OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Vivitek H1185HD review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£830Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2500Throw ratio:1.39-2.09:1Lamp life:3500 hours

Vivitek H1185HD Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 1 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Vivitek H1185HD
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

35%

6.3

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.3

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 78% of projectors
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

6.1

Price

â–¼Worse than 66%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.5

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 60%
6.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models

6.3

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 75%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • vivitek-h1185hd
vivitek-h1185hd
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of projector Vivitek H1185HD

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.5

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

6.3
Reviews score
6.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

6.1

Price

6.5
ANSI lumens
2,500
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,500 ANSI lumens, brighter than 52.8% of projectors and equal to 3.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
10,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 10000:1, lower than 50.1% of projectors and equal to 7.4% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.39-2.09:1
Min throw distance
1.2 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.2 m, longer than 62.1% of projectors and equal to 7.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
325 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 325 inch, larger than 95.1% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.5
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.5, wider than 58% of projectors and equal to 3.4% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
3,500 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 3,500 hours, longer than 88.5% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
5,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 6.5% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
290 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 290 W of power, more than 66.4% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

Vivitek H1185HD vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 75 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (325 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    325 inch vs 250 inch
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 0.2 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.5 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.5 vs 1.3
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 13.6% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,500 vs 2,200
  • 75 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (325 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    325 inch vs 250 inch
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 0.2 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.5 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.5 vs 1.3
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 14.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models

    6.3

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.3 vs 7.4
  • 14.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models

    6.3

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.3 vs 7.4
  • 6.5% worse value for money
    Vivitek H1185HD has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (6.52 vs 6.9).
    6.52 vs 6.95
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 8 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2013 vs 2021
  • 0.19 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.2 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 16,500 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (3,500 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    3,500 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 15,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (33 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    33 dB vs 31 dB
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (29 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    29 dB vs 28 dB
  • 60 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (290 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    290 W vs 230 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
09/08/2014
Lab test · Bright DLP projector
Verdict
The Vivitek H1185HD is a very bright DLP projector for rooms that can't be fully darkened, but its colors and black levels fall short of home cinema.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Vivitek H1185HD

  • Superb high-definition 1080p image quality for movies
  • High brightness at 2500 lumens, making it suitable for moderate lighting
  • Easy setup process, often installable in minutes
  • Excellent 3D performance with virtually no rainbow effect in 3D mode
  • Comprehensive connectivity including dual HDMI, VGA, and 12V triggers
  • Quiet operation in Eco mode (approx. 35 dB)
  • Built-in 10W speaker with SRS WOW technology for decent integrated audio

What customers don't like about Vivitek H1185HD

  • Presence of 'rainbow effect' (RLE) in 2D mode, which may annoy sensitive users
  • Basic black level performance; dark scenes can appear more grey than deep black
  • Lack of lens shift, which limits placement flexibility during installation
  • Increased fan noise when running in high lamp mode for 3D viewing
  • Requires specific 'VividPeaking' settings to avoid a soft-looking image out of the box
  • Audible noise is noticeable at 35 dB, which is higher than some premium competitors

Verdict

The Vivitek H1185HD is a high-performance DLP home theatre projector featuring native Full HD 1080p resolution, 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio for vivid, high-impact imagery. It incorporates Texas Instruments' DarkChip3 and BrilliantColor technologies, alongside SRS WOW audio with a built-in 10W speaker and full 3D compatibility via HDMI v1.4. Main pros include its versatile 1.5x manual zoom, an impressive lamp life of up to 5,000 hours in Eco mode, and extensive connectivity options including dual HDMI, VGA, and a 12V trigger. However, potential cons include a lack of modern wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, an audible noise level of 35dB (Normal mode) that may be noticeable in quiet scenes, and its status as a discontinued legacy model.

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