comments:
What you want is a lifestyle projector. Something that is laser based instead of lamp-based. Epson has basically nothing worth owning within your budget that will perform well. Models like the BenQ that u/PlayStationPepe suggested are excellent. There is also the Nexigo Trivision Ultra refurbs which are $1,100. Those are very well reviewed and hit all of your desired needs. https://www.amazon.com/NexiGo-TriVision-Tri-LED-Laser-Portable-Projector/dp/B0F6MKD9PN/ref=sr_1_4 You should also check out the videos about lifestyle projectors here...https://youtu.be/F6mFV7XQC3o?si=cJqZg7RSkC72vQSZ Feel free to ask questions if you have them, but models like the BenQ and Nexigo have integrated smart operating systems and have advanced alignment features like four-corner keystone correction and typically screen detection which can help with making setup a breeze.
The Nexigo Trivision Ultra often has refurb models for about $1,100. It is by far and away the best value for the money IMO. Very good image quality and a solid price on their refurbs. New, they are closer to the cost of the Valerion and XGimi Horizon 20 models which are going to best the Nexigo. But, at near $1,000, right now? I'm looking for a refurb Trivision Ultra.https://www.amazon.com/NexiGo-TriVision-Tri-LED-Laser-Portable-Projector/dp/B0F6MKD9PN/ref=sr_1_2 I guess new on their site they are closer to $1,300, which is a good price as well. As mentioned, you have to consider something to control the light during the day, but this is something you will see for yourself. Yes, a TV is a better choice in a family room setup IMO. I love my projector, but it is in my light controlled basement. Just keep in mind you may need to control the light.
Your big issue with be that most projectors just aren't bright enough to give you much performance prior to complete darkness. That's just a reality of front projection. I have a demo of this using a 5,000 lumen projector on my channel (not much else on it)...https://www.youtube.com/@paulvail7926 You can also see how poor the black levels are in the 30' wide image demo. Similar projector. A Panasonic 3 LCD model with 5,000 rated ANSI lumens. So, I'd go with DLP. Maybe the XGimi Horizon 20. If you want to save some money, then the 1080p Optoma HD146x is an excellent purchase. It gives you plenty of leftover budget for a streaming device (which you will need), a outdoor screen of some kind (if you need it), and audio (which you absolutely will need). I would hit up Facebook Marketplace and look for used screens. People move and sell their screens all the time. You can get $300+ screens for $100 or less all the time. Great way to save some cash. For streaming, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a decent solution. I like it for the built in Bluetooth audio. It allows connecting a speaker to be easier. Bluetooth isn't the best audio, but it is convenient. Finally, for audio, you can use any Bluetooth speaker and connect it to the Firestick using Bluetooth. Make sure it is a speaker with enough ooomph to sound good outside. I use one of those 15" tall black box Bluetooth speakers with a battery inside of it that you often see at Costco/Sam's Club for around $100-$150. It works well for my needs. Not high fidelity, but clear and loud enough for the needs I've had for it. If you can provide a plug and don't want/need a battery inside, then there are likely more cost effective options. This whole setup, will run you under $1,000 with the Optoma projector. The Horizon 20 from XGimi is about $1,500 by itself. If you want something in that 'lifestyle 4k' category for a projector, then the Nexigo Trivision Ultra is well reviewed and is about $1,100 as a refurb, $1,300 new.https://www.amazon.com/NexiGo-TriVision-Tri-LED-Laser-Portable-Projector/dp/B0F6MKD9PN/ref=sr_1_3 I like the Horizon 20 more overall, but the Nexigo is a solid product and saves some cash which can give you some breathing room for other things you may need for your setup.