Hi John,
I can try to give you some tips, but projectors are often too a bit a matter of taste. From the brand to the features to the appearance, there are certain things that one person can handle very well and another only moderately.
You're on the Resolume forum, so I assume you use Arena or Avenue to play-out to the Projector, and you mentioned small to medium-sized venues.
First, I have to advise you against the Acer model you mentioned, where the 1280x800 resolution could only cover 720p, wahts not in of to day. Sry, but that's it.
Nothing against Acer; my first projector, which I still have today, was a 720P from Acer, but that was 15 years ago, although I still have it and use it for similar purposes.
- 1st important tip: 1080P projector and not 4K:
First, I strongly advise you not to get a 4K projector yet. They're still expensive and not ideal for small to medium-sized venues. But above all, you shouldn't create 4K compositions in Arena/Avenue, as you'd need a massive GPU, which isn't even available on the consumer market. It would be extremely expensive if you wanted to use multiple layers and some effects on individual layers, which is what Resolume Arena/Avenue is designed for, and it's the only way to really enjoy VJing. You should also always have some reserve GPU power in advance to ensure that it delivers the necessary performance even during long-term use (3-5 hours), such as in warmer environments, and to minimize damage to the GPU and CPU.
I think 1080P would be perfectly fine for you, and I believe it will be a while technologically before computers, i.e., common GPUs, can even meaningfully utilize demanding 4K real-time video programs.
- Second important tip: lasers, not LEDs or lamps:
The days of lamps are definitely over for devices in this range, and it's also an ecological environmental issue regarding the high power consumption of lamp projectors, as the extended, short average lifespan of these devices causes enormous environmental damage compared to projectors with lasers as the light source. Laser projectors generally have a lifespan of around 25,000 operating hours without any noticeable wear and tear. You'll have to invest a bit more when buying, but you'll get it back here, as you don't have to buy new, expensive lamps. The convenience of never having to try to correct any shadows (including unevenly lit bases) or color distortions, which usually doesn't really work anyway, and not having to do any readjustments after lamp changes and the like, is also not insignificant. Also, the lamp can't be replaced during a show, and you usually have a long warranty on the laser element. You're doing the world a real favor.
- Third tip: don't go for a top brand, but rather a no-name or newcomer:
Otherwise, you'll already be paying for the logo sticker, so don't bother with Epson and the like.
I personally highly value "Optoma" because they offer very good value for money, and you still get a product with a very high level of technology and quality. They're made in Taiwan, which I also gladly support. They're not made in China, but they're relatively inexpensive. The latter also enabled me to switch from lamp projectors to laser light sources, as laser Optomas with around 6000 lumens in the 1080p Pro range are quite affordable at around CHF 1,500. If you have a regular dealer, you can get a discount and can really afford something like that.
Here are some Optoma models I can currently recommend for your needs:
- ZH507+ (1080P Laser 5500LM starting at 1500.-)
https://www.optomausa.com/product/zh507plus
Not a luxury projector, but very practical for visuals.
- ZH551 (1080P Laser 5600LM starting at 1720.-)
https://www.optomausa.com/product/zh551
Some more features like wireless via Miracast, ideal for 360-degree viewing and remote monitoring, etc.
- ZK551 (4K Laser 5100LM starting at 2400.-)
https://www.optomausa.com/product/zk551
The simple and affordable 4K projector is an investment for the distant future. Additional features include wireless via Miracast, ideal for 360-degree viewing and remote monitoring, etc.
Prices are in CHF, and the cheapest providers were searched for. Optoma does not have an online shop or direct sales.
Otherwise, you can simply type "projector recommendation" into your favorite search engine and you'll receive a wealth of links, from the New-York-Times to trade-magazines to sales-platforms that offer rankings and recommendations.
As mentioned, it's often a matter of taste which one you ultimately choose, but keep in mind that you'll have to live with your decision for some time, and please also consider our planet and its environmental impact when making your decision.