Would you like to bring the ultimate cinema experience to your own 4 walls?

Then we have just the right one Beamer to you. Today we present you our test winner in the field of 4K home cinema projectors - the Acer VL7860.

Not only is it one of the most compact in its class, it also shines above all with strong colours, strong contrasts and an extremely long service life compared to its competitors.

1. First insight
2. Hardware & Connections
3. 4K through XPR-Shift technology
4. Weaknesses
5. Pros & Cons
6. Fazit

1. First insight

The Acer VL7860 comes in a design that is both simple and elegant. The white/silver look together with the good workmanship is very valuable. The Acer is therefore one of the more stylish models, but is still not too conspicuous and can be integrated into almost any room concept. The size of the projector is very compact with its dimensions of 28,9 x 15,7 x 45,8 cm for 4K UHD projectors. The weight is also reasonable for such a projector at 8,5 kg and can also be transported if necessary. A padded carrying bag from Acer is included in the scope of delivery.

Setting up the Acer VL7860 is very easy thanks to the built-in LensShift function. The image can be moved horizontally and vertically without distortion using a wheel on the top. In addition, an optical zoom is installed, which can upscale the image up to 1,6 times the size without loss. The projection distance of the projector can be freely selected between 1 and 9,30 m. The picture diagonal varies between 0,51 - 7,62 m. So you can throw a huge picture on the wall in your living room or in another large room.

However, if you only have limited space in your room, we recommend a short-distance projector. This is smaller, lighter and requires a much smaller distance to the projection surface.

Our test winner in the field of short-throw projectors 2018 you will find here.

2. Hardware & Connections

The 4K UHD projector offers numerous connection options for your Blu-Ray Player, your console or any other playback device. In addition to two 4K-capable HDMI connections, you will find a VGA input and a VGA output on the back, as well as a normal USB (type A) connection. A LAN socket and an audio input and output are also installed.

One of the biggest highlights of the Acer VL 7860 is the L contained in the name, which stands for the built-in one Laser. Compared to conventional UHP lamps, this not only offers extremely good contrast and color values, but also a much longer service life. With UHP lamps, the picture deteriorates over time and they have to be replaced after a few years. The laser, on the other hand, can last a multiple of the time of a conventional UHP illuminant without losses.

3. 4K through XPR-Shift technology

The Acer VL7860 offers a breathtaking 4K picture for optimal home cinema enjoyment. And the projector can do this with the help of a little trick. The native resolution is actually only 2.716 to 1.528 pixels. How does the projector get its UHD or 4K resolution from 3.840 to 2.160 pixels?
The Acer VL7860 does this by using the so-called XPR shift process. In addition to the actual image, this creates a second image that is shifted by 0,5 pixels from the original. Since the projector changes the image so quickly, our eyes don't notice this process and the image looks a lot sharper. This XPLR shift technology works amazingly well and turns your 4K movies or games into a real spectacle on the screen. Even during the day or in bright rooms, the projector can shine with its good brightness value of 3000 ANSI lumens.

Together with the excellent sharpness, the projector reproduces the image in high-contrast and strong colors. Particularly high contrast can be generated using the High Dynamic Range (HDR) support. This makes the colors look a lot more natural and stronger. The color space of the Acer VL7860 even goes beyond the standardized color space Rec. 709. The projector cannot quite tie in with the DCI-P3, which is used in some higher-class 4K devices. On the other hand, it beats almost all other competitors in its price segment with its good image.

The Acer VGL 1 is also ideal for (live) transmission of sporting events such as Formula 7860 or football games. With the help of Acu Motion technology, intermediate images are generated that reduce motion blur. The picture looks even better and smoother. This is of course advantageous for sports broadcasts with fast movements. Thanks to the technology, these can be enjoyed without jerking and without blurring. Compared to its competitors, it is also relatively compact and can be taken to friends without any problems thanks to the carrying case.

4. Weaknesses

By DLP The rainbow effects that appear on the Acer VL7860 are within limits and will probably only be noticed by very few users. However, what the projector lacks is compatibility with 3D content. If the playback of 3D films and games is important to you, you should choose a different projector.

Our test winner in the field of short-throw projectors - the Optoma GT1080 Darbee – is e.g. 3D compatible.

The perfect home cinema experience not only includes an incredible picture, but also a clearer and more voluminous one Klang. Unfortunately, the projector with its two built-in 5 watt speakers cannot do justice to this. But very few projectors can do that. They are sufficient for normal use when watching information programs such as news or the like Loudspeakers out of. However, in order to fully enjoy entertainment content such as blockbusters and games, an external HiFiSystem or soundbar recommended. This can then be connected to the audio input without any problems and everything is there for the ultimate home cinema experience.

5. Pros & Cons

Pro:

• easy setup with LensShift
• good color rendering
• high maximum brightness
• strong contrast values ​​thanks to HDR support
• 4K resolution using XPR shift
• long service life thanks to laser diodes

cons:

• no extraordinary sound of the installed Loudspeakers
• no 3D compatibility
• not an entry-level model, so the price is not affordable for everyone

6. Fazit

In conclusion, the Acer VL7860 really produces an incredible picture and is a top choice for your home cinema. The razor-sharp 4K image is generated using XPR-Shift technology. The strong contrasts and a natural image are made possible by the support of HDR. You have to cut back on the sound of the Loudspeakers make. But who uses the integrated projector Loudspeakers in his home cinema system? In our opinion, an extra connected soundbar or hi-fi system is a must. If you really want to see 3D movies, we have to disappoint you. The Acer VL7860 can do a lot, but unfortunately cannot display 3D content.

One of the main advantages of the projector is the built-in laser. This ensures a service life that is up to 20 times longer than with conventionally installed UHP lamps. So you don't have to replace the expensive bulb every 1-2 years. Along with the excellent image values, the Acer VL7860 also offers a lot of features such as the LensShift function, Acu Motion or a padded carrying case.

All in all, the Acer VL7860 is the best 4K UHD projector in its price segment for us. It is definitely the right choice for the ultimate 4K home cinema experience in your living room.