Using a Projector for Everyday TV Watching: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Tips

Can you use a projector for everyday TV watching?

Indeed, you can use a projector for everyday TV watching, and many have been doing this for years. Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages, and provide tips to help you make an informed decision. Whether you are a movie buff, a gamer, or someone who wants a more immersive viewing experience, a projector could be the ideal choice for you.

Advantages of Using a Projector for Everyday TV Watching

Projectors offer a range of benefits that can enhance your TV watching experience:

Large Screen Size

One of the most significant advantages of using a projector is the ability to create a much larger image than your traditional TV. This can significantly enhance the viewing experience, making movies, sports, and games more immersive. For example, a projector can easily create an image that is 2-6 times bigger than your TV display. This scale can make a difference, especially when watching sports, movies, or playing games.

Space-Saving

Projectors can be more space-efficient, even in smaller rooms. Unlike traditional TVs, projectors do not require a large physical screen, making them an excellent choice if you have limited space. They can be hung on a wall or set on a stand, allowing you to enjoy a big screen in a compact space.

Portability

Many modern projectors are portable, making them versatile and easy to move between rooms or take to outdoor settings. This portability adds to their convenience and makes them a flexible solution for your entertainment needs.

Disadvantages of Using a Projector for Everyday TV Watching

While projectors offer several advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

Ambient Light

Projectors generally perform better in darker environments. Bright rooms can wash out the image, reducing the clarity and detail. To overcome this, you might need to create a darker viewing space or use an ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen.

Setup

Some projectors require more setup time, including screen positioning and focusing. However, with advancements in technology, many modern projectors are designed to be plug-and-play, making the setup process much simpler.

Sound Quality

The built-in speakers on projectors may not match the audio quality of dedicated sound systems or TVs. For a better audio experience, you might need to invest in external speakers or a separate sound system.

Resolution and Image Quality

While many modern projectors offer high resolutions like 4K, some lower-end models may not provide the same image clarity as a good TV. It's essential to choose a projector with good brightness measured in lumens, especially for rooms with ample lighting.

Recommendations

To make the most of a projector for everyday TV watching, consider the following recommendations:

Choose the Right Projector

Look for a projector with good brightness measured in lumens for your room's lighting conditions. This will ensure that the image is clear and vibrant, even in well-lit rooms.

Screen Options

Consider using a projector screen for better image quality. You can get a decent manual or fixed frame screen for a couple of hundred bucks and they're usually very easy to hang. However, a blank wall can also work, depending on the lighting conditions.

Audio Setup

Invest in a separate sound system for a better audio experience. Whether it's a dedicated home theater system or a high-quality set of speakers, the sound quality can significantly enhance your overall viewing experience.

Overall, using a projector for everyday TV watching can be a great option. While there are some considerations to keep in mind, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. Whether you are a movie buff, a gamer, or simply someone who wants a more immersive viewing experience, a projector can transform your home entertainment setup.

Most certainly, I’ve been doing it for years. I honestly can’t believe more people aren’t buying projectors instead of TVs. In the past, like 10 years ago, projectors were pretty expensive and required complex installations, but that’s not the case today. Many projectors easily create an image 2–6 times bigger than your TV display, and when it comes to watching sports, movies, or gaming, bigger is definitely better.

Projectors can be very portable and easy to set up. You don’t have to be a tech expert to get a good setup. About 1 hour is all you need to set up a projector, including screen positioning and focusing. You can even use a specialist screen or a blank wall. Concerned about light from windows? There are options for that too. Today, there are projectors under $2,000 that are very bright and can sit much closer to the screen/wall. Combined with an ALR ambient light rejecting screen, the projected image can almost pass for a giant TV display, even during the day. Brightness and contrast are pretty remarkable, especially on bright days.

There are big benefits to using a projector for everyday TV watching. For one, less eye strain, especially at night. You may not realize how much strain those bright television screens put on your eyes in dark conditions, but you will after owning a projector. Movies actually FEEL like movies. Sure, 70" and 80" TVs look great too, but they can’t touch the immersion factor that kicks in around 100". My Epson Home Cinema 5040UB is usually set to around 120" diagonally, but when I watch a letterboxed movie, I adjust the lens to give me an image closer to 150", which takes up pretty much my whole wall. Try doing that with a TV. Are you a gamer? Take a break from your chair, lounge on the couch, and be amazed at how a projector can breathe new life into all your favorite games. Pair it up with a good surround sound system, and you’ll literally be 'in the game'.

For sports parties, nothing takes a party to the next level like a projector. Tackles hit harder, players feel closer, and everyone is more engaged in the action. Be cautious about 'cheap' under $300 projectors claiming to be amazing. Some of them can create a reasonably big image but will only be useable in super low light situations. Plus, most of these are just garbage. Mind the technology: Some people are very sensitive to DLP color wheel projection. These projectors can cause a 'rainbow' effect during high contrast scenes, inducing nausea in around 5-7% of individuals. DLP projection has actually gotten much better in the last few years, so it's a bit less of a concern, but still something to be aware of. Other technology options include 3LCD and SXRD.

Finally, consider the space you're putting the projector into. Projectors have a 'throw range' that indicates how close or far back it needs to be in order to create a desired image size. For very tight rooms, consider a projector TV ultra short throw instead of a ceiling-mounted option.