Projectors for gaming, or gaming projectors, can boost any console or PC setup. Projectors have become reasonably cheaper than they once were, so you will not break your bank trying to buy one. Projectors are a more affordable alternative to big TVs or bulky gaming setups.
Audio/Visual Capabilities
Some projectors have better sound quality for gaming, but you can use your sound system. Projectors have better visual quality than TVs, since the screen is much larger and can be projected on the wall if you do not have a pull-down screen. There is a great difference in size between projectors, PC monitors, and TVs. According to ViewSonic projectors, projectors “can support up-to-300″ screen size, while monitors (27”-55″) and TVs (42”-85″) come in limited and fixed sizes.” Pick a projector that has a bigger picture and a more immersive experience. Some projectors also have HD (1080p) image quality, which can help you see every intricate detail of your game’s world. 4K projectors let you view lifelike graphics.
Portability
Projectors have great portability, while a heavy TV or gaming PC monitor and tower can be hard to move from place to place. Projectors are lighter and can be set up on a shelf or the ceiling for more sitting or furniture space. You will not need to rearrange the furniture for a projector, but for a TV, you may need to make room for it on top of a dresser or TV stand.
Better for your Eyes
Projector light is reflected, rather than directly emitted like from a TV screen. This can lead to less eye fatigue, especially during long gaming sessions. This can potentially reduce eye strain. Not only do projectors reduce eye strain, but they also offer an expansive display for immersive gameplay
Massive Screen Size
Projectors create huge displays for making games more cinematic and engaging.
Great for Multiplayer
Multiplayer mode uses split-screen gaming, which is more enjoyable with each player, who gets a large portion of the screen.
Flexible Setup
A flexible setup means you can adjust the screen size and position more easily with a fixed TV.
What Are the Requirements for a Gaming Projector?
You will want a low-latency gaming display, or what the gaming world refers to as reduced lag. Projectors have input lag, which is a delay between your actions on your PC or gaming controller and the on-screen response. Lower lag or latency ensures faster response times, which makes a difference in competitive gaming.
For example, you press “X” on your controller, and your character will delay shooting. But some gaming projectors lessen lag for smoother gaming. The lowest amount of lag a gaming projector can have is 4.2 milliseconds (ms), while some gaming projectors have an 8ms input lag.
A few ways to remove input delay on a projector:
- Enable “Game Mode”; some gaming projectors have a “Game Mode” setting, which optimizes that projector’s performance for gaming and reduces input lag.
- Using direct HDMI connections means connecting your gaming console or PC directly to the projector by using a high-quality HDMI cable for the fastest signal transmission.
- Update firmware, keep your projector’s firmware up to date for the latest performance enhancements and bug fixes.
- Adjust your projector’s settings to prioritize performance, as some image processing features can increase lag. Turn off unnecessary image enhancement features.
- Check the refresh rate. Ensure your projector and gaming system are set to compatible refresh rates to avoid any syncing issues that could cause delays.
You will want high frames per second (FPS) rates, with the standard frame rate for a gaming projector being 60 FPS.
You will want a high refresh rate. A refresh rate is the number of times the image on-screen refreshes per second. A high refresh rate allows for a smoother and more fluid viewing experience. But if the refresh rate is low, then you could get motion blur or screen tearing. Screen tearing is a visible glitch or tear on the screen. Most projectors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but for a gaming projector, you will need at least 120Hz or 240Hz. High refresh rates mean smoother visuals, especially for fast-paced scenes. For an optimal gaming experience and clear visuals, aim for a balance of resolution (1440p) and refresh rate (120Hz).
All of these features make for a great gaming projector, and here are a few specific projectors that will work the best with your gaming console or PC.
Examples of Gaming Projectors
The BenQ TK700STi has an input lag of 4ms at 240Hz and 1080p or a 16ms latency at the 4K definition. With 3000 Lumens, it makes it suitable for gaming, and the projector has 240 FPS. At the 4K resolution, it supports 60 FPS, which ensures smooth visuals for high-quality content. The projector has a Gaming Mode feature, which enhances your gaming experience and can be accessed via “Picture Mode” in the settings menu. Select the Gaming Mode preset. This includes options for first-person shooters, RPGs, and sports games.
The Acer G550 Nitro gaming projector has 120 FPS, an 8.3ms input latency, 120Hz, 1080p full HD resolution, a great digital zoom, and great color accuracy. With 2200 Lumens, an input latency of 8.3 ms, which is great for fast-paced video games. The Gaming Mode feature optimizes visuals, reduces input lag, and provides smoother gameplay. To access the Gaming Mode, go to the Picture Mode settings and select the Gaming Mode option.
The Optoma HD146X projector has an input lag of 16ms, a refresh rate of 60Hz, and a resolution of 1080p. The Optoma HD146X has 3,600 Lumens. The “Game Display Mode” boosts shadows and dark scenes for greater visibility of impeding obstacles. You can access the “Game Display Mode” by pressing the “Menu” button on your remote, going to the “Picture” setting, and then scrolling down to the “Picture Mode” option. There is a “Game” selectable display mode, and select it to activate the “Game Display Mode”. The projector is priced at $599 on the Projector Central website. A good projector with a few good features that any gamer would need.
There are a few good options for a gaming projector, each with different alternative features. Each projector is cost-effective and has a high FPS, a high refresh rate, and a high resolution.
In conclusion, as the examples above show, a good gaming projector has many qualities. Gaming projectors can enhance any gaming console or PC, and they are cheaper than before. Remember, gaming projectors are an excellent alternative to a big TV or a gaming PC.