Are you looking for the best projector with HDMI ARC? Look no further!
The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) feature lets you connect your projector directly to an audio device, such as soundbars or AV receivers, without needing separate audio cables. This convenient setup enhances your home theater experience by delivering high-quality audio and video in one seamless connection. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or a presenter, having a projector with HDMI ARC opens up a world of possibilities.
In this article, we’ll explore and recommend some of the best projectors on the market that offer this fantastic feature. So please sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of immersive projection with HDMI ARC!
How We Choose the Best Projector with HDMI ARC
We considered several crucial factors in finding the best projector with HDMI ARC. These include image quality, brightness, contrast ratio, resolution, connectivity options, and, of course, the presence of HDMI ARC. We also considered material and built quality, size and weight, ease of setup, and use. We also see throw distance, lamp life, and price.
Regarding image quality, we looked for projectors with high native resolutions, such as Full HD (1920×1080) or 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160). A higher resolution means sharper and more detailed images, perfect for movie nights or gaming sessions.
Brightness is also a significant factor, especially if you plan on using the projector in a well-lit room. A higher lumen count (measured in ANSI lumens) ensures your projected image remains clear and vibrant even with ambient light. And for a truly immersive experience, a high contrast ratio is essential. This measures the difference between an image’s darkest and brightest parts, resulting in more vivid colors and deeper blacks.
Regarding connectivity options, HDMI ARC is a must-have feature for audio enthusiasts. However, we also looked for projectors with multiple HDMI ports to connect various devices simultaneously. Other useful connections include USB, VGA, and audio output.
Top Projectors with HDMI ARC
1. BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector HDMI
Why We Love It:
BenQ TK700 is a high-performance 4K HDR gaming projector that offers an immersive experience for both movie lovers and gamers. This projector delivers smooth and responsive gameplay with a low input lag of only 16ms at 4K/60Hz and up to 4ms at 1080p/240Hz.
It also supports eARC for Dolby Atmos and 7.1-channel audio pass-through, ensuring a truly cinematic sound experience. The TK700 also has game-specific features such as Game Sound Mode and Game Mode to fine-tune audio and images for optimized gaming performance.
The BenQ TK700 offers HDMI ARC, allowing you to connect your projector directly to your audio device without additional cables. This feature makes it easy to set up and enhances the overall viewing experience by delivering high-quality audio and stunning visuals.
You Should Know:
BenQ TK700 has impressive gaming capabilities; the TK700 also boasts 3200 ANSI lumens of brightness, 96% Rec. 709 color accuracy, and black detail enhancement for stunning image quality. Its compatibility with consoles such as Sony PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and Google Stadia makes it a versatile choice for all gamers.
The projector also has a built-in speaker and digital keystone correction for convenience. Its 3D capabilities also make it a great choice for a movie night with friends or family. One downside is that it does not have an Android TV like the TK700STi model, which can be easily remedied with a streaming device.
The BenQ TK700 is a top choice for those looking for a 4K HDR gaming projector with HDMI ARC support. Its impressive features and performance make it worth considering for any home theater setup or gaming room.
Check Price On Amazon2. Optoma HD39HDR High Brightness HDR Home Theater Projector
Why We Love It:
Optoma HD39HDR is a high-performance projector that offers an impressive 4K HDR viewing experience. Its HDR10 technology delivers brighter whites and deeper blacks for enhanced image quality. With a fast response time of 8.4ms and a 120Hz refresh rate, this projector is perfect for gamers looking for smooth and responsive gameplay.
The HD39HDR boasts 4000 lumens of brightness and a 6-segment color wheel for vivid and colorful images. Its 1080p resolution with 4K input and a contrast ratio of 50,000:1 ensures sharp and detailed visuals without downscaling or compression. One of the standout features of this projector is its long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours, making it a great investment for long-term use. It also has an integrated speaker, saving you the hassle of setting up external speakers.
You Should Know:
Optoma HD39HDR is versatile, making it suitable for various environments such as home theaters, game rooms, and even outdoor spaces. Its vertical keystone correction and 1.3X zoom feature allow for flexible placement options in any setting.
Additionally, this projector is 3D-ready, providing an immersive viewing experience with true 3D content from almost any source. HDMI Arc support also allows for a seamless connection to your audio device, enhancing the overall viewing experience. One downside is that the 3D glasses are not included and must be purchased separately. Input lag can also be an issue for competitive gamers, but this can be remedied by adjusting the settings.
Check Price On Amazon3. ViewSonic PX701-4K 4K UHD
Why We Love It:
The ViewSonic PX701-4K offers an exceptional home theater experience with its stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution and advanced visual features. Its 3200 lumens of brightness and high contrast ratio ensure vibrant and bright images in any environment, whether it’s a dark room or a well-lit space.
For gamers, this projector provides an immersive experience with its low input lag of just 4.2ms and a refresh rate of 240Hz. This allows for smooth and responsive gameplay, making it a top choice for gamers looking for an enhanced gaming experience.
One of the standout features of this projector is its support for HDR and HGL content, providing a wide color gamut and improved contrast for a cinematic viewing experience. Setting up the ViewSonic PX701-4K is also a breeze with its 1.1x optical zoom, anti-warping stabilization, and H/V keystone correction. This allows for flexible placement options on both flat and curved surfaces.
You Should Know:
ViewSonic PX701-4K also has a long lamp life of up to 20,000 hours in SuperEco Mode, making it a durable and cost-effective option. Its flexible connectivity options, including dual HDMI and powered USB, allow for easy connection to various media players, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. ARC support also adds to its versatility, providing a seamless connection to audio devices.
The only downside is that the projector does not come with a dongle for Netflix streaming, which must be purchased separately. However, this is a minor inconvenience for the overall impressive features and performance of this projector. Warranty and customer support from ViewSonic are also highly rated, providing peace of mind for buyers.
The ViewSonic PX701-4K is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality home theater or gaming experience. Its advanced visual features, responsive gameplay, and easy setup make it a top contender in its category. So, if you’re in the market for a top-performing 4K projector, be sure to check out the ViewSonic PX701-4K.
Check Price On Amazon4. Philips PicoPix Micro 2TV, DLP Portable Projector
Why We Love It:
The Philips PicoPix Micro 2TV is a highly versatile and compact projector, perfect for on-the-go use. Its built-in Android TV dongle allows for easy access to your favorite streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and more. The TI DLP LED light source provides a bright and vibrant display with true 480p resolution (supports 1080p) for an enjoyable viewing experience.
One of the standout features of this projector is its built-in 4-hour battery, allowing for cable-free projection anywhere. This makes it a great choice for outdoor movie nights or presentations on the go. Additionally, the advanced LED light source has a lifespan of over 20,000 hours, providing long-lasting and cost-effective use.
The Philips PicoPix Micro 2TV also offers flexible connectivity options with its HDMI and USB-C ports. This allows for easy connection to laptops, game consoles, smartphones, and other HDMI output devices. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around in a bag or backpack, perfect for travelers or professionals who frequently give presentations.
You Should Know:
The Philips PicoPix Micro 2TV offers impressive features and performance, but it may not be suitable for those looking for a large display or home theater use. Its compact size limits the projection size to about 80 inches, which may not be ideal for some users.
The built-in speakers are also only 2×3 watts, which may not provide the best audio quality for larger spaces. However, this can easily be remedied by connecting external speakers or a soundbar. HDMI ARC and CEC support also make it easy to connect to audio devices for a better sound experience. Connect Macbook Pros, iPhones, or any Type-C devices with the USB-C port to project your videos hassle-free.
Check Price On Amazon5. Epson Pro EX9240 3-Chip 3LCD Full HD 1080p Wireless Projector
Why We Love It:
The Epson Pro EX9240 is a top-performing projector with impressive brightness, stunning image quality, and versatile connectivity options. With its 4,000 lumens of color and white brightness, this projector is perfect for large group presentations or even home cinema use in well-lit rooms.
One of the standout features of this projector is its true 3-chip 3LCD technology, providing outstanding color accuracy without any distracting “rainbowing” or “color brightness” issues. This makes it a great choice for professional-quality presentations or displaying videos in crisp Full HD 1080p resolution.
In addition to its impressive image quality, the Epson Pro EX9240 offers versatile connectivity options, including screen mirroring with Miracast and two HDMI ports for easy video conferencing and connecting streaming devices. It also has a built-in 16 W speaker for an incredible audiovisual experience right out of the box.
The built-in picture skew sensor is another convenient feature that automatically corrects the vertical keystone to help square the image, ensuring a perfect display every time. With a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 16,000:1, this projector provides crisp and rich detail for all types of content.
You Should Know:
The Epson Pro EX9240 is a great choice for home cinema and business use, but something other than this may be suitable for those looking for a portable option. This projector is larger and heavier than other models, making it less convenient to transport.
The price point may also be higher than some budget options, but its impressive features and performance make it worth the investment. And with Epson’s reputation for quality and customer support, you can feel confident in your purchase.
But what we love most about the Epson Pro EX9240 is its value for money. With one Caseta smart switch, you can control multiple bulbs at once and make them all smart, even your existing ones. With one downside of modern projectors being a lack of built-in speakers, the Epson Pro EX9240 stands out with its powerful 16 W speaker for incredible sound quality. And with versatile connectivity options, you can easily connect to audio devices using HDMI ARC for an even better sound experience.
Check Price On AmazonFAQs
Can I use HDMI ARC with a projector?
Yes, as long as the projector has an HDMI ARC port and supports that feature. Some projectors may require additional adapters or converters to use HDMI ARC.
Are there any HDMI 2.1 projectors?
Yes, there are some projectors that support HDMI 2.1, which allows for higher bandwidth and features like 8K resolution and variable refresh rate. However, these projectors tend to be more expensive and are not as widely available yet.
Can I connect multiple devices using HDMI ARC?
Yes, you can use an HDMI ARC splitter or switch to connect multiple devices to your projector using HDMI ARC. This can be convenient for home theater setups or presentations with multiple audio sources.
Do any projectors have eARC?
Yes, some high-end projectors may have eARC (enhanced audio return channel), which allows for higher bandwidth and supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. However, this feature is not as common in projectors compared to TVs.
Is HDMI ARC output only?
HDMI ARC can be used for both input and output, but it’s typically used as an output to send audio from the projector to external speakers. Some projectors may also have HDMI ARC inputs for connecting audio devices.
Can I convert HDMI to HDMI ARC?
Yes, you can use an HDMI ARC converter or adapter to convert a regular HDMI port into an HDMI ARC port. This may be useful if your projector does not have an HDMI ARC port, but you still want to use that feature for audio output. Additionally, some projectors may also have USB-C ports that support HDMI ALT mode, allowing for a direct connection to devices like laptops and smartphones with USB-C ports. This can also provide audio output through HDMI ARC.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best projector with HDMI ARC can greatly enhance your home theater setup. The convenience of a single cable connection for both audio and video is a game-changer, providing a seamless and immersive experience.
Through careful consideration of customer reviews, expert opinions, and product specifications, we were able to identify top contenders in the market. These projectors offered not only stunning visual quality but also the crucial HDMI ARC feature that allows for easy integration with sound bars or AV receivers.
With advancements in technology, projectors are now capable of delivering 4K resolution and other outstanding features, ensuring a cinematic experience right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or giving presentations, having a projector with HDMI ARC opens up endless possibilities.
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