By AJ Dellinger Published February 7, 2025 | Comments (0) | Gemini welcome screen displayed on an Android smartphone Florence Ion/Gizmodo Google simply cannot escape the drama related to its Super Bowl Sunday ad campaign that is supposed to promote its Gemini AI model. What was originally thought to be a bit of hallucinated information from Geminiwhich would be bad all on its ownturns out to have not even come from Gemini at all. Sure, AI chatbots tend to be plagiarism machines, but this looks like its entirely on Google. Just to catch you up: Googles planned ad buy for this years Big Game includes 50 separate stories highlighting small businesses in all 50 states that have used Gemini tools to help their operations. The Wisconsin ad centers on a cheese store called the Wisconsin Cheese Mart. In the ad, its suggested that the company used Gemini to generate copywriting for its website. That copy included the claim that gouda makes up 50 to 60 percent of the worlds cheese consumption, which is not true. Google took heat for this and eventually changed the text that appears in the advertisement to exclude that incorrect factoid about the cheese. Now, as it turns out, that incorrect copy wasnt even generated by Gemini despite the advertisement suggesting that it was. Thanks to the Internet Archive, we can see that the text originally purported to be generated by Gemini has been on the Wisconsin Cheese Mart website as far back as 2020.So, good news: Gemini isnt responsible for the factual error in the website copy. Bad news: Gemini isnt responsible forany of the website copy despite Google seemingly claiming that the business used the AI tool to generate the text. Making this all the more embarrassing is the fact that a Google executive publicly went to bat for the original, not-AI-generated text. Jerry Dischler, the President of Cloud Applications at Google Cloud, insisted in a back-and-forth on Twitter that the text was not a hallucination and that Gemini is grounded in the Web. That may be true, but the evidence suggests that this particular example wasnt grounded in anything because it wasnt from Gemini in the first place.So now Google is in quite an awkward position. It defended its AI model for sharing false information, only for it to be revealed that the AI model didnt even generate the text. And the company was ready to spend millions of dollars to advertise the functionality of its AI suite with examples that arent even actually from the tool itself. Were like one step away from this ad going the route of old video game trailers that would show some extremely polished-looking promotional clip with the disclaimer not actual gameplay footage below it. Sure, this isnt AI-generated, but imagine if it was!Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Isaac Schultz Published February 6, 2025 By Thomas Maxwell Published February 6, 2025 By AJ Dellinger Published February 5, 2025 By Kyle Barr Published February 5, 2025 By Matt Novak Published February 5, 2025 By AJ Dellinger Published February 4, 2025

Harem anime is akin to junk food in the anime world. Its filled with empty plot calories, overloaded with the instant gratification of fanservice, and binge-watching it as a sole source of entertainment is crazy work. Like shonen and isekai animewhich equally remain a mainstay in seasonal anime releasesharem animes mass appeal comes from it serving up self-insert fantasies for young boys who dream of effortlessly charming color swatches of pretty girls with the barest level of human decency. That said, not all junk food is created equal, and there is nothing wrong with occasionally indulging in a small treat. Although most harem anime takes itself too seriously while being a degenerate mess, one new Crunchyroll series winds up on the other end of the bell curve by poking fun at the genreall while setting itself up to be its god-king emperor by setting the record for most soulmates in a single series. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You, animated by Bibury Animation Studios, is an adaptation of mangaka authors Rikito Nakamura and Yukiko Nozawas 2019 parody rom-com. It follows a boy named Rentaro Aijo, a model student and a genuinely good guy. The only problem is that hes fresh off his hundredth failed confession in middle school, and now hes pessimistic about his chances in high school. Like Eddie Brock in Spider-Man 3, Rentaro prays to God to find a soulmate. Serendipitously, God appears in front of him to report an oopsie on his part that (while distractedly watching his favorite soap opera, as gods are wont to do) he mistakenly made it so Rentaro would have 100 soulmates. Should Rentaro turn any girls down, theyll die of heartbreak. At this juncture, its imperative to reiterate that this harem series is aware of how dumb its premise is. And yet, that isnt stopping it from committing to the bit by becoming the Avengers: Endgame rom-com of the genre. 100 Girlfriends plays all the hits of harem anime tropes like beach episodes, kings game sessions, and the like. The show is also filled with referential anime humor to shows like Tokyo Ghoul, Ashita no Joe, and games likeStreet Fighter, making it a pop culture hivemind alongside all the harem stuff. But the show has garnered a fanbase for deconstructing harem clichs, going beyond meet-cutes. Each episode sees Rentaro do the leg work, developing deep bonds with each of his soul mates in both hilarious and disarming ways. In turn, 100 Girlfriends transforms its growing ensemble from being cardboard cutouts of character archetypes that proliferate the genre into unique heroines with some texture.It is worth noting that the shows title alone created high expectations, setting it up either to meet the challenge or fail (by getting canceled) in its quest to live up to its name. Elsewhere, other harem anime commonly have an ensemble of five one-dimensional archetypes: the childhood friend, the new girl at school, the bratty one, the monotone one who had no chance in hell anyway, and the optional older/younger sister to one of the above. In the end, Protag-kun typically goes for the new girl regardless, so the genre desperately needs shows like 100 Girlfriends to flip the script and shoot for the moon.In what has become an earnest underdog story, the anime community has been cheering for the show to succeed and fulfill its promise. While the anime is still rounding 10 soulmates in Rentaros surprisingly healthy polycule with a range of archetypes like tsundere, kuudere, and even a mom thrown into the mix, the manga is further along, having just passed 31 soulmates, so theres still hope yet that it will finish its story however that will pan out. Please make no mistake: all praise aside, the show is still degenerate and self-indulgent, but of all the series that have come and gone, its lofty aims alone make it something worth rooting for. If anything, its way more worth folks time than tuning in to shows about incels that are perpetually spinning their wheels (cough cough Rent-a-Girlfriend). If this article miraculously enticed you to open the proverbial cookie containerdespite the attention drawn by the noise of its plastic bindings drawing wavering eyesyou can watch the first season and the currently airing second season of 100 Girlfriends on Crunchyroll. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Lodge Evanston / ISA - Interface Studio ArchitectsSave this picture! Kim RodgersArchitects: ISA - Interface Studio ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:31000 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Kim Rodgers More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Responsive Infill- Lodge Evanston revived an abandoned church structure in downtown Evanston, Illinois, transforming it with a new addition into 30 apartments a few blocks from Northwestern University as well as a transit line connecting to downtown Chicago. Straddling the boundary between low-density residential urban fabric to the west and a large-scale commercial and institutional mixed-use zone to the east, the project preserved a key piece of Evanston's historic fabric while adding housing density with a diverse mix of unit types on an underutilized and transit-adjacent lot.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Retaining History For A New Present- Originally constructed at the corner of Church Street and Oak Avenue in 1910 for a largely Swedish immigrant community, the existing building on the site was used by the Soujorner Covenant Church for over a hundred years. Like many urban congregations, it had dwindled to just 25 people by 2018, and the church decided to sell the property. Composed of common brick with little ornamentation, the original facade featured arched windows and a distinctive pointed opening above the main doors. A 1950 renovation whose changes were still intact at the time the property was acquired had added painted decorative window trim, faux pilasters, and a half-moon transom at the main entry doors, covering up the building's original historic design. The design team worked with the historic commission and the found imagery to strip back added elements, restoring original window openings and sandblasting the brick surface back to its original unpainted condition.Save this picture!Saved From Demo - The project developer, a housing specialist based in nearby Chicago and well-versed in adaptive reuse, initially assumed the church structure was too difficult to reuse due to the scale and configuration of its double-height sanctuary and split-level entry. The design team initially studied options for demolishing the church and infilling the site to zoning code maximums with a double-loaded corridor building, but the narrow width and required setbacks on the L-shaped site created an inefficient envelope for housing.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Creating Variety- Retaining the existing church structure and adding a compact addition maximized unit count as well as perimeter wall area for light, air, and views. The resulting unit mix of flats and unique bi-level and tri-level typologies provided unexpected layouts and special interior experiences for residents, creating a defining identity for the project, unlike the typical sameness promoted in the new construction marketplace. The building is a model for inclusionary housing, with three affordable units, including one 2-bedroom and two 1-bedroom. Three ground-floor units provide ADA-accessible flats entered directly off Oak Avenue, including one Type A unit and two adaptable units.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Evanston, United StatesLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on February 07, 2025Cite: "Lodge Evanston / ISA - Interface Studio Architects" 07 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026310/lodge-evanston-isa-interface-studio-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

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3D scan of a dog food bowl using RealityCapture and Blender.Shops:blendermarket.com/creators/blenderguppygumroad.com/blenderguppyPatreon:patreon.com/blenderguppy#b3d #conceptart #blender3d #blenderaddon #blendermarket

Air traffic controllers now have something new to worry about: space junk. A report warns the risk of parts left over from a launch rocket or other debris plummeting into global flight paths is now 26 percent a year, according to a report in the journal Nature.While the chance of debris hitting an aircraft is low, its presence in flight paths could still pose a big enough risk that routes will need to be altered inconveniencing passengers. Such disruptions are not unheard of. In 2022, a 20-ton chunk of rocket re-entering Earths atmosphere prompted Spanish and French aviation authorities to close parts of their airspace.With launches increasing every year, so too, do the risks of junk plummeting to Earth. While the risk of hitting someone on the ground remains at a relatively low 3 percent, more frequent launches confer more risks.Increasingly Crowded SpaceThere are really two categories to consider: junk that falls to Earth shortly after a launch, or debris that hails down after years in orbit. This is an important distinction, because monitoring and controlling the debris is different in each of those scenarios.The first scenario, while no less alarming, is easier to manage, says Ewan Wright, a graduate student at the University of British Columbia and an author of the study. He points to the recent explosion of a SpaceX rocket shortly after launch. Aviation officials were quickly able to close down the affected airspace.This is not so easy when something thats been in orbit for years heeds the call of Earths gravity. There is little warning about when that could happen, and even less ability to monitor its descent.The numbers fueling the report indicate that these potential scenarios are growing. In 2024, there were 258 successful rocket launches, and 120 uncontrolled rocket debris re-entries, with more than 2,300 rocket bodies in orbit. Meanwhile air passenger numbers are anticipated to grow by 7 percent this year.Dealing with the first scenario debris falling shortly after launch is theoretically easier. Rocket stages equipped with thrusters could be fired up for controlled re-entry. That happens with some, but not all, launches.Leveling the Playing FieldThe reason why now more launches arent managed that way comes down to both money and regulation. It costs more to create a controlled re-entry. Many rockets now carry satellites from both commercial interests and the military. Neither is keen to foot the extra costs. Also, like managing the amount of space junk, there are no binding, enforceable agreements.International terms would even the competitive playing field. If one country brings in new rules, that would disadvantage the competitors, says Wright.Debris that suddenly fall to Earth from orbit is harder to monitor and control especially since the debris is falling at 5 to 6 miles per second. Its difficult to predict reentry, says Wright. If you are off a bit, it could hit a different country or continent than the one youve predicted.Air traffic controllers shouldnt have to make snap judgments about what parts of the airspace they need to close off for these events, according to Aaron Boley, a UBC professor and co-author of the study. Uncontrolled rocket body re-entries are a design choice, not a necessity, Boley, said in a press release. The space industry is effectively exporting its risk to airlines and passengers.The authors biggest concern is that, although each chance of a single incident is small, as launches increase and satellites accumulate in orbit, the odds for catastrophe will climb. Uniform regulations and monitoring globally could minimize the chances of injury or death from space debris.We need to push for a change before someone gets hurt," says Wright.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Nature. Airspace closures due to reentering space objectsBefore joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.

Once again, the microbiome proves to be a key player in human health. The diverse microbial community we inherit at birth serves multiple functions, from aiding digestion and nutrient production to training our immune system and even influencing brain chemistry. A recent study, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, builds on the exploration of the gut-brain connection by linking anxiety regulation to microbial metabolites.Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore have uncovered how microbial produced compounds influence brain activity associated with anxiety in mice. Their findings could pave the way for new probiotic-based treatments for anxiety disorders.Anxiety and Amygdala ActivityThe study found that mice raised in a germ-free environment exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors. This was linked to heightened activity in neurons within the amygdala, a small yet crucial brain structure responsible for processing emotions.In the amygdala, calcium-dependent SK2 channels help regulate neuronal activity. In the absence of microbes, these channels were less effective at controlling neuron firing, leading to excessive excitability and, consequently, anxiety-related behavior.To test whether gut microbes influence neuronal excitability in the amygdala, researchers introduced live microbes to the germ-free mice through a process known as conventionalization. This involved fecal transplantation from microbe-exposed control mice. The results were striking: the previously overactive neurons became less excitable, and the mice displayed reduced anxiety behaviors.Our findings reveal the specific and intricate neural process that link microbes to mental health," said Assistant Professor Shawn Je, from Duke-NUS Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Research Program, in a press release. "Essentially, the lack of these microbes disrupted the way their brains functioned, particularly in areas that control fear and anxiety, leading to anxious behavior."Indoles: The Key to Microbial Influence on the BrainThe study suggests that indoles, a class of organic compounds structurally related to serotonin, the neurotransmitter that affects mood, play a crucial role in this gut-brain interaction. Gut bacteria produce a wide variety of metabolites, and indoles have the remarkable ability to cross the blood-brain barrier an essential trait for any substance that directly affects brain function.When germ-free mice were given drinking water supplemented with indoles, neuronal activity in the amygdala decreased, and their anxiety-related behaviors diminished. This finding reinforces the idea that naturally occurring microbial metabolites contribute to maintaining emotional balance.The Evolutionary Role of AnxietySven Pettersson, a lead author of the study from the Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore, explained that anxiety-related responses have deep evolutionary roots. At birth, newborns experience a major physiological shift hunger becomes a survival-driven sensation, essentially a first encounter with anxiety. This transition is accompanied by exposure to breast milk, which contains microbes capable of producing indoles.In mammals, circulating levels of microbial indoles may reflect an individual's sensitivity to stress and their vulnerability to anxiety-related conditions.Anxiety is not merely a psychological phenomenon; it is linked to physiological and behavioral changes that help organisms respond to potential threats. The presence of gut-derived indoles may help regulate these responses, ensuring a balanced reaction to stress.A Potential New Treatment PathwayAnxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, yet treatment options remain limited, with many individuals struggling to tolerate standard psychiatric medications.Our findings underscore the deep evolutionary links between microbes, nutrition and brain function," said Patrick Tan, senior vice-dean for research at Duke-NUS, in the press release. "This has huge potential for people suffering from stress-related conditions, such as sleep disorders or those unable to tolerate standard psychiatric medications. Its a reminder that mental health is not just in the brainits in the gut too."As research into the gut-brain connection continues to evolve, indole-based probiotics or dietary supplements could become a natural alternative for managing anxiety. While further studies are needed, these findings reinforce the growing recognition that mental health is not solely a function of the brain, it is deeply intertwined with the gut microbiome.The prospect of harnessing beneficial microbes for mental well-being may soon transition from theory to reality, offering new hope for those affected by anxiety disorders.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:EMBO Molecular Medicine. Microbial metabolites tune amygdala neuronal hyperexcitability and anxiety-linked behaviorsNational Library of Medicine. A systematic review of reviews on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adult populationsHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When shes not immersed in a popular science book, youll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.

ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Its more affordable than ever before to take your home media viewing experience to new heights thanks to streaming services, smart TVs, and soundbars. With this increased content availability enriched by new surround sound audio formats, a whole new world of entertainment possibilities comes to light. One of the easiest, most space-efficient ways to drastically improve the quality of your TV (or 4K projector) audio is by upgrading to a soundbar to give you sound as vivid as the 4K video youre probably enjoying. The top soundbars are compact, quick to install, and an unbeatable way to present your movies, music, and video games with elevated volume, clarity, and immersion. And many of themlike our best overall, the Sennheiser AMBEO Plussound great on their own but can be expanded with matching subs and satellites if you decide you want a bigger home theater experience down the road. If youre looking for a quick and cost-effective way to upgrade your home theater system, well help you find the best soundbars to do the job.Best overall: Sennheiser AMBEO PlusBest compact: Bose TV SpeakerBest 2.1: Samsung BW-H550/ZA SoundbarBest 5.1: JBL Bar 700Best for music: Sonos Arc UltraBest budget: Roku Streambar ProHow we chose the best soundbarsWere nerds about everything here at PopSci, but audio is especially special to us. The PopSci writers and editors even include a few certified audiophiles, so we know a solid speaker when we see it. We used a mixture of online research and hands-on experience to survey dozens of models on the market. We were looking for the right mix of fidelity, features, and price. Most of the items on this list are relatively affordable, and thats by design. There are some ultra-high-end multi-speaker Dolby Atmos and wireless surround options, but a components system is specific to very demanding users. If youre looking to get into the soundbar world, these are great models to get you started and upgrade your TVs puny audio performance.The best soundbars: Reviews & RecommendationsEvery living room, bedroom, and home theater is different, making finding the right soundbar frustrating. Our recommendationsboth standalone units and soundbar + subwoofer combosspan various sizes and prices, so you can find the one that suits your space and budget. Unlike a traditional speaker system with an A/V receiver, a soundbar usually requires only a single connection to your television to switch between sources. These systems are often Bluetooth-compatible from the get-go, so you can also sync your tablet, phone, and other streaming devices. Theyre versatile but able to fit into almost any room. However, we also focused on finding soundbars designed to work with additional speakers, allowing you to upgrade your home theater system over time as your budget and space change.Best overall: Sennheiser AMBEO PlusSoundbars help you save space, but wont give you an all-around sound profile. / Tony WareProsCarries on a tradition of No. 1 all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbarsProprietary Dolby Atmos virtualization is convincing and captivatingSmall than its predecessor without too many sacrificesCan be augmented with a subwooferConsNo option for physical surround speakersPriceySubwoofer is an additional $599HDMI ports are 2.0a, so they dont support all next-gen gaming console protocols passthroughWhy it made the cut: If you prize dynamic tonality, this is the premier soundbar with a premium price tag.SpecsDimensions: 41.38 x 4.76 x 3.03 inchesSurround sound: Simulated 7.1.4 Dolby AtmosSubwoofer: Built-in, with an additional wireless subwoofer sold separatelyDescended from the Sennheiser AMBEO Max, a 40-pound behemoth of a soundbar, the AMBEO Plus is a $1,499 indulgence thats not quite as extravagant as its predecessor yet remains nearly as affecting. Featuring seven full-range speakers and dual 4-inch subwoofers in its rounded-off chassis, the 14-pound Plus can virtualize a 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos system with striking clarity and precise imaging thanks to proprietary processing (an AMBEO batch physically lights up on the soundbar whenever engaged). Coming from a venerable brand renowned for audiophile headphones imbued with rich midrange and spacious staging, the AMBEO Plus is every bit a Sennheiser. Its sonically expressive without even a tinge of artificiality and technically adept enough to conjure every directional cue, even height effectshelped by an automated calibration system. A well-appointed Smart Control app (iOS and Android) lets you tweak soundfield effects, voice enhancement, voice assistants, night mode, EQ, and more, plus view information on your connections/audio streams. Whether watching movies or listening to music, the 400W AMBEO Plus is adept at scale and strength, preserving detail without sacrificing impactbass reaches nearly 40Hz. The original 13-driver AMBEOaka the rebranded Maxis still superior in terms of gripping slam and dazzling reflections (and $1,000 more expensive), as the AMBEO Plus folds channels in more like a 5.1.2. Still, the rumble gap narrows noticeably if you pair the AMBEO Plus with the wireless 8-inch 350W Sennheiser AMBEO Subwoofer.In terms of connectivity, there any multiple HDMI ports with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough, though not 120Hz for gaming. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio are all decoded, and Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Chromecast give you access to content from basically any and every source. Yes, the AMBEO Plus is the most expensive soundbar in our selection, but its undeniably the best all-in-one soundbar to transform a room with limited room. If youre investing in an OLED TV, you deserve audio thats equally vibrant.Best compact: Bose TV SpeakerProsCompact sizeSelectable sound modesVoice enhancementConsNo smart featuresWhy it made the cut: The TV speaker will provide great sound without taking up much space. SpecsDimensions: 4.02 x 23.38 x 2.21 inchesSurround sound: NoSubwoofer: NoneAt 23.4-inches wide the Bose TV Speaker is almost half the size of other soundbars were recommending in this guide, but it stands tall when it comes to dialogue enhancement. The teeny, tiny shell houses a three-driver audio system featuring a pair of full-range drivers angled outward and a single tweeter pointed forward. This configuration is designed to offer the best audio quality from a 2.0 soundbar while presenting the widest-possible soundstage. The TV Speaker wont be able to stand toe-to-toe with longer soundbars when it comes to stereo separationthis is physics, not Boses lack of engineering chopsbut its good to see the company use the space it had as efficently as possible.You can fill out the TV Speakers sound by connecting a Bose wired subwoofer to the systemthough the price of adding low-end is $500. Thankfully, this augmentation wont be necessary, as the TV Speakers sound should be sufficiently better than the audio system built into your set. Despite the TV Soundbars small size, Bose allows you to connect this soundbar to your TV using an HDMI or optical audio cable. It also features an AUX input, so you can plug an audio device into it directly, and Bluetooth support if youd like to stream music to the soundbar from your phone, tablet, or computer. Bose managed to fit most of the features found in its higher-end soundbars into the TV Speaker, but it had to cut support for Amazons Alexa. This isnt a huge deal, but something to consider if youre looking for a soundbar that doubles as a smart-home controller in your room. If thats not a concern, and you want a compact audio system for your room, this is the soundbar to get.Best 2.1: Samsung BW-H550/ZA SoundbarSingle remote control compatibility allows for simple operation of your entire system.ProsGreat soundIncluded subwooferAI-driven sound adjustmentsConsLacks Dolby AtmosWhy it made the cut: This straight-ahead system doesnt get bogged down with tons of features you wont use and, instead, focuses on performance.SpecsDimensions: 33.9 x 3 x 2.3 inchesSurround Sound: Dolby Audio and DTS: Virtual XSubwoofer: Wireless includedThis Samsung soundbar sports three-channel audio and includes a dedicated center speaker and a satellite subwoofer for powerful, enhanced bass and 3D surround sound effects. It offers superior multi-connectivity via Bluetooth, allowing two smart devices to remain paired at once, and the HDMI ARC interface allows for single-cable audio connections to and from a TV with a compatible port.Regarding surround, this bar supports DTS: Virtual X to simulate a system with many more speakers installed around the room. Samsungs Smart Sound technology analyzes the content youre watching and automatically adjusts its performance to match it best. That also helps keep subtle sounds like ambient horror sounds or important dialog from getting lost. But, if needed, you can manually trigger a Voice Enhancement mode. Want more rumble? A bass boost is available at the push of a button. Need less bass? Theres also a Night Mode.The relatively basic black design is refreshing compared to more complex devices. It melts into the room, and you hear it but dont necessarily see it. This is undoubtedly the best Samsung soundbar on a budget (though if you want a truly immersive experience, the $1,699 HW-Q990D is the best Samsung package, full stop).Best 5.1: JBL Bar 700ProsDetachable speakers make it very flexiblePowerful wireless subwooferTrue surround soundConsLong when fully attachedWhy it made the cut: This soundbars detachable, battery-powered speakers offer a truly authentic 5.1 surround experience.SpecsDimensions: 4.7 x 46.2 x 2.2 inchesSurround sound: 5.1 Dolby AtmosSubwoofer: Wireless includedThere are a lot of soundbars that list support for surround sound as one of their features, but thats not really the case. Designers can create a more 3D sound experience by supporting the right audio formats and positioning drivers in different positions to mimic a traditional 5.1 surround sound system, but its not the same as having a true multi-speaker system. JBLs Bar 700 is different. The 46.2-inch soundbar has a pair of battery-powered detachable speakers, which can be placed behind you to create a true 5.1, Dolby Atmos-compatible system, with the bar handling the front right, front left, and center channels. All of these speakers are synced up to a wireless 10-inch subwoofer, which adds enough bass to round out the sound without being unnecessarily boomy. I was skeptical about whether this system would work, but its 620W of convenient cinematic sound passed every test with flying colors. Its worth noting that the Bar 700 is pretty long when the rear speakers are attached, so youll need to ensure your media center/credenza has enough space. Its a soundbar best paired with a TV thats 55 inches in size minimum, and its easily connected via HDMI eARC (plus theres an HDMI input with 4K and Dolby Vision passthrough). Beyond that, this soundbar is an excellent addition to your living room or home theater. The center channel has enough separation from the right and left that I could always hear dialogue clearly, even in movie or TV scenes with a lot of action. The center driver was good enough that I could also differentiate between different voices even if characters spoke in the same register. My biggest concern about the Bar 700s modular speaker system was that attaching and detaching the rear speakers would be a pain, but that was never the case. The magnetic attachment mechanism JBL developed makes these processes easy while also ensuring these additional speakers never accidentally pop out. The only other problem I foresaw with the Bar 700 was desynced audio. JBL mitigates this by running you through a setup procedure using its app (iOS and Android), which takes about five minutes to complete. The soundbar and rear speakers fire off audio to get a sense of the size and shape of your room. Once the setup was complete, I never had an issue with desyncing audio. Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi-equipped, the Bar 700 Wi-Fi comes with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast built-in, so you can cast music/content from your phone if you dont want to fire up your streaming device. And you can customize modes, voice assistant, and EQ with the JBL app. If youve longed for a surround sound system with discrete rear speakers but dont have enough space (or outlets) to set up separates, JBLs Bar 700 is a great solution. Just pop off the soundbars endcaps, fire up the rears on the couch corners, then reassemble at the nights end or when its time to recharge the batteries (rated for 10 hours).Like this concept, but want to kick it up several notches? The JBL 1300X is a 11.1.4-channel soundbar with detachable surround speakers and wireless subwoofer, though all those extra channels take the price from $899 to $1,699.Best for music: Sonos Arc UltraTony Ware ProsMidrange intelligibility and standout bass response Support for Dolby AtmosCan be augmented by additional speakersConsCostWhy it made the cut: The Sonos Arc Ultra is a futureproofed soundbar perfect for music lovers and cinephiles alike.SpecsDimensions: 4.35 x 46.18 x 3.13 inchesSurround sound: Yes, Simulated Standalone or True Dolby Atmos with additional componentsSubwoofer: Wireless sold separately (can support two)Four years in the making and worth the wait, the Arc Ultra is the second-generation flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar from Sonos, improving on its predecessor in many important ways. Its a heightened experience in a slightly more low-profile form; its 12mm shorter, so you avoid blocking your screen, and it packs more drivers (14 total), so you get even more immersed in it. These include a new component Sonos calls Sound Motiona four-motor, dual-membrane flat transducer that makes a noticeable difference in low-end and, shouldering the bass, aids in overall headroom and high intelligibility.Sound Motion is why the Arc Ultra consistently one-upped any soundbar weve tested for bass performance. Any low frequencies, be it in movies we watched or music we streamed, were twice as visceral. Better still, this attention to bass didnt detract from the Arc Ultras midrange or treble performance. With more reinforcement being handed off to Sound Motion, the six mid-wooferscombined with their custom waveguidescan concentrate on audibility. We got the sense that we were hearing what the audio engineers producing albums or soundtracks had in mind when mixing and mastering their sound. While we relied on speech enhancement settings in the past, the new array brought center-channel clarity that made toggling it optional.This crisp, coherent presentation is carried over when experiencing audio in stereo as well as surround sound. Theres a surprising amount of Left/Right channel separation, though nowhere near the soundfield/imaging of discrete stereo speakers. Still, you could use the Arc Ultra as your sole living room speaker in a small space and not be disappointed (the addition of Bluetooth 5.3 alongside AirPlay 2 over Wi-Fi 6 makes it more convenient). But its spatial audio that really makes the Arc Ultra soar.The Arc Ultra still supports all the same audio formats as the original Arcincluding every flavor of Dolby, but still no DTS:Xand it shines while playing spatial audio albums and movie soundtracks. The 3D effect of audio coming from all sides is real and will be especially pronounced if you install the Arc Ultra in a square room where sound from the seven angled silk dome tweeters can reflect off the walls and ceiling. Adding additional Sonos speakerslike a pair of Era 300s as dedicated rear speakersmakes sound even more immersive, though itll roughly double the cost of your home theater setup. Similarly, pairing the soundbar with Sonos new Sub 4 will improve bass performance further. (You can pair any generation of Sub or Sub Mini, but youll need a Gen. 3 or 4 if you want a dual-subwoofer setup.)While the Sonos Arc Ultra is undoubtedly a splurge, its worth the investment for anyone who wants an all-in-one home theater system with room for expansion as space and budget constraints allow. (And definitely consider your available surface, as the Arc Ultra is wide at 46 inches.) We wish it had more than one HDMI eARC port, but console gamers probably already have a TV with a dedicated slot.We were also able to test the Arc Ultra using Sonos new Ace headphones, which have a feature that allows you to hand off audio from the soundbar to your ears. The Ace headphones support spatial audio, including head tracking, so music and movie soundtracks with a Dolby Atmos mix sound just as expansive and active. The effect of watching a movie on a big screen and seamlessly listening to it on headphones with a couple of button presses was thoroughly enjoyable.Best budget: Roku Streambar ProRokus Streambar Pro is the best soundbar under $500.ProsBuilt-in 4K media streamerCan be augmented with additional speakersSharp lookConsNo surround soundNo built-in soundbarWhy it made the cut: Rokus Streambar Pro has features you cant find in soundbars several times its price.SpecsDimensions: 32.2 x 3.9 x 2.8 inchesSurround sound: NoneSubwoofer: Wireless sold separately Were typically wary of two-in-one gadgets, but Rokus Streambar Pro is a very notable exception to our rule. The soundbar actually has an entire 4K Roku media streamer built into it, which you can use to turn an old TV smart. This is especially nice if youve recently cut the cord and want an easy way to stream TV shows and movies from online services. You dont need to use the Streambar Pros built-in Roku, but the value of this feature is part of what makes this soundbar such a great deal. The Streambar Pros other strong suit is its surprisingly good sound. We say surprisingly because we didnt expect quite as much vocal clarity or stereo separation from a soundbar at its price point. If youve struggled to hear what people are saying in movies or find the sound of explosions lacking in action-packed sequences, this is your answer. Roku was smart not to pack any surround sound features into the soundbar itself, instead redirecting those engineering resources into developing its Wireless Bass Pro subwoofer and Roku Wireless Speakers. Adding those components will allow you to enjoy your media in true surround sound without connecting them with cables.Its telling that Roku bundles the Streambar Pro plus the aforementioned additional speakers in a multi-piece bundle that costs just over $500 (hence its prominence in our best soundbars under $500 roundup, also home to additional options from JBL, Samsung, and Sonos, appropriately). Bose charges roughly the same price for just a subwoofer. There are very few true values in home theater audio, so we couldnt be happier for Rokus Streambar Pro to stand out for its audio quality and cost.Things to consider when buying the best soundbarsHow big or small should your soundbar be?One of the most convenient features of most soundbar systems is the understated form that helps them blend in with your existing entertainment center. Its generally recommended that you choose a soundbar that doesnt exceed the length of your television for aesthetic reasons. The length and size of the soundbar dont always translate to volume and power, so you wont be making too many compromises by going with a smaller soundbar.The most important consideration when choosing a soundbar for its size is that it retains flexibility and versatility despite its understated appearance. Many miniature soundbars pack Bluetooth connectivity, subwoofers, and other special features into their cases without a hitch. You dont have to worry about sacrificing essential features to ensure that your smaller rooms dont get cluttered. After all, youre buying a soundbar for its major improvements over your televisions speaker system.What kind of surround sound are you looking for?Some basic soundbars offer typical stereo sound, but many have adopted surround sound technology that can add an entirely new dimension to the content you watch. The most relevant thing to notice in modern soundbars is Dolby Atmos. This object-based surround sound standard works with the most popular streaming services and provides an overall excellent experience with some consistency, assuming the sound designer has done something compelling with the 100+ sonic placements available to them.Balance tuning versus powerAn oft-overlooked factor while shopping for a soundbar is its ability to adequately translate cinematic audio and dialogue in the best way for your room. For example, a soundbar with a high wattage rating and high maximum sound pressure level might appear loud on paper. Still, if this sound is muddy or if the devices design renders dialogue muffled and unintelligible, it completely defeats the purpose of adding a soundbar to your system in the first place. In this way, volume and power capabilities dont always translate to better sound for your space. Suppose youre looking to max out your entertainment systems volume with a soundbar. In that case, its important to consider a model combining high wattage and maximum volume with manufacturer-designed tuning.The system used to tune a soundbaror any sound system, for that matterinvolves using equalization to boost certain frequencies and cut others, which can enhance the audio in home environments. Unless youre investing in a high degree of sound treatment for your theater room, chances are that there are some undesirable resonances in your space that can exacerbate poorly tuned audio. This effect becomes even more pronounced at higher volumes, so its important to pick out a tuned or tunable system if youre going to listen loud or if youre in a smaller room. With a properly tuned soundbar, dialogue becomes clear, action sequences retain impact without being ear-piercing, and most importantly, it drastically cuts the need for constant turning up and down of your television volume. If any of these issues apply to your situation, a tuned soundbar is the only way to go.Is your home a smart one?Smart home systems run via Alexa and Google Home transform how we live and work around the house and beyond. Activities that were once interrupted by the need to pick up the phone, sit down at the computer, or fumble with a device have been made quicker and easier thanks to voice control integration across a whole gamut of home appliances. And since your entertainment center is a focal point of your time spent at home, it only makes sense to consider a soundbar system that offers voice control compatibility, whether youre planning on expanding your current smart home system or starting from scratch.One of the biggest perks of choosing a soundbar with smart home compatibility is its elevated ability to play high-volume music and media while still being able to hear your voice over the noise and execute your commands without turning the volume down or pressing pause. Think of a voice control-enabled soundbar as a more souped-up version of a traditional smart home speaker: you can turn the music up and down, resume and pause programming, check the status of your smart cooker, air quality, temperature, and so much more from the comfort of your seat. A system with this capability also eliminates the need for a separate smart speaker for your TV area or living room altogether, which is a plus if youre trying to save space or retain a minimalist sense of decor.Do you want to connect to Bluetooth?Bluetooth is one of the most prevalent and useful interfaces for wirelessly streaming audio from your devices to your speaker systems, and most soundbars on the market do offer some form of Bluetooth connectivity. Options like this allow the soundbar to work for you and help you get more out of your system whenever youre listening to music or podcasts around the house. Most televisions dont come standard with a Bluetooth audio receiver, so not only does this technology open up your entertainment center as a location for streaming audio, but its also an incredible improvement over a traditional portable Bluetooth speaker.Do you need to connect multiple devices?HDMI is the most commonly used wired interface for soundbars to receive audio from and send it to your TV. Some soundbar systems also use this connection to receive volume information directly from your TV remote. Suppose youll deal with sound from numerous sources like Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and streaming services. In that case, its important to consider whether your soundbar has enough connectivity to support your needs and how efficiently it can interface with various devices (and that you have appropriately rated HDMI cables). Generally speaking, more connectivity is always better due to the flexibility that it affords, as devices that play well with others make your life easier and require less tinkering. Increased connectivity options come at a price of both cost and size, so its important to weigh your needs for flexibility against these factors.FAQsQ: Are soundbars worth it? Yes. If youre dissatisfied with the sound from your TVs built-in speakers but dont have enough space for a traditional audio system, soundbars are a good compromise. Soundbars are compact, have a built-in amplifier, and some can even be augmented with additional speakers. Q: Are soundbars compatible with any TV? Yes. All soundbars are compatible with every TV because the two components are connected by either an HDMI or optical audio cable. HDMI and optical audio ports have been universal standards on TVs for over a decade, and wont be replaced anytime soon. If you get a soundbar today and upgrade your TV in a couple of years, your current audio hardware wont need to be changed. Q: Do soundbars support Dolby Atmos? Increasingly more soundbars support Dolby Atmos, but object-based audio hasnt become a standard feature yet. We expect this to change over the next few years as more music, TV shows, and movies are released with a Dolby Atmos mix. For now, Dolby Atmos is a feature exclusive to more mind-tier and high-end soundbars. Q: How much does a soundbar cost? This depends on its size, number of drivers, other audio hardware, and smart features. You can spend well under $200 or over $1,000 based on your needs. Final thoughts on the best starter soundbarsBest overall: Sennheiser AMBEO PlusBest compact: Bose TV SpeakerBest 2.1: Samsung BW-H550/ZA SoundbarBest 5.1: JBL Bar 700Best for music: Sonos Arc UltraBest budget: Roku Streambar ProA soundbar is an easy choice for drastically improving the quality of your home theater, thanks to the easy setup and maintenance that these systems provide. The wide range of choices in this product category ensures that theres an option out there for every budget and need, from compact single-bar systems to fully fledged surround sound setups. In looking for a soundbar system, consider the size of your space and the connectivity your home theater needs to ensure that your add-on provides the best cinematic experience for you.

ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Brandt Ranj / Popular Science A 4K projector is the ultimate tool for cinephiles or gamers who want to get the most out of their ultra-high definition films and games without getting into multi-thousand-dollar screens and burdensome furniture. Only the most expensive TVs can even come close to the literal scale of a projectors maximum screen size, and then you deal with the challenges of anchoring a 110-inch flatscreen. Moreover, 4K projection technology has evolved enough to fall significantly in price over the past couple of years. Spending a lot for the absolute premium models is still possible, but most of our recommendations will set you back under $2,000. A 65-, 75-, or even 85-inch 4K TV could still be the most cost-effective choice, but theres no denying that 4K projectorslike our best overall, the feature-rich XGIMI Horizon S Maxhave become much more accessible and versatile. The best 4K projectors will allow you to achieve the dream of bringing a movie theater into your house with no compromises.Best overall: XGIMI Horizon S MaxBest splurge: AWOL Vision LTV-2500Best design: JMGO N1S ProBest for bright rooms: Hisense C2 UltraBest budget: XGIMI Horizon ProHow we chose the best 4K projectorsThere are more 4K projectors than ever, and our recommendations come from extensive research and hands-on testing. We watched movies and played games on these devices to see how they held up during fast-paced action and casual viewing alike. Our tests were conducted by projecting images onto a wall from approximately nine feet away. Games were played on a Nintendo Switch, while videos were watched using both the projectors internal operating system (if applicable) and Roku Streaming Stick 4K.The best 4K projectors: Reviews & RecommendationsWhether youre upgrading from a TV or Full HD projector, our 4K projectors for movies will be a significant upgrade and a massive step toward creating the ideal home theater system. Best overall: XGIMI Horizon S Max Brandt Ranj ProsUltra-bright bulbPhenomenal, consistent video qualityTilting stand and updated auto keystone correction make screen adjustments easySurprisingly good built-in speakersConsOnly one HDMI portRuns Android TV, so no native NetflixSpecsLumens: 3,100Ports: 1x HDMI, 2 x USBSpeakers: YesPrice: $1,899.99 list price (as low as $1,699)XGIMIs Horizon S Max is the follow-up to the XGIMI Horizon Ultraour previous 4K projector pick, still available for as low as $1,499and its an improvement in many meaningful ways. Aesthetically, its more of the same elevated. Its still a fabric and eco-leather covered rectangle. When the projector is off, the front shield you see above is up, protecting the projectors lens from getting scratched or accumulating dust. The cover glides downward when the projector is turned on, revealing the lens. Its a neat trick that never got old during months of testing. This generation, however, XGIMI mounted the distinctive cube onto a gimbal stand, which enables you to tilt it upward and downward (360 degrees horizontally, 135 degrees vertically) to ensure it hits your wall or projection screen at the right angle. This added flexibility is excellent whether you are projecting an image thats 40 inches or 200.Changing angles changes the image, of course, so the company also bumped up the Horizon S Maxs ISA (Intelligent Screen Adaptation) from 3.0 to 5.0, which meant that it could use automatic keystone correction more quickly when the projector was moved and adapt its color profile based on the color of the wall. Most importantly, however, the output of its Dual Light 2.0 system (a combination of laser and LED sources) is brighter at a claimed 3100 ISO lumens, allowing us to comfortably watch videos and play video games in rooms with significant light bleed.In real-world use, these changes made watching TV shows, movies, and playing video games on the Horizon S Max a delight. There was a high level of fidelity when watching native 4K content through Netflix and YouTube or playing Nintendo Switch games at 1080P. The projectors processor was fast enough that navigating through menus to cycle through different display or audio settings never felt like a slog, nor did it take long for apps to launch. The Horizon S Max supports all the latest video formats, including HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and IMAX Enhanced, with 110%BT.2020 Color Gamut and 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast. Some turn themselves on automatically based on how the video youre watching has been mastered and encoded, but you must enable IMAX Enhanced deliberately. Truth be told, we never ran into any visual issues during our testing, which included watching The Great British Baking Show, Chefs Table, plenty of YouTube videos, and playing the latest Nintendo Switch games.The added brightness helped greatly since it allowed us to use the projector at almost any hour of the day rather than waiting until night. We still wouldnt recommend replacing your TV with a projector in a room with a ton of natural light, but the Horizon S Max can hold its own under pretty challenging lighting conditions. XGIMI has also exceeded my expectations when it comes to software updates, as its changes have made the color accuracy of IMAX Enhanced mode specifically noticeably better over time. The company is committed to providing regular improvements, which is encouraging given its high price.Our complaints about this projector come down to XGIMIs decision to ship the Horizon S Max with Android TV 11 and only one HDMI port, which both present some limitations. Android TV is a fine operating systemand, connected through Wi-Fi 6, we could get in and out of apps and settings fluidlybut the lack of native Netflix on the platform was bothersome. This means youll need to connect a media streamer to the projector to view content from that service, at which point youve used up its sole HDMI port.You can connect an HDMI splitter or use the Netflix app built into your 4K Blu-ray player or game console if it has one, but then you cant easily connect the projector to a speaker system. The audio system built into the Horizon S Max is still a 212-watt speaker array developed by Harman Kardon with support for DTS-HD, Dolby Digital, DTS-Virtual:X, Dolby Audio, and Dolby Digital Plus. The speakers are plenty powerful for casual viewing and gaming. However, youll want to connect the projector to a set of external, properly positioned speakers for projectors if youd like the true cinematic experience. And that will take up that one HDMI port. The workaround is connecting the Horizon S Max to an A/V receiver, which has multiple HDMI ports for sources and channels for discrete speakers. But maybe you dont want all that wiring. And at that point, this projector needs to stay in a fixed location with a lot of space. The previous-generation flagship XGIMI projector had two HDMI ports, and we hope to see this return in the future.Despite these faults, the Horizon S Max is an excellent self-contained home theater system thanks to its visual processing system and built-in speakers. Its possible to fully enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any accessoriesunless Netflix is your streaming app of choice. If you play games, the projectors native 4K resolution will allow you to experience them in their full fidelity. Finally, if youre setting up a home theater system with a traditional A/V surround sound system, youll have eliminated our only complaints and can enjoy the Horizon S Max without interruptions.Best splurge: AWOL Vision LTV-2500ProsVery high luminosityUltra short throw3D film supportConsPriceSpecsLumens: 2,600Ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x AV-in, 1 x OpticalSpeakers: YesPrice: $2,999AWOL Visions LTV-2500 is an incredible indulgence for the most persnickety media viewerespecially those without a lot of space. This is a short-throw triple-laser projector, which means it can create up to a 150-inch screen while being only a foot or so away from your wall. The projector has a significantly larger footprint than any of our other recommendations, but the fact that you dont need to keep it several feet away from your wall means it can fit neatly on top of any entertainment center. If youre swapping out a TV for a 4K laser projector, the LTV-2500 will provide the smoothest transition, which is especially helpful if youve already set up an AV receiver with a surround sound system. If you dont have speakers set up, youll appreciate that the LTVs audio system can play back Dolby Atmos surround sound audio natively.The LTV-2500 supports all the most popular video technologies, from HDR 10+ to Dolby Vision, with 2,600 lumens plus support for over 1 billion colors and 147 percent of DCI-P3, and it also actively supports 3D video. If you have a pair of active shutter 3D glasses, a Blu-ray player that supports 3D movies, and a cache of 3D films, you can enjoy them in their full fidelity. This is surprising, considering how badly 3D movies sold. Still, its a welcome feature if youd like to play your entire movie library in the highest possible quality with every feature intact.This projector doesnt run an operating system, but AWOL Vision includes an Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max, which you can use to stream content from any popular streaming service. Its a pain to burn one of its two HDMI ports on a media streamer, especially given the LTV-2500s high price, but this wont be an issue if you connect a game console or other multifunctional device with access to Netflix, YouTube, and other services. If youd like to set up a home theater system with a 4K projector but dont have a lot of room, AWOL Visions LTV-2500 is the best choice. And if you dont mind spending another grand or two, the AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro and AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro are increasingly brighter, sharper, and sonically bold.Best value: JMGO N1S ProProsFreestyle flexible designGreat video qualitySolid image correctionGoogle TV, with native Netflix supportConsSome laser speckleTheres fierce competition at this price point, so narrow down your desired featuresSpecsLumens: 2,250Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x USB-A, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jackSpeakers: YesPrice: $1,999 list price (typically $1,399)The JMGOs N1S Pro is a cheaper alternative to our best overall pick, as its standout feature is that the triple-laser projector is suspended on top of its stand, allowing you to tilt it upward and downward up to 135 degrees easily. And its gimbal allows for a 360-degree horizontal pan. This comes in handy if youre trying to position it just so or want to project your video onto a ceiling for a limited time. In our experience, the N1S Pros flexibility was a huge asset. Moving it was simple, but the 4K projector never tilted on its own; JMGO managed to tweak its torque to avoid accidents.We tested the N1S Pro and its 2,250 CVIA lumens/HDR10 support/1600:1 FOFO contrast ratio during extended play sessions of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and it allowed us to take in the verdant green hills, snowy peaks, and harsh deserts of Hyrule in their full fidelity. The projector was bright enough to compete with light leaking through curtains in our testing space, with no big picture quality loss, thanks in part to Auto Adaptive Brightness, Auto Keystone Correction, Smart Object Avoidance, Auto Screen Fitting, and more smart features. Video from streaming services and Chromecast looked sharp, and native Netflix on Google TV is a nice touch. 4K videos from professional YouTubers were a treat for the eyes, however. Where sound is concerned, the 10Wx2 speaker system was solid, though it couldnt quite match the fidelity of the speakers built into XGIMIs Horizon S Max. Nor could its brightness. Still, if youd like an affordable 4K projector thats easy to tweak and whose eye-catching design isnt just for show, JMGOs N1S Pro is more than worth a look.Best for bright rooms: Hisense C2 Ultra Tony Ware ProsAstonishing brightness with vibrant colorsEasily adjustable, with optical zoomSnappy software interface, with native Netflix supportBuilt-in JBL 2.1 sound system delivers pleasing dynamics, considering the form factorTwo HDMI 2.1 ports, plus spport for 240Hz 1080p gamingConsHisenses VIDAA OS has its compromises (but so does Android TV, etc.)Youre still better off with external sound (a trait shared by all lifestyle projectors)SpecsLumens: 3,000Ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, 1x LANSpeakers: YesPrice: $2,499 list priceIf your space is tight and room is bright, the Hisense C2 Ultra projector will do you right. This gimbal-mounted standout (watch on the ceiling if you want) delivers a level of nits (nearly 2,000) that can equal (maybe even rival) a flagship OLED/QLED TV. Used in a loft with two tiers of windows, the top ones unreachable (you try closing blinds 19 feet up), the 3,000 ANSI lumen output of its 0.47 DLP with RGB Laser still manages to cut through the environmental challenges. Watching a Premier League match during the day, theres still enough peak brightness, contrast, and color gamut coverage (close to 100 percent BT.2020 in the real world) to present the action. And once night sets in and the bleed recedes, that TriChroma really shines throughout 4K content (with HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision support).No matter what you want to throwwell, castat the C2 Ultra, its capable of displaying it on a screen ranging from 65 300 inches (diagonally). Variable 0.9~1.5 optical zoom (plus autofocus and intelligent angle/wall color adaptation features) helps ensure optimal throw and image alignment. Theres Wi-Fi 6e with plenty of streaming built into Hisenses bespoke VIDAA platform, plus AirPlay 2, as well as two HDMI 2.1 ports with ALLM & eARC support. This makes a lag-free Designed for Xbox gaming mode possible at 240Hz/1080pa standout feature among our picks. Two USB 3.0 ports are there for additional media dongles/drives. No matter the source, native 4K or upscaled, the result was consistently crisp and captivating. Helping this was a JBL 2.1 system featuring 10Wx2 stereo with a 20W subwoofer in the base, plus Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD, DTS Virtual:X support. Much like any TV, youll want to tweak the factory settings a bit, as Filmmaker Mode is typically the best baseline and motion smoothing is usually pumped up (the dreaded soap opera/big box showroom effect). If youre looking for compact clarity, this home cinema centerpiece delivers both visually and sonically powered by as little as one cord and the truth.Best budget: XGIMI Horizon ProProsGood color reproductionSolid speakersPriceConsNot quite as performantSpecsLumens: 1,500Ports: 2 x HDMI, 2 x USB-A, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x AUX, 1 x OpticalSpeakers: YesPrice: $999 list priceXGIMIs Horizon Pro is a step down in performance from the rest of our picks, but its still a solid choice if you need a 4K projector on a slightly lower budget. It has an eight-watt dual speaker audio system courtesy of Harman Kardon, is packed with every necessary port, and runs on Google TV. While it matches its more expensive technical sibling in luminosity, its speaker system is weaker, and it uses previous-generation video hardware so that color reproduction wont be quite as good. Youll still get a great-looking clear picture, but projectors have progressed since the Horizon Pros launch. Still, it has all of the essential features youd need from a 4K projector, from support for HDR, AI brightness adjustment, and a competent auto-focus system. If youre looking for a home theater upgrade that wont break the bank, youll find it here.FAQsQ: Is 3,000 lumens good for a projector? Yes. Many 4K projectors have a luminosity of between 1,500 and 2,500, so 3,000 lumens would be just fine. Q: How long does a 4K projector last? A 4K projector itself can last a decade or more, but its bulb may burn out before then and need to be replaced. Many projector bulbs are designed to last about 10,000 hours (thats 27.38 years if you use the device for an hour per day). If you plan on keeping your 4K projector for the long haul, it may be worthwhile to consider getting a replacement bulb, too. Q: Which is better OLED or laser projector? Theres no such thing as an OLED projector. The difference between an OLED TV and a laser projector is that the former will have more consistent contrast and black levels in an optimized environment, while the latter will offer a larger screen size. Theres no wrong answer here, pick the device that works best for you. Q: Where should I put my 4K projector? For the optimal experience, install your 4K projector 10 feet away from the wall youre projecting onto. Q: Is a projector better on a wall or screen? A projection screen is an added expense, but youll surely appreciate projecting an image onto a pristine white surface with no dips or scratches. That said, installing a projection screen may not be practical, especially if youre renting your place, which is why a projector such as the XGIMI Horizon S Max has automatic color correction. Q: How much does a 4K projector cost? This depends on its luminosity and other hardware specifications. Our 4K projector recommendations cost between $999 and $2,999. There are many factors to consider when deciding which 4K projector is right for you. Here are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide: Luminosity The brightness of a projectors bulb is measured in lumens; the higher its luminosity, the brighter its picturethough there are different scales (ANSI vs. ISO), so keep an eye on the spec specifics. Luminosity is important because it allows your projector to overcome light pollution from the sun, lamps, or fluorescent sources. Light pollution washes out a projectors ability to project a picture, making it look washed out or harder to see. A brighter picture is also easier to see regardless of how much external light is in the room, so you need to gauge your environment, especially if you need a projector for daylight viewing. If you have a dark(er) space, a projectors luminosity is outranked in importance by its resolution, but all models here are 4K, offering 3840 pixels across and 2160 up and down. Throw distanceA projectors throw distance determines the picture size based on how far it is from a wall. Short-throw style projectors can be very close to a wall while still making a large picture, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Meanwhile, a typical long-throw projector works best when installed between eight and 13 feet away from your wall. Be mindful that wall space is key regardless of what type of 4K projector you get. You wont get as much out of your projector if you dont have enough room. This tool can help you evaluate your throw distance-to-screen size ratio.Maximum screen sizeEvery 4K projector we recommend can project a picture over 100 inches diagonally, with most capable of reaching 300. Maximum size will ultimately be determined by its throw distance and how much wall space you can provide. Because these projectors have such a high resolution, you shouldnt deal with any significant loss in picture quality, even on an ultra-large screen.Port selectionA 4K projectors ports (sometimes known as inputs) will determine the types of components (e.g., game console, Blu-Ray player, streaming device) you can connect to it. Our 4K projector recommendations have at least one HDMI portmost have twowhich means you can plug just about any audio or video gadget into it. Many of our recommendations also have a headphone jack or other audio out port, which allows you to connect them to external speakers for better sound.SpeakersAll 4K projectors in this guide have built-in speakers, which is helpful if you prioritize portability. Many of the speaker systems on these higher-end projectors are surprisingly robust, so you wont need to plug in an external set to get good sound. If you want the full home theater experience, youll still need an A/V receiver and surround sound speaker set.Smart featuresOne of the standard features of premium 4K projectors is the ability to stream movies and TV shows from the most popular services directly from the device itself. Hardware makers have partnered with Google to allow their projectors to run on Google TV, a software platform that competes with FireOS and Roku.Final thoughts on the best 4K projectorsBest overall: XGIMI Horizon S Max Best splurge: AWOL Vision LTV-2500Best value: JMGO N1S ProBest for bright rooms: Hisense C2 Ultra Best budget: XGIMI Horizon ProA 4K projector is still a luxury, but one thats become significantly more attainable recently. Were comfortable recommending them to anyone serious about setting up a home theater room in their home, even if one doesnt set up a surround sound system right away. Setting up a 4K projector now means not having to think about a home theater upgrade for years since improvements to bulb brightness and color fidelity arent improving by leaps and bounds annually. If youre looking for an entire home theater in a single box, a 4K projector is the best option.

Nature, Published online: 05 February 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08509-3Analysis of large-scale CRISPR screening data, combined with experiments in patient-derived tumour organoid models, identifies PELO as a potential therapeutic target in chromosomal 9p21.3-deleted cancers and microsatellite-unstable cancers harbouring specific mutations.