At a Glance:
Pros of a Home Theater Projector
Cons of a Home Theater Projector
Homeowners are getting creative with how they set up their entertainment systems. One popular trend found in more households is the use of theater projectors. These projectors display shows and movies on almost any wall — they are even set up outside for summer movies under the stars.
Is a home theater projector as good as a regular TV? Can you have a quality home theater experience without one? It’s time to dive into the pros and cons of both options to decide which theater style is right for you.
Pros of a Home Theater Projector
Projectors are all the rage in modern home theater ideas, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s why more homeowners want to add projectors to their dens.
- Increase your screen size. Your display can be as big as your entire wall if you want it to be. This is the biggest draw for projectors for home theaters.
- Hide the projector during the day. You can invest in a screen that rolls up when you aren’t using it, so the TV doesn’t have to be your space’s main focus.
- Enjoy an authentic movie experience. You can feel like your family is at the movies with a real projector that broadcasts images behind you.
- It’s easy to move. You can move your projector outside in the summer and easily bring it with you when you sell your house. Rolling up the screen is easy, and the projector itself is small.
Cons of a Home Theater Projector
There are downsides to every technology choice you make. Here are a few reasons why a projector might not be right for you.
- Lower quality. Many projects have problems displaying HDR (high-definition range) video. This creates a poorer viewing experience.
- You need a dark space. Too much natural sunlight or ambient light will wash out your projection.
- It’s not ideal for gaming. You may have a harder time connecting your gaming console — or might not be able to use it at all.
Pros of a Big TV
As an alternative to buying a home theater projector, more homeowners are simply investing in large TVs. This would be the best choice for your home in most cases. Here are a few reasons to buy a big screen TV instead.
- TVs are cheaper. Even the largest TVs are more affordable than projectors, and you have more flexibility with your size. You can easily find a home theater solution that matches your budget.
- TVs provide a better quality experience. Not only can TVs handle HDR displays, but they come in 4K and even 8K quality. You can appreciate every detail of the shows you watch.
- They are meant to display content in any room. You can add a TV to a sunny space, and the image quality will remain the same.
Cons of a Big TV
As you explore different theater room ideas, you may find out that a TV might not always be the right choice. Here are a few risks with this option.
- They aren’t ideal for dedicated home theaters. If you have a room that is purely dedicated to entertainment, even the largest TV might seem small compared to a projector.
- Technology keeps evolving. You might buy a high-tech TV this year only for it to feel dated compared to newer models in the near future.
- They can be hard to move. Even the slimmest TVs can still be difficult to move. They take up space and are delicate. You don’t want to break your new investment.
Top TV Models to Choose From
If you decide to opt for a quality television instead of a home theater projector, our team at Spencer’s TV & Appliance has a variety of options to choose from. Here are three top choices for fans, cinephiles, and tech buffs alike who want to upgrade their TV viewing experiences.
Samsung S95B Series 55” 4K Ultra HD OLED Smart TV
Start your TV search with this standard model by Samsung. Most households have enough room for a 55-inch TV, which is large enough to watch content comfortably and doesn’t take up too much space.
This is a naturally bright OLED TV that uses self-illuminating pixels and Quantum Dots to create a clear display. Enjoy the 4K picture and clearly see every detail in the shows and movies you watch. The AI-powered processor adjusts the contrast on everything you watch to improve the viewing experience.
This particular model is a Samsung smart TV, which means you can spend less time scrolling and more time streaming through the Smart TV Hub. Use a single remote control to toggle through your favorite apps, genres, and styles to find the perfect thing to watch. You can also enjoy smart recommendations for new content based on your preferences.
Read customer reviews to see what people love about this TV. One buyer writes, “Purchased last week, easy to setup & update. Once fully operational, the picture quality and colors are amazing. Images are sharp, the sound is awesome, and the overall thinness of the TV is mind-blowing.”
LG A1PUA 65" 4K OLED Smart TV
If you are interested in an OLED TV, check out this model by LG, which competes with Samsung in the LED TV market. This is a 65-inch TV that provides a larger viewing experience while still maintaining the viewing quality you expect.
This TV uses self-lit pixels to bring stories and games to life. You can feel immersed in whatever you are watching, whether you are catching a dramatic playoff game or watching a family-friendly movie with your kids.
OLED technology also reduces the need for the bulk that comes with less advanced TVs. This option will feel like you have a home theater projector because it is so thin. You can hang it up on the wall and don’t need a TV stand or other barrier to keep people from running into it.
This is one of the highest-rated TVs available, with 95 percent of buyers recommending this option. One buyer shared their experience with this model, “I bought this a year ago and it still looks and sounds new! Crystal clear image perfect for anything you want to watch, specifically sports. Best for gaming…The base volume of the tv is impeccable!”
Samsung Q80B Series 85” 4K Ultra HD QLED Smart TV
If you want a premier experience in your home theater, consider this TV by Samsung. The 85-inch model is one of the largest options available and can make it feel like you have a movie projector in your home. The technology that comes with this TV is astounding, and you will enjoy getting to know the different features as you use this device.
One top feature is the supreme ultra-high-definition (UHD) dimming, which adjusts the brightness based on what you are watching. As a result, you can enjoy darker contrasts and brighter whites depending on the movie or show you choose. The Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ system was designed for fast-moving imagery. You can watch action movies and play your favorite games with fluid movements.
This TV provides a wide viewing angle that allows you to fit more seats in the room. The entire family can come together for movie night, or your kids can invite their friends over for a fun and safe night in. Everyone will want to hang out at your home theater when you add this TV to your home.
The bottom line is that both projectors and 4K TVs provide unique experiences for entertainment. Ideally, a projector is the best option for a true cinematic feel in a home theater, but it will cost you far more than a TV. To learn more, ask one of our experts! We’re glad to help you find the best display for your home theater, and we also have a wide selection of TVs and projectors at the best prices in the Valley.
FAQs
Here are a few questions we get about video devices from our shoppers.
Which is better: a home theater projector or a TV?
Both projectors and TVs have their benefits and drawbacks. However, TVs continue to be the more popular option for homeowners. They have better displays and can be placed in any room. Plus, TV prices have dropped over the years, making them more affordable than projectors.
Does Netflix block projectors?
Many newer smart projectors come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows users to download and connect to streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Otherwise, a separate device will have to be purchased in order to view them on a projector. On the other hand, most TVs nowadays come with smart capabilities, which eliminates the need for buying separate equipment.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction have always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Electronics at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop home theater systems online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you choose between a TV and a home theater projector. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Home Theater Ideas: Sound & Smart Speakers