Deciding Between a Home Theater Projector vs TV Option

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Projector vs. television
Consider the viewing environment
If you love to watch movies or TV in the dark, then a home theater projector will enhance the image quality when in dark rooms. For the picture on a projector to come out best, the rest of the room should be dark — just like a movie theater. This is because other light sources compete with the projected light and wash out the clarity, making your picture less vibrant. This makes it challenging (though not impossible) to enjoy daytime viewing using a projector. In order to be able to see a projected image well during the day, you want a projector with a minimum of 3000 lumens. Lumens are the amount of light the projector produces.
You can also improve your experience by using blackout curtains for your windows and an ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen, which selectively reflects light back to the viewer by using a lenticular grid technology. The grid in an ALR screen includes black portions that absorb ambient light and white portions that reflect the right amount light projected to the audience. Many high-end projector screens will specify how much ambient light they will reject in order to make your image better.
Televisions, meanwhile, maintain a clear image even in rooms flooded with daylight. While you may get reflections on the screen from strong light sources, such as sunlight from windows or a lamp, the clarity of the image does not wash away with too much ambient light. However, if you want a big-screen television, it will take up a lot of wall space if mounted, or it will require a sizeable TV stand..
Consider your budget, skills and time
If you have a space that’s already dark, like a basement or home theater room, you may be able to easily set up a projector system. You could choose to sacrifice some image quality by projecting the image on a white wall (a useful option with portable projectors), or buy an economical screen on a projector stand.
Another simple option is to select an ultra-short throw projector, which sits on a table or stand right up close to the screen. Although, often a good projector system will cost you more money – and more setup time – than a television.
To install your projector in an ideal and out of the way spot, using a projector mount on the ceiling is the best option. From the right distance, it will provide a great image and you won’t have to worry about blocking the projection with your home theater seating arrangement.
Additionally, unless you use a stand, you’ll need to mount the screen on the wall and ensure that the projector and screen are installed at just the right distance. Mounting both the screen and projector means you’ll have a great system that easily disappears from view when you want it to, but it does take some time, money, and effort. To avoid the hassle of doing it yourself, you can rely on professional home theater installment services.
Consider audio
Expand your options to include the outdoors
Are projectors better than TVs?
If your goal is to recreate the most theatre-like environment and you’re ready to invest a little time and energy into the set-up, then a projector is the right choice for you. You can create a dedicated viewing area, install technology in a way that does not intrude into your living space, or opt to take your entertainment outdoors.
On the other hand, if you want a device that covers all the bases in one easy-to-use package, opt for a television. While it may be conventional, it’s that way for good reason: TVs are an all-in-one entertainment system. Plus, your overall costs will likely be more budget friendly when choosing a television.