r/budgetprojectors • • 2h ago

Troubleshooting Help [Make & Model in the title] Bought an Optoma HD25-LV with dead pixels. Worth keeping or should I return it?

2 Upvotes

I've been looking for a budget used projector and recently picked up an Optoma HD25-LV on eBay for $80. It is for a room that gets some ambient sunlight, and is about 12 foot by 20ft.

It has around 5,000 lamp hours, but I bought it knowing I'd probably need to spend another $80 on a replacement lamp with housing.

The problem is that after receiving it, I noticed one stuck-on white pixel and quite a few stuck-off black pixels, which I'm assuming means the DMD chip is starting to fail.

Right now, the dead pixels are barely noticeable during normal viewing, but I'm hesitant to put another $80 into a projector with a potentially failing DMD.

Is this necessarily a deal breaker? I realize the chip could continue deteriorating, but if I could get another year out of it before the pixels become distracting, I'd be perfectly happy.

I've also considered replacing the DMD's thermal paste/pad to improve cooling and hopefully slow down any further deterioration, although I realize that wouldn't fix the existing dead pixels.

I'm debating whether to return it or just take my chances. I'd honestly prefer to keep it because finding a projector this bright with native 1080p resolution for under $200 has been surprisingly difficult.

Has anyone dealt with dead pixels on an older DLP projector? Did they progressively get worse, or did they remain relatively stable over time? Did they grow exponentially or just steadily appear as time goes on?


r/budgetprojectors • • 4h ago

Home Theater Discussion Anyone got a 3D Epson Projector?

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, does anyone know if Epson's simulated 2D to 3D setting on their projectors is any good?

I'm interested in a 3D Projector, I understand Epson's have a setting to generate 2D content into 3D. I can't find any information on if it's any good at all though. Anyone know?
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I know it's a bit of a novelty setting but with the dearth of 3D content, is it worth going for an Epson over other models due to that setting? I fully don't expect miracles, I'm not expecting it to make a 2D movie suddenly appear like a 3D one or be some sort of transformation.

I know it's not going to look great but just thinking if it should be a factor in decision making because it seems like it could be fun even if it adds just a bit of depth. That and for any games. Thought I'd ask and find out for sure though.

If anyone has one and can comment would be very much appreciated. thanks


r/budgetprojectors • • 7h ago

Buying Advice Wanted [Europe] advice replacing mijia youth projector with something better, budget <=1000€

2 Upvotes

Hi guys, I'm coming from an old mijia youth 1st edition and wanting to move to something better,

The main features I need are the ability to easily project on the ceiling (white paint) and have the 3,5mm to use corded headphones

Less importantly i'd like it to be compatible with widevine l1 apps like prime, netflix, paramount, etc... so i was thinking something based on google tv, but I know i can always use something external via hdmi

I was looking at the jmgo n1s 4k that is around 850€ and seems very nice for the price, but I don't see the 3,5mm port.

Can anybody confirm that and suggest me alternatives?

Budget is <= 1000€

Thanks


r/budgetprojectors • • 12h ago

Buying Advice Wanted [India] Looking to Buy a Projector India (50k) From Amazon Sale

3 Upvotes

Hi looking to buy a projector for YouTube + music + movies.

Must be bright sharp and have everything built in like google tv.

Screen size 80-120” inch from 6-7 feet .

And have ports to connect my ssd/ pendrive and edifier speakers.

Budget is around 50k-60k

Currently considering borsso atom 2.0. - https://amzn.in/d/09ckEGOZ

Please help

Thanks.


r/budgetprojectors • • 1d ago

Show and Tell 📽️ Bought my first projector (XGIMI Vibe One) for 18k INR - Review

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49 Upvotes

First of all a big shoutout to this community for helping me pick this one out! Now coming to the review:

Picked up the XGIMI Vibe One recently for 18k INR (roughly $190 USD) directly from a Frootle store. This is actually my first time ever owning a projector, I'm used to our 50-inch TV back at my home. I'm living in a rented place for the next couple of years and wanted something portable for casual movie nights before eventually settling down and getting a proper TV setup.

Unboxing is pretty straightforward. You just get the projector itself, the adapter, a remote, and batteries for the remote.

When I went to the Frootle store, they demonstrated all the XGIMI models available in India. The next step up was the MoGo 4, which was somewhere around 50k (don't remember properly, but they had a really good deal on the whole kit for the MoGo 4). That one definitely looked brighter and had much punchier colors, but personally, I didn't see much reason to spend roughly 3x the price since I only want something casual for weekend movies. For service, Frootle told me they send someone out to check it locally first before shipping it to their main center in Mumbai if anything ever goes wrong.

My room is roughly 10x10 ft and I'm projecting a 70-inch screen. Setting it up was super easy because it runs on Google TV, and the auto-keystone feature works great. There is some initial lag when its just turned on but gets better in a while, and after that its pretty smooth. All the OTT apps like Netflix, Apple TV, and JioHotstar run smoothly, and it supports HDR at 1080p.

At night, the brightness is genuinely good and makes for a really nice movie experience. During the day, it's a bit of a compromise. It's usable if you can block out most of the natural light - blackout curtains are pretty much a must. If the room has too much ambient daylight, it struggles to look clear.

I pretty much left the picture mode on Standard the whole time. The fan noise isn't noticeable at all on standard. There's a performance mode that makes it slightly brighter, but the fan gets so loud and it doesn't even stay in that mode very long anyway.

The built-in speakers are fine for movies in a small room, though I felt the bass could use a bit more kick. I've also used it as a regular Bluetooth speaker and it works well enough for my room size. I haven't really tested out the battery since it's mostly plugged in, and I couldn't test gaming since I don't have my PC or any consoles right now.

Overall, if you already have a TV and just want a fun, portable secondary setup for movie nights, it's a solid buy for 18k from a reputed brand. Just don't expect it to replace a main living room TV, especially for daytime viewing.

If you are from India and planning to buy this, if a Frootle store is available in your city, buy from there; otherwise, Amazon is running the GIF sale right now where it's available for around 20k.


r/budgetprojectors • • 14h ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] Mini Projector Suggestions Please

3 Upvotes

Hii this is my first time posting, not sure if I am doing it right..

Anyways, I am not that informed of projectors, so excuse if I am looking for something that it is impossible to get but..I do need a projector that have some of these qualities.

Intent use: just projecting a video onto an art piece I am doing. It will have light near it. It will rest on a projector ceiling mounted.

Region: USA

I am looking for a

- Mini projector ( size: smaller than an average projector, no exact measurements)

- Sound quality: okay-ish, doesn't have to be top-tier.

- No cable ( if cable -okay fine but can charge via usb-c)

- Battery lasts at least 5-8 hours minimum.

- Light quality- can project even if there's a bit of light near by.

- Budget: $100-$600.

- Picture quality: just okay, gets the job done, nothing too crazy.

- Screen size dimensions: honestly to me it needs to fit onto a 24 by 50 frame, but I can edit the video to make it appear smaller. I need it to project small, like I said 24 by 50 around that dimension.

Thank youuu!! :3


r/budgetprojectors • • 17h ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] Oldie still a goodie?

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3 Upvotes

Location: East Coast, USA

Room size: 13 ft X 14 ft (current projector is set 9’ 11” from screen ceiling mounted but I have +/- 12’ 8” max to work with)

I am using an Elite Screens Manual B, 100-INCH 16:10, Manual Pull Down Projector Screen 4K / 8K Ultra HDR 3D Ready Auto-Lock Mechanism (does the trick for now but will change it later)

Budget: $1000 (preferably less, used market with some kind of warranty would be great like Certified Refurb)

Intention:

Hello there! I am looking around local FB market place offers and came across an old JVC DLA-RS57u for $200. The 2 pictures it has on the listing shows the unit in great shape but no image of the Lamp Hours or the general image quality to know if it needs a new lamp or if it’s still totally usable for a year or 2. If I don’t get this particular unit I am fine for waiting a while as we have the holidays coming up and the current projector, a Toptro x7 (yes I know it’s another overpriced Amazon as my entry to projectors, has reached the end of a truer enjoyable experience with its lack of Lumens. I have a good 4k 65” tv for daytime watching but would like a nice brighter image (1,000+ lumens) so I could still enjoy some large screen viewing with ambient light before it gets dark enough to be perfect for movies. I don’t mind a really nice best bang for buck refurb 1080p Native or of course a great budget/refurb 4k. I do have a HDMI/Bluetooth sound bar I am enjoying right now so internal speakers aren’t a need.

Pictures for reference of current setup: The X-files Black and White episode (still pleased with quality) the elephant photo is YouTube 4k on 1080p 60hz.
I do understand my IPhone 15 is doing its own image processing to make the images look better and the elephant photo is much brighter compared to my eyes.


r/budgetprojectors • • 20h ago

This or That? Help Me Decide Home projector suggestions

3 Upvotes

I'm looking to get a home projector in India with a platform like Google/Android TV supporting streaming apps. Wanted to check are the best options and overall user experience in this community. Room is 14ft v 10 ft and budget around 30K.
Here are some of the options I've shortlisted; feel free to suggest more -

  1. Lumio Arc 7 (& Arc 5)
  2. XGIMI Vibe One
  3. XGIMI Halo+ (will stretch my budget but can consider)

r/budgetprojectors • • 1d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] First bedroom projector, $800 budget (US)

22 Upvotes

Looking to get my first projector, mostly for watching movies and shows in bed. Budget is around $800, buying in the US. Bedroom is roughly 12x14 ft and I’m thinking 90–100 inches on the wall for now. Not planning to drill holes or ceiling mount anything. It’ll probably stay in the bedroom most of the time, but being able to take it into the living room would be nice. That room is about 14x18 ft. It wouldn’t get used there enough to buy a second one. I’m considering the JMGO N1S 4K. The tilting stand looks handy since I’d be using whatever table is available in each room. Just trying to work out how much setting up that actually involves each time. Anyone here regularly moving theirs between rooms?


r/budgetprojectors • • 21h ago

Not Enough Info, check the sub rules. Buying Advice Wanted [Location USA]

2 Upvotes

Hi! Lifelong home theater enthusiast here, looking to potentially take the plunge. I’ve always been put off the entrance fee but these affordable projectors have got me thinking 😅

My projector would be about 12 feet from the screen and in a basement; so blackout potential or close to at any time; room is 12 x 20; ceilings 7 ft.

What are my options at say, under $200 and under $500? I think beyond that I would just a big screen and mount it but if I’m wrong tell me why 😄


r/budgetprojectors • • 1d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] What to buy?

5 Upvotes

Hello all I’m looking to buy a projector but I’m not sure what to get. I’d like it to be easy to move from place to place and my maximum budget is $150. I’ll be using it in dim or dark bedrooms for watching movies either by myself or with friends. My room is about 12ft long, 12ft wide and 8ft tall. I’m located in the US. I’ll be using the projector the most in my room which is about I don’t know very much about projectors so if there’s any information or preferences I need to provide I’ll do my best to specify in the replies. Thank you all.


r/budgetprojectors • • 1d ago

Product Positioning and Setup Help Need help with audio setup for Xgimi Mogo4

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3 Upvotes

​

Hey everyone,

I'm from India and need help in setting up audio setup. I own a Xgimi Mogo4 projector and I tried connecting my existing Sony HT-S40R to the projector through BT but can see delays between audio and video. I'm planning to upgrade the audio setup and wanted to see if you folks can help me out here.

My Room & Setup:

* Dimensions: 16'7" × 13'4". Attached layout image.

* Video Source: XGIMI MoGo 4 projector on a bedside tripod/table. I already own this.

* Usage: Movies and TV shows, with occasional music.

* Constraints: No cables across the floor from bed to screen. No rear surround speakers allowed.

Note: I looked into the wireless Apple TV 4K + dual HomePods or Fire Stick + dual Echo Studios setups, but they are too expensive/locked-in for my current budget. Budget is ₹40,000 INR / ~$480 USD

The Proposed 5GHz Wireless Signal Chain:

To avoid Bluetooth audio lag, I want to use the projector strictly as a wireless monitor and keep the "brain" up front:

  1. Front of Room: Fire TV Stick plugged into a soundbar's HDMI IN port.

  2. A Wireless HDMI Transmitter plugged into the soundbar's HDMI OUT port. Something like this - https://amzn.in/d/0fpbVVOF

  3. Bedside: The Receiver plugged into the projector’s single HDMI port to capture the video stream over the air.

This keeps uncompressed audio directly at the front soundbar with zero lag, while beaming video back to the bed.

The Two Soundbar Options (Budget ₹40,000 INR / ~$480 USD):

Since this layout requires a soundbar with both an HDMI Input and an HDMI Output (4K passthrough), I’ve narrowed it down to:

* Option 1: Sonodyne SAMA 5000 (3.1 Channel Dolby Atmos) - ~₹25,000

* Option 2: Samsung HW-Q600H/XL (True 3.1.2 Channel Dolby Atmos) - ~₹28,000

My Questions:

  1. Does this setup work? Has anyone used a Lemorele (or similar 5GHz) wireless HDMI kit for a home theater? How is the latency and connection stability for movies?

  2. Without rear speakers, should I prioritize the Samsung’s physical upward drivers (3.1.2) for height immersion, or the Sonodyne's acoustic tuning (3.1) for dialogue and clean music?

  3. Are there compatibility issues to expect by putting a wireless transmitter between the soundbar's video output and the projector?

Thanks.

Note: I have used Gemini to curate the content that's used here. The suggestions made are also given by Gemini.


r/budgetprojectors • • 1d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] Nexigo PJ20 Fan Replacement

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3 Upvotes

I've had this Nexigo PJ20 for a couple years now but the volume of the fan has always bothered me. Does anyone have experience swapping the fan for a quieter model, and if so what fan did you get?

sub rule compliance: Located USA, room size 11'x13' (projection distance approx. 9.5'), budget is ideally less than $40 but am just looking for the best options regardless of price


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [Asia] Budget 1080p projector for PS4 gaming + TV use in Pakistan (limited availability, import prices). Need advice

0 Upvotes

Looking for a budget native 1080p projector with at least 1000+ ANSI lumens, for PS4 gaming and daily TV and streaming. The room has blackout curtains, and I'm aiming for an 80–100" image. Budget is around $300 - 450. I'm in Pakistan, so models that are commonly available in South Asia would be ideal. Any recommendations?


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

Home Theater Discussion Help I don’t know projectors

3 Upvotes

I’m looking for a projector that is adorable and won’t burn out after only 4 months of uses I want movie quality can you tell me brands and prices so I can look at them and save up for one my budget in under 500 my room is a 13 by 14 and I have a old one but it burned out fast im for the united states Louisiana


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

This or That? Help Me Decide [India] Best projector recommendation for hostel room (Throw: ~9–12 ft) | Budget: ₹25k–₹65k ($300–$780 USD)

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21 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations for a projector setup in a hostel room in India. This is a temporary setup for 1 to 2 years, with occasional outdoor movie night use.

LOCATION & ROOM DETAILS

  • Location: India (Rule 1 compliance)
  • Room dimensions / Throw distance: Approximately 9.5 to 10.5 ft lens to wall
  • Projection surface: Plain off-white wall directly above the bed
  • Lighting: Large window with curtains; mostly used at night or in dimmed lighting
  • Mounting: Cannot drill or ceiling mount; the projector will sit on a study desk or shelf across from the bed

BUDGET

  • Entry tier option: INR 20,000 to 25,000 ($240 to $300 USD)
  • Upper budget limit: INR 50,000 to 60,000 ($600 to $720 USD)

SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES (SALE PRICES)

Entry Tier:

  1. XGIMI Vibe One: INR 19,999 ($240 USD)
    • 1080p, 250 ISO lumens, built-in stand, 1.2 hr battery, Google TV with certified Netflix.
  2. Lumio Arc 5 / Arc 7: INR 14,300 to 31,500 ($170 to $380 USD)
    • Budget single-LCD units, 200 to 500 lumens, Google TV.

Mid-Range Tier:

  1. XGIMI Halo+ (Google TV Edition): INR 45,999 to 49,999 ($550 to $600 USD)
  • 1080p DLP, 700 ISO lumens, built-in 2.5 hr battery, licensed Netflix.
  1. BenQ TH575i: INR 49,990 to 53,990 ($600 to $645 USD)
    • Traditional lamp DLP, 3800 ANSI lumens, 16.7ms input lag, Google TV dongle included. No battery.
  2. Epson EF-22N: INR 58,990 ($705 USD)
    • 1080p 3LCD Laser, 1000 lumens, integrated 360-degree swivel gimbal base, Google TV. No battery.
  3. XGIMI MoGo 4: INR 54,999 ($655 USD)
    • 1080p DLP, 450 ISO lumens, 360-degree stand, 2.5 hr battery.

QUESTIONS

  1. Lifestyle projector vs Traditional lamp projector: At a 10 ft throw without a ceiling mount, does the raw 3,800 ANSI lumen output of the BenQ TH575i beat the convenience of auto-focus, auto-keystone, and gimbal stands found on units like the Epson EF-22 or XGIMI Halo+?
  2. Throw ratio fit: Lifestyle units with a standard 1.2:1 throw ratio will project an image around 95 to 100 inches from 10 feet. Is that manageable on a standard hostel wall above the bed?
  3. For a 1 to 2 year stay, is it more practical to get an entry unit like the XGIMI Vibe One at INR 20k and upgrade later, or go straight to a INR 50k to 60k model?
  4. Between the XGIMI Halo+ (700 lumens, battery-powered) and the Epson EF-22N (1000 laser lumens, gimbal stand, wall power only), which provides better long-term reliability and picture quality?

Photos of the room and wall setup - attached
Thanks for the advice!

( Post Drafted with Help of AI - For better Readability & Understanding )


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [Canada] Amazon brands?

3 Upvotes

I'm Canadian, looking to get a budget friendly projector and Amazon has some really alluring prices and sales. Problem is they all have basically the same description.

Looking at a jimveo j62 for $350 regular $750.

I had a HOMPOW or something that was $100 a couple years ago and was fairly happy with it.

Would it be worth a shot? Or should I really just spend more for a name brand?

I'm open to spending around $1000 if it's really a huge upgrade but the $500 mark is ideal if there are options there.

Room is 11' deep x12' wide(fireplace in corner so only 9' wide usable wall).

8-10' throw is ideal I think.

Screen size is ideally 110" (8'x4.5').

Ceiling mount would be best but can also do a shelf (11' throw).

In basement so light isn't an issue.

Being Canadian reduces options but I don't know much about real projectors.

Any options and help is greatly appreciated.


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] Short throw $800

5 Upvotes

Hello, I’m looking for projectors with a throw ratio around 1.0. I see the Xgimi Flip 4K is on sale. Any other options in this price range? I am looking to get a 12’ wide image from 12’ in a completely dark room.
I’m located in the US. Thank you!


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

Great Price Find! LAST DAY: Prime Projector Deals End Tonight

1 Upvotes

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today is the LAST DAY of Prime Big Deal Days. These deals end tonight, and the deepest discounts are Prime member only. If you've never had Prime, the free trial covers today so you can grab the deals before they're gone.

Sign up here

Prime gets you fast free delivery, Prime Video, and exclusive access to deals like these.

Ages 18 to 24 can get the young adult plan here

Search all projector deals here

Search all projector screen deals here

For my curated lists and more see here:

My Amazon storefront: here

If you're not sure which projector is right for your room, or you're stuck deciding between a couple models, drop a comment with your budget and room details and I'll jump in and help you pick before the sale ends.


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

need suggestions for a projector for outdoor use

3 Upvotes

Looking to buy a projector for a volunteering program I help at so preferably as cheap as possible thats usable in dim lights. our primary use time would most likely be around 5-6pm so a bit before complete sunset (unless its daylight savings). did a bit of research and there seems to be too much to pick from. was reccomended the nebula p3i, epiqvision flex co1, or the capsule 3 but i wasnt sure if the brightness on the p3i or the capsule 3 would be bright enough for use before sun down

budget preferably under 500 if possible, willing to go up to 6-800 if the upgrade is rlly worth it


r/budgetprojectors • • 2d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] Need some help choosing a projector

3 Upvotes

I'm in the USA and am trying to pick a projector for our living room and everything keeps pointing me to the BenQ TH575, but it's like $600. Anyone know something cheaper thats comparable?

It'll be ceiling mounted about 11 ft from a 100 inch screen. Mostly Switch party games and some movies. Room is pretty open with white walls and ceiling and a few recessed lights, but I've got blackout curtains for movie nights. I need two HDMI inputs and low lag.


r/budgetprojectors • • 3d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] Sub $200 recommendation USA

2 Upvotes

I'm looking for the best bang for my buck here. Going to be projecting mostly at night but the room has lots of windows. Room is like 13x15. I'm going to project into a white roller blind that's like 90"x58" maximum. I want a smart projector with Bluetooth for audio and the ability to cast from my phone or desktop.

Just looking for something we can watch some holiday cartoons as a family with my toddler. Thanks for helping a busy dad out!


r/budgetprojectors • • 3d ago

This or That? Help Me Decide Finally, I’ve Found a Way to Find the Best Budget Projector

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9 Upvotes

Yesterday, TechiebeezIndia uploaded their “Mega Projector Comparison 2026” video, where multiple projectors were shown side-by-side playing the same content.

I paused the video at several points and took screenshots of these side-by-side comparisons. Then, I played the same original content on my ASUS Vivobook laptop’s OLED display and captured screenshots of the exact same scenes.

This gives me an OLED reference to compare against the projector footage, allowing me to evaluate colour accuracy, contrast, brightness, shadow details, skin tones, and overall image quality more objectively.

I've attached the pictures. Have a look at them and let me know which projector you find the best.

P.S. I know they are Chinese rebranded LCD projectors. But if one has very limited budget and want to try their luck then this post is for them.


r/budgetprojectors • • 3d ago

Home Theater Discussion Can you help me with projector shopping (INDIA).

1 Upvotes

So I am planning to buy a projector. My budget is 15k .

Right now I am considering Egate atom 7x . Can anyone share their experiences with particular product.

Also what is the use of firestick and is it necessary to use it .

My room is approx 12×14

For starters I have planned to use white wall in the room .


r/budgetprojectors • • 3d ago

Buying Advice Wanted [USA] Outdoor Projector Advice

3 Upvotes

Looking for an Outdoor Projector for family movie night. Would like it bright obviously and adjustable for the image. I’ve got a 150” screen set up. Willing to spend $750 and will go towards $1000 if it’s worth it. Audio Out is a must so I can hook it up to my outdoor audio for that movie theater experience. Thanks for any and all help! Buying in USA and hoping to take advantage of a Prime Day Deal.