This post was most recently updated on December 26th, 2020
Looking for an affordable budget friendly indoor and outdoor projector? Then the ViewSonic PJD5155 should probably be on your list of feature-packed, versatile yet affordable projectors.
We’ve added the ViewSonic PJD5155 mainly due to Viewsonics reputation for quality projectors. We’ve used the ViewSonic LS820 FULL HD 3500-lumen Ultra-Short Throw Laser projector for some really big events.
This particular laser projector is one of Viewsonics top of the line professional grade performers. Below is a photo of a UFC event where the Viewsonic laser projector was on a roof projecting the fights.
For the best projectors under $500, the ViewSonic PJD5155 should be able to satisfy most needs, whether it be an indoor or outdoor venue. As with many of Viewsonics devices in its product line, namely Computer monitors which I have always been a fan of, the ViewSonic PJD5155 gives good value for the price point.
This particular projector wouldn’t be considered professional grade, so for professional users, higher priced models that can withstand frequent use and challenging conditions would be more appropriate.
However, priced at under $500 what you’d expect is a decent projector for the home, school or office, preferably indoors. It’s not suited for heavy-duty use. You would not want to leave the lamp on for hours in extreme heat, humid or cold conditions. Other things to consider when getting a budget projector is its overall lifespan.
Most lamps go dim over time. Even professional users will replace the bulbs after a certain amount of hours or will have to have them serviced. Paying less now may mean you’ll need to do more maintenance of the projector in a shorter amount of time. That’s sort of the trade-off.
For the casual users, this would not be that much of a problem, particularly in the savings and getting a decent projector that will able to handle most home use. The cost savings will pretty much nullify the maintenance issues that will come later. That alone should not be a deal breaker.
So if you’re on a budget, check out the ViewSonic PJD5155
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is recommended distance for projector to screen ?
There’s never a hard and fast rule when it comes to projector distance. Varying screen sizes will be used so the distance of the projector has to be adjusted accordingly. This is particularly true with outdoor movies screens.
We use both indoor pull down screens that are less than 10 ft, but use very large outdoor movie screen that are 12ft, 14ft and 18ft. The projectors distance is different for all these screens. What I’ll normally do is once I’ve found the optimal distance using all the zoom in/out focus on the projectors focus ring.
I will mark that depending on what screen I am using. T hat distance remains constant and normally doesn’t have to change, regardless of the setting, outdoors on indoors.
Though a little more pricey the short throw projectors have a huge advantage when it comes to distance. If distance really becomes an issue, this may be the type of projector you have to consider: https://www.feature-link.com/category/review/best-projectors-under-500/
- I was wondering what you guys use or prefer as far as adding external speakers to the projector?
Excellent question, For those buyers who are purchasing a projector for the first time you have to keep in mind that the sound system will be a separate unit not included with the projector.
Almost all projectors will have audio outputs, normally (1.8 inch outputs) but you’ll need a speaker system to amplify your movie if you’re using a DVD/Blueray player, or even if you’re just using the projector for gaming. We will be looking at possible sound systems you can use that best suits your application.
- How loud does the fan get? I want to use it in office setting do not want to have to yell over it
The fan noise will not be an issue at all, it’s whisper quiet even if you were going to use this in a church or library. The only issues I’ve had with a fan is that you have to remember that the fan keeps the projector cool and ventilated.
At no point should you ever cover the cooling fan, or the projector will automatically shut down. This is to protect the projector from permanent damage. If you’re outdoors and it rains, it’s best to power off the projector then cover it or take it somewhere it won’t get wet.
- What extra cords do i need to watch a dvd or connect to a laptop?
This projector has many outputs, HDMI, SVGA, an HDMI cable plugs into the projector then into your DVD player(which will almost certainly be HDMI) is all you need.
If for some reason you plan to use an Ipad then you’ll need the lightning to HDMI adapter.
This is only for Ipad 4’s and newer that use the lightning interface. This will not work for Ipad 1,2 or 3 those Ipads have a totally different non-lightning interface. Something like this
- I would like to use this projector to watch sports. I have cable, but how would I hook up my cable to the projector so I can watch live tv?
This projector is more than capable to do what you want in this situation. The cable TV’s coaxial cable does not directly need to be hooked up into the projector like a DVD player.
Normally what would be used is an HDMI cable from this projector to your Cable TV’s box, those normally have HDMI outputs that would go into the projectors input.