Projector or Big Screen TV? How to Actually Decide

A projector delivers an experience a television cannot match, in the right room. In the wrong room it is a disappointment that cost more than a very good TV.

The technology is not the deciding factor. The room is.

Light is the deciding factor

A television produces its own light. A projector reflects light off a screen, which means ambient light in the room competes directly with the image.

Ask yourself honestly: can this room be made properly dark when you want to watch something?

If yes, a projector is genuinely on the table. If it is a north-facing room with large windows and no blinds, and the main use is daytime sport and evening TV with the lights on, a projector will underwhelm you no matter what you spend.

Modern projectors are much brighter than they used to be, and ambient light rejecting screens help considerably. But you are managing the problem rather than eliminating it. Blockout blinds or curtains change the equation entirely and are worth factoring into the budget.

How big are we actually talking

This is where projectors are unmatched.

Large televisions have got much bigger and much cheaper, and a very large TV is a legitimate option now in a way it was not a few years ago. But a projector goes considerably larger again, and at those sizes the difference is not just quantitative. A properly sized projected image changes how a room feels when you watch something.

The constraint is throw distance. The projector needs a certain distance from the screen to produce a given image size, and that depends on the model. Short throw projectors sit close, standard projectors sit further back, usually ceiling mounted behind the seating.

Room dimensions determine what is achievable, which is why this gets measured rather than assumed.

The things people underestimate about projectors

Installation is a real job. Ceiling mounting, running power and signal cable to the projector position, and mounting a screen. It is not a plug-in-and-go proposition.

The screen matters. Projecting onto a white wall works but wastes much of what you paid for. A proper screen surface makes a substantial difference to contrast and colour.

Lamps and running costs. Traditional lamp projectors need replacement lamps periodically. Laser projectors avoid this but cost more upfront.

Turn on time. Projectors take a moment to warm up and cool down. Minor, but it makes them less suited to casual viewing where you want the screen on instantly.

Fan noise. Usually modest, but in a quiet room during a quiet scene, a projector directly above the seating is audible.

The things people underestimate about big TVs

Weight and mounting. Very large televisions are heavy, and mounting one properly means the right bracket and the right fixings for the wall. It is not the same job as mounting a 55 inch screen.

Viewing distance. A very large screen in a small room means sitting too close, which makes the picture uncomfortable rather than immersive.

Room dominance. A large black rectangle is present all the time, including when it is off. A projector screen can retract and disappear, which matters in a room used for more than one thing.

Sound has to be solved either way

Neither option comes with good sound. A projector has essentially none, and a large TV has the same thin sound as any other TV.

Whichever you choose, budget for the audio side of it. It affects the experience at least as much as the screen does. See surround sound installation.

A reasonable way to decide

Choose a projector if: the room can be darkened, you want the largest possible image, the main use is films and proper viewing sessions, and the room can accommodate the throw distance and mounting.

Choose a large TV if: the room has significant ambient light, viewing is casual and spread through the day, you want instant on, and simplicity matters.

Consider both in homes with a dedicated media room and a separate living area. They are solving different problems.

More on projector and screen installation and home theatre installation.

We source equipment to suit the room rather than pushing a particular product, and all installation work carries a 12 month labour warranty.

Written by Yariv, Owner and Lead Installer at AVsion. 14 years installing AV, WiFi and security systems across Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Frequently asked questions

Is a projector better than a big screen TV?

It depends almost entirely on the room. A projector reflects light off a screen, so ambient light competes directly with the image, meaning it needs a room that can be darkened. In that room a projector delivers a considerably larger image than any television. In a bright room used casually through the day, a large TV will give a better result for less complexity.

Do projectors work in rooms with windows?

They can, but with compromises. Modern projectors are much brighter than older models and ambient light rejecting screens help considerably, but you are managing the problem rather than solving it. Blockout blinds or curtains change the result dramatically and are worth including in the budget if you are seriously considering a projector for a room with significant natural light.

How far does a projector need to be from the screen?

It varies by model. Short throw projectors sit close to the screen, while standard projectors need more distance and are usually ceiling mounted behind the seating. The distance required for a given image size is set by the projector’s specifications, so room dimensions determine what is achievable. This is measured on site rather than assumed.

Do I need a projector screen or can I use a wall?

Projecting onto a white wall works, but it wastes a good deal of what you paid for. A proper screen surface improves contrast and colour noticeably, and ambient light rejecting screens make a substantial difference in rooms that cannot be fully darkened. A retractable screen also has the advantage of disappearing when the room is being used for something else.

Is it hard to install a projector?

It is a genuine installation job rather than a plug-in setup. It involves ceiling mounting the projector, running power and signal cable to that position, and mounting the screen. Ceiling and roof space access, cable routes and mounting points all need to be worked out beforehand, which is why the room gets assessed before the equipment is decided.

Do projectors and TVs need a separate sound system?

Effectively yes for both. Projectors have essentially no useful built-in sound, and large televisions have the same thin sound as any modern TV because there is no room inside for proper speakers. Whichever you choose, the audio side should be budgeted for, since it affects the experience at least as much as the screen itself.