The 8 Best HDR Projectors
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in October of 2018. One of the most cutting-edge home entertainment developments, High Dynamic Range allows displays to present more realistic contrast than ever before. Local dimming makes HDR somewhat easy on LCD panels, but projectors require the most advanced technologies to produce a cinema-quality picture. We've ranked some excellent new and up-to-date models, which offer the best HDR support on the market. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500
2. Optoma UHD50X
3. Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300
Editor's Notes
January 15, 2021:
It can be hard for a projector to match the HDR performance of a high-end TV, but they can also get far bigger than any television. Of course, you'll have to spend a lot for good quality, but this time, we did want to focus on models that the average person can reasonably consider purchasing at some point in their lives. So, we removed many of the choices that retail for several grand or more.
With that in mind, the Epson EpqiVision Ultra LS500 has dethroned the Sony VW295ES for the high-end title, and the Epson HC4010 is basically neck-and-neck with the Optoma UHD50X for mid-range models. They use pixel shifting rather than native 4K output, but most users will hardly be able to tell the difference, if at all. If you're going for something more budget-friendly, both the Optoma HZ39HDR and Optoma HD28HDR are worth considering, but like many others in their price range, they're limited to Full HD output.
October 26, 2018:
Only the most expensive laser models like the flagship Sonys or LG will approach the contrast levels of modern, HDR-capable LCD panels. The Optoma is mostly for gamers, while the ViewSonic and Epson are two of very few worthwhile HDR-ready units that don't cost a million bucks. Keep in mind that continued firmware updates will probably help the performance of a lot of these.
4. Epson HC4010
5. Optoma GT1090HDR
6. Sony VW295ES
7. Optoma HZ39HDR
8. Optoma HD28HDR
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.