU510N light source has a rated life of 20,000 hours means that five to ten lamp changes can be avoided along with the associated costs. The light output of the laser light source can be quickly modulated from full power to completely off. This is why  theGRU510N has a dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1.
• 4K UHD Resolution – The DLP chip only has 2.2 million mirrors. It can deliver a perceived resolution of 8.8 million pixels. This system works so well that it would be difficult for any viewer to notice a difference in resolution than a native 4K UHD (8.3 megapixels) imager.
• Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping – The GRU510N can dynamically measure HDR metadata, allowing more precise tone mapping. The goal is to utilize better the GRU510N’s brightness capabilities based on the content being shown.
• Optical Len Shift – The GRU510N includes optical horizontal and vertical lens shift adjustment, which makes it easy to adjust the image’s position compared to the installed location. Making this adjustment optically rather than using digital keystone or other digital geometry correction offers the best possible image.
• Wireless and Network Connectivity – The GRU510N is equipped with various options to simplify accessing content wirelessly, including Miracast. The WebOS browser will provide access to web pages and media from YouTube or Netflix. You can also access media and files for playback from a USB drive.

The LG GRU510N is a 5000-lumen UHD (3840 x 2160) DLP projector with laser-phosphor illumination rated to deliver 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation with no lamp replacements. It offered accurate out-of-the-box color reproduction, and it is one of a few projectors with Dynamic HDR Tonemapping.

The combination of high output, high resolution, and smart wireless capabilities present a great value along with a very pleasing and flexible image. Compact size, HDBaseT, horizontal and vertical lens shift backed up by 12-point geometry correction combine to provide exceptional installation flexibility in this projector class.

If you are looking for a bright projector with accurate colors for a room with lots of ambient light and low maintenance is a priority, the GRU510N is definitely a projector you should consider.

The LG AU810PB is a 4K DLP Laser Smart projector with a suggested retail price of $3999. This projector offers a great deal of performance and numerous advanced features for its price. It has a rated brightness of 2700 Lumens, and its Laser-light source is rated to last up to 20,000 hours.

AU810PB is a 1920x1080x4 pixel shifter – using a DLP (0.47″ DMD) chip to leverage the immense speed of the DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) to process pixels faster than the rate of the video signal. This system works so well that it would be difficult for any viewer to see a difference in resolution from a native 4K UHD (8.3 megapixels) imager.

The LG AU810PB combines all the Smart capabilities of flat-panel TVs but with the high-quality, maintenance-free Laser-light engine and 4K resolution to make it a true flat panel TV replacement.

Some of the most notable features of this projector are:

• Dual-Channel Laser Light Engine — The AU810PB’s 2-channel Laser-light source is more sophisticated than the blue laser phosphor systems utilized in many home theater projectors that cost significantly more, and it can dramatically reduce the breakup of color or rainbow effect.
• Brightness Optimizer — The projector can adjust its light output by changing the size of the iris opening. In addition to the three preset levels (BRIGHTROOM, MEDIUM, DARKROOM), there is a USER mode which gives you the ability to manually adjust the iris size. It also has a feature called Adaptive Contrast, which adjusts the Laser output to increase the dynamic contrast ratio.
• HDR Pro — The AU810PB can dynamically tone map HDR content, which lets you see more detail in the darker images and shadows and it delivers more vibrant, lifelike colors in the brighter images. The AU810PB also includes HGiG, which is designed to improve the HDR gaming experience.
• HDMI 2.1 Features — The AU810PB is one of the first projectors on the market equipped with eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). The AU810PS is also one of the first projectors with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). When you play a game on a compatible gaming console or PC, this feature automatically switches into its “Game Mode” for smooth, lag-free game play.
• WiSA — The AU810PB is WiSA ready. If you plug an optional third-party WiSA transmitter into one of the projector’s USB ports, the projector can wirelessly transmit 7.1-channel audio to a compatible set of speakers via the high-resolution WiSA.
• Smart TV Features — The AU810PB utilizes the same ThinQ AI webOS that is found in LG’s current flat panel lineup, with Voice Control (including Google Assistant and Alexa), the LG Content Store, where you can access many popular streaming services, and Wireless Connectivity and Media Playback.
• Calman Auto Calibration — The AU801PB, just like LG high-end flat-panel TV, can communicate directly with the Calman calibration software to auto-calibrate itself. The software takes a reading and adjusts the projector’s menu settings to fine-tune the onscreen image quickly.

The AU810PB offered accurate out-of-the-box color reproduction, and it is one of a few projectors with Dynamic HDR Tone mapping and HGiG. It is also one of the first projectors equipped with the latest HDMI 2.1 features, including eARC and ALLM.

Since the AU810PB was designed to replace a flat panel TV, it has all the Smart features customers expect from a Smart TV. You can use the Smart remote for voice control with its built-in microphone to control basic projector features and control a wide variety of compatible Smart devices via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The AU810PB is also the first projector we have reviewed that is WiSA-compatible so that it can broadcast sound to multiple wireless speakers. This eliminates the wires and the A/V receiver, so it is easier for anyone to set up a stereo or a full surround system.

The LGAU810PB is by far the most advanced and feature-packed model on the market below $5000.