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
![[Auto Focus/Keystone] 4K Projector with WiFi 6 and...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514LLHlQuGL._SL160_.jpg)
- ➤【WiMiUS 2023 Newest Auto Focus & Auto 6D Keystone Correction】Instead of fussy and repetitive manual adjustments, P64 smart projector is equipped with auto-focus and auto-keystone system to ensure that whether you are projecting at an oblique angle or bumping the projector accidentally, the projected image is as sharp as possible automatically without you having to focus the lens yourself. Easy to Operate/Faster Setup Time/Increased Productivity/Reducing Eye Strain.
- ➤【Native 1080P & 4K Supported & 500 ANSI Lumens】Compared to its predecessors, P64 movie projector with 500 ANSI lumens & contrast ratio 20000:1 delivers much higher brightness and wider color gamut resulting in a massive increase in color volume. Native 1080P & 4K video support, restoring full video quality with excellent shadow detail. P64 will give you a home theater experience and also is a great option for you to enjoy outdoor movie nights or sports nights, or final-season nights.
- 【Native 1080P&UHD support 4K & 1000ANSI】ABoolon projector is the Brightest(1000ANSI)and clearest detailed 1080P(1920*1080)images for projector with wifi and bluetooth on the market, Enjoy wider color gamut,crisp and detailed images from HD content without downscaling or compressing with protecting your eyes.It adopts the latest full-screen technology,ensure the screen corners are as clear as the center. You will enjoy high quality home cinema experience with 4K ultra HD.
- 【5G WiFi Connection & Support DNS & 4K Video】the newest 5G Wifi connectivity technology,not only use your phone network to connect,but the same router to screen mirroring.It offers much smoother and lag free online video streaming experience.It is set easily IOS & Android & laptop devices to make them more user-friendly and easily(No Need Cables or Adapters).Support 4K Video.You will enjoy all kinds of movie,music and game with your family and friends
Best Selling 1080p Projectors
- 💖【Native 1080P Full HD Resolution】: The projector is an excellent device that allows you to watch HD movies, with 1920*1080 native resolution, excellent 9500L brightness, and 10000:1 high dynamic contrast ratio, providing Sharper, brighter, and richer images! (Portable Projector 100'' Screen Included )
- 💖【200'' Giant Screen & ±15° Keystone Correction】: Portable projector provides 40-200 inch projection display, 6.8-16.4 feet projection distance, enjoy your 200-inch projection size with this outdoor movie portable projector family entertainment. Keystone correction and scaling make setting up and getting the perfect screen position a breeze - It's a great choice for families!
- Native 1080P, 10000L & 400 ANSI: Using the original physical resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. 10000:1 contrast ratio, and has 60,000 hours of LED bulb life. Ideal for home video in the backyard, hosting parties, and movie nights while traveling.
- 200'' Giant Screen & ±15° Keystone Correction: Portable projector provides 40-200 inch projection display, 6.8-16.4 feet projection distance, enjoy your 200-inch projection size with this outdoor movie portable projector family entertainment. Keystone correction and scaling make setting up and getting the perfect screen position a breeze.
Best Selling 720p Projectors
- Brighter is Better: DLP IntelliBright technology projects a radiant 500-ANSI-lumen image at razor-sharp 720p for breathtaking video clarity. (Recommended for use in dimmer environments.)
- Cinematic Sound: Dual 10W audio drivers work together to deliver sensational sound and deep, resonant bass for a truly immersive outdoor projector movie experience.
- Enhanced Visuals & Compact Design: 720p native HD resolution, 6000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and precise color calibration, all in a vibrant lemon color that adds style.
- Impressive Audio & Minimal Noise: Efficient cooling system minimizes fan noise for an excellent viewing and listening experience. Easily connect to an external speaker. It also has a 5W built-in speaker.