4K compact projectors

No multiplex required for outstanding movie imagery

- Words: Steve May Photography: Neil Godwin

Projectors are a-changing. Not too long ago, big-screen enthusiasts basically had to choose between a huge, full blown home cinema projector, or an ugly desktop model that roared like a vacuum cleaner and doubled as a fan heater.

Today’s cutting edge light cannons are a different breed altogether. Form factors have evolved. Projectors are lighter, brighter, slicker and more stylish than ever before. Featured here are three models that usher in this entirely fresh projector aesthetic. They're compact, with a footprint not overly bigger than a Bluetooth loudspeaker, and easily set up.

Significantly, they’re also built around high brightness laser light engines, able to entertain during daylight hours as well as after dark. You don’t even need to lace up bulky set top boxes or Blu-ray players. Just connect your projector to your home network over WiFi and you'll be ready to stream movies or start playing games.

But how do they compare? And are these smart projectors a better buy than a TV when it comes to next gen home entertainment?

WHAT'S ON TEST...

1 Hisense C2TUK Ultra

Aimed squarely at cinephiles and gamers, this packs a tri-colour laser light engine capable of 3,000 lumens of brightness, has IMAX Enhanced certification, with Dolby Vision HDR, all packaged in a striking, gunmetal grey chassis with a swivelling gimbal stand for total positioning freedom.

£2,299, uk.hisense.com

SPECS

Technology: DLP Light Source: Laser Resolution: 4K UHD (3840x2160) Quoted brightness: 3,000 ANSI lumens Connections: HDMI x 2, USB, Optical Digital Audio Out Smart OS: Vidaa Audio output: 40W

2 Anker Nebula X1