Most people aren’t sure if they should get a projector or an 85-inch TV when they want to add a big screen for sports, videos, and movies to their home entertainment system, so they’re not sure which one to choose.
When it comes to choosing between a projector and a TV, it’s not easy. Whether it’s because of how much space the user has in their living room, how much money they have, or what they want from the new set-up, it’s not simple. There are also a lot of other things to think about. Like, is 4K resolution important to you? Suppose you want to watch TV outside in the summer. As a last question, do you want the largest screen you can get?
There are a lot of things to think about when you choose between an 85-inch TV and a projector. In this article, we talk about all of them. Below, you will learn about the different features of both an 85-inch TV and a projector, as well as some important comparisons, in the hope that this will help you make a better choice. You can also keep scrolling down and reading if you want to learn more about a subject.
Projector VS Big TV: Size and design
The very first thing to keep in mind concerning projectors is whether their projected display size significantly exceeds one of the televisions or not. Simply put, if you want to replicate what you can see at your local cinema or movie theater, a projector is what you may need; after all, it’s what they’re used for.
Besides, the cheapest projectors these days exceed 100 inches, while the commercially available TVs in the market reach roughly 85 inches. However, this is very dependent on where the users keep their gadgets in the house.
Moreover, to get a huge image from a projector that can typically go a maximum of 300 inches, one needs to set it up very far away from its screen. In general, the further and further away your projector is placed, the better and bigger the image you will get. Also, for that, you need a bigger space.
Not only that, but projectors also necessitate additional equipment, such as a stand or mount for the device as well as a white & black enough large wall or a screen. In addition, one also needs to think about where he or she will set the projector because achieving a decent experience at almost any angle is considerably more difficult than with any 85 inch TV.
An 85 inch TV, on the other hand, does not need much maintenance once it is all set up. You’re done once you’ve mounted it to the wall or placed it on a TV stand. In contrast, projectors might be easier and also quicker to set up and take down for space savings, however, televisions are more sort of permanent. So, if the detailed implementation and organization of both the 85 inch TV and projector are compared, TV wins.
86 inch TV vs Projector for Outdoor viewing
Deciding between a projector vs TV for outdoor watching is completely a different story, but most of the same concerns apply.
Besides, outdoor projectors are low cost and also a great choice for individuals who want to throw movie parties in the backyard or set up a screen for the big game. Not only that, projectors are usually lightweight, making it simple to move from one room to another or from your home to your garden.
The problem is with this portable device is that it is required on a sunny day, and they are more expensive during the season. So, before you buy a projector, make a note of the lumens it produces. Otherwise, you may end up with a device that is too gloomy to enjoy in natural light.
Huge TVs; specifically, the 86 inch TVs are getting increasingly popular, as they work well with natural lights and also they help in getting a vivid experience by providing excellent clarity and brightness. For example, Samsung’s Terrace TVs provide a 4K image with no glare. Besides, after seeing it in person, I was blown away by how amazing the photo on it appeared even on a bright sunny evening.
However, you will have to pay a high price for this luxury, which will cost around $5000 to10,000 $. Prices may come down as more businesses join the bandwagon, but for now, outdoor projectors are preferable for their accessibility.
Check out our write-up on the DIY Projector Screen Complete Guide for additional information.
4K TV vs 4K projector: Image quality
Projectors now equal the HD Ultra resolution of most televisions. Of course, a 4K projector will cost more than a 4K TV with all the desirable features, however, it is still somehow less expensive than the features enriched 4K TV. On the other hand, upscaling capabilities on a TV may be slightly better, ensuring that the older content appears its finest.
Then again, it is also obvious that the 4K isn’t the newest member on the block anymore; meaning, with the 8K devices becoming more affordable and also compatible content becoming more common and popular. Unfortunately, at present, the projectors fail to fully match the quality & depth of the OLED panels. So TVs wins in that case.
There has always been confusion regarding good quality projectors vs 85 inch TVs regarding the image quality, but honestly, I feel TVs have a significant advantage in terms of quality consistency and ease of implementation. Besides, as mentioned earlier, TVs have a variety of simple picture settings. However, they will also transmit their light straight to the user’s eyes, reducing the impact of ambient light and other influences on image quality.
Moreover, ambient light might be responsible for making the images on TV look washed out and particularly its reflections are often an issue. Nevertheless, if you want bright images with a lot of contrast as well as vibrant colors, you can get all these facilities from a television without even spending big bucks.
A projector, on the other hand, does not aim its light directly at the users. The light is directed at the screen or wall, and there the reflection is easily visible. In brief, there are various scopes for interrupting the image quality, plus the ambient light seems to be more likely to bleach everything out. And also the performance of the surface the user is projected on matters since the off-color wall impacts the colors, and a rough surface impacts how clean it seems.
Again, if you’re thinking of getting a true home theater, you have already accounted for the necessity to regulate the lighting, making it far easier to take full advantage of both the TV and the projector. However, if anyone is just searching for a device that looks cool in his/her living room, keep in mind that TVs undoubtedly are the easier way to maintain along with getting a good image quality. Also, the cheaper projectors, in particular, are likely to disappoint and cause more hassle.
Beyond that, big TVs or the 85 inch TVs are quite standard when it refers to 4K and HDR capabilities, and even the cheapest models tend to have good image processing as well as motion management; isn’t it great?
In this regard, the projectors are less predictable. The majority of these devices in mid-range are still 1080p Full HD, with around 720p HD or even lower, which you will get in the most affordable options. Moving on to the processing & other image quality advancements, the 4K feature is starting to arrive in many mid-range devices, but when it comes to image quality improvement and processing, such models will rather be barebones.
Note to mention, sometimes projector resolution is not usually as crisp as television resolution. Besides, projectors can utilize complex pixel shifting tactics easily for making the lower resolution appear to be 4K, but this isn’t the actual 4K resolution. Besides, projectors can utilize complex pixel shifting tactics easily for making the lower resolution appear to be 4K, but this isn’t the actual 4K resolution. So, before purchasing any projectors you are interested in, you should double-check them.
Nevertheless, HDR support is popular among expensive and better projectors, but its use varies depending totally on the device’s brightness along with the capacity of handling the dark areas, just as it does on TVs. The difference is that on TVs, almost maximum high-end devices do it nicely, while the cheaper versions have restrictions owing to budget constraints. But, it might not be as obvious on projectors. But overall, both the projectors and 85 inch TV has pros as well as some drawbacks in terms of image quality.
Which device’s Contrast is better?
A mix of black levels & brightness determines contrast and it is very important for having a good experience. While the brightness of a projector can be estimated by glancing at its lumen rating, and the black levels are primarily decided by just how much dark your projection room can be. In contrast, a load of ambient light can certainly wash an 85 inch TV out, but also they can fight ambient light as well as heighten perceived contrast, which most projectors can’t. Therefore, TVs are winners in this.
Projector Resolution vs TV Resolution
Moving on, the premium 4K TVs are pricey because of their great dynamic range and wide color gamut. But what about the high-end 4K HDR projectors? In a word, inferior! So, rather than purchasing a high-end 4K HDR projector, you should invest in a nice 4K HDR 85 inch television and supplement it with an Ultra HD Blu-ray player or any good audio system. Although there are a few good 4K HDR projectors as well, which are for around $1,500 to $2,000 on the market, they can’t compete with the performance of a comparable TV.
Furthermore, if you’re dead set on having the maximum quality possible, you’ll have to settle for 8K resolution 85 inch TVs; because 8K projectors for homes are basically non-existent. Hence, TVs win by a landslide when it comes to quality per dollar.
Which one among the UST projector vs TV has better color accuracy?
There is no need to spend a lot of money on a projector to get good color. You can easily get great color for a good price if you use a projector that has LCOS, DLP, or 3-chip LCD, among other types. TVs, on the other hand, require more work and processing to get the best color, which means they cost more. At this point, only the best 4K TVs can produce a wider range of colors than many other consumer projectors can, but they are very close to it. In fact, this is true for TVs that have HDR (high dynamic range) features. However, projectors with a wide dynamic range are becoming more and more common these days.
So, if we only look at the cost-performance ratio, televisions are the clear winner. If money isn’t an issue and you’re willing to spend a lot of money on a light-controlled projection room, you could get a much bigger screen with great picture quality. As a result, both the projector and the TV are great when it comes to getting the right color.
Projector vs 85 inch TV Audio & Setup
As previously said, TVs offer a significant benefit in terms of setup. Modern TVs only require hooking in and, if you wish to use its smart capabilities, connect it to your Wi-Fi. Moreover, new TVs feature ambient light sensors that alter the brightness in order to match the environment, and you can also fine-tune the image according to your preferences using its settings, which takes only a few minutes.
Moreover, there’s also the TV’s basic physical nature: they normally come along with a stand, which you can attach yourself within just a few minutes and then place anywhere you like. Also, if you prefer, you may wall mount it — this takes a little more effort though, but it generally saves space; not only that, it only takes a few screws.
A projector, on the other hand, is a little more complicated. The users need to know where they want the image to be presented and what magnitude they want it to be. Also, the projector’s location must be chosen properly, as it should be at a particular distance from the screen or wall to produce a picture of the user’s desired size.
Besides, there are several types of projectors kinds that help the users to be more flexible in any situation; for instance, if you compare the ‘short throw’ projectors vs TV, they are such projectors designed to generate enormous images while the device is placed closer to the wall, on the other hand, the ‘ultra-short throw’ projectors can be set just inches away from the wall, similar to where a TV stand would be.
In case you are planning to get an ultra-short throw projector, figure out where it’ll go! One might place it at the room’s center, or it could be attached to the ceiling with the help of any special bracket. Besides, some projectors are quite noisy, so if you are opting for a high-end model, consider putting it in such a location where it won’t be too loud.
Most importantly, the image needs to be corrected otherwise it won’t look rectangular, and for that, you most unlikely to have it directly pointing at the correct location. However, the automatic keystone correction feature is prevalent these days, so in that case, you don’t have to worry much. But if your projector doesn’t have this feature, it won’t take that long, plus, you will only have to do it once, so it won’t be a big hassle.
When it comes to moving it, one of the biggest advantages of projectors is that you can obtain a large image from a smaller box. Beyond that, a mid-range projector may simply be relocated to your garden to the outdoor or any other place for presentation, movie night, or any other reason. But the most advanced projectors are not as portable as these.
Also, these days, projectors often feature smart app platforms, making it simple to get up as well as operate it via your Wi-Fi.
The other thing to keep in mind is its connections. Many users usually have a place near their TV to store their set-top box, Blu-ray player, console, as well as other electronics, and having it on a stand makes it easier to plug everything in. But, on a wall-mounted device, it’s a little more complicated.
Also, there are other factors to consider, like, do you want some space near the projector to store extra devices? Is the projector in such a location where multiple connections won’t be an issue? Is an AV receiver required with your device so that you can connect the projector with the boxes with a single lengthy HDMI cable? and many more..
That brings us to audio. Speakers are standard on TVs as well as projectors, however, TVs are much more likely to be pleasant to listen to with no additional speakers. Moreover, there are some speakers with high-quality built-in sound. But again, not all the speakers come with this facility. The question is, whose audio is better?
The preferable option here is an 85-inch television, for a simple reason: TVs come with speakers, and even sometimes good ones at that. Sure, few projectors offer speakers ( with the exception of the laser-based new versions), but they’re usually small and harsh, plus they are often positioned above or behind viewers’ heads.
On the other hand, whether it be a TV or projector, the primary purpose of both devices is video. So, if you want the max out of your home theater you need an extra device; that is exactly why soundbars, external speakers, and subwoofers are for. And trust me, a good sound system really makes a huge difference. Nevertheless, many TVs produce enough sound straight out of the box, but again, not all of them do. Therefore, you want the finest sound, check out our suggestions for the finest as well as budget friendly soundbars, for TV and projectors. Also, you can go through our guide to upgrade your surround sound system.
However, when comparing simply 85 inch TVs vs projectors, projectors most often require external speakers, but a high-end or quality TV can easily handle the basic audio needs by itself.
Furthermore, a TV on any stand may easily be enhanced with any one of the best stereo sounds, while projectors can as well function with soundbars, but I am not sure if they are the obvious fit, as due to different positioning makes it less visible.
Therefore, if you are considering a projector in order to get a true home cinema experience, you’ll almost certainly want surround sound, and in that case, neither the TV nor the projector will make much of a difference – you might like to run everything via the AV receivers, which will take care of all the tedious stuff.
Projector vs. TV: Strengths and Drawbacks
With projectors, brightness is important since perceived contrast is determined by how light or dark your room is. The greater ambient lighting in your space, the greater brightness you’ll need which will make sure the picture doesn’t wash out.
However, high brightness quickly raises projector expenses. For example, most of the projectors in between $1,500 to $2,000 range generate around 1,500 – 3,000 lumens. Because projectors reflect light off a display screen, the real brightness finally ends up getting lower when it reaches your eyes.
Furthermore, most of the $1,000 range LED TVs can easily produce far more brightness. However, remember that TV brightness is measured in nits, not in lumens.
Not to mention, to come close to the brightness of even a budget LED TV, projector/ display screen combos just have to work harder. Also, the problem with projector bulbs is that they dim with time, eventually burning out, and they are expensive to repair as well. Although laser projectors (also known as Laser TVs) eliminate the need for bulb replacement, they aren’t as bright as televisions.
On the bright side, if your viewing room is sufficiently dark, the reflected light from a projector can be extremely pleasant to watch. And this is exactly the reason that movie theater display screens are so comfortable on the eyes. And also, they are great for enjoying 3D movies! Oppositely, TV is more flexible, user friendly, and more available, yet they can’t provide the best 3D feeling as the projectors do.
Which device is more user-friendly?
If you are wondering which device is easy to install, then the quick answer is that televisions are simpler to set up. Big TVs, like the 85 inch TVs are bulky and delicate, yet they’re simple to install and operate in a home entertainment setup. Plus, as everything can be hooked straight into the big TV and, throughout many cases, it can be operated through the TV’s remote; they work as a fantastic unifier for your gadgets and equipment. Besides, installation is pretty easy if you’re mounting your TV to a ceiling or wall. Not to mention, you can also execute the set-up simply on your own even when you choose the wall-mounted option. You can also get an installer to receive its amazing services; they will complete the task quickly and inexpensively.
In terms of projectors, the short-throw projectors are a bit easier to install. However, some projectors are a little complicated, needing more effort and planning to set up. Here, the first issue is with the display. Besides, there are other concerns as well. Like, will you paint the wall, install a free-standing screen, or go for any motorized screen that must be linked to your wall or ceiling?
Irrespective of the strategy, make sure that you have enough room because as you know the projectors’ screens are huge. Then also you need to ensure the projector is properly positioned, and trust me it is a more difficult challenge than it lookIn fact, we recommend that you engage a professional installer or at the very least read the projector installation guide thoroughly.
In addition, you have to connect the HDMI cables to your projector or you can even use wireless transmitters, which however increases the cost. Also, you will need an A/V receiver or at the very least an HDMI switcher to connect various sources such as a streaming device, game console, cable, satellite box, and Blu-ray player with only one HDMI cable. But, if you just want to connect at max 2 sources, you don’t need any extra receiver or switcher.
However, there is more you should know about this. Recently, short-throw, laser-based projectors have become more prevalent, allowing the users to set up on a floor or even on the table, for example, the LG HU80KA 4K UHD projector, can be set up on the floor easily in front of the screen and it also looks amazing (!).
Moreover, the newest laser projectors can get much closer to the wall — sometimes as close as 10 inches and come with built-in soundbars, reducing installation time even further.
Still, as long as you have a TV console and aren’t mounting your big television, TVs are the clear winner in terms of installation.
Which one among TV vs projector should be better for random watching?
If it isn’t obvious, televisions are apparently the more handy option. They’re easier to use, needless planning as well as less effort to install. Not only that, they aren’t affected by ambient light or things throwing shadows or reflections on the screen. Most importantly, an 85 inch TV will neither go out of focus nor require any bulb replacement. Furthermore, finding a good 85 inch TV with built-in streaming capabilities, a decent number of features & apps, voice control, isn’t that difficult. But of course, I can’t deny that more new projectors with extra smart features are appearing. Yet, for now, TVs are more flexible to use.
Which one is more affordable?
Now let’s talk about the price. Honesty, projectors are far less expensive than televisions. But yes, of course, there are luxury projectors that cost near $ 1,000 or more; however, if you want to get the maximum up-to-date features and specs, a huge 85 inch TV of any well-known would neatly cost $ 5-10,000. But, I must say, the value for money is quite a different topic which comes down to exactly what the users want to get an absolute viewing experience.
Not to mention, among reasonable 4K projector vs 4K TV, the Home Theater Projector Optoma HD28HDR 1080p which costs around $699, is one of the most affordable 4K projectors on the market right now. Again, the 82 inch Samsung TU7000 Smart 4K LED TV is the most inexpensive 4K TV with an equivalent screen size, which costs around $1,500.
In Contrast, the Smart Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector of Samsung, that is the LSP9T HDR Premiere 4K Ultra HD, on the other hand, is among the most costly ( and features enriched) projectors at $6,500. Besides, the 83 inch Smart 4K Sony A90J OLED TV is perhaps among the most expensive 4K TV, and it costs around $8,000.
This, of course, assumes that the user desires a screen bigger than 80 inches, that would compete with projectors that go up to 100 inches. Therefore. if you want 4K resolution, a projector might save you money.
Final words
Overall, smaller, easier-to-install, and portable are becoming increasingly popular. Despite their quick development, they nonetheless need a significant amount of time to work throughout the installation procedure. Well, modern projectors frequently include moveable lenses as well as zoom capabilities, while “short throw” projectors require only to be installed just a few degrees from the projector’s screen.
TVs, on the other hand, is more user-friendly as mentioned earlier, and offer a faster & easier installation. Although you’ll need to forego the comfort of watching 3D on TV. Though, the mesmerizing watching standard is soon becoming a non-issue in the world of big or 85 inch television. But if compared among 85 inch TV vs projector, projectors are still best for 3D watching, otherwise, you should go for an 85 inch TV if you want a vivid and bright normal or 2D picture in any light with no unnecessary cost and upkeep requirements.
Both the devices are great for certain purposes; based on your needs and capacity you should pick the one that suits you the most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This FAQ is here to solve some of your problems that may arise while walking in the pavement of this projector vs tv.
Which one should I go for? Projector or large TV for home theater?
If you’re thinking of getting a true home theater, you might have already accounted for the necessity to regulate the lighting, making it far easier to take full advantage of both the TV and the projector. But in terms of audio, TVs come with speakers, and even sometimes good ones at that. Sure, few projectors offer speakers, but they’re usually small and harsh, plus they are often positioned above or behind viewers’ heads. Plus, projectors most often require external speakers, but a high-end or quality TV can easily handle the basic audio needs by itself.
Anyway, if you are considering a projector in order to get a true home cinema experience, you’ll almost certainly want surround sound, and in that case, neither the TV nor the projector will make much of a difference – you might like to run everything via the AV receivers, which will take care of all the tedious stuff.
Which one should I pick between the projector vs big TV for gaming?
One thing to note is that none of them will be any bad choices; both are appropriate based on the user’s wants and expectations.
What are the pros and cons of a projector?
For projectors, a big house or space is sort of must! A projector can typically go a maximum of 300 inches, one needs to set it up very far away from its screen. In general, the further and further away your projector is placed, the better and bigger the image you will get. But, on the other, projectors take less space, and also outdoor projectors are low cost and also a great choice for individuals who want to throw movie parties in the backyard or set up a screen for the big game. Not only that, projectors are usually lightweight, making it simple to move from one room to another or from your home to your garden.
Is an 85 inch TV better than a projector?
For regular use, definitely yes. They’re simple to install and operate in a home entertainment setup. Plus, as everything can be hooked straight into the TV and, throughout many cases, it can be operated through the TV’s remote. Besides, installation is pretty easy if you’re mounting your TV to a ceiling or wall. Not to mention, you can also execute the set-up simply on your own even when you choose the wall-mounted option. You can also get an installer to receive its amazing services; they will complete the task quickly and inexpensively.
Student and Tech journalist.
