Things to Know When Using a Projector for Small Apartment
By XGIMI Tech - 2024-11
A projector for small apartment is an ideal choice for movie lovers. It is compact and enables an immersive movie theater viewing experience in a small studio apartment. In terms of visual effect, versatility, portability, space-saving, and price, projectors have certain advantages over TVs. However, you need to consider your own needs and conditions to see if the device is suitable. This blog gives some tips on how to use and mount it in a renter-friendly way.
What Do You Need If You Plan to Buy a Projector for Small Apartment?
It is suggested to have certain conditions or prepare several things before buying a projector for small apartment use.
1. Wifi
Wifi and Bluetooth are necessary for online movies and TV casting. You will need a network to operate the built-in Android TV, Google TV, or other streaming systems and enjoy the various online contents.
2. White Blank Wall or Projector Screen for Apartment
The surface on which you project is crucial. A white wall is ideal, but it won't showcase the small apartment projector's greatest features. The image eventually loses brightness and quality because each little bump refracts light and casts tiny shadows.
Purchasing a projector screen will be quite beneficial, particularly if you want to watch in partial daylight. Depending on what is applied to them, projector screens can significantly brighten the picture.
3. Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are essential before getting a projector for a bright apartment to regulate ambient light. Also, think about smart lights that can turn off when you're ready to watch a movie for extra convenience. If you are used to watching films and shows in a bright room during the day, then you should get a high-lumen projector or a TV.
4. Mounting Brackets
Many modern projectors, like XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro, HORIZON S Max, Elfin Flip, and so on, are designed with an integrated adjustable stand. Users can place them on a table with the proper height and flexibly adjust them to the right projection angles. Nevertheless, the wall-mounting shelf, ceiling mounting, and floor stand are good choices for placement.
5. External Speakers
You could require external speakers or soundbars because some projectors don't have built-in speakers that can match the audio quality of contemporary TVs. XGIMI is dedicated to projectors with high-level visual and audio. For example, MoGo 3 Pro provides Dolby Audio with built-in dual 5W Harman/Kardon speakers.
Tips to Set Up a Projector in Your Apartment in a Renter-Friendly Way
Avoiding lasting changes to your unit and being easy to take when moving are the main requirements for renters who want to get a projector. Here's how to properly set up your apartment projector without violating your lease:
1. Measure Your Room and Find a Projector with a Proper Throw Ratio
Don't worry too much about the apartment being too small to use the long-throw projector. It's easy to throw a big screen into a room even within 10 square meters. Just make sure the projector for a small apartment will fit in the right place so you don't suffer from heat dissipation, sound sources that are too far away or too close, and an inconvenient power source.
Use the XGIMI projection calculator to get the ideal throw distance and screen size! If you don't want things to get too complicated, consider buying an ultra short throw projector like the XGIMI AURA 2. It is designed to be placed near the wall or screen.
2. Take Advantage of a Blank wall or Buy a Portable Screen
The blank white wall or ceiling in the room could be the best huge screen for casting movies and TVs. If you have a smart projector for apartment with an intelligent wall color adaption like the XGIMI HORIZON S Max and HORIZON S Pro, the tinted wall can also be used as a screen. They can automatically adjust the color temperature of the casted image to match the wall/screen. Check if there is sufficient unobstructed blank area in your apartment that can be used as a projection screen.
For your reference:
100”Image: 87.16 x 49.03 (W x H inches)
120”Image: 104.59 x 58.83 (W x H inches)
150”Image: 130.74 x 73.54 (W x H inches)
If you don't have a blank wall, you can invest in a portable projector screen with a tripod or mounts. Fixed, floor, and electric projection screens are not suggested for renters if there is little room and no mounting conditions. The one with a tripod is generally light and convenient to store and move.
3. Use a Table Stand or Floor Stand Instead of Drilling on the Wall
Choose ceiling mounts that fasten with tension rods or adhesive pads, which is a compatible way for projector and screen installation in apartments. Detailed steps can be found on YouTube by searching “DIY Home Theater for Your Apartment”. Make sure your projector for small apartment is at the proper height by using a small table stand or a strong floor stand.
4. Locate the Power Source and Manage Your Cables
Most projectors do not feature a built-in battery to be utilized without plugging into a power source. Therefore, check the location of the charger and manage your charging cables well. To conceal and arrange various cords, use Velcro ties or sticky cable clips. Also, you might want to connect other streaming devices, like laptops, pads, and video games with the projector for small apartment through HDMI connections. Wireless choices like smartphone screen mirroring and Chromecast may decrease cable clutter.
5. Modify the Furniture Arrangement in Your Small Apartment
Make sure there are no obstacles in the way of the projector and the screen by arranging your furnishings.
6. Consider the External Sound System
Portable speakers or a small Bluetooth soundbar can improve your music experience without taking up much room. Or you can buy the XGIMI projectors for movies apartment with Harman/Kardon built-in speakers that produce high-clarity sound. However, you should think of the placement of apartment projector speakers to make sure the sound is clear and comfortable for you to hear.
Top Picks of Projectors for Small Apartments at XGIMI
XGIMI produces projectors indoors and outdoors, featuring excellent visual and audio quality in films, dramas, games, images, atmosphere creation, etc. They explore a whole new world of entertainment in your apartment.
1. XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Portable Projector for Apartment and Outdoor Fun
XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro is built in a compact construction with a coffee cup size. It uses Google TV with licensed Netflix, which is a perfect option for those who enjoy films, TV dramas, or shows. Also, the ambient light mode is compatible with various applications, such as friends gatherings, cozy movie nights, karaoke parties, etc. There are Powerbase 2-in-1 stand, carrying case, and filter specially designed for MoGo 3 Pro.
2. XGIMI Halo+ (New) 1080p Google TV Projector with Battery for Small Apartment
XGIMI Halo+ (New) is the Google TV with Netflix version of the previous Halo+. They have similarities and differences though. 1080p resolution and 700 ISO lumens can project bright, rich-color, and clear images in a small apartment. What's more, it has a 59WH built-in battery for 2.5 hours of playtime during on-the-go use.
3. XGIMI Elfin Flip Small Projector with Adjustable Stand
XGIMI Elfin Flip is thin and lightweight, featuring an all-in-one stand that allows for flexible placement on the table. It uses the XGIMI OS system with Netflix for a wide range of content. The 1080p resolution and 400 ISO lumens make it more suitable for small apartments with blackout curtains or a theater room.
4. XGIMI HORIZON Pro 4K Home Cinema Projector with 1500 ISO Lumens
XGIMI HORION Pro is a home projector customized for at-home movie theater for apartments. It is not as small as others above, but it delivers True 4K UHD images with 1500 ISO lumens. The Android TV system offers endless entertainment including Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and so on.
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