Summary
Highlights
The video introduces eight projectors in the $900-$1500 range, categorized by form factor: smaller projectors with built-in aiming (JMGO N1S4K, Epson Life Studio Flex Plus, Hisense M2 Pro), living room projectors with gimbals (Dang Deox02, XGIMI Horizon 20), and projectors best for ceiling mounts/tripods (BenQ GP520, Nexugo Tri Vision Ultra, Valyrian Stream Master Plus). Initial brightness claims are discussed, with the XGIMI Horizon 20 appearing brightest on paper.
Manufacturer brightness claims are verified using the anti-lumen standard. Usable brightness (color error under 10) revealed the Nexugo Tri Vision Ultra and XGIMI Horizon 20 as the brightest. Native contrast measurements showed the JMGO N1S4K with the highest contrast ratio. Dynamic contrast, which uses laser dimming, was highest on the XGIMI Horizon 20, but the presenter cautions that these measurements don't always reflect real-world picture quality.
Side-by-side comparisons begin with the JMGO N1S4K on the left. It decisively wins against the Epson Life Studio Flex Plus due to higher brightness, vibrancy, and contrast. Against the BenQ GP520, the BenQ excelled in bright scenes due to higher brightness and color accuracy, but the JMGO won in moderately lit and dark scenes due to superior contrast. The JMGO also easily beat the Dangbay Debox O2 Pro in all scenes due to better color, contrast, and depth.
The Hisense M2 Pro beat the JMGO N1S4K, particularly for its color accuracy and dynamic dimming in dark scenes, despite the JMGO's vibrant but inaccurate colors. The XGIMI Horizon 20, being twice as bright, won against the Hisense M2 Pro in bright and moderately lit scenes, though its dynamic contrast system had issues. The XGIMI Horizon 20 also edged out the Nexugo Tri Vision Ultra, which had some gamma issues in moderately lit scenes. In the final round, the XGIMI's brightness gave it an edge over the Valyrian Stream Master Plus in bright and moderately lit scenes, while the Valyrian excelled in dark scenes due to its superior dynamic black level algorithms.
The final viewing experience rankings placed the XGIMI Horizon 20 first, followed by the Valyrian Stream Master Plus, Nexugo Tri Vision Ultra, and Hisense M2 Pro. The video then transitions to input lag for gaming. Most projectors showed excellent input lag (under 20ms) at 4K 60Hz. The XGIMI Horizon 20 consistently performed well at higher refresh rates, while others struggled. Surprisingly, all projectors maintained good input lag even with digital keystone enabled.
Throw ratios are discussed, with the XGIMI Horizon 20 and Hisense M2 Pro offering optical zoom and more flexible placement. The XGIMI also uniquely features motorized lens shift. Lens focus, clarity, and sharpness were tested: the Epson Life Studio Flex Plus and JMGO N1S4K were disappointing, while the Valyrian and Hisense scored perfectly. Motion handling for 24p content found the XGIMI, Valyrian, and JMGO to perform best without MEMC. The Valyrian and Nexugo were able to play true 24p at 4K, with the XGIMI doing so at 1080p.
3D playback performance was generally good, with the Hisense offering more 3D effect but less eye comfort. The Nexugo and XGIMI found a good balance. The DLP rainbow effect, relevant for single-chip DLP projectors (all but the Epson), is acknowledged. A diverse range of light sources is present across the projectors. Fan noise and speaker quality are also compared, with the Hisense being the loudest overall and the XGIMI having excellent bass response.
Most projectors use Google TV, though the Dangbay's processor was sluggish. The Hisense uses Vida OS, and the Nexugo has no built-in OS, allowing users to insert their preferred streaming stick. The conclusion names the XGIMI Horizon 20 as the 'Ultimate Value King' due to its high usable brightness, top-tier viewing experience, low input lag, and advanced features like optical zoom and lens shift. For a dedicated light-controlled theater, the Valyrian Stream Master Plus is recommended for its superior contrast and black levels. For a bedroom projector, the Hisense M2 Pro is the best choice, with the JMGO N1S4K as a strong, more affordable alternative; the Epson is not recommended.