The debate on whether it is best to use a projector or a wall TV seems to have just started, as tons of articles are published daily to discuss the topic. In one of our recent articles, we also examined whether a projector could be used for everyday TV watching. The article is enough for you to take a stand between a projector and a wall TV. Nevertheless, there are always discrepancies to be fixed.
If you are considering any TV lesser than 42 inches, then we should not be having a comparison between a projector and a wall TV. Obviously, any TV lower than this size is no match to projectors because it is illogical to compare a 32-inch TV to a 100-inch projector, not to mention 300 inches. Hence, today’s topic can also be viewed as Projectors vs. Large Wall TVs.
Projectors Vs. Wall TV
Wall TVs have been the popular choice of consumers for many years and still maintain the lead. However, the continuous spike in price as the resolution of TVs increases is becoming quite bothering, and TV lovers now require alternatives to get their in-house cinematic experience. Thus, projectors appear to be the best alternatives to Wall TVs.
Ordinarily, projectors might find it challenging to take a shot at the latest large TVs since they lack some essential smart features. However, smart projectors are better than most large-wall TVs since they offer a better viewing experience and require fewer extra accessories.
In general, your choice depends solely on your preference, although comparisons suggest projectors might have the upper hand in the debate. Let’s check out the advantage of the two over each other.
Advantages Of Projectors Over Wall TVs
Better Viewing Experience
Projectors have been proven to provide a better viewing experience since they can display on a larger screen. When humans view a video from a larger screen, the viewing experience is enhanced and beneficial to the eyes. Hence, you can enjoy the same experience a 4K TV would give you on a 1080p projector.
Most TV comes with viewing angles of 60 degrees, and only the best can go up to 120 degrees viewing angles. With a projector, you can be sure of viewing angles up to 178 degrees.
Cheap And Affordable
Imagine acquiring 100-inch, 4K projectors at less than $200 while a 90-inch TV costs over $2000. Although you may still need accessories to make your projector fully functional, you will spend much less than buying a large-screen TV that may also require some accessories.
Portability
Projectors are portable and can be moved easily from one room to another. Some projector screens are also foldable so that you can go anywhere with your projector TV. On the other hand, is TVs not easily moved around; you could break the screen while moving it around or carelessly get a part damaged.
Better Functionalities
Since you might likely connect your projector to another computer, the functionalities are virtually the same as that of the computer. If you think a smart TV would perform better, it means that a smart TV will be better than a computer system, which is not likely in most cases.
Flexibility
Projectors can be mounted on the ceiling or placed on a table, giving you more flexibility in terms of placement. This can be particularly useful if you don’t have a lot of wall space or want to be able to move your projector around quickly.
Advantages Of Large TVs Over Projectors
Excellent Audio Quality
The audio output quality is the major problem with using a projector instead of a TV. Most projectors do not come with an in-built speaker, and the ones that include these speakers have poor audio quality. TVs are better in terms of audio quality and can be made better by the number of available sound systems.
When building your home theatre, a soundbar is the best option. Since you will likely get a soundbar for your TV, you can also get one for your projector.
Durable
One major problem you will face when using a projector is that you will need to change the projector bulbs often. TVs are more durable than projectors since you would not need to change any bulb regularly and can use them for years without any issues. You should know that all electrical appliances are vulnerable to developing problems with the inclusion of projectors. Hence TV will be more durable if both devices are fully functional if both devices are fully functional.
Dynamic Viewing Experience
Even though you can adjust a projector to provide the viewing experience you desire, the level of possible dynamism cannot be compared to that of a TV. You can improve your TV viewing experience with the help of Full motion wall mounts, but there is no mount for projectors yet.
Contrast and Brightness
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a feature that allows for a wider range of colors and higher contrast in images, resulting in a more lifelike and immersive viewing experience. Most large-screen TVs come with HDR functionalities and make streaming movies more enjoyable. While HDR can be a great feature on a projector, it can also come with its own set of issues.
One issue with HDR on projectors is that the projector may not display the full range of colors possible with HDR content. This can result in a “washed-out” appearance or a lack of detail in the highlights and shadows of the image.
Another issue is that projectors may have difficulty achieving the necessary brightness level to fully utilize HDR content designed to be viewed on displays with a peak brightness of at least 1000 nits, while many projectors struggle to reach even 500 nits. This can result in a less impactful HDR experience.
There are also compatibility issues to consider. Not all projectors are compatible with HDR, and even those that are may not support all the various HDR formats available. This can make it difficult to know if your projector can display HDR content correctly.
Overall, while HDR can be a great feature on a projector, it’s essential to be aware of the potential issues and research to ensure you get the best possible experience.
Convenience
Televisions are generally easier to set up and use than projectors. No need to worry about setting up a screen or finding a suitable surface to project onto. Just plug in the TV, and you’re ready to go.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Projector
If you are convinced a projector is the best for you, you still need to consider some factors before making a final decision. These factors include:
Screen Space
One of the foremost factors to look at before deciding to purchase a projector is the availability of wall space for the screen. This is where acquiring a wall TV comes in handy since you can place it on a shelf or hang it in the air through a wall mount.
Projectors display better on large screens of at least 100 inches, which can be a great blow if you own a small room. It is better to reserve one of your room’s walls as a screen, in this case, to enjoy the best viewing experience. However, you cannot compare the quality of a video display on an ordinary wall to that of a projector screen.
Additional accessories
Although getting a projector would save you quite a fortune compared to the cost of a large-screen TV, you still have to consider the additional accessories needed to operate your projector at maximum functionalities.
You may need an external speaker if your projector does not have an in-built speaker and other devices for self-streaming capacity.
In most cases, you might not need all these accessories since you can opt for a bright projector with an in-built speaker and advanced Operating System (OS) at a fraction of a wall TV price.
Viewing experience
A TV only requires the user to tap on the power button to come up and apply some adjustment techniques, which is even easier to achieve with a full-motion wall mount. However, determining the best position for your projector might take a lot of time, and you may be unable to do this yourself.
Nevertheless, making necessary preparation, such as getting a projector screen before purchasing a projector, would save you from this stress.
Bulb Lifespan
You also must consider the lifespan of the projector’s bulb before going for it. Unlike TV screens, projector bulbs burn out often and must be replaced to continue using the projector. This is a severe concern if you are addicted to keeping your TV on all day since you will need to change the bulb regularly.
Although you may go for more durable bulbs, you cannot avert replacing the bulb of a projector used as a TV at least once a year.
Can I Replace My TV With A Projector?
As we have emphasized, projectors are great if set up correctly and can be used in place of a TV. They offer a better viewing experience since they are wider and more friendly to the eyes. They are also portable and hence, be moved from one room to another without hassle.
The functionalities of a projector are further enhanced by the computer it is connected to, which is something you may not get with a TV. Smart projectors can stream videos on popular platforms like YouTube, while some also come with a TV tuner to show local channels.
If you own an ordinary projector, you can consider getting a cable box to supplement its local channel support and other accessories to get the best.
Conclusion
When it comes to which is better between a large screen TV and a Projector, Large TVs win the battle hands down. You can, however, get the experience of a large-screen TV with the help of a projector, and it costs only a fraction of the price.
A projector can easily slot in for a TV with the right accessories, and you can use them for everyday TV watching. Getting a smart projector even makes it better to utilize your projector as a TV, which comes at an affordable cost.
Nevertheless, you can get a TV if you have enough money to acquire one, especially the latest 4K TVs. You can also get an 8K TV, even though you might not need something as high as that for home use.
The bottom line is that you can always consider a projector instead of breaking the bank to acquire a TV.