Podcast #1192: Can AI Help Pick Your Next Projector?

On this week’s show we asked three different AI LLMs “What is the best home theater projector for less than $5000?”. And we sort of got an answer.  We also read your emails and look at the week’s news.

News:

Streamers doing a better job of winning back departed viewers Fox execs give new details regarding forthcoming streamer SiriusXM Slashes Jobs Again as Satellite Focus Sharpens Amid Subscriber Woes

Other:

NAB Petitions FCC to Shut Down ATSC 1.0 - The End of OTA TV? JMGO JMGO N1S Ultimate Can AI Help Pick Your Next Projector?

We asked three different AI LLMs “What is the best home theater projector for less than $5000?”. And we sort of got an answer. 

Chat GPT

When looking for the best home theater projector under $5,000, several factors come into play, such as picture quality, brightness, resolution, and features like smart capabilities. As of my last knowledge update in October 2023, here are some of the top options within this budget:

Epson Home Cinema 5050UB (MSRP $3000 Direct from Epson)

Resolution: 4K PRO-UHD (upscaled) Brightness: 2,600 lumens Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1 Features: HDR support, motorized lens settings, and a wide color gamut. It provides exceptional picture quality, especially for films in dark rooms.

Google Gemini

It's impossible to definitively say which is the "best" projector for you without knowing your specific needs and preferences. However, I can offer some great options in the $5,000 range.

To help me recommend the perfect projector for you, tell me:

What size is your screen?  How far away will you be sitting from the screen? What resolution do you prefer (1080p, 4K)? Do you need 3D capability? What type of content will you be watching most often (movies, gaming, sports)? Do you have any specific features you are looking for (HDR, high refresh rate)?

Once I have this information, I can give you a more personalized recommendation. 

In the meantime, here are some popular projectors in the $5,000 range:

For 4K and high brightness:

Sony VPL-VW270ES (this is a discontinued model): Offers excellent image quality, high brightness, and HDR capabilities.  JVC DLA-N5 ($6500!): Known for its black levels and contrast ratio, perfect for dark rooms.

For budget-friendly 4K:

Epson Home Cinema 5050UB (MSRP $3000 Direct from Epson):  A great option for those looking for a solid 4K projector at a lower price point.

For bright rooms:

BenQ TK850 (this is a discontinued model):  A powerful projector with high brightness and DLP technology, ideal for rooms with ambient light. 

I look forward to helping you find the perfect projector for your home theater! 

For fun I later updated my query with the following.

What is the best home theater projector for less than $5000? More parameters to consider:

100” Screen size Seating will be 15 feet away I need 4K with HDR. I do not need 3D Capability I watch an even mix of TV, Movies, and Sports

Gemini responded with a list of four projectors and a summary. The following is the summary:

Based on your requirements, the BenQ TK850 or the Optoma UHD380X (Also unavailable) are excellent options. They offer a balance of 4K resolution, HDR support, and good brightness levels within your budget. It's recommended to read reviews and compare them to see which aligns better with your specific needs. Good luck with your projector hunt!

Grok 3

Based on the available information and critical evaluation of projector options, the Epson Home Cinema LS11000 ($4000 from Projector People) stands out as the best home theater projector under $5,000. 

Here's why:

This projector offers a compelling combination of high-end performance and features, making it ideal for creating a cinematic experience at home. It uses a laser light source, which provides consistent brightness (rated at 2,500 lumens) and a long lifespan of up to 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacements. Its 4K resolution is achieved through pixel-shifting technology, delivering sharp, detailed images that rival more expensive native 4K projectors. The LS11000 also excels in color accuracy, with excellent out-of-the-box performance, and supports HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ for vibrant, dynamic visuals. Its high contrast ratio (up to 1,200,000:1) ensures deep blacks and excellent shadow detail, crucial for movie watching in dark environments.

Additionally, the LS11000 is versatile, with features like motorized lens shift, zoom, and focus, making it easy to set up in various room configurations. It performs well in both dark home theaters and rooms with moderate ambient light, thanks to its brightness. While it lacks 3D support and built-in smart features like Wi-Fi or streaming apps, these are minor trade-offs for its price point, as you can easily add a streaming device.

Compared to alternatives like the LG GRU510N, which offers higher brightness (5,000 lumens) but lower contrast and less refined color accuracy, or the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB, which is dimmer and uses a lamp instead of a laser, the LS11000 strikes the best balance of performance, value, and longevity. High-end native 4K projectors from brands like Sony or JVC, while excellent, exceed the $5,000 budget, making the LS11000 a top choice for enthusiasts seeking premium quality without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind that to achieve the best results, you'll need a quality projector screen and a sound system, as the LS11000 lacks robust built-in speakers. Also, consider your room's lighting conditions—while it handles some ambient light, it performs best in a controlled, darker environment.

Our Takeaway

This was a fun exercise which had mixed results. In the end you have to do the work yourself and like Google Gemini says find one that fits your specific needs and preferences. In other words, AI is not taking over the world any time soon.