Television or Projector: Which Should You Choose?

It truly is a great time to be a television viewer. Whether you are a hardcore sports fan or an HBO addict who is counting down the days until the next season of Game of Thrones, high-quality and high-definition programming is being released like never before. At the same time, the technology inside televisions is getting more advanced while at the same time becoming less and less expensive for the typical consumer. Although it is the epitome of “first world problems”, choosing a new television set can be a difficult choice for many people. While there are numerous criteria one can use, this article will focus on a less familiar but still worthwhile decision: should I purchase a television or projector?

Pros and Cons of Television

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of television is the fact that essentially everyone is familiar with them. Their basic functionality has effectively remained the same since they were created, and few people are intimidated by the operation of a television. Also, they are typically compatible with many different peripherals – from PlayStations to Apple TVs (and most things in between). That being said, televisions can still be expensive, particularly when you are looking into screens that are 60 inches or larger. Televisions also require a dedicated space, and can be difficult to move when necessary. Finally, with television technology advancing so quickly, anyone buying a television runs the risk of having their investment quickly become obsolete. While this is not an issue for some, it most certainly is for others.

Pros and Cons of Projectors

Easily the most obvious advantage of projectors is the fact that you can get a substantially larger viewing experience, without spending four or five figures on a 70+ inch television screen. While there are plenty of projectors in that high price range, the reality is that there are plenty of options available for a fraction of that cost, which will also project in high-definition. Additionally, projectors are much more compact than televisions, and do not require a dedicated space when they are not in operation – most projectors are simply hung from the ceiling, or put on a small table from which they can project onto a wall or screen. There are, however, some disadvantages with projectors as well. First and foremost is the fact that their bulbs burn out. While it is true that newer projectors have bulbs that can last for thousands of hours, they too will eventually need to be replaced. These bulbs are not cheap, and can dramatically add to the cost of owning a projector. In the same vein, projectors use significantly more energy than televisions, which will contribute noticeably on your monthly electric bill. Many projectors also generate a great deal of heat, which can be a problem in poorly ventilated rooms, as well as in climates where it is hot enough without the addition of projector heat. Finally, many projectors, particularly on the lower end of the price spectrum, require dark or near-dark rooms to be viewed correctly.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Television or a Projector

Ultimately, there is no absolute right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a television and a projector. Before making your choice, be sure to weigh the pros and cons, and think realistically about what your priorities are. Do you want the largest screen possible or the highest definition possible? Do you want to plug quickly into gaming consoles and other peripherals, or do you want a screen that takes up little of your limited space? Whatever you decide, make sure you keep an eye on safety and make sure that your television or projector is properly secured to the wall or ceiling, so you can enjoy the new episode of Game of Thrones the way it is meant to be enjoyed!