Projector vs TV – The Better Option for You

As we spend more and more time watching content on our television, selecting the right screen becomes really important. People build impressive theater systems and spend on good quality sound systems so they can have the theater like experience at home. The right screen could make or break your content. Are you confused about which screen to get? Should you rely on a television or buy a projector? Will the projector match the visual quality of televisions? We will answer all those questions and help you make the right choice.

TV is the default for people watching content at home. With so many varieties and brands now offering high-quality images, buying a TV has never been easier. However, a projector has its own benefits. The better brands have projectors that can match television in visual impact and sound. You even get the feeling of watching it on a big screen with the projector. So which option should you pick? A lot of factors need to be considered before you make a decision.

• Cost- Projectors are easily more affordable than televisions. Good quality projectors with screens can cost you half the price of a decent television. With most people buying bigger televisions and smart TVs, the prices of televisions are still relatively high. You have to figure the cost to investment ratio and if it is worth it saving the money or just buying a TV at a higher price.
• Resolution- HD projectors work wonderfully well with 4k resolution. The picture quality is unbeatable unless you have a 4K TV with a big screen. Those cost a lot so an HD projector with 4K capability is your best bet. There is an insane amount of detail visually available when you use an HD projector.
• Screen Size- This is the department where projectors win over TVs, TVs can only go up to a certain size and those sizes are too expensive and too big for most people to afford it. With projectors, you can have as big as a screen as you desire and enjoy your viewing the way it was meant to be seen.

• Maintenance- TVs require little to no maintenance unless they stop working or develop a glitch. Projectors require cleaning or changing of lamps once the original ones burn out. Dust can also settle in the projector so you have to be careful of that. It isn’t a lot of work but definitely more maintenance and upkeep than what television would require.
• Brightness- Projectors require a dim room or a dedicated media room. They won’t work well during the day or in sunny conditions. Television can be used at any time of the day and can be placed in any room. If you do have a media room or a theatre, then a projector would be much better because the lower light is safer for your eyes than a television. But for everybody else, a television definitely wins in terms of brightness.
• Contrast- Projectors are capable of high contrast ratios, allowing them crisp picture quality and clarity. They work best in dim, dark rooms or theatre rooms. If you get an OLED TV, then the contrast ratio is infinite and provides you a great viewing experience.
• Space- Projectors need very little space or setting up. You need to have enough space between your viewing wall and the projector. Cramming an oversized screen into a small room or too close to the wall can cause strain on your eyesight and not give the maximum visual impact. For smaller rooms, a TV would be a better option.
• Sound Quality- TVs with built-in speakers have decent sound quality. Projectors need an additional speaker system to give you the desired effect. If you have a sound speaker system then you can connect it to the TV to add to the sound quality. But in sound quality generally, TVs are the winners over projectors.

There is no right or wrong answer here. What you should get depends on your budget, living room size, light conditions, and maintenance effort. Television is always easier to handle and you can buy a cheaper model at the beginning. Or you can buy a premium HD projector with a screen if you are cash strapped and need to watch movies or play games. There are several brands and models available which can manage your needs and requirements. Select one that works for you in the long run and doesn’t cause you a loss or be a waste of money and time. LCD, OLED, 4K, and QLED variants make streaming a much exciting experience despite the size of the television. If size is your first choice, then go for an HD projector and then figure out if it suits you.