Projectors

Design-wise, the HD25 is passably attractive by budget projection standards, thanks to its gloss white finish and curved forward edge. Casual users will appreciate its small, cupboard-friendly footprint – though this does raise concerns about running noise issues.

The BenQ W1070 wears its chief attraction right out there on its price tag. For despite being a 3D-capable projector claiming decent-looking contrast ratio and brightness figures of 10,000:1 and 2,000 ANSI Lumens respectively, it costs a penny under £700. Admittedly, this doesn’t get you a free pair of 3D glasses, but it’s still a damn tempting price all the same.

We really liked Epson's TW9000W, the company's earlier foray into the 3D PJ market. A 3-chip LCD design with Full HD resolution, the TW9000W was well-endowed with features, including an ISF calibration mode, THX certification, wireless HDMI and a 480Hz refresh rate to reduce 3D crosstalk.

When we found our test rooms invaded by a glut of LED projectors a couple of years ago, we felt confident that LED lighting would soon dominate the projection world in the same way it’s taken over the TV industry. But we were wrong. In fact, since then most of the big names in projector design have quietly but surely backed away from using LED.

This well-specified but inexpensive 1080p DLP projector could have many potential system upgraders considering projection for the first time. After all, for the cost of a 46in LED TV you could be enjoying images three times the size. It’s a tempting proposition, not least because this BenQ PJ is a beautiful-looking piece of hardware.

Those seeking the visual equivalent of fine-dining are traditionally best served at a 4K digital cinema. An eight-million pixel image, spread large and bristling with detail, is a feast for the eyes befitting the planet’s premiere cinemas. But now cineasts have another choice – they can invest in the first consumer 4K projector and have a Quad HD cinema all their own. Yet, without access to a 4K video source, is there any point in shelling out the best part of £17,000 to own one?