Group test: Budget projectors

Projector prices are falling while the technology at hand rises in the opposite direction. For around the same price as a mid-sized flat screen display you can project images three times the size - you don't have to be a maths genius the calculate the advantage.

At the budget level, both DLP and LCD models can be found and we've selected two from each technology, all of which offer high-definition compatibility, to find which big screen projector does it better.

Overview Price comparison: Acer PH730 More info: Acer Size: 280x350x120mm Weight: 3.5kg Technology: DLP Resolution : 1024x768 Aspect Ratio: 16.9 Max Screen Size: 300in Contrast ratio: 2500:1: Brightness: 1200 ANSI lumens Video Inputs: HDMI, DVI-D, component, S-Video, composite, VGA Acer PH730 Acer may be better known as a PC brand but the PH730 is designed for home cinema use. The competitive price is a tempting attraction but cutting costs rarely leads to class-leading performance. The contoured design is pretty uninspiring and build quality is average, especially with the unsteady controls on the main unit - but there is a decent home cinema specification lying beneath. The DLP projection system features a high-resolution (1024x768) chipset that supports both commonly used 720p and 1080i high-definition formats. Uncompromised connectivity includes an all-important HDMI digital video input supported by progressive scan enabling component connections and a DVI-D input. There are even two integrated speakers that allow the projector to be used as a simple single solution - although claims of 'concert calibre' audio are wildly exaggerated. Despite so-called Empowering technology, which apparently eases operation by offering fast access to frequently used functions, the set-up is stuttered by an annoying delay between the remote and on-screen responses. There are the usual preset picture modes but customised settings can be created and saved according to what you're watching - and you can also customise the start-up screen using your own images. It's difficult to tell the difference between 720p and 1080i high-definition images but both display competent detail and cohesive movement with fast-paced action scenes and slow camera pans alike. Deep black levels instill images with solid definition but struggle to unearth detail in dark scenes while shadows suffer from occasional instability. The muted colour balance is comfortable displaying natural tones and tints but superficial special effects, especially with animated films, appear blanched by comparison. Image quality is acceptable rather than exceptional but the PH730 still ranks as good value for money.

Verdict Plus points Affordable price; decent specification; detailed and cohesive images Minus points Average build quality; unresponsive usability; muted colours

Overview Price comparison: BenQ MP770 More info: BenQ Size: 298x234x94mm Weight: 3kg Technology: DLP Resolution : 1024x768 Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Max Screen Size: 300in Contrast ratio: 2000:1 Brightness: 3200 ANSI lumens Video Inputs: VGA, DVI-I, S-Video, composite

BenQ's MP770 claims to be a flexible model that can be used in the office and at home - but, while there's everything you need for a business presentation, its home cinema uses are more restricted.

Connectivity is severely limited by the absence of component and HDMI video inputs, which means you have to use component connections with a D-Sub adapter to display high-definition video images. Plus, the native 4:3 aspect ratio means you have to scale films to widescreen at the expense of some image quality.

Nonetheless, if you need a projector that can also be used at work then there are a number of business-friendly features. There are DVI-I and VGA inputs for computer connections supported by an optional wireless system that allows cable-free network connection - so you can switch between presentations on different computers without swapping cables.

Setting up is relatively simple with useful features such as two-dimensional keystone correction and a large, spaciously arranged remote - although on-screen menus respond slowly. The fan ventilation is at the front so you don't get air blowing in your direction and the MP770 is impressively quiet in operation.

The specification carries an extremely high brightness rating, which means it doesn't need to be dark to display large images. This lends itself to business applications but also appeals to anyone with a bright room at home - and it can even be used outdoors, at a pinch.

However, while the highest brightness modes produce noticeably brighter images, there is a loss of image quality. Black levels appear drained, depriving images of depth and density while lighter shades are almost entirely bleached out. You can adjust the brightness settings and the Cinema mode produces dimmer images with more density and colour definition.

Colours are superbly realised however, courtesy of some advanced colour enhancing technologies including a unique colour wheel and BenQ's Senseye system, which produces impressively realistic natural tones without dulling surrounding vibrant shades. High-definition images are reasonably clean and detailed but don't compare to dedicated home cinema models like Panasonic's PT-AX100E.