- 40.0%4k @ 60Hz
- 2.5%4k @ 120Hz
- 30.0%1080p @ 60Hz
- 3.0%1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 17.0%1080p @ 120Hz
- 7.5%1080p Maximum Refresh Rate
Projectors can accept many different combinations of resolution and refresh rate over HDMI, but not every model handles the same projector resolutions, or displays them the way they're sent. Our Supported Resolutions test documents exactly which signals a projector handshakes successfully and whether they're shown at the same resolution/refresh rate or converted internally (which we label Downscaled). This helps you predict plug‑and‑play compatibility with streamers, Blu‑ray players, consoles, and PCs, and tells you what to expect for gaming and desktop use. As with our TV testing, we verify support with a PC and other sources, confirm the incoming signal on the projector's information overlay, and use PC mode for the chroma tests.
Test results
Test Methodology Coverage
The Supported Resolutions test is part of the current projector 0.10 test bench. Earlier test benches didn't include a dedicated version of this test. The present checklist covers:
| New Tests | 0.9 | 0.10 |
|---|---|---|
| 4k @ 60Hz and 120Hz (Pass or Downscaled) | ❌ | ✅ |
| 1440p @ 60Hz and 120Hz (Pass or Downscaled) | ❌ | ✅ |
| 1080p @ 60Hz (With and without 4:4:4), 120Hz, and maximum refresh rate | ❌ | ✅ |
When It Matters
- Movies & TV: Many set‑top boxes and older players output 480p/720p/1080p. Support means you can just plug in and watch; if your player already upscales to 1080p or 4k, native support for the lower format matters less.
- Gaming: Consoles and PCs target specific combos (e.g., 1080p at 120–240Hz, 4k at 60Hz). If a projector can only accept 4k at 60Hz, 4k120 gaming isn't possible, even if the HDMI port is labeled "2.1."
- PC use: Chroma 4:4:4 is what makes text look crisp when you use a projector like a big monitor; most projectors need PC mode to render it correctly. Read more about text clarity when using a projector as a PC monitor.
Our Tests
Our supported resolutions procedure for projectors mirrors our TV workflow. We connect a test PC, set exact output formats, and disable GPU scaling for the entire test, so the PC never converts the output format. We don't create custom timings; we only test modes that are exposed by the projector's EDID. For chroma 4:4:4 checks, we switch the projector to its PC/Computer input mode because that's usually required for proper text rendering. Finally, we verify on the projector's information banner that the expected format is being received. As formats evolve, the checklist can change, so the overall sub-score over time isn't directly comparable to older test benches. We first started testing for supported resolutions with the 0.10 projector test bench. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work.
Native Resolution
Every projector has one native imaging resolution determined by the pixel structure of its imager(s). We identify that resolution and report it as Native 4k, Pixel‑Shift 4k, 1440p, or 1080p. Pixel-shift systems rapidly offset the image between sub-frames to address more on-screen pixels than the native imager, up to the full 8.3 million on some designs, even when the underlying imager's native resolution is lower. Knowing the native resolution sets expectations for fine detail and helps explain why certain high‑bandwidth formats may be accepted only by downscaling.
4k @ 60Hz
In this test, we confirm that the projector accepts a 3840×2160 (4k) signal at 60Hz from common sources like UHD streamers, PCs, and game consoles. On pixel‑shift designs, this result reflects input acceptance and output timing, not the native pixel matrix of the imager.
4k @ 120Hz
Here we verify whether the projector both accepts and displays a 4k signal at 120Hz. Many models will handshake 4k120 but convert it internally to 4k60 or 1080p120; those are marked 'Downscaled', so you know what you'll actually see. A 'Yes' result means the projector draws 4k at 120Hz; a 'No' means it can't accept the timing at all.
1440p @ 60Hz
Here we verify whether the projector both accepts and displays a 2560×1440 (1440p) signal at 60Hz. Many projectors don't expose 1440p in their EDID, so consoles/PCs may default to 1080p or 4k; when 1440p only works after forcing it in a device menu, we mark it 'Yes (Manual Override).' A 'Yes' result means the projector actually draws a 1440p image; 'Downscaled' means it accepts 1440p but converts it to another resolution internally (usually 1080p); and 'No' means it can't accept the timing at all.
1440p @ 120Hz
This test checks if the projector accepts and renders 2560×1440 (1440p) at 120Hz. Some models will handshake 1440p120 but internally scale to 1080p120 or fall back to 60Hz. We flag those as 'Downscaled' so you know what you'll actually get. A 'Yes' result means true 1440p at 120Hz with no frame-skipping; 'Yes (Manual Override)' means you must force 1440p120 in the console/GPU settings; and 'No' means the timing isn't supported.
1080p @ 60Hz
This baseline check confirms that the projector accepts a 1920×1080 (1080p) signal at 60Hz and displays it correctly. It's the common output format for Blu‑ray players, set‑top boxes, and many streaming devices.
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
For desktop use, full‑chroma 4:4:4 is what keeps text crisp. We feed a 1080p @ 60Hz 4:4:4 signal, put the projector in PC/Computer mode when required, and verify with our pattern that chroma isn't being subsampled. If the pattern shows fringing or blur, the projector isn't rendering 4:4:4 properly for that input mode.
1080p @ 120Hz
We check whether the projector accepts 1080p at 120Hz and reports it correctly on the info banner. Many gaming‑focused models support this timing even if they can't do 4k @ 120Hz, enabling smoother motion and typically lower input lag from consoles and PCs targeting 120 fps.
1080p @ Maximum Refresh Rate
At 1080p, we step through higher refresh modes exposed by the GPU (for example, 144Hz or 240Hz) and record the highest stable timing the projector accepts and displays. This is an input‑capability test; it doesn't evaluate motion interpolation or internal imager driving.
Additional Information
Upscaling vs. Acceptance
This test is about what the projector accepts, not whether it upscales lower‑resolution content well. On PC, you can also render games internally at a lower resolution but still output the maximum resolution/refresh rate the projector accepts.
INPUT LAG
Input lag is the time between your device sending a frame and the projector starting to show it. It isn't a fixed value, as it changes with the resolution and refresh rate because each timing can follow a different processing path (scaling, tone mapping, pixel-shift sequencing, keystone, etc.). Game/Fast modes usually bypass extra processing and feel snappier, while non-Game modes add delay. For measured results at each timing, see our Input Lag article.
Tips for the best results
- Use a certified‑bandwidth HDMI cable and the projector's Game or Fast mode for high refresh rates.
- Turn off keystone/auto‑keystone and avoid heavy image processing; these can add latency and, on some models, limit accepted formats.
- For PC use, switch to PC/Computer input mode and set chroma to RGB Full or YCbCr 4:4:4 on your GPU to preserve text clarity.
Conclusion
Our Supported Resolutions test for projectors tells you exactly which formats a model accepts and whether high‑frame‑rate signals like 4k @ 120Hz are truly displayed or converted internally. For most users, reliable 4k @ 60Hz plus legacy‑format acceptance covers everyday watching. Gamers and PC users should also look for 1440p @ 120Hz, 1440p @ 60Hz, 1080p @ 120–240Hz, and 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 for responsive play and clear text.