How to make a choice: projector or TV

Which is better: a projector or a TV? Perhaps, rarely can anyone give a definite answer to this question. Before answering it, you need to answer a lot of other questions: the purpose of acquiring the equipment, the conditions for its use, the expected image quality, etc.

Projection type video equipment

Recently, projectors are becoming increasingly popular. Fans of cinema will appreciate the advantages of projection video equipment, which allows you to enjoy watching movies on a huge screen at home.

A large image that gives realism to what is happening on the screen, and special effects leave a lasting impression. A true cinema at home! For this category of viewers: which is better - a projector or a large TV, the issue has been resolved long ago and unambiguously. You can understand fans of film projectors and rush to quickly change your plasma TV to your favorite device.

But do not rush, let's first compare the advantages and disadvantages of both types of devices.

Advantages of a movie projector compared to a TV

1. Watching a movie on a large screen contributes to a brighter perception, and the cost of a large screen is disproportionately low compared to a TV with a diagonal exceeding 2 meters.
2. The load on vision is not as great as when watching TV. The difference is that the light coming from the projector is directed onto the screen and enters the viewer's eyes in reflected form. This is a “system” familiar to our eyes. Everything that our eyes see is seen through reflected rays. If we look at a direct light source, as in the case of a TV, this causes a large load on the visual organs.
3. Ability to dynamically change the screen format: 21: 9, 16: 9, 4: 3. View images of any of these formats in full.
4. Projection equipment is compact and does not require much space to install. Therefore, it does not conflict with any interior.

Projector disadvantages

1. A well-darkened room is needed. A high-quality image can be obtained only in pitch darkness.
2. Not all telecasts are broadcast digitally. Watching a movie in HD-format, of course, will be pleasant, but watching programs broadcast on analog TV channels with an insufficiently clear image will be uncomfortable.
3. The lamp life of the projector is limited, and replacing them incurs additional costs. Even with modern high-quality models, this parameter does not exceed 5000 hours.
4. You must separately purchase speakers for audio output.
5. There is a slight noise during operation of the projector, which is created by a fan to cool the system.

Projector Installation Features

It would seem that the projector is a simple and compact equipment that is easy and simple to install. For proper installation, you need to consider some points:

1. If a white wall will be used as a screen, if there is one, then there is less of a problem.
   A stationary screen can be installed if there is a room specially designated for the cinema.
   A convenient solution if you install a folding screen with automatic deployment. Of course, this option involves certain time and financial costs, but it is worthwhile to implement it - operating comfort will more than pay for all efforts.Moreover, it is not necessary to use a wall for such a screen - it can be installed in any convenient place, even in the middle of the room.
2. Installing the projector itself will not cause any special difficulties: it can be placed on any table or stand, its compact size makes it easy to do this.
   But if you hang the device from the ceiling or strengthen it at a higher level, so that the audience does not fall under the beam of the projector, then a comfortable viewing will be provided.
3. Providing cable communications is also a problem for connecting speakers and connecting the projector to the player. The current limitation on the length of the HDMI cable, 15 meters, does not allow you to lay it unnoticed. You will have to use a longer cable, which will affect the quality of the transmitted image. But if you use the WHDI wireless technology, which transmits digital signal and sound up to 30 meters in quality, then this problem will be solved.

Projected Image Features

Depending on the model of the projector, more precisely, on its technology, the projected image may be of different quality.

In modern projectors, two technologies are most often used: DLP and LCD. But LCoS technology is also used, but much less frequently.

DLP technology

This technology uses micromirror chips that form an image. DLP is currently the best technology. It provides high image quality and color reproduction.

It should be remembered that there are inexpensive models with DLP technology with a single chip, in which the picture quality is significantly impaired. At the edges of the image, in its bright places, the so-called “rainbow” effect appears, which distorts the color of the image.

LCD technology

Projectors with LCD technology use liquid crystal arrays with an installed lens system. They also reproduce high-quality images.

Despite the low cost, these models reproduce high-quality images no worse than projectors with DLP technology.

LCoS technology

It is worth mentioning about LCoS, which is a kind of hybrid of two technologies: DLP, LCD. These projectors turned out to be very expensive and therefore not in special demand.

Although there are some models that can compete with modern TVs in brightness and contrast of the image.

TVs: traditional and familiar

Along with fans of cinema and professionals who prefer video projectors, there are lovers of television equipment. For them, the answer to the question: what is better for the house - a TV or a projector, is not difficult. Definitely a TV! A widescreen movie can be viewed in the cinema. Familiar to all televisions, indisputable indispensable and convenient, have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of television devices

1. The main and significant advantage of modern TVs is their excellent image quality: brightness, contrast, color.
2. Watching TV shows is convenient in any light: artificial or bright sunlight. And this does not affect the image quality.
3. There is always a large assortment of models to choose from, which allows consumers to easily find the right device for themselves in size, performance, price category. Projectors are very limited in terms of choice. In a certain price category, usually only 2-3 options are presented.
4. Ease of use: bought, installed, turned on. And there is no need to buy additional equipment.
5. The TV is always ready to work, there is no need to prepare a room for its inclusion. Pressing the button and - after 2-3 seconds, he begins to "broadcast".

Before turning on the projector, you need to perform a whole ritual: shade the room, open the screen. And the projector itself heats up for several minutes.

Disadvantages of TVs

1. The larger the diagonal of the screen, the higher the cost of the model.To buy a good TV with a diagonal exceeding 2m for a home theater is an expensive pleasure. If you are content with a model with a small diagonal, then watching wide-screen films will not bring as much pleasure as in the case of a movie projector.
2. Long viewing of the TV has a detrimental effect on vision, as the eyes are fixed on the radiation source, and not on the reflected light.
3. Matrix screens of modern TVs are vulnerable to mechanical stress. Any careless handling can easily damage the matrix.
4. Modern TVs are very bulky and heavy.

Conclusion

Remembering all the pros and cons of the projector and TV, you can summarize and determine for yourself the right solution.

Of course, the main criterion that determines the choice between these devices is the purpose of the device:

• if you are a fan of HD films, a connoisseur of cinematic special effects that can only be appreciated when watching in a movie theater, on a large screen, without a doubt, choose a projector;
• if you like to watch analog television programs, regularly watch news releases, broadcast sports events, or your addiction is popular science educational programs, then the usual traditional LCD TV or plasma panel will completely satisfy your needs.

However, each of the devices under consideration is aimed at solving its own range of tasks. And it’s good, if financial opportunities allow, to have a projector and a TV at home.