What to choose: a projector or a TV?
We independently test the products and technologies that we recommend.
1. When is the projector suitable?
Let's list the most suitable scenarios for using the projector right away:
- you are a movie buff and are creating a full-fledged home theater, allocating a separate room for it;
- you need a really big screen - more than 100 " diagonally;
- You are a gamer who wants a large display and low input lag like a gaming monitor;
- you have to change your place of residence frequently.
2. When will the TV come in?
We will similarly voice typical situations when it is better to choose TV:
- your priority is a perfect picture at any time of the day or night - bright, contrasting, clear and with excellent color rendering;
- you need a device that is easy to set up and install for “every day” use;
- your main viewing scenario is during the day or with the lights on;
- you live in a small apartment where the impressive dimensions of the projector image cannot be realized.
A TV is a universal viewing device. TV shows a high-quality picture always and everywhere, without requiring complex settings (focusing, trapezoid correction, etc.). In terms of contrast, brightness, and color gamut, the best TVs are noticeably superior to top projectors. And simple models with a small diagonal are, of course, more familiar and preferable in small rooms - guest rooms, children's rooms, kitchens, etc.
If you are interested in a more detailed comparison of projectors and TVs, then below we will examine them in more detail based on key criteria and characteristics.
3. Installation and initial setup
If the TV is placed on a stand or other horizontal surface, then the installation procedure is not required at all. The TV also provides the possibility of wall mounting using VESA brackets. For such a scenario, sockets are usually made on the wall at the repair stage, which will be hidden by the TV case. In general, installation is really simple and takes little time. You can read more about choosing mounts in our material " How to choose a bracket for a TV and monitor ".
Initial TV setup comes down to creating an account for the smart platform. Right out of the box, the picture will be at a normal level (without any critical distortions or problems), and if the manufacturer has performed a successful factory calibration, then additional image correction is not necessary at all.
The projector requires a more complex installation and initial setup procedure. And different models may have their own specifics. In most cases, you need to take into account such variables as distance to the wall, placement height, tilt angles, etc.
To get a larger diagonal image, you need to move the projector further away from the wall, plus think everything through so that you, as a viewer, and other objects do not block the projection. The best installation option is to hang the projector under the ceiling. Ideally, this installation option should be considered at the renovation stage - otherwise, at a minimum, hanging wires and the use of extension cords cannot be avoided.
Easy installation is typical for short-focus projectors. Such devices can often be placed on the same stand near the wall, and a distance of 50 cm from it will provide a screen larger than 80 ". However, short-focus models are more expensive.
Another nuance of installing a projector is the presence of a flat wall, ideally white. Textured finishes are already a clear problem, but other lung, single-color wallpaper colors can sometimes be compensated for by "twisting" the brightness. And if there is no suitable wall, then you need to take special paint and do painting work or buy a projection screen with the procedure for its installation.
The initial setup of the projector image necessarily includes focusing, trapezoid correction, plus for a specific level of illumination it is also necessary to change the basic parameters - brightness, contrast, colors, etc. At a minimum, this will take 10 minutes, and for beginners - several times more. If the projector is not permanently in one place (not placed stationary), then such "dancing with a tambourine" will be required before each session.
4. Mobility
The TV is not intended to be moved frequently. Even if it is a 32-inch model, it is not very convenient to carry. And for transporting large-screen TVs, even the efforts of two people and the presence of a passenger car may not be enough.
The projector is noticeably more mobile. Firstly, even if you take a regular model, it is a medium-sized rectangular box that one person can handle moving. Secondly, there are special portable models on sale that are convenient to take with you - to work, on trips, etc. Plus, among mini-projectors, solutions with a built-in battery are increasingly common. They can be useful away from sockets, for example, in nature, or during power outages.
The devices' mobility is slightly reduced by their dependence on a suitable projection surface. But there are also specialized solutions among screens - portable ones.
5. Image size
The diagonal of a TV picture is limited by the physical dimensions of the screen. The range is from 19 to 100 ". And everything closer to the upper limit bites seriously in price.
The projector allows you to change the image size in a fairly wide range. And the maximum diagonal can be 1.5 or 2 times larger than the parameters of the largest modern TV. Yes, for these purposes, sometimes you need to remove the device from the wall by about 5 - 7 meters, and not every apartment has such an opportunity. But a really large picture, even with moderate overall quality, amazes the imagination and creates a wow effect.
6. Picture quality
The overall perception of video is influenced by various image parameters and viewing scenarios. Accordingly, it is difficult to rely on just one indicator. It is necessary to consider and compare TVs and projectors by several image characteristics at once:
6.1 Contrast
Even many budget TVs based on VA matrices have high contrast. And in flagships with OLED or QD-OLED, it tends to infinity, since each individual pixel (diode) can switch off and demonstrate true black. The situation with contrast is worse in the simplest models with IPS matrices.
Projectors have a noticeably lower contrast ratio. Only more expensive laser solutions can compare with conventional LED TVs. There will be no problems when viewing in a dark room, but with natural or artificial lighting, the picture becomes paler: instead of natural black, the viewer will see a dark gray color.
6.2 Brightness
Manufacturers do not always specify brightness parameters for TVs. But in mid- and high-end models, the picture can be really rich and saturated, which is clearly noticeable when viewing HDR content.
Projectors are inferior in brightness, if only because the viewer sees only reflected lung on the screen, while the TV display itself emits it. That is why you can comfortably watch TV during the day, while on projection equipment the image in such a situation will be dim and pale. That is why the projector should be placed in rooms where there are no windows and/or good darkening can be ensured - with the help of special blinds or curtains.
6.3 Detailing
In terms of screen resolution, the Ultra HD 4K format has become the norm for modern TVs. And for tech who appreciate the highest level of detail, 8K models are offered, providing a reserve for the future.
The range of projectors includes the most solutions with a Full HD resolution. Yes, there have been noticeably more 4K models in recent years, but they are considered the most advanced and cost accordingly. At a distance of 5 meters from the screen, you will not see any graininess even with a detail of 1920 by 1080 pixels. But until 4K has become the main standard in the world of projectors, the opinion remains that they are better suited for large living rooms and rooms dedicated to home theater.
6.4 Gaming chips images
TVs increasingly offer increased video smoothness — a refresh rate of 120 Hz. There is also a tendency to reduce response time and input lag. The latter indicator is now measured not in hundreds, but in tens of milliseconds. TVs also often have other features for gamers that indirectly affect the quality of the picture. This includes, for example, VRR and other video synchronization technologies.
Projectors are definitely better for tech gamers who need minimal input lag. It is comparable to the capabilities of gaming monitors: in good models it does not exceed 20 ms. With the "hertz" everything is not so clear. The standard is still 60 Hz. Although there are gaming projectors where not only 120, but sometimes 240 Hz are implemented. But there are few such models yet.
6.5 Other image parameters
TVs, all other things being equal, can offer better color rendering and a wider color gamut. And in top models, this is confirmed by compliance with various cinematographic standards, such as IMAX Enhanced.
Projectors can have wider viewing angles, more variable image formats (they can easily display an image from a smartphone without stripes on the sides, as is the case with TVs), and more often have 3D support, which has not taken hold in TVs.
7. Noise and power consumption
TVs work silently, but projectors have a cooling system (fan), so there is a certain acoustic background. Yes, the soundtrack of the film covers this noise, but when silence reigns on the screen or you are very close to the device, the buzzing is audible. True, the range of quiet models is gradually increasing - they generate less than 26 dB.
In terms of energy consumption, there is no big difference between TVs and projectors. Let's say that among TVs there is a direct communication with the diagonal: the larger the screen, the higher the consumption. And even powerful and bright projector lamps are still energy efficient, as a result we have a figure of about 100 W*h. Although more "gluttonous" exceptions to the rule also occur.
8. Working resource and maintenance
Televisions can work for decades, although force majeure (various breakdowns or damage to the screen) and the factor of moral obsolescence cannot be ruled out.
Projectors have a consumable element - a lamp, which after a certain time begins to degrade and requires replacement. In simple models, they rarely last more than 5,000 hours. And when the time comes, you need to have a lamp that suits you on sale. Laser projectors are noticeably cooler in terms of durability: the resource of their lamps sometimes exceeds 20 thousand hours. Such devices are no longer inferior to TVs.
In general, TV maintenance is a bit more complicated due to their large dimensions and heavy weight. In addition, the bottleneck here is the screen, which needs to be replaced if damaged, and it costs almost as much as a new TV. For projectors, the typical service is installing a different lamp.
9. Functionality and smart options
Most modern TVs have a pre-installed operating system, digital TV tuner, acoustics, wireless modules, and popular communication interfaces. Complete remote controls are increasingly equipped with a microphone for voice control. In addition to access to numerous multimedia services, TVs are pleased with Chromecast and/or AirPlay 2 streaming options.
The functionality of projectors, if inferior, is only in small things, and the lag is becoming smaller. So, there are almost no models with a TV tuner, but the choice of devices with their own OS, the ability to connect to the Internet and access to various services (YouTube, Netflix, etc.) is increasing. The range of projectors with Chromecast and AirPlay, voice control or assistant support is increasing. There are models on sale not just with speakers, but with a subwoofer or branded acoustics from the creators of Hi-Fi equipment.
10. Prices
The price range between TVs and projectors is very large. Probably, the most correct comparison would be between TVs with the largest diagonal and projection equipment that supports Ultra HD. Prices for the most affordable 85-inch TVs start at $1000, and for a 4K projector - at $900. The maximum cost for the compared devices exceeds $25,000, although flagship TVs are on average more expensive than top projection equipment.
The summarized data on the key comparison parameters are presented in the table:
| Comparison parameters | Televisions | Projectors |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and initial setup | Easier and faster | More difficult |
| Mobility and autonomy | Low, no battery models | High, there are devices with batteries |
| Image size | Up to 100 " | 200 " and more |
| Contrast and brightness | Higher | Below |
| Detailing | 4K is the standard | Most models are Full HD |
| Gaming chips | 120Hz, VRR etc. | Low input lag |
| Other features | Wide color gamut, true HDR support | Wide viewing angles, 3D support |
| Noise during operation | No | Yes (due to the cooling system) |
| Working resource | Usually longer | Usually shorter |
| Service | More difficult | Easier |
| Functionality | Tall | Tall |
| Prices (for flagships) | On average, slightly higher | On average, slightly lower |
11. How is a TV better than a projector?
Compared to projectors, TVs will win in the following ways:
- do not require complex installation;
- ready for use immediately after being plugged into a power outlet;
- as a rule, provide a more contrasting and bright picture;
- offer excellent video smoothness (for matrices with a refresh rate of 120 Hz), high-quality color rendition;
- operate silently;
- provide a TV tuner of all power standards;
- on average, have a higher working life.
Disadvantages of TV over projectors:
- not mobile and do not work autonomously;
- limited by screen size;
- more difficult to maintain;
- The best large-screen models cost more than flagship projectors.
12. How is a projector better than a TV?
Projectors are better than TVs in the following ways:
- by maximum image size, variability of choice of diagonal and image formats;
- more mobile, there are autonomous models with a built-in battery;
- have low input lag;
- easy to maintain;
- Top-end projectors cost less than the coolest TVs.
Disadvantages of projectors compared to TVs:
- worse picture quality in a non-shaded room;
- more difficult to set up initially;
- may require additional costs during installation, including purchasing a projection screen or painting the walls;
- need lamp replacement.
13. Conclusion
A TV is a familiar, understandable and immediately ready for everyday use device. It can be considered the most universal solution, including due to a more juicy, contrasting and bright picture, both with the lung on and in the dark. There is no need to count the hours of operation, you will not have to spend a long time editing or adjusting the image.
A projector can provide an impressively sized picture at a more pleasant price, and also please the gamer with low input delays. Plus, in a well-darkened room, the image will not only be large, but also high-quality. But here you cannot do without certain preparation - a competent choice of location, regular focusing or installation under the ceiling, painting the wall or purchasing a projection screen. That is why a projector is an ideal device for creating a home theater, where each session is an extraordinary event. Also, this device can be recommended not only to movie buffs, but also to all gamers who are ready to allocate a separate room for their hobby.
Finally, remember that sometimes you can avoid a difficult dilemma by deciding to buy both devices. Thus, the projector will be used for watching movies and/or playing games in a separate room, and the TV will be placed in the living room, bedroom or kitchen - for sports, TV shows, various talk shows, YouTube videos, etc.
Articles, reviews, useful tips
All materials
