If you thought you had to budget big for a 1080p gaming and movie projector, think again. As 4K (and faux-4K) models take top billing, regular HD models are getting cheaper, and better, than ever. Optoma's single-chip DLP HD27 is a case in point.

Sharp; Rich colours; Bright enough for rooms with light; Great for movies and gaming

Limited black level; Poor built-in sound system; Can be noisy

Families spend lots of time at home and one of the most common family-time activities is watching a movie together, whether it's the latest release adults want to watch after the kids are in bed or a classic that parents want to share with their children.

One inevitable consequence of the UHD shake-up at the top of the home theatre projection market (think pricey 4K models from Sony and faux 4K alternatives from JVC and Epson), is that there are now serious bargains to be had lower down the ranks.

Compact and easy to set-up; Excellent Full HD performance; Vibrant colour fidelity; Suitable for movies and games

Doesn't do a deep black; Awful onboard audio system; Limited motion resolution

Great projector very sharp and Crystal clear image. I had the sony 40es before sold it and brought the optoma. Blacks are not as close but much better image and does not look over processed. Really love it and has long lamp life.

It runs hot around the collar, could sport better gaming performance, and the onboard sound is about one step above an external iPhone speaker – but for everything it lacks, the Optoma HD27 shines where it matters when it comes to its insane, record-breaking brightness and Rec.709 cinematic-quality...

Given the price point you have to accept that the materials used will be befitting of that budget.

Excellent colour accuracy to Rec.709; Good brightness and motion; Excellent 3D performance; Good image sharpness from the lens; Excellent build...

Some obvious rainbow effect with certain material; Mediocre black levels and shadow detail; Noisy even in Eco mode; No 3D glasses or emitter provided

Happy with purchase so far. Projector is bright and clear, works well in the space I have it in for gaming and media content.

Picture keeps cutting out and searching for the connection. I've tried 2 hdmi cables (of different quality) and am using a lighnting bolt to hdmi adapter. i can't work out if it's the connection or the projector. when it works its great. when it doesn't its really annoying.

Pay a visit to the "Home Entertainment Projectors" section of Optoma's websit e, and you'll see that the company has no shortage of 720p and 1080p projectors targeted at this audience. What audience?

The 3D is very clear! Bought this one to replace the first generation I had (damaged by water, nothing to do with the performance of the projector)