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I just refuse to have a TV in my bedroom.I know it's weird for someone who makes a living commenting on TV, but I have good reason (or I like to think so.)
My favorite TV takes up a lot of space.This is the best 65-inch TV if you ask me.While I can't imagine splurging on a 97-inch LG G2 OLED TV, the big screen makes watching movies at home feel amazing.But, again, I'm on a budget and don't want to limit my limited wall space with a big screen.Yes, even if it's as beautiful as Samsung's The Frame TV 2022.
Almost a year ago, I bought this $70 projector instead of a TV.At the time, the low-res picture quality and poor sound didn't bother me - I loved turning a blank bedroom wall into a big screen on the cheap.Sometimes I use it to play music videos when I'm getting ready to go out, or throw up a rainy cabin scene when I want to relax.
Of course, after covering the release of Samsung's The Freestyle pico projector, I thought about upgrading my setup.But if I was going to spend $900 on a 1080p projector, I'd pay $1,299 for the Optoma True 4K Projector(Opens in a new tab) because of logic.Or maybe then I'll give up my wall to buy one of the best OLED TVs.Are you following my decision-making process?
I recently had a chance to test out the perfect compromise I've come to realize.The fairly new HP CC200 projector costs $279, for which you get up to 80-inch 1080p Full HD images, with USB and HDMI inputs, dual 3W speakers, and a 3.5mm line-out option.Those specs don't compare to any of the best TVs, but for the price and portability (it weighs just over 3 pounds), it's a score.
Then again, I wouldn't ditch my living room Samsung QLED TV for an HP projector like I did for LG's new short-throw 100-inch 4K laser projector.In the year since I bought my first projector, not much has changed as far as my needs are concerned - I still just want the occasional option to watch rom-coms or watch the latest episode of Moon Knight (though How about Moon Knight Episode 3?) in the comfort of my bed.
Moon Knight gave me a good idea of the picture quality of this projector.I swear no spoilers, just admiring the details of Oscar Isaac's jet-black tresses and the intricate folds of his mummified linen suit.At just 200 lumens, I wasn't expecting steady brightness, but as long as my bedroom is dark, it's enough even in night scenes.This projector isn't designed to fight the sun, so luckily I do most of my Marvel and movie viewing at night.
Conversations, meanwhile, sound well-balanced through the built-in speakers, although as with my previous projectors, I usually opt to pair my input device with a Sonos Move or Amazon Echo (4th gen) via Bluetooth.
Speaking of input devices, this projector doesn't pair with Wi-Fi and doesn't offer a smart TV interface.You can mirror the screen of your phone or computer (or iPad mini 6 in my case) with the right adapter.Connecting it to one of the best streaming devices is also an option.If the lack of a built-in app is a deal breaker, check out the popular $350 Anker Nebula Apollo(Opens in a new tab).
For me, the HP CC200 is the best projector I've ever tested.Is it the best projector for building the ultimate home theater?Absolutely not.If you're creating a cinematic experience at home, you'll need a 4K projector with HDR upscaling and at least 2,000 lumens of brightness, such as the Anker Nebula Cosmos Max(opens in a new tab) or the Epson Home Cinema 3200 4K Projector(opens a new tab open in).However, expect to spend at least $1,000.
But on a budget, I have a blank white wall and ledge above my bed and this projector replaces my TV.Who knows?As summer approaches, I may be reviewing how to make a backyard movie theater.
Kate Kozuch is the editor of Tom's Guide, covering smartwatches, TVs, and all things smart home related.Kate also appears on Fox News, talks tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account (opens in a new tab) that you should follow.When she's not shooting tech videos, you can find her riding an exercise bike, mastering the New York Times crossword, or channeling her inner celebrity chef.
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Post time: Jul-31-2022
