{"id":814579,"date":"2024-12-25T00:12:33","date_gmt":"2024-12-25T06:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2024\/12\/25\/is-it-worth-it-getting-a-projector-instead-of-a-tv\/"},"modified":"2024-12-25T00:12:33","modified_gmt":"2024-12-25T06:12:33","slug":"is-it-worth-it-getting-a-projector-instead-of-a-tv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2024\/12\/25\/is-it-worth-it-getting-a-projector-instead-of-a-tv\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Worth It: Getting a Projector Instead of a TV"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For as much time as we spend watching TV (hint: a lot<\/a>), we spend almost as much time (well, maybe not quite) trying to minimize the appearance of our televisions in our living spaces. One possible solution that has gained popularity in recent years? Getting rid of your traditional TV<\/a> and opting for a projector instead. Here, we explore the pros and cons of making the switch.<\/p>\n

Pro: Projectors can be (nearly) invisible when not in use.<\/h2>\n

By far, the biggest design perk of a projector is the flexibility it offers in terms of where it goes and its ability to disappear when you\u2019re not using it. Modern projectors are compact, quiet, and have a short throw\u2014meaning you can set them up just inches from your wall and enjoy an impressive 4K picture projected up to 130 inches in size. Place them on a bookshelf opposite your screen or on a coffee table, as Adrienne Breaux, homes director at Apartment Therapy does. \u201cWhen we have guests over and don\u2019t want the projector in view, we just slip it into a box under the sofa,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n

\"Empty
Most projectors are small enough to be stored away out of sight when not in use.<\/p>\n

(Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Con: You\u2019ll need a surface for the projector to project onto.<\/h2>\n

A screen is the most logical choice and, to make the most of your viewing experience, Lydia Cho, head of TV product marketing at Samsung Electronics America<\/a>, recommends using an ambient light rejection<\/a> (or ALR) screen. \u201cThey help minimize ambient light, so you get an even better picture, improved color, and brightness,\u201d she explains. An ALR screen doesn\u2019t come cheap\u2014expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands depending on size and quality\u2014and Cho adds that when you invest in a quality projector, you don\u2019t necessarily need a dedicated screen. \u201cA wall or other flat surface can work,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

For her screen, Breaux offers a creative solution: \u201cWe made a large wooden frame and added stretched canvas from our local fabric store to both sides. One side is left white, while the other is painted with an abstract design. During the day, it rests on our fireplace mantel as a beautiful piece of art. At night, we turn it on its side, rest it on an ottoman in front of the fireplace, and voil\u00e0\u2014a huge \u2018TV\u2019 for movie nights and binge-watching.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pro: You can DIY the install.<\/h2>\n

Unless you have a dedicated media room with a ceiling-mounted projector and high-end sound system, there\u2019s no need for professional help. \u201cIt can be as simple as plugging it in, connecting to your network, and finding a surface,\u201d says Cho. And if you\u2019re crafty, check out this incredible DIY by Drew Michael Scott<\/a>, involving a vintage hutch with a built-in projector screen.<\/p>\n

Con: Picture quality can be an issue in the daytime.<\/h2>\n

\u201cIf you watch a lot during daylight hours, a projector might not be the best choice unless you can really darken the room,\u201d says Breaux. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t need to be pitch black, but the brighter your room is, the more you\u2019ll lose in picture quality. This is especially true for moody shows, where you risk losing details otherwise.\u201d This isn\u2019t as much of an issue with high-end models paired with an ALR screen, but with low- and mid-range projectors you won\u2019t get the same crisp, saturated, and detailed picture quality you would on a television. That lack of brightness, however, may appeal to some. \u201cI love that a projector isn\u2019t as intense as a TV because it\u2019s easier on my eyes at night,\u201d says Danielle Armstrong, an interior and prop stylist in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Pro: Projectors can be portable.<\/h2>\n

A TV is rarely described as portable, but a projector can be. \u201cOne of my favorite things about my projector is that I can take it to a friend\u2019s house for parties or movie nights,\u201d says Armstrong. While moving your setup around your home daily isn\u2019t ideal, it\u2019s an option when needed\u2014say, if you want to take it to a vacation home or rental.<\/p>\n

\"Rear
One of the pros of a projector is its portability\u2014you can take yours to a vacation home or rental, or set it up outside for summer movie nights.<\/p>\n

(Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Con: You\u2019ll need an external speaker system for high-quality sound.<\/h2>\n

As with most projector features, sound quality depends on the model, but Armstrong brought it up as a \u201ccon\u201d based on her experiences. \u201cHonestly, the speakers on most I\u2019ve tried are not so great, and you have to have an external speaker which may or may not be a deal breaker for some,\u201d she explains. This is, of course, true of some televisions, as well, where sound bars are a common add-on.<\/p>\n

Pro: Projectors have uses other than television viewing.<\/h2>\n

\u201cThis is perhaps only helpful for 1% of people out there, but a projector is great for murals and other art and craft projects,\u201d says Breaux. \u201cI throw a huge Halloween party every year where I make all my own decor, and my projector is key to helping me trace scenes and motifs onto wood that I cut out later. Not everyone might need this service, but it sure comes in handy for me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Con: Projectors can be as expensive, or even pricier, than a TV.<\/h2>\n

Budget-friendly projectors range from $100 to $300 and are OK<\/a> for casual or occasional viewing (think: summer movies<\/a> on the lawn), while mid-range models\u2014which have better picture quality and streaming capabilities\u2014will run you up to $1,000. High-end projectors can start at $3,000 and go upward of $7,000 or more.<\/p>\n

The bottom line:<\/h2>\n

If your ultimate goal when viewing shows, movies, and gaming is picture quality, a traditional television is still probably your best bet. Projectors, though, have come a long way and shouldn\u2019t be overlooked if a television set isn\u2019t the right choice for your home or lifestyle. If you regularly do a lot of watching during the day, you\u2019ll want to be sure to invest in at least a mid-range projector and an ALR screen to ensure your image quality is up to snuff. As a general rule, Cho recommends focusing on color and brightness: \u201cLook for models with well-balanced brightness and contrast, true UHD Alliance-certified 4K resolution, and better color accuracy to maximize every detail on screen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ready to shop? Here are our top picks, regardless of budget:<\/h2>\n

If you want something cheap but well-rated: HAPPRUN Google TV Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth<\/a>, $200 at Walmart<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want quality that\u2019s also portable: Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Smart Portable Projector<\/a>, $598 at Best Buy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a gamer: BenQ X3100i True 4K Gaming Projector UHD 4LED<\/a>, $2,199 at Amazon<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you need a solid option for your small living room: BenQ HT2150ST Short Throw 1080p Full HD Gaming Video Projector<\/a>, $1,099 at Walmart<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re setting up a home theater but don\u2019t want to spend a fortune: BenQ TK860i Smart Home Theater Projector 4K HDR Streaming with LED Vibrant Color<\/a>, $1,000 at Amazon<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want all the bells and whistles (and great daytime viewing): 130\u2033 Class The Premiere 9 4K Smart Triple Laser Projector<\/a>, $6,000 at Samsung<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Read More<\/a>
\n Arlyn Hernandez<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For as much time as we spend watching TV (hint: a lot), we spend almost as much time (well, maybe not quite) trying to minimize the appearance of our televisions in our living spaces. One possible solution that has gained popularity in recent years? Getting rid of your traditional TV and opting for a projector<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":814580,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2370,3570],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-814579","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-getting","8":"category-worth"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/814579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=814579"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/814579\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/814580"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=814579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=814579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=814579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}