Projection TVs – Are They Worth it?

Have you ever watched a movie in a cinema and wished you could have a home theatre set up in your home? If that is what you want, then projection TVs are certainly the way to go because they can display images on the largest screens that you can find. 

While the largest OLED and QLED TVs are 70-100 inches, the largest projection TVs can display images on screens as large as 100-200 inches.

In addition to their immense screen size, many projection TVs can display videos in high definition. But does this feature mean that they are worth it?

Before you decide to whip out your wallet or credit card, you should read this article to learn what you need to know about projection TVs.

The Types of Projection TVs

Before deciding on a projection TV, it is crucial to know the types of projection TVs that are out there. There are two main types:

Front Projection TVs

A front projection TV uses an external projector and a separate screen to project images and videos. These TVs are the type of projection TVs you will essentially find in cinemas.

A significant advantage of the front projection TV is that it can project on giant screens. In fact, there seems to be no limit to screen size. Some projectors can display images on screens as large as 200 inches, as long as your living area can accommodate it.

The images projected are also sharp. The average front projection TVs typically project high-definition images (about 1920 X 1080 pixels). 

But some modern front projector TVs can even display images in 4K or Ultra High definition (3840 X 2160 pixels).

Rear Projection TVs

Rear projection TVs are projection TVs that have projectors within their chassis (or body). The projector and screen of these TVs cannot be separated and are in one box.

These projectors, located within the TV body, project images onto a front-mounted screen. 

The screens of rear-projection TVs were originally CRT technology, but they were too bulky and could not be sustained.

Digital processing light projectors and LCD projectors were then used because they made rear-projection TVs slimmer and lighter. But this development did not improve the appeal of rear-projection TVs.

The last rear-projection TVs were produced in 2012; the manufacturers stopped production due to poor sales caused by other TV technology improvements.

Let’s now see how projection TVs perform in comparison to regular TVs.

Projection TVs Vs. Regular TVs

This section will compare three features of projection TVs with those of regular TVs, so you can decide if they are worth it.

Because rear-projection TVs are no longer in the market, all comparisons will be between front projection TVs and the larger OLED TVs.

The Size and Mobility of Projection TVs And OLED TVs

The screen size is one of the selling points of the projection TV. A projection TV can display images on screens as large as 200 inches.

The biggest OLED TV, by comparison, is about 97 inches, which doesn’t compete with the size of projectors.

Large screen size is essential for that cinematic feel as it offers a more immersive experience.

Projection TVs also have better mobility. You can easily move a projection TV from place to place, and all you have to do is unplug the projector and roll up its screen.

Moving a 97 inch OLED TV is not an easy task, and it is far bulkier and more delicate to handle, so the projection TV wins this round.

The Resolution and Price of Projection TVs And OLED TVs

Previously, projection TVs were criticized because they often display poor grainy images, and the good ones cost too much. But that is no longer the case. Modern projectors are capable of displaying images in 4K.

This type of resolution means that images are more vivid and very colorful. Their huge size also makes projection TVs a plus.

Regular OLED TVs can also display images in 4K, and some QLED TVs even have 8K displays. The bigger OLED/QLED TVs of about 80-90 inches can also provide an immersive experience.

The price of both projection TVs and OLED TVs is between $300-$1000, so there isn’t much difference in cost.

Since both projection TVs and OLED TVs offer the best possible resolution and cost nearly the same. This round can be considered a draw.

The Power Consumption of Projection TVs and OLED TVs

Both projection TVs and OLED TVs are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible. But they don’t use the same amount of energy.

The projection TVs require more energy to power their lamps. It is estimated that a projector uses an average of 300 watts per hour and some as much as 800 watts.

In addition to this, using projectors for an extended period can damage the projector lamp and overheat the projector in some cases.

On the other hand, OLED TVs use an average of 116 watts an hour and seem better equipped for longer viewing hours.

Since the OLED TVs consume less power than their counterparts and can be used for extended periods, this round goes to the OLED TVs.

Our Verdict

Front Projection TVs can now display ultra-high-definition content on the largest screens. And due to developments in technology, they are now as affordable as regular TVs. They are also easy to install and move about, unlike regular TVs of similar size, which are bulkier, fragile, and present a greater logistic challenge. 

But projection TVs also have increased power consumption, and you will have to regulate how long you use them.

Despite their disadvantages, though, if you want a cinematic experience in the comfort of your home, then we recommend that you get a front projection TV. You will find that the immense size of projection TV screens and the vivid image quality of the projectors make it a very immersive and enjoyable experience.