The NorCal Haunters Group had a video projector “bake-off” to help members figure out which projectors work best with which effects. We tried out several projectors brought by members and collected the information below in the feature table.
If you're looking for a projector to watch movies or place in your conference room, this probably won't be helpful to you. If you're trying to figure out which budget projector will work best in your haunt, you've come to the proper place.
Be aware that there are many, many more options out there, and new models become available all the time. Also, I could have made a transcription error, so double-check the specs before you buy.
Model | Price | Where to Buy | Resolution | Dimensions (inches) | Lamp | Power | Connections | Key Features | Good For | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aaxa LED Pico | $120 | Amazon, NewEgg, etc. | 960×540 | 4.75×2.5×1 | LED, 90 lumens | USB adapter (not included) or battery | HDMI, composite (3.5mm), 3.5mm audio out, USB, MicroSD | tripod mount, remote, built-in media player, internal battery (80 min) | jack o'lanterns, tombstones, short distances | not super bright, moderate fan noise |
BenQ MW526A | $400 | Amazon, Fry's, etc. | 1280×800 | 8.75×11.25×3.75 | Incandescent, 3300 lumens | Wall Plug | VGA, HDMI, composite (RCA), 3.5mm audio out, USB, MicroSD | DLP, built-in media player, remote | large windows, house/wall/etc. | lamps may be expensive to replace |
HTP LED-33 | $170 (sometimes much less?) | Amazon | 800×600 | 9.5×12.5×3.75 | LED, 2000 lumens | Wall Plug | VGA, HDMI, composite (RCA), component (RCA), RCA audio out | DLP, built-in media player, remote | large windows, house/wall/etc. | requires external media source, can't focus closer than 4.5 feet |
Qumi Q2-B | $150 | discontinued, check Ebay | 1280×800 | 6.3×4×1.3 | LED, 300 lumens | DC Power Adaptor | VGA, HDMI, composite (via 3.5mm), 3.5mm audio out, USB, MicroSD | DLP, built-in media player | jack o'lanterns, smaller windows | discontinued but check newer models |
UltraProjector | $200 | online | 320×240 | 12×3.75×4.25 | LED, very bright | DC Power Adaptor | 3.5mm audio out, USB for media | silent (no fan!), tripod mount, built-in media player, 2GB flash, autoplay, weather resistant | ghostly images in the dark outside! | low resolution for price, no SD cards |
WindowFX (a.k.a. "The Home Depot projector) | $70 | Home Depot | low | 6×7.75×3 | LED, OK brightness | DC Power Adaptor | 3.5mm audio out, USB for media, SD Card | tripod mount (horiz & vert), remote, built-in media player, 4'×6' screen, seasonal animations included | ghostly images in the dark | lower resolution than advertised |