For a long time, projectors were “niche”, i.e. devices that were technically exciting but not particularly widespread. Given the increasing image diagonals, one type of projector is now receiving more attention. So-called short-range projectors project images with diagonals of just over 100 inches, i.e. 2.50 meters, onto the wall and take up very little space. And when the projector is turned off, unlike the giant TV, there is no big black hole over the room – all that is visible is a small box in front and a shiny projection surface on the wall.
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While many short-range projectors are not able to achieve particularly rich colors and require the room to be darkened for their maximum luminous flux, current devices surprise with large color spaces and bright images. Several companies, including Samsung, Hisense and XGMI, are showing such projectors at IFA in Berlin.
Bright triple laser from Samsung
Samsung’s “The Premiere 9” has a bright projection of about 3,500 lumens and rich colors; Samsung promises a coverage of the DCI-P3 color space of 154 percent. The possible color saturation goes far beyond DCI-P3, leaving more scope for color matching. The Premiere 9 uses laser LEDs in three colors, whose light is reflected on the mirrors of the DLP chip and from there directed onto the screen. 2.2.2 The Harman Kardon audio system also ensures good sound.
Compared to its 2020 predecessor, the new model should be slightly brighter and bring some additional features, including the ability to automatically align the displays in parallel using a cell phone photo. As is always the case with Samsung, keystone correction is only possible with the company’s own Galaxy phones. The Premiere 9 will be available in stores soon for 6,500 euros. The previous model was initially just as expensive, but then the price dropped and now costs around 3200 euros.
Samsung uses three color lasers as bright light sources in the Premiere 9; in Intelligent mode, the image automatically adjusts according to the lighting conditions in the room.
According to the manufacturer, the Premiere 7, the second new short-range model with a single laser, creates 2500 lumens and covers 100 percent of DCI-P3. At the IFA stand, Samsung will also give a preview of the 8K model of the Premiere series, which quadruples the video resolution using pixel shifting and processes it using AI. What’s special: It receives the video signal wirelessly via an external One-Connect box. This makes installation under the ceiling easier, as all the players hang under the box. Samsung has not yet announced the price here.
All three models are equipped with the Tizen operating system known from Samsung televisions, which allows you to stream content from Netflix, Amazon and Co. without external players and, if necessary, bring the television signal from the media library to the screen as a live stream.
Hisense roll-up TV screen
Hisense has surprised on the IFA stand with a smart TV that supposedly rolls up – but it is actually a short-range projector whose screen rolls up. It disappears into a sort of chest of drawers and, according to Hisense, should survive up to 10,000 rolling cycles without damage. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not use the box as an audio system, instead the speakers are in the projector. The screen itself amplifies the light output for the viewer by directing the light coming from below towards the viewer with its structured surface. This type of amplification is common with short-range projectors that are not as bright. Disadvantage: The projection is only really bright at a limited beam angle and is not suitable for viewers who view the screen from the side.
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With Hisense only the screen rolls, not an OLED TV like LG.
In addition, Hisense is showing a short-throw projector with 8K resolution at IFA, generating 7680 x 4320 pixels from a 4K panel via pixel shift. Its projection can be made even larger than a 4K projector without the display becoming pixelated – as long as you have the space at home for images larger than 2.50 meters.
LED Laser Combination from Xgimi
We were already able to put Xgimi’s brand new short-range projector Aura 2 through a brief test. It projects 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K) and combines colored LEDs with lasers in its hybrid light source to generate sufficient brightness. This combination ensures rich colors in the DCI-P3 color space and a luminous flux of up to 2300 lumens.
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(Image: C’T)
In initial tests, we liked its display, with color-balanced images and good black levels that produce high image contrast. Its luminous flux is also sufficient for rooms that are not dark. However, the DLP projector produces a slight rainbow effect. Its automatic image sharpness and keystone correction make installation very easy. The Smart Aura 2 uses Android TV 11 as the operating system and can use it to bring videos from all common streaming services to the screen. It will cost 2,900 euros when it goes on sale.
(UK)
