Projector or TV
Discussion
Just had an Epson projector fitted.
Fairly basic unit but a good enough for general viewing.
Didn't have a TV before so a great to be able to watch something on a big screen. I went with a 77" which is probably one of the smaller ones.
The projector will go far higher if you need it to.
I'm not a fan of huge wall mounted televisions. I like this solution as the screen can go 'away' when not in use. You do have the projector itself to consider but as it's above my seat, I'm not sat looking at it.
No issues with brightness. Great picture. Have the blinds shut if using it during the day but on the whole, it performs far better than I expected in bright conditions.
The only thing I do not like is the fan noise. Mine is run in ECO mode and you can hear it. Switch to a bright room or dynamic picture mode and it sounds like a jumbo jet taking off.
I think the Sony units are supposed to be quieter but probably more money.
Fairly basic unit but a good enough for general viewing.
Didn't have a TV before so a great to be able to watch something on a big screen. I went with a 77" which is probably one of the smaller ones.
The projector will go far higher if you need it to.
I'm not a fan of huge wall mounted televisions. I like this solution as the screen can go 'away' when not in use. You do have the projector itself to consider but as it's above my seat, I'm not sat looking at it.
No issues with brightness. Great picture. Have the blinds shut if using it during the day but on the whole, it performs far better than I expected in bright conditions.
The only thing I do not like is the fan noise. Mine is run in ECO mode and you can hear it. Switch to a bright room or dynamic picture mode and it sounds like a jumbo jet taking off.
I think the Sony units are supposed to be quieter but probably more money.
Road2Ruin said:
Projectors will give you a big image, but that image will be washed out and dull....even on an expensive projector, compared to a TV
Is that a general statement or one specific to the OP? I would think, for the OP a TV is probably more suited but the cost goes up dramatically at the higher sizes. That could be one reason to go with a projector. But, I would be probably go with a 75"TV if I was the OPBut, if your experience of projectors in general is washed out, come over to my house and watch something in 4K. My brother in law has the LG OLED and was amazed at how good the picture is on my 120" screen.
h0b0 said:
Road2Ruin said:
Projectors will give you a big image, but that image will be washed out and dull....even on an expensive projector, compared to a TV
Is that a general statement or one specific to the OP? I would think, for the OP a TV is probably more suited but the cost goes up dramatically at the higher sizes. That could be one reason to go with a projector. But, I would be probably go with a 75"TV if I was the OPBut, if your experience of projectors in general is washed out, come over to my house and watch something in 4K. My brother in law has the LG OLED and was amazed at how good the picture is on my 120" screen.
Even has some comparison pics against his tv.
Getting the room dark enough is the main obstacle but it's an easy one to do.
We have a 55 inch plasma which I was more than happy with for watching BluRay films, however 18 months ago we also got a projector (not 4k) and a 110 inch screen.
If watching general TV, I'll watch the plasma, but for films, and even some sport - cricket or F1, I tend to put the projector on.
If going for a projector, it is really important to control light in the room. We have blackout curtains so there is limited ambient light, but the image also degrades if the room decor is light coloured due to light from the projector bouncing off the screen and round the room. I've reduced this to a large extent by fitting some large black roller blinds on the walls which are unobtrusive when rolled up, but significantly reduce light in the room when pulled down.
It's also worth getting a decent screen - I probably spent a bit more than strictly necessary, but got a Sapphire electric tab-tensioned screen from Projectorpoint.co.uk and have never regretted it.
With respect to projector noise, I don't notice it (PJ is ceiling mounted and about 1 metre in front of viewing position), but that is probably because when using the PJ, we always have the surround sound on and the PJ fan sound isn't that loud.
In summary, I'd think that if you can afford a good TV (OLED) at the size you are happy with, the TV will be the better option for general flexibility and capability to deal with less than perfect lighting. If you want something larger and are prepared to sort out ambient light and reflections from light coloured walls/ceiling then a decent projector is hard to beat.
Radec said:
h0b0 said:
Road2Ruin said:
Projectors will give you a big image, but that image will be washed out and dull....even on an expensive projector, compared to a TV
Is that a general statement or one specific to the OP? I would think, for the OP a TV is probably more suited but the cost goes up dramatically at the higher sizes. That could be one reason to go with a projector. But, I would be probably go with a 75"TV if I was the OPBut, if your experience of projectors in general is washed out, come over to my house and watch something in 4K. My brother in law has the LG OLED and was amazed at how good the picture is on my 120" screen.
Even has some comparison pics against his tv.
Getting the room dark enough is the main obstacle but it's an easy one to do.
My office projector which is Full HD and 5000 ansi lumens is great, but not a patch on my TV. However, if I were to put it on a dark room and have nice seating etc it would feel amazing. Sadly for most people you have a lounge with curtains, which rarely do the job well enough.
That’s true. In a compromised situation a TV will always look better. My projector is in the basement so has the advantage of being dark. It is also a Sony 4K which helps the picture quality. We use it every night for everything from 4K movies to YouTube videos. The other advantage is the sound. That adds an extra level to the enjoyment even when watching Escape to the Chateau. I realize that’s not limited to projectors, but it is in my house.
Having said that, I’d still go TV if I was in the OPs position. If you do want to move forward with projector, my screen retracts into the ceiling when the projector turns off. It means the room isn’t dominated by the screen and the kids are less likely to damage it. In a room that is being lived in, I think it would help.
Having said that, I’d still go TV if I was in the OPs position. If you do want to move forward with projector, my screen retracts into the ceiling when the projector turns off. It means the room isn’t dominated by the screen and the kids are less likely to damage it. In a room that is being lived in, I think it would help.
Ari said:
This is probably a very simple question but with a very complex answer, but I'll have a go.
If looking for a big screen home cinema set up, which gives the best picture, a projector and screen or a normal TV? Or is there a size cross-over point at which one outweighs the other?
There is a crossover point, but unfortunately that will be different for everybody!If looking for a big screen home cinema set up, which gives the best picture, a projector and screen or a normal TV? Or is there a size cross-over point at which one outweighs the other?
I’ve got a 65” LG OLED and a Benq 4K projector with a 100” screen. The OLED picture quality is better in every way, but for me the immersion of the far bigger screen means that I always use the projector for films and sport.
If I could run to an 88” OLED the I’d be prepared to sacrifice the projector, but that size TV is very expensive, and would totally dominate the room when not in use.
As others have mentioned, projectors are really sensitive to room conditions, with no external light and dark coloured walls being preferable. I’ve got no light coming in, but light walls and mine works fine. It’s worth noting that OLED TVs are like black mirrors so can’t be placed near/opposite a window either, but certainly have less restrictions than a projector.
Projector or TV?
...Both: I realise it sounds like a cop out, but watching everything on a big screen can get old quickly, especially if it means watching with the curtains closed (and without it really will be washed out).
I've combined a modest 50" LCD TV and a 3 metre wide 'scope' screen (so it's the correct aspect for the majorty of films I watch and no black bars). I only put it on for films and certain special occasions/live concerts. However, unless you are prepared to make some effort to properly black out the room from light AND from light decoration (which bounces back to the screen and washes it out), then it may be disappointing after the intial 'wow, big screen' feeling has worn off (been there, done that).
For the guy saying that projectors look washed out; I disagree, though this is a fairly decent spec JVC X7500 calibrated through a 4K Lumagen video processor...ie very much at the 'geek' end of the spectrum rather than a work projector repurposed:
These are paused images from 'Everest':
...Both: I realise it sounds like a cop out, but watching everything on a big screen can get old quickly, especially if it means watching with the curtains closed (and without it really will be washed out).
I've combined a modest 50" LCD TV and a 3 metre wide 'scope' screen (so it's the correct aspect for the majorty of films I watch and no black bars). I only put it on for films and certain special occasions/live concerts. However, unless you are prepared to make some effort to properly black out the room from light AND from light decoration (which bounces back to the screen and washes it out), then it may be disappointing after the intial 'wow, big screen' feeling has worn off (been there, done that).
For the guy saying that projectors look washed out; I disagree, though this is a fairly decent spec JVC X7500 calibrated through a 4K Lumagen video processor...ie very much at the 'geek' end of the spectrum rather than a work projector repurposed:
These are paused images from 'Everest':
I love having both.
5 year old Panasonic TV for normal telly watching but Projector for movies or football whenever possible. Now the nights are drawing in I'll use it a bit more.
My old Mitsubishi PJ broke and was irreparable so have replaced with a secondhand Optoma. The mitsubishi was a bit sharper (was £4k RRP when brand new) vs £500 new for the Optoma but the Optoma is brighter even on eco settings but fan is louder.
Also the Optoma is active 3d too so looking forward to testing out.
5 year old Panasonic TV for normal telly watching but Projector for movies or football whenever possible. Now the nights are drawing in I'll use it a bit more.
My old Mitsubishi PJ broke and was irreparable so have replaced with a secondhand Optoma. The mitsubishi was a bit sharper (was £4k RRP when brand new) vs £500 new for the Optoma but the Optoma is brighter even on eco settings but fan is louder.
Also the Optoma is active 3d too so looking forward to testing out.
Over the Summer we bought both - a 75 inch TV and 120 inch projector screen, and associated gubbins. Getting prepared for remote viewing of an upcoming 24hour motoring event may have played no small part in the decision process...
Projector setup goes outside (takes about 5 mins to put up) and is used for films and sports - nestles under a tree so always has shade and is remarkably good in sunshine and perfectly fine at night.
TV (fortunate enough to have a 'TV room') is good for normal watching (I wouldn't want to watch most normal programs on a screen any larger given the room dimensions), when it's wet or when we're watching a film but just can't be bothered.
The picture on the TV is 'immeasurably' better - but the larger screen is certainly more immersive.
Plan next week is to have both set up if the weather is kind.
- we have a headphone system so can watch into the night without the noise impacting the neighbours.
I think though it depends on the room and what it's used for - our lounge has a smaller screen that we wouldn't want to go any bigger.
Projector setup goes outside (takes about 5 mins to put up) and is used for films and sports - nestles under a tree so always has shade and is remarkably good in sunshine and perfectly fine at night.
TV (fortunate enough to have a 'TV room') is good for normal watching (I wouldn't want to watch most normal programs on a screen any larger given the room dimensions), when it's wet or when we're watching a film but just can't be bothered.
The picture on the TV is 'immeasurably' better - but the larger screen is certainly more immersive.
Plan next week is to have both set up if the weather is kind.
- we have a headphone system so can watch into the night without the noise impacting the neighbours.I think though it depends on the room and what it's used for - our lounge has a smaller screen that we wouldn't want to go any bigger.
heisthegaffer said:
Also the Optoma is active 3d too so looking forward to testing out.
That's another advantage for projectors. I know that most don't like 3D and I can totally understand why it failed for home use as it was pretty useless on TVs, but I really enjoy watching 3D content on the projector.Once I found out how good 3D looked, I collected quite a lot of titles for next to nothing as the format had failed by then.
kingston12 said:
That's another advantage for projectors. I know that most don't like 3D and I can totally understand why it failed for home use as it was pretty useless on TVs, but I really enjoy watching 3D content on the projector.
Once I found out how good 3D looked, I collected quite a lot of titles for next to nothing as the format had failed by then.
Any recommendations for good 3d titles? Once I found out how good 3D looked, I collected quite a lot of titles for next to nothing as the format had failed by then.
heisthegaffer said:
Any recommendations for good 3d titles?
It depends on your taste in films - 3D releases tended to be concentrated at the 'fun' end of the spectrum!A lot of the animated films look really good - Toy Story, Incredibles 2 etc.
Avatar was the film designed to show off 3D as a former and still stands up well as a demo.
I've enjoyed the couple of Star Wars films that have been released in 3D and Dredd is good in the format.
There is often advice to avoid converted films - those that were shot in 2D and unconverted to 3D afterwards, but I think films like Avengers: Infinity War prove that this can actually work quite well.
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