Cinematic gaming? Try ViewSonic's projectors

Sometimes a game just needs to be big. Not in terms of map size or character models but simply in its presentation. And what better way to pursue that “cinematic experience” than with a projector? They’re not as exorbitantly priced as you think and ViewSonic may just have the model for you.

The US-based manufacturer, known for their PC monitors, has been in the projection business for quite a while – they debuted the world’s first iPod-docking projector at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show. Today they stock models ranging from the ultra-portable to the 4K-compatible, but right now we’ve got our eyes on one in particular: the PJD7822HDL.

The PJD7822HDL, an ideal entry-level home entertainment projector with Full HD and 3D support. (Photo: ViewSonic)

It definitely isn’t the friendliest of names but this model packs the right combination of hardware and price to make it a suitable starting point.

On paper, this white-bodied 1080p projector sports a 3,2000 lumens rating and a 15,000:1 on/off contrast, enough to cast a clear and bright image even in high ambient light – think the living room during the day. Of course, you’d still want to run it in a dimmer environment for the best picture quality.

The PJD7822HDL is a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector as opposed to LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). It isn’t necessarily a question of being better as both technologies are now neck-and-neck, although DLP does mean having no air filters to clean or change, therefore less fuss.

More importantly, its short throw distances are suitable for apartments, projecting 40″ images from only a meter away. Equipped with a 1.3X optical zoom lens, users can get screens as large as 100″,  easily achieved with the help of ViewSonic’s distance calculating app.

Connectivity-wise there are two HDMI 1.4  inputs for gaming and entertainment needs, in addition to the usual gang of analog inputs. It even comes with a powered USB port, so wireless streaming dongles such as the Google Chromecast are supported.

And should you own any 3D BluRay content, you’ll be happy to know that this lightweight projector supports Full HD 3D as well. Find the full technical specifications listed here.

Other than competitive gamers who rely on exceptionally fast response times, projectors are a neat alternative to large televison sets. Personally, I’d welcome having reduced eye strain and lack of glare as an option when the need arises.

At the end of the day price matters most. Looking at it from a consumer’s level, ViewSonic’s PJD7822HDL can be found on Lazada for S$1,280, standing as an affordable entry into 1080p home entertainment projectors. ViewSonic and their competitors have other models to suit different needs and budgets, of course, but be warned that this rabbit hole can get pretty deep.

Already use a projector for gaming? Let us know what your experience has been like!