Last update on 2024-11-01 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Most people prefer to watch their movies and shows on a bigger screen than a TV. And now that going to a movie theater isn’t an option, you really need a projector to create the cinematic experience at home.
If you’re considering buying a projector, you should make sure it comes with horizontal keystone functionality, especially if you live in a small apartment. Otherwise, you might be disappointed on movie night.
This guide will tell you all about the horizontal keystone in projectors and introduce some of the best options on the market.
What is Horizontal Keystone?
A horizontal keystone is a digital image adjustment that corrects distortions on the screen’s right or left side. These distortions give the image a trapezoidal shape rather than an even rectangle.
They usually happen because the image is projected onto an angled surface or the projector is too close to or not aligned with the screen’s center.
Unlike vertical keystone, you usually can’t correct horizontal misalignments by moving or tilting the projector because your room may not be large enough to distance the projector from the screen.
That’s why you need a projector with horizontal keystone.
What Does Keystone Mean on a Projector?
Keystone or keystone correction on a projector means the device can adjust skewed images by manipulating the output image so that you don’t have to change the projector’s position.
If your projector supports horizontal keystone correction, you can usually access the feature through a dedicated button on the console or a tab in the pop-up menu.
Once activated, the projector automatically detects distortions on the sides and alters the image to create a uniform rectangle.
Budget projectors let you control the skew up to about 15 degrees. More expensive models often feature wider correction angles (e.g., 45 degrees) and automatically detect distortions.
Note that keystone correction is different from lens shift, although both techniques produce even rectangular images.
Essentially, keystone correction involves digitally manipulating the output image while lens shift moves the projector lens to center it on the screen.
Does Keystone Affect Picture Quality?
Keystone reduces picture quality. As a digital modification, it uses scaling and compression techniques to create an even picture. The two processes can take their toll on image resolution or create digital artifacts and blur the edges.
However, as you get into a higher price range, the modification techniques become more sophisticated, and you experience less quality loss.
How to Fix Horizontal Keystone
To fix the horizontal keystone, you can either displace the projector or use a digital adjustment technique.
If you decide to fix the issue manually, make sure the projector is perpendicular to the surface’s center.
If that’s not possible, you can also rotate the projector to the left or right, depending on the distorted side, until the trapezoidal image turns rectangular.
On the other hand, a digital adjustment involves using the keystone function and doesn’t require any physical effort on your side.
All you need is to buy a quality projector with a horizontal keystone and the right features.
Can You Put a Projector in the Corner?
You can put your projector in the corner, but only if it comes with horizontal lens shift or a keystone function. Otherwise, one side of the picture will seem wider than the other, creating a keystone effect.
Keystone function will also help you easily point your projector to the ceiling. This can be fun and smart option for smaller rooms.
5 Best Projectors With Horizontal Keystone
ViewSonic PS700X
Last update on 2024-11-01 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
This projector is great for horizontal and vertical keystoning.
The ViewSonic PS700X is an HD projector with incredible 3,300 lumens in color brightness.
Distancing maximum projection size from 100 inches to 200 inches, the PS700X is perfect for home and commercial settings like restaurants, conference rooms, and classrooms.
The projector supports inputs such as HDMI, USB-B device input, or VGA ExpressCard and can be connected directly to a computer without using an additional capture card.
The dynamic Eco Mode allows the lamp to shine bright while lasting up to 7,500 hours.
With a business class design that’s perfect for classroom environments or board rooms, its programmable keystone correction helps you create the sharpest images possible in your presentations.
YABER V6
Last update on 2024-11-01 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
With a full HD 1920×1080 resolution, this projector brings you a home theatre experience. The brightness level reaches 7500 lumens, resisting your room’s ambient light. So, the darkest scenes remain visible in different lighting conditions, even outdoors.
The projector has a 4-point keystone correction feature that not only corrects the image horizontally and vertically but also lets you adjust all four image corners.
It also allows growing and shrinking the image. So, you can mount or place the device anywhere you like.
Pros
- YABER V6 comes with a built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for Android and iOS. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including your Amazon Fire Stick TV, Xbox, tablet, and smartphone.
- Its chip contains tens of thousands of reflective lenses that alternate rapidly pace to render full HD image quality.
- This projector relies on SmartEco technology to reduce power consumption. The lamp lasts a whopping 100,000 hours, which means you’ll have this device for at least the next ten years.
- The manufacturer includes a six-month return warranty, a three-year repair guarantee, and lifetime technical support.
Cons
- The device doesn’t support Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu due to HDCP copyright.
- It’s not the best option for classrooms and conferences.
TOPTRO TR81 4K 350-inch Display
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When it comes to price/feature ratio, it’s hard to beat the TOPTRO TR81.
It squares the screen both vertically and horizontally, at ±50 degrees. Besides, the built zoom function lets you convert the display size from 100 down to 75 percent.
This projector creates a gigantic image up to 350 inches, giving you a theater-like experience. Coupled with a light-footed,16ms response range, it’s also a great choice for PC and PS gamers.
TOPTRO TR81 has a lens of 7000 lumens to ensure a crystal-clear picture in the brightest settings. And the 1080P resolution means you’ll see a sharp, detailed, full-HD image.
The mid-sized gadget offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, SDHC, USB, AV, VGA, and SD card slots. So, you can pair this device with any screen-based or memory device.
Having a 100,000-hours bulb life, this projector gives the full value of your money, not to mention the rigid shell and dust filter inside it. What’s even more exciting, the company commits to repair the lamp for free in this period.
Pros
- It features an effective dust filter, a quiet fan, and a dual Bluetooth speaker to make a valuable combo.
- A 6-layer lens with more than 7000 lumens guarantees a vivid scene during daylight.
- You’ll appreciate the massive 100,000 lamp life along with its lifetime free repair program.
- The unit is compatible with multiple interfaces, including USB, SD Card, HDMI, AV, VGA, and SDHC ports.
- Remote control means optimum comfort for the user.
- It has two zoom levels (75 and 100 percent) to be responsive in both the wall and ceiling.
Cons
- It doesn’t support Wi-Fi.
- The speakers don’t produce top-notch sound quality.
XGIMI MoGo Pro (Best Portable)
Last update on 2024-10-31 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Another 1080P projector, MoGo Pro, produces a sharp, colorful, and clear output.
At a 1.2:1 projection ratio, it can reflect images as wide as 76-inch, provided that you keep it around 7 feet away from the screen.
What’s more, the 40-degree keystone (both vertical and horizontal) makes sure you won’t have an unbalanced image.
Pros
- It comes with an integrated 10400mAh battery, operating up to four hours without electricity access.
- At only 0.9kg, it’s also an easy-to-carry projector, so you can bring it on a trip, business presentation, or family gathering.
- Thanks to the LED lamp engine and 300-lumen light source, you won’t need to kill the lights while watching a movie.
- You can attach everything to it, from your laptop and smartphone to your TV and headphones. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are also available.
- As a bonus, XGIMI MoGo Pro features a pair of built-in speakers, so you won’t need to pay extra for high-quality sound.
Cons
- The projector isn’t ideal for daytime viewing, and you may need to close the curtains.
- The lamp lasts about 30,000 hours, which is a relatively short lifespan.
Read: How long do Epson Projectors Last?
ViewSonic LS750WU (Best for Large Spaces)
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At a 1920×1200 resolution, the LS750WU offers the most detailed, crisp display.
It’s equipped with a 5,000-lumen light source to produce high brightness levels. So, if you need a projector for an auditorium, gallery, or conference hall, this one’s for you.
The device can tilt 360 degrees so you can place it anywhere, at any angle, without worrying about image distortion.
At the same time, the four-corner adjustment allows you to correct both horizontal and vertical keystone.
Pros
- With a fiercely fast 16ms response time, ViewSonic LS750WU boasts a smooth, delay-free presentation, making it ideal for gaming.
- The heavy-duty engine is another business-friendly feature, allowing for a 24/7 operation.
- Your connectivity options include output/input VGA, Mini Jack, RCA, and two USB ports.
Cons
- This projector is one of the more expensive options in its range.
- The lamp lasts only 20,000 hours, much less than other models.
ASUS F1 LED Projector (Best for Small Rooms)
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The ASUS F1 is another excellent projector with keystone correction. However, the correction only works horizontally. When coupled with autofocus, this feature can turn your output into a well-shaped rectangle.
It supports Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and has a high level of sharpness.
The short-throw lens is another outstanding feature, allowing you to display a large picture from a short distance. That’s why this projector is best for apartment owners.
Pros
- The 1200 lumens make it bright enough for medium-lit areas.
- The RGB LED light lasts up to 30,000 hours, translating to three years of constant use.
- Two Harman Kardon speakers sit at the rear, producing a much better sound than your laptop or television.
- There’s a Wi-Fi option to pair the device with different devices running Android or Windows 10.
- You’ll get three cable cords (compatible with American and British sockets), one power adapter, an HDMI cable, and a carrying bag along with the projector unit.
Cons
- The projector lacks wireless network connectivity for mac and iPhone. If you are an iPhone user, check Mini Projectors For iPhone.
- If you decide to mount the projector on the ceiling, you might need a separate speaker.
BenQ MH733 1080P Business Projector
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This full HD projector is designed for office settings where it most likely will be placed on a desk or conference table.
That’s why it’s been designed for maximum image flexibility. The product has a manual horizontal keystone and auto vertical keystone. Plus, the lens supports 1.3x magnification.
The 4000-lumen lamp lasts a whopping 15,000 hours. So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective project with a horizontal keystone, this is the option to choose. And the projected image’s brightness level changes to match your input resolution and save precious lamp life.
Since this is a business-grade device, you get plenty of connectivity options: USB, VGA, HDMI, network projection, and even wireless projection via a USB dongle. To connect via WiFi, you need to install BenQ’s proprietary QCast app.
Pros
- Very short warm-up time.
- Comes with a dust sensor.
- Horizontal and vertical keystone.
- The bulb lasts very long and is easy to replace.
- Comes with BenQ’s low-dispersion glass lens to increase clarity and brightness while maximizing longevity.
Cons
- Some customers complain about troubleshooting and customer support.
Epson Pro EX9240
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This full HD projector from Epson is also designed for business environments. Its small dimensions allow you to install it in virtually every meeting room.
It also features a manual slide for horizontal keystone and automatic vertical keystone.
The 4000-lumen lamp gives you stunning image quality even in bright rooms.
You don’t have to worry about connectivity issues as this projector supports HDMI, USB, composite audio/video, and VGA. You can also project content from your phone or laptop using WiFi.
Pros
- Excellent price to value.
- Many customers are extremely happy with the bright and clear image quality.
- Supports wireless projection using Miracast on Android and Windows or Airplay on iOS.
Cons
- Doesn’t have audio output.
- Some customers complain about noisy fans.
Epson EX5280
Last update on 2024-10-31 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Here’s another excellent projector from Epson with horizontal keystone correction. You can adjust your image using a slide on the device, and the vertical adjustment happens automatically.
This budget-friendly device features a slightly less powerful lamp with 3800 lumens of brightness. However, it still works well in well-lit rooms and is ideal for business and academic presentations.
The projector features wireless support. Your other connectivity options are HDMI, VGA, and composite audio/video.
Many customers are happy with the picture quality and how well the device works in bright areas.
Pros
- Horizontal correction.
- Easy to set up and carry around.
- Superior image quality even in well-lit rooms.
Cons
- Doesn’t support WiFi out of the box.
Final Thoughts and Best Pick
Keystone functionality digitally modifies the projector image to create an even rectangle. Horizontal keystone produces a more uniform image by manipulating its sides.
Most budget projectors don’t come with a horizontal keystone. To get the feature, you need to go upwards.
In this review, YABBER V6 is the best projector with this capability. It not only gives you full keystone functionality but also offers a Hi-Def picture with natural colors. It’s a high-quality, durable device that you can use with various devices.
If you’re looking for a small projector that connects seamlessly with your iPhone, check out our list of top 3 mini projectors for iPhone.
