Projector Vs. TV: Which Is Right for Your Home Theater Installation?
The theater display significantly impacts your viewing experience — make sure you know what type of screen is best for your space and preferences
You have plenty of decisions to make when starting or upgrading a home theater installation in your Palm Beach, FL, home. Lighting, seating, audio/video, content…..and do you really want to splurge on that old-fashioned authentic popcorn maker?
Popcorn problems aside, one of the most critical choices you’ll need to make is deciding what type of display you want for your private theater — a TV or a movie projector? Both have rightfully earned their place in dedicated home cinemas. Below, we’re offering some guidance to help you make the best choice for your space and preferences. Read on to learn the considerations to keep in mind during the decision-making process.
SEE ALSO: Need More Entertainment at Home? Work With a Home Automation Company.
Size
The primary draw of a projector is the size. The average projector screen easily tops 100 inches or more, creating an authentic, large-scale viewing experience for avid movie fans. In times past, projectors could only be used in medium to large home theaters or media rooms, and that’s still an important consideration to keep in mind when making your decision.
Traditional projectors have a longer throw distance, which means they need to be installed farther away from the screen to produce a larger image. In a small theater, you may not have the space to display an ultra-large image and that defeats the purpose of buying a projector in the first place.
However, new technological advances are making projectors a contender for theater rooms of all sizes. Short-throw projectors require a much shorter throw distance to produce a large image and are ideal for rooms with limited space.
In the past, projectors outperformed TVs in the size department by leaps and bounds. But modern TVs reach robust 85-100 inch screen sizes, officially giving projectors a run for their money. And though the price for larger TVs has dropped and continues to fall, projectors still offer a more cost-effective option for large installations.
Image Quality
Image quality matters more than size, hands down. Size matters too, but if the image quality is poor, a large screen will only emphasize the shoddy picture. Here’s what you need to know about how the quality stacks up.
Projector technology has come a long way in the past few decades. Several high-end manufacturers offer native 4K UHD home projectors with sharper, more detailed pictures and richer colors. High-resolution retains amazing image quality on a large screen, so 4K projectors deliver a vivid and immersive experience for film viewers. And these days, you can comfortably find an affordable projector with native 4K.
Large-screen TVs have the edge in high-dynamic range (HDR). HDR is a game-changer for image quality, delivering better contrast ratio and color accuracy than the standard 4K UHD television or projector. Most high-end TV models now support HDR content to produce a stellar performance. And while some projectors also support HDR content, the technology can’t deliver the same quality that a TV can right now.
Brightness is another factor to take into consideration. Ambient light can wash out a large projector screen image, meaning you’ll need to manage lighting to get the best image quality. Ambient light-rejecting screens are available — just know they come at a much higher price tag. A good TV is easily brighter than most projector screens and can handle ambient light with ease.
ForceAV is a premier home automation company with over 20 years of experience designing and installing custom home theaters for South Florida residents. If you’re ready to bring more entertainment into your home, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
