If you're looking for the true big screen stadium feeling then there's no better entertainment system than a projector. All encompassing 100" visuals and vibrant colours are easily achievable, but which models should be looking for?

T3 magazine's latest State Of The Art feature brings three projectors onto the pitch for a hat-trick of easy installation, great visuals and good value for money. We will go a step further and provide some super-sub alternatives eager to get off the bench.

Optoma HD39Darbee Projector

With plenty of easy to use buttons and wheels the Optoma HD39Darbee was T3's most usable with "winning selection of image presets" and "generous amount of vertical lens shift". So it's easy to set up.

It also boasts Darbee processing power meaning it can handle fast motion on the "Hi-Def setting, team colours positively zing". Ideal for sports and gaming the Optoma HD39Darbee was crowned the winner of the three way contest- securing a 5 star Rating and a T3 Platinum award.

Epson EH-LS100 Ultra Short Throw projector

With a massive 4000 lumens T3 remarked the Epson had "class leading brightness" but also thought it was let down by its hefty 11kg weight and huge size. With Ultra Short throw you can get 100" images from mere centimetres from your target surface but if you'd rather not have this coffee table sized unit take centre stage then a traditional approach might be better.

BenQ W1050 Home cinema Projector

T3 felt the BenQ W1050 scored well on the value for money round, saying it fell into the "budget category but this model comes last in the test due it being noisy on full brightness and the supplied remote is awkward to use so other entry level alternatives may be more sought after.

Our top alternative sports projectors: The Super Subs

Acer W1600 Projector

Ultra short projection means you can literally plonk a projector on any table and put it directly against the wall to project a cinema sized image. It has many advantages not least of which it means there is no trailing wires, electric cables to the ceiling and installing projector mounts, but it also means nobody can walk in front of the device.

The styling is excellent with powerful inbuilt 10 watt speakers and the brightness is a huge 3,300 ansi lumens which is easily enough to view in daylight conditions. It handles fast moving images well too providing full HD.

Acer P1502 Projector

Everyone wants full HD but for under £600 you don't often get true native 1080p resolution, so to get that crisp HD image with a whopping 3400 ANSI lumens of brightness is a great deal. For £550 the Acer P10502 projector offers a full HD, bright and sharp image with colorboost technology for a massive 20,000:1 active contrast ratio. High end spec, entry level pricing.

Casio XJ-L8300HN 4K DLP Projector

The one thing the above projectors still lack though is the combination of everything in one box. Imagine a combination of high brightness projection, ideal for even a bright room, coupled with ultra high definition 4k HDR and fast moving sports images. If you mix that with the added advantages of LED laser projection and zero maintenance with 30000 hour lamp life then the Casio XJ-L8300HN is the perfect alternative to the Epson, BenQ and Optoma offerings albeit in a larger size than the Benq.

So if you want true-to-life visuals and you've got space to spare then the Casio XJ-L8300HN 4K DLP Projector is the ultimate in big screen entertainment. Able to operate at 60fps the Casio is ideal for fluid sports and with the stunning 4K resolution at 5000 Ansi lumens you're getting vividly realistic colours to bring the big game to your living room.

Sourced from T3 magazine Article: State of the Art, Issue 282, 16/05/18