Video Projector Bake-Off

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
© 2017 Adrian McCarthy. All rights reserved. Last updated 26-MAR-2017.