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Projector vs TV: What Actually Delivers the Best Movie Night at Home

Sprucing up your home, whether that means building a new desk for your office or a fire pit for your back yard, is always a win. If you've been looking to upgrade your home entertainment system, you might be wondering whether a big-screen TV or a projector is the way to go. Either can create a movie theater-like experience you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Nowadays, you can buy massive TVs that measure up to 100 inches or more, while projectors can display an even bigger picture—up to 300 inches, depending on the model and your viewing preferences. What else sets these two options apart? We’ve outlined the key differences between projectors and TVs below, to help you decide which is best for your entertainment room.

Projector vs TV: The Real Difference

A projector is a device that can display still or moving images onto a projector screen or a flat surface, allowing for a much bigger viewing area. Most projectors use either a lamp or a laser to project the light. Home theater projectors work best in a dedicated room, ideally a dark space, with minimal light, or in spaces where you can control the light exposure. Home projectors are often mounted on the ceiling or used on a special stand.

On the other hand, TVs are mediums for broadcasting moving images and sound. They come in all sizes and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a TV stand. Most homes in the United States have TVs. They receive a signal from an antenna, cable provider, or the internet to broadcast the moving images. Most TVs use LED, LCD, or OLED technology to display pixels (small dots), which basically determine the image's resolution.

With that in mind, some of the most significant differences between the two come down to picture quality, the setup involved, the space they take up, and the price.

Robert Tait, the founder of The Hook Up, a YouTube channel dedicated to unsponsored product reviews of technology, home automation tools, and home theaters, shares, “TVs offer much higher peak brightness (usually measured in nits), and higher contrast when compared to projectors (thanks to local dimming arrays). Projectors offer higher color space coverage using triple laser light engines (they can display colors that current TVs cannot), but there isn’t a lot of available content that actually utilizes the wider color space of a projector.”

In terms of setup and space required, a TV permanently occupies the wall space where it is placed, whereas a projector allows the screen to be moved as needed. If you mount your projector, you’ll need a ceiling outlet, which will make installation more complex and costly.

The prices of projectors and TVs are similar, but you can get a projector that displays content in a larger format for the same price as a TV.

Picture Quality Comparison: Projector vs TV

TVs and projectors work differently but deliver basically the same outcome: displaying moving images. That said, how does the picture quality compare between them? It depends on multiple factors.

Brightness and ambient light performance

TVs work in any bright environment; the image isn’t affected by the amount of light they receive. Yes, you’ll see the glare from lights or windows, but the image will be intact. Projectors perform best in a dedicated space with minimal light and windows. When exposed to light, the image quality drops drastically. (Think about what would happen if movie theaters had windows.) Additionally, if someone walks in front of the projector, the image is completely blocked.

Resolution and HDR

The resolution is the quality of the image your TV or projector displays, and it can be affected by various factors. Features such as HD (high definition), HDR (high dynamic range), and UHD (ultra high definition) can enhance a projector's image quality. Most modern TVs already incorporate these technologies, but not all projectors do, so when choosing a projector, it is essential to ensure they are included.

Screen size

TVs, regardless of screen size, won’t affect the image quality of a show or movie. They are designed to display images at their given screen size. However, for projectors, you need to get the screen size “right” to display the content as it is intended to be viewed and to avoid eye strain. For instance, when the projector is too close or too far from the screen, it can affect the picture quality. Understanding the proper throw distance (more on this below) for your projector will help you get the most out of the image quality. Additionally, Tait explains that when people watch TV on big screens, “[they] experience 'eye fatigue' earlier,” given that the TV’s backlight shines directly at the viewer rather than reflected like a projector screen. So it is something to consider when choosing a home theater projector vs television.

TVs outperform projectors in rooms that have a lot of natural light.

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Room Requirements and Setup

Large TVs are commonly set up in living rooms or bedrooms. There are no specific room requirements per se other than your personal preferences about where you want your TV located and whether you want it mounted or placed on a TV stand. However, Tait recommends asking these two important questions when thinking about getting a big TV:

Do you have a wall big enough to accommodate a large TV?
Does your space allow you to carry a large TV into the room?

TVs take up more space than projectors. Plus, you need enough space to be able to maneuver the TV into the room where you’re installing it. To put things into perspective, a 100-inch TV is bigger than a sheet of plywood, and the packaging makes it even bigger. “If there are tight staircases or hallways, it may not be possible to get a TV into that space,” Tait explains.

Meanwhile, a projector screen can be used anywhere, even if you have to temporarily block a window or door to watch your show.

Throw distance for Projectors

Each projector has a recommended throw distance, which is the distance between the projector lens and the screen to display a specific screen size. Projectors with a short-throw distance require a distance between three and eight feet between the projector lens and the screen. For long-throw distance projectors, the distance should be around 10 to 15 feet. You should carefully review the specifications of your desired projector if you decide to get one.

Mounting

Projectors can be mounted permanently to the ceiling once the optimal throw distance has been identified. Alternatively, you can place it on a stand and store it when not in use. For TVs, you can mount them on a wall or ceiling using a TV wall or ceiling bracket.

Dedicated home theater vs living room use

If you have the space to set up your own home theater, that’s the best option for a projector. A dedicated home theater space allows you to control the lighting and arrange the space to fit your needs and design. In contrast, a projector will definitely work in a living room, but you'll need to block out light, have the space for the screen, and set the required viewing distance to achieve the best possible picture quality. A TV is the best option for a bright living room with plenty of windows.

Cost Breakdown: Projector vs TV

Projectors and TVs come in a wide range of prices and vary depending on features, picture quality, and accessories.

Upfront costs

The upfront cost of a projector can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars or more. Plus, there’s the added cost of professional installation if needed or required. On top of that, if you are setting up a dedicated home theater, you need to consider the cost of seating, a screen, room upgrades, and more, which can easily add up to thousands of dollars. Tait says, “Eighty five-inch TVs and below are extremely inexpensive and offer high performance compared to an equal cost projector setup.” TVs in general come in a wide range of prices; larger-screen models, such as a 100-inch TV, have an initial cost close to $2,000. Getting a TV of this size may require professional installation, which can increase the upfront cost.

Long-term costs (lamps, maintenance, upgrades)

TVs do not have long-term costs; they're one of those devices that you can basically use until they die. The only thing you need to update is the software system. The good news is that projectors no longer require ongoing upgrades either. You don’t have to replace the lamp after a specified number of viewing hours. Tait says, “Most projectors have moved away from bulbs and will be maintenance-free for the useful life of the display.”

Projector vs TV for Different Use Cases

One important factor you need to consider is how and when you’ll use your projector or TV. There are instances where one is better than the other. Whether it is a projector or a TV, you need to connect it to the internet to stream or your cable TV to watch your favorite movies, shows, and sports events.

Movies and cinematic viewing

For many, movies are simply better on a big screen. In this instance, projectors are the best option and with the right lighting and setup, you can even feel like you’re in the movie theater. TVs are still a great option for watching movies, but the experience is less immersive than a projector.

Sports, live TV, and gaming

Both projectors and TVs offer a good option for sports, live TV, and gaming. An essential factor to consider is how often it refreshes a new image. The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz), whether it is a TV or a projector. A TV or projector with a 120Hz refresh rate performs better than one with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Audio Considerations

Projectors and TVs come with built-in speakers that are loud enough to enjoy movies or TV shows. However, for those looking to immerse themselves and enjoy a “movie theater experience,” you might want to consider investing in an external sound system, such as a soundbar, to enhance audio. Most soundbars are compatible with both projectors and TVs, and prices can vary from $100 to $1,000.

When a Projector Makes More Sense

One of the most compelling features a projector offers is a large screen. You can easily surpass the largest TV screen size with any projector. If you’re someone who loves watching movies, TV, or sports on a big screen, a projector is the way to go. Also, if you have a dedicated movie room, then a projector makes more sense.

Another big factor is your budget. If you’re looking for a large screen without breaking the bank, a projector is the most affordable option. The largest TV costs over a thousand dollars, but you can easily get a projector for less than that and with a bigger screen.

When a TV Is the Better Choice

TVs are the preferred choice for most homeowners. They’re simple, provide a consistent picture quality, and work well across most viewing formats, including movies, live TV, sports, and gaming. A big pro that TVs offer over projectors is that the image quality doesn’t get affected by the lighting of a room, in comparison to projectors. TVs are the best choice for bright, open spaces, such as living rooms and casual viewing areas, and for those who want a dedicated gaming setup.

Projector vs TV FAQs

Can a projector replace a TV?

Technically, yes. A projector can basically perform the same functions as a TV. However, projectors require a specific setup and space to display the best possible images. They don’t work as well in bright rooms and need a projector screen. Most people who have projectors use them as a home theater in a dedicated area with blackout curtains or limited or controllable lighting.

Is a 4K projector quality the same as a 4K TV?

A 4K TV or 4K projector means that both devices can display high-resolution images known as ultra high definition (UHD). The other factor is that a projector simply has a larger screen than a TV, and with the proper setup and lighting, a 4K projector can enhance the viewing experience and perform better than a 4K TV.

Are projectors bad in daylight?

Projectors do not perform as well in daylight. The image quality is affected significantly. That’s why it's always advised to dedicate a room with limited lighting or blackout curtains to block the daylight.

How big is “too big” for a TV?

How big is too big for a TV comes down to the space where you’ll install your TV. If you have a small living room, you don’t want to have a giant TV taking over a whole wall with the screen so close to you that it will cause eye strain. If you’re planning to buy a large TV, ensure you have the recommended distance between the TV and your seat. This varies based on the TV's screen size.