TV or Projector for my home theater?

Home Theater Design

Today we address the age-old question: What is better for my home theater: a projector or a TV? There are several things to consider before making the decision on you home theater.

Screen Size:
TVs range in size from 32 to well over 100 inches and the options are plentiful! If you keep an eye on the electronics trends, you will see just how many choices there are. Once you commit to a size though, that the size you get.

Video projector image size is adjustable and ranges from 40 to over 300 inches. Selecting your image size is based on the distance from the projector to the screen but you will also need to factor in the distance from where you are sitting from the screen, just like a TV. It is not all about the projector either, selecting the right type of screen is crucial to the experience. When selecting a projector and screen combo, factoring in the size of the room and lighting as well as other aesthetics help ensure that you make the right decision. The screen can be fixed to the wall or motorized to hide away when not in use, so there are many factors to consider to choose the right combination for your space.

Content:
If you watch a lot of movies they look excellent on larger TVs, but a projection screen makes it feel more like a movie theater.

You will also want to consider where you are wired, not only for HDMI but also for power. Let us not forget where all of your components are going! More and more people are getting away from “the boxes” and either hiding AV receivers, streaming devices, and set top boxes in closets or in areas away from the displays. Most projectors are mounted on ceilings or soffits and proper planning would need to take place to make sure the wiring and power is there and ready to go. If you are using a fixed screen, there is no need to plan for any wiring but plan on having additional infrastructure in place for any motorized screen.

Another consideration is audio. Even though your “BIG” TVs have speakers built-in, the speakers are tiny. Plan on adding additional audio equipment to get the most out of your home theater experience. When looking at home theater projectors, there are no speakers included so plan accordingly and talk to an expert. Sound bars and surround sound audio systems are something we will save for another day!

There are a lot of choices and considerations when deciding between projectors and TVs. Let Beishir Audio/Video help you design your perfect home theater! Call us today to talk to one of our home theater designers and set up your free consultation. We would love to help you design your dream space!