Note: The iDG-787 is currently out of stock, so we suggest checking out the CiBest Mini Projector.
The CiBest is compatible with multiple devices, including smartphones, iPads, Laptops, TV sticks, DVD, Xbox, PS4 and more. Plus, this compact projector can create a “big screen” experience up to 200″, and it has built-in speakers. We were amazed at how the low price was.
Home theater projectors can get into the $1,000’s of dollars (that’s no even including surround sound speakers. Is it possible to buy a cheap home theater projector without wasting our money?
For example, we aren’t picky about the visual quality. We don’t plan on watching movies during the daytime. We already have speakers, so a projector with good audio doesn’t matter.
How to Get a Cheap Home Theater Projector the Right Way:
You can actually buy a decent (and cheap) home theater projector that can save you hundreds of dollars.
This gives us the ability to put that money toward something we really want. Something like nice wireless speakers, some comfortable lounge chairs, a movie screen or simply movies.
However, we don’t want to purchase something so cheap that we hate watching movies on it. That just ends up being a waste of money.
Don’t Waste Your Money on a Cheap Projector:
The highest-rated cheap projector for home cinema is the iDGLAX iDG-787 Mini Portable Projector.
Keep in mind that this product only costs about $100. Don’t expect $500 or $1,000 worth of quality features.
Let’s start with the fact that it only has 300 lumens. Compare this to higher-priced versions which have 1,500-2,500 lumens.
The main difference is that you will not be able to view the projected image in daylight because the screen is not bright enough. If you only plan on watching movies or playing video games at night (or have blackout curtains), then you will have no problem.
That said, the advantage of using a projector with a lower-powered lamp is that the unit uses less energy and the bulb needs to be replaced less frequently. If you plan on watching the big screen often, this can end up saving you even more money.
For instance, this iDGLAX LED lamp has an average life of more than 20,000 hours. This translates to 14 years.
At the rate technology is advancing, you will have probably upgraded to a newer model by then. =)
Yes! The iDG-787 has Keystone Correction!
The iDGLAX has Keystone Correction, which means that you can adjust the image clarity if the projector isn’t pointed straight at the wall or screen. In other words, if your projector sits low or high compared to the image on the wall, you won’t have to settle for a blurry top or bottom image.
Most cheaper models don’t have Keystone Correction, so this is a big advantage of the iDG-787.
TV Not Required
You can use this mini projector with an iPad or smartphone, so there is no need to have a TV. I love this feature, because it makes the unit conveniently portable if you want to watch a movie in the backyard, in another room or at a friend’s house.
With Apple products, you will need a HDMI adapter. Alternatively, you can set up a wireless connection with something like Roku, Google Chromecast or the Amazon Fire Stick.
iDGLAX Specs:
Even though this cheap home theater projector costs less than $100, it contains speakers and comes with a remote control. These are really nice features to have, just in case you need them.
With that said, the speakers are not great quality, so don’t expect them to be.
Package includes: projector, power adapter 3-to-1 AV cable, remote control, user manual
- Also works with game consoles: PS2, PS3, Xbox, Wii, etc..
- Input jacks: HDMI, VGA, AV, AUDIO OUT, USB, SD
- Image Size 30″-100″ diagonal
- Throw Distance 49.21″ – 157.48″
- Native Resolution 640×480
- Compatible with 1080i/p
- Aspect Ratio 16:9/4:3
- Contrast: 800:1
- Image system: TFT LCD
- LED lamp
- Manual focus
- Audio output: Vp-p=1V
- Power supply: DC 12V,3.8A
- Power consumption:39W (MAX)
- Product dimension: 7.3″ x 5.8″ x 2.7″
- Product weight: 2.5 lbs
- Note: you can also get the iDG-787 in black.
You can check out the complete review of the iDGLAX below and see how the image appears when projected:
Get it in Black or White