Rapid advancements in audio-visual technology in movies are driving the demand for home projectors
Since the invention of the Cinematograph in 1895, which paved the way for the first talkie, ‘The Jazz Singer’ (1927), cinema has undergone remarkable transformations. In India, the journey began with Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, who directed the country’s first feature film, ‘Raja Harishchandra (1913). This led to ‘Alam Ara’ (1931), India’s first talkie, directed by Ardeshir Irani. While ‘Kisan Kanya’ (1937) is often credited as India’s first indigenously made colour film,’ Jhansi Ki Rani’ (1953) by Sohrab Modi was the first to use the phrase “Colour by Technicolor.”
As cinema gained popularity, it became the heart of entertainment in India. Alongside the rise of new stars, technological advancements transformed the industry with innovations like 70mm screens and stereophonic sound. Meanwhile, All India Radio and Doordarshan bought movie-related programmes, particularly songs and feature films, into millions of households, reinforcing cinema’s stronghold on entertainment.
For years, gramophones, transistors, tape recorders, and television sets were prized home entertainment devices. Television evolved from black & white to colour with enhanced sound technology, while the introduction of VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders) and VCPs (Video Cassette Players) revolutionized home viewing. Later, VCDs, DVDs and Blu-ray players dominated home entertainment before digital cinema shifted the landscape.
With the rise of digital projection, home theatres gained prominence, moving away from traditional lamp-based projectors to advanced laser technology. The pandemic-induced lockdowns further accelerated this shift, as people turned to OTT platforms and embraced home theatre projectors for an immersive cinematic experience.
As home entertainment continues to shift towards advanced projection technology, Ultra-Short-Throw (UST) projectors have become a preferred choice. In fact, more households are replacing traditional television sets with these devices, a trend fueled by changing consumer preferences, especially after 2020.
One major reason for this shift is the demand for integrated devices. In the past, television setups required additional equipment like VCRs, DVD players, and multiple cables for satellite channels, along with an antenna and booster for Doordarshan. That era now feels distant. Today, seamless integration defines modern entertainment systems, and UST projectors deliver exactly that.
Designed for contemporary smart living spaces, these ultra-compact devices can project massive screen sizes, up to 150 inches, while positioned just only a few centimetres from the wall. With built-in Google TV and apps like Netflix, users can stream content directly from the projector without relying on external hardware.
Another defining aspect of UST projectors is their exceptional visual clarity. With streaming services offering a vast library of content in true 4K resolution, high-quality visuals have become more accessible than ever. Most premium smart projectors now support 4K UHD resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels), delivering sharper images, vibrant colours and a more lifelike viewing experience. Meanwhile, technologies like Advanced Laser Phosphor Display® (ALPD) further refine image quality, ensuring rich detail and depth.
A superior cinematic experience is incomplete without high-quality sound, and modern projectors are designed with this in mind. The connection between visuals and audio has been evident since the early days of film and music. From mono tapes to stereo, bass boosters to surround sound powered by DTS and Dolby Atmos, sound engineering has continually pushed boundaries to refine the auditory experience. The introduction of Dolby not only transformed sound in Indian cinema but also contributed to the rise of home audio systems, with soundbars and surround stereo setups becoming a common addition to televisions.
This demand for superior sound has led to collaborations between projector manufacturers and leading audio engineering companies, ensuring that modern home entertainment delivers both stunning visuals and an equally rich auditory experience. For example, for the premium projector ranges, For movie ties up with sound design leader Bowers & Wilkins to deliver a 3D surround sound experience with deeper bass, similar to a cinema hall. Powered by Dolby Atmos and DTS-X, these built-in speakers also enhance convenience by eliminating the need for additional soundbars or external speakers. For high-speed action movies, the integration of technologies like MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation) ensures smooth and clear motion, even for ultra-fast-moving visuals.
And finally, there’s the aspect of health and sustainability. Modern UST projectors incorporate intelligent light-dimming technology, making long viewing sessions more comfortable by reducing eye strain. Unlike traditional lamp-based projectors, laser-powered UST projectors are more energy-efficient, free from mercury pollution and consume less power per square inch of display compared to large TVs. Many models are also designed with eco-friendly materials, using recycled plastics for components and sustainable packaging. Their compact design further contributes to reducing carbon emissions by optimizing space in logistics and transportation.
As technology advances, UST projectors are likely to integrate even more sophisticated features. With ongoing discussions around higher-resolution content like 8K and beyond, future models may incorporate enhanced designs and capabilities to meet evolving consumer preferences. Just as changes in the cinematic landscape have influenced home entertainment trends, these advancements will continue to shape the home projector segment.
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