TV versus Projector
When designing a home theater or media room, one of the biggest questions is. TV versus projector; whether to get a large TV or a projector. Years ago, when projector technology was expensive and ill equipped to handle certain lighting situations, this decision was much easier. Today, the line between TV versus projector technology is blurred due to the advancement of 4K projectors and ultra short throw models being available at reasonable prices. This gives customers more options but the burden of choosing one that best suits there needs.
Today, choosing between a projector and a TV mostly comes down to the environment and how you plan to use the room. Two of the most common environments for TV and movie watching today, family rooms (or media rooms) and dedicated home theater rooms. Let’s get into environmental factors and what technology we recommend as per.
Family Room / Media Room
The modern family room (sometimes referred to as a media room) is usually in the living room and is the center gathering space for family and friends. Often featuring oversized couches, a coffee table, and sometimes even a fireplace, it’s a great place to spend time with loved ones. A number of factors play into Choosing between a TV and a front projector in this type of room.
You can find reasonably priced TV’s today as large as 85” diagonally, and even larger models can be purchased if you’re willing to spend the extra cash, making it possible to put a rather large TV in your family room. Living rooms tend to have more light spilling in through an increased amount of windows and light from other open rooms. TVs will give you a very bright picture which can overcome the glare from most of this extra light. Controlling the light will still help, and you may want to install a professional lighting and shading system, but in most cases, a TV is a good solution for this room type.
If you watch a lot of movies, television shows, or sports in the family room and want something bigger than 85”, however, you may want to consider a short throw front projector. This is when the question, TV versus projector come into play the most. You can find models that produce a picture up to 120” for a similar price to some 85” flat panel TVs. This new class of ultra short throw front projectors use a new type of screen material that rejects ambient light and allows for a huge image even in a brightly lit room. If you want to go even bigger than 120” there are many screen materials for conventional front projectors. If you go the conventional route we do recommend you consider curtains or motorized shades to add some light control to the room.
Of course, this raises the issue of what to do with the projector and screen when they’re not in use. For smaller projects, the projector can sit on a cabinet or other space against the wall and somewhat blend to the decor, however sometimes these can be an eyesore depending on the room. You can however, contact us for a professional install and have the option of a completely hidden solution. Screens can be hidden in a ceiling pocket or decorative wall mounts and can be controlled with the touch of a button with an integration system. In most cases, a TV is great for a family room, but if you decide you want a front projector, we strongly recommend that you work with experts like those at AIC.
Home Theater Rooms
Next, let’s discuss choosing between a television and a front projector in a custom home theater room. These are spaces in the home that are dedicated to movie, TV, or sports watching and are usually tucked away and constructed in bonus rooms, spare bedrooms, or in a finished basement or attic.Dedicated theater rooms are typically modeled after the real thing and can include everything from acoustic treatments, to home theater furniture with stadium seating and even a popcorn machine!
Lighting is perhaps one of the biggest aspects of making a great theater room. There is a reason movie theaters do not have windows so the ability to control the light in your dedicated theater is imperative. Of course, everyone is different however we highly recommend going with a front projection system for custom theater systems.
The goal of a theater room is to immerse you completely in the experience. The way light bounces off a projector screen feels more natural and lifelike as compared to an overly bright TV, and it’s the closest thing you can get at home to the way you experience a film at a commercial cinema.
Of course, some people may want to use their theater room for sports, and you probably want to have your lights on while you watch the big game with your friends. Luckily, the latest projection technology and a little planning make this totally doable!
At the end of the day every customer and every project is unique. If you need help deciding on a TV versus projector for your Home Theater or Media Room; Contact AIC today for a professional consultation on your next family room or dedicated theater project.
