A projector’s resolution is the number of individual pixels it can display onscreen. Higher resolutions offer clearer and sharper images, so projecting an image in HDTV quality, for example, is a lot more detailed than SDTV quality.
It’s also important to know what native resolution means. This resolution displays at the size the projector starts operating at its best. If you don’t select this size when you set up your projector, it may not work as well with different types of content. Here, we will explore projector native resolution vs. supported resolution.
What Is a Projector’s Native Resolution?
A projector’s native resolution is the number of pixels found in its DMD chip, expressed as horizontal pixels multiplied by vertical pixels, for example, 1280×800, or 1920×1080. This is the maximum resolution it can display. So if you are considering purchasing a new projector and want to be able to watch high-quality images, you need to make sure the native resolution is adequate for your needs.
What Is a Projector’s Supported Resolution?
Most projectors list three resolutions: their native resolution, maximum supported resolution, and minimum supported resolution. While your projector doesn’t have to have the same resolution as your TV, you will usually want to set it at a close level. Still, if you buy a projector with a lower native resolution than that of your TV, then you can use the image scaler on your television to make up the difference. To do this, you will need to find out what resolutions are supported by your TV and ensure that the native resolution of the projector is supported.
Supported resolutions are often listed on the projector’s product page. You can find this on the manufacturer’s website and online retailers like Amazon.com. On some products, you will have to look under the technical specifications section. This is usually toward the bottom of the page. If you don’t know what resolutions your projector supports, you should check your manual or contact your provider.
Difference Between Native Resolution and Supported Resolution
Projector native resolution is the number of pixels in your projector, while projector supported resolutions are the maximum or minimum numbers of pixels that your screen can accept. Most projectors have support for a range of resolutions, so as long as you choose a setting within this range, your image quality should be great.
Native Resolution vs. Supported Resolution: Projector Image Quality
Certain image qualities project better with higher native resolution, while others work better at a lower resolution. Image quality is related to these two factors: pixel density and the amount of light that passes through the lens. If a projector has a higher pixel density, the images are clearer and appear more natural, like those of an HDTV. If the projector has a lower pixel density, then the images are not as detailed. Base your choice on the type of image you plan to project.
For instance, if you’re planning to watch many movies, then buying a projector with a high native resolution will be best because movies have a wide range of colors and noticeable amounts of action. However, if you plan to watch regular TV shows or sporting events, it won’t be as necessary. These types of content don’t need as much detail, so images that are less detailed but easily recognizable are acceptable.
Native Resolution vs. Supported Resolution: Which Should You Choose?
This will depend on several factors, including your viewing needs, budget, and the equipment you already have. If you’re planning to buy a projector to watch HDTV content, you will want to check out the native resolution first so that your image can be as sharp as possible. Also, if you have a large screen or plan to purchase an additional screen in the near future, it would be best to consider if the projector supports resolutions within this range.
If you’re looking for the best projector for home use, you will have to make sure that both native resolution and supported resolutions work well. It’s also important to make sure your projector works with the display capabilities, such as the HDMI port, aspect ratio, and screen size. We’ve found the best 4K projectors for home theaters under $2,000, for the higher end of the spectrum.
Scaling Effects on Projector Image Quality
Scaling will give you more or less detail with the same image. The quality of the image on your screen is directly linked to the resolution of your projector, and when this changes, the image quality may change as well. This can happen because your projectors’ native resolution can be different from supported resolutions and vice versa.
Some projectors have a less detailed native resolution, while others have a higher native resolution. Because your magnification also relates to your projection distance, you may end up with poor image quality if you choose the wrong scale for your projector. That means it won’t be able to show all the detail of your movie on a large screen when you scale it down.
While higher native resolution typically leads to better image quality, this isn’t always the case. Your projector’s native resolution could be less detailed than its supported resolutions. This means you may need to use a different setting when you want to watch movies. In addition to this, make sure that your screen is big enough for your projector and that you have a compatible connection. Also, check the product page of the projector you are interested in buying to see if its supported resolutions are within your budget and how it will work with your existing equipment.
Best Selling 4K Projectors
- Bluetooth 5G WiFi Projector with Dedicated Storage Bag---WiMiUS K1 projector is with both bluetooth and wifi, very convenient for use. It can be easily connected with kinds of bluetooth speakers. With both 2.4G & 5G wifi, it can connect with iphone, android phone, and windows 10 PC wirelessly. 5G WiFi is much faster than 2.4G WiFi. For better carrying and better protection of the projector, we prepared a dedicated storage bad for it. You could put the projector and all the accessories into it.
- +20% Lumens and Native 1080P Resolution---The latest full HD projector equipped with the latest LED technology, which is much more brighter than other 10000L projectors. Also it has native 1920*1080 high resolution, supports 4k, and capable of developing all colors that can be perceived by the human eyes. The wimius k1 is with highest resolution, highest brightness with excellent cost performance, and it's obvious compared to other products. It can be used even with light on.
- [Note: DR Q is the sub-brand of the DR J brand.] NATIVE 1080P SUPERB VIEWING EXPERIENCE: With the highest native resolution 1920*1080 and contrast ratio of 10000:1, the DRJ WIFI projector creates you a movie theater for home & outdoor fun during the day and at night. It also enables you to enjoy your video or gaming with an enhanced and crystal clear display.
- UPGRADED WIFI & USB CONNECTION: The 2022 NEWBORN DRJ NATIVE 1080P WIFI projector makes the setup and connectivity with your iOS and Android devices much easier. Wireless connection through your home WIFI and wired connection through USB cable spare you the hassle of buying extra HDMI adapters. Thanks to the user-friendly updates, it’s never been easier to explore more quality happy times with your family and friends.
Best Selling 1080p Projectors
- ❤【Native 1080P 8000L High Brightness Full HD Projector】: With native resolution of 1920*1080, remarkable 8000L brightness, and a high dynamic contrast ratio of 10000:1, DBPOWER Q6 1080P WiFi projector provides sharp and detailed images for home theater and outdoor movie. By combining an innovative high-refraction 5 layers glassed lens, the Native 1080P projector offers the coziest images and outstanding color accuracy to ensure the best video experience.
- ❤【Wireless WiFi Connection& Zoom Function】: DBPOWER Q6 1080P WiFi projector can mirror movies/videos/photos/games from your smartphone to big screen by WiFi or USB cable directly (NO NEED TO BUY EXTRA CABLES). The Mirror display function doesn't support protected videos, because of copyright. (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu). You can customize your projection screen size from 75% to 100% by remote.
- ★【Full HD 1080P Resolutions】Projector upgraded brightness 250 ANSI, ultra high contrast ratio of 12000:1, focus and ±15° keystone correction,adopts innovative high-refraction 6 layer lens design, gaming or watching movies with immersive visual experience presenting a real dynamic and color vibrant HD images.
- ★【200" Giant Size】Projector ranges from 36" to 200" for home theater and outdoor movie, comes with built-in dual 5w speakers stereo, feature the original audio fidelity. Projector bluetooth features can connect to speaker wireless or soundbar for presents more detailed sound effect.
Best Selling 720p Projectors
- Projector mini Portable:❤The best thing about the HOMPOW BL 45 outdoor projector is that the clarity is better than ordinary projectors (comparable to similar projectors of $129.99.) Furthermore, This video projector is designed in small size ( 29.4*14.4*20.5cm ). Unique design makes it easier to take to anywhere.
- 1080p Supported: ❤This outdoor movie projector with screen features with brightness 7500Lux, 1280x720p native resolution, supporting 1920x1080p highest resolution, Adopted innovative Portrait LCD Display Tech to provide excellent clarity image and accuracy color for the best viewing experience.
- 【Eye Protection HD Projector】 The mini projector supports 1080p Full HD resolution with a contrast ratio of 3000:1, effectively reducing image distortion. Indoors, whether day or night, turning on or off the lights can present better color brightness for your viewing experience. In addition, diffuse reflection imaging is adopted, which does not stimulate the eyes, and children and the elderly can look at it at ease.
- 【Wide compatibility】 Portable movie projector comes with HDMI, AV, VGA, audio, USB, TF ports, compatible with mobile phone, macbook, iPad, firestick, TV box, PS3 / PS4, laptop, DVD player, USB flash disk and other devices to meet your diversified needs. When connecting to an iPhone or Android phone, an HDMI adapter with mirco USB / type-C / lightning plug is required (not included).