Whenever you decide to set up a captivating home theatre at your home to enjoy quality entertainment with your family, a certain question hits you the most. That is what is you going to use as the screen of the home theatre? Is it going to be a large OLED TV? Or is it going to be a projector? OLED vs Projector will answer it.
Once these equipment were not really worthy of home theatre as projectors were not much affordable and had very low light and resolutions. And TVs were smaller and had much fewer resolutions.
As a result, setting up a home theatre was not a lucrative option. But now both technologies have undergone drastic improvements and now it has become a huge question, which one are you going to choose for the home theatre.
As both of these options have advantages and disadvantages of their own, you might find it hard to choose one over another. There are many specific scenarios based on which you can choose the perfect one according to your preferences, and in each of those scenarios, one generally tops the other and vice versa.
And usually, these scenarios are picture quality, sound quality, resolution, color accuracy, size, contrast, installation, convenience, price, etc. So in terms of these things we have compared OLED TVs and projectors in this article, which will help you to understand which will be better for your home theatre system.
And our personal experience in using both of these technologies has also helped in this writing.
A quick comparison between OLED vs Projector:
| OLED TVs | Projectors | |
|---|---|---|
| Size of Screen | Usually smaller than projectors | Usually bigger than OLED TVs |
| Contrast | Good Contrast System | Not as good as OLEDs |
| Brightness | Nit is used as measuring unit. Provides quality brightness with lower price | Lumen is used as measuring unit. Cost too much for quality brightness |
| Color Accuracy | Good, but can do better than projector with high cost | Decent |
| Installation | Vey Easy | Not easy |
| Sound Quality | Has built in speakers Speakers are of decent quality | Most don’t have built in speakers If possesses built in speakers they aren’t good usually |
| Resolution | Provides great resolution including 4K | Doesn’t provide great resolution except for high priced ones |
| Convenience | Very Convenient | Not So Convenient |
| Price | Usually not much high | Usually high for good quality ones |
| 3D Support | No | Yes |
| Smart Features | Many | Few |
OLED vs Projector: Size
Let’s compare the sizes of these two technologies at the very beginning. Until a few years ago, in terms of size televisions were deplorably behind projectors as they were small. But now we can see that they are not behind anymore. The gap now almost tends to zero.
These days with only 3000 USD you can get an 85” OLED TV for your house. But then again, projectors still tend to be larger than TVS as affordable ones usually start around 120-125 inches.
And frankly speaking, a decent projector with good color reproduction, solid brightness, and even 4K resolution, and not to mention the higher size, will actually cost you less than the highest size OLED TV.
Check out these Best 4k Upscaling TVs also.
So if your priority is to have ultra-large screens in a very cost-effective way for your home theatre, projectors are an easy solution for you. But on the other hand, if you don’t care about the size and can work with a bit smaller screens, TVs can be your options here. Find out about the Smallest OLED TVs.
Winner: Projector
OLED vs Projector: Contrast
A combination of brightness and black levels determines the contrast of the technology. In case of projectors, their brightness capabilities can be determined by the lumen rating of them, but you can not control the black levels by the projector itself.
You have to keep the room as much dark as possible to get the best output from the projector, as the black level can’t be handled by the projector itself. On the other hand, televisions can easily heighten perceived contrast and battle with the extra light produced by the ambiance.
Even though a lot of light can create problems for TVs too, but still TVs are way better at handling the lights and contrast situation than projectors. So, TVs win this round.
Winner: OLED TV
OLED vs Projector: Brightness
Projector
As we have seen that projectors can’t handle the contrast situation while buying projectors we had to be really cautious about the brightness, cause if the projector can’t produce enough brightness, the screen will completely be washed out by ambiance lights.
Cause, the more light your room has, the more brightness you will need from your projector to ensure good quality. But if you choose projectors which produce huge brightness, the price will also be skyrocketed.
And as lights bounce off a screen in the case of projectors, you will feel the brightness is lower than actual. In the 2000 USD range, most projectors generally produce 1500-3000 lumens only. And projector bulbs are also costly to replace, as they dim over time and burn out eventually.
Laser projectors can work without bulbs, but still not as good as TVs. However, if you can get the room dark enough, projectors can be really comfortable watching movies or other things, as we know movie theatre screens are easy on the eyes than TVs.
OLED TV
On the other hand, most OLED televisions costing around USD 1000 can easily produce much higher brightness, though it can be hard to compare in numbers as TV’s brightness is measured by nits instead of lumens.
OLED televisions can easily surpass the ambiance lights and can offer a bright show. Really costly projectors will struggle to produce nearly as much brightness as budget OLEDs. So if your room has a lot of ambiance light, you should go for TVs without a second thought.
And if you like more brightness while watching movies or shows anyway, OLED televisions are the perfect choices for you.
Winner: OLED TV
OLED vs Projector: Color Accuracy
Well, in the case of color accuracy, both these technologies have offered us something. In terms of projectors, they can get you a decent color. Great color can be obtained from different types of projectors at a decent price.
On the other hand, TVs can also produce great color but they require better processing and more effort for that and as a result, they cost way more. Though projectors can produce really good colors, the best 4k OLEDs can do a bit better than that and produce a wider color gamut.
TVs also have a high dynamic range or HDR. So it ultimately depends on you. If the price isn’t a problem you can go with costly TVS or costly projectors easily. However, for lower prices, projectors can be a good option too.
Winner: Tie
OLED vs Projector: Resolution
In terms of resolutions, OLED televisions will easily win by a landslide as the price per resolution will play a huge role here. You can get a 4K resolution TV with HDR and wide color gamut with a large price.
But when you want to have a high-performance 4K resolution HDR projector, you will have to pay away a larger price. You will have to pay at least more than 1500 USD, whereas with the same amount of price you can get a more high-powered OLED TV.
You can even add a captivating sound system or ultra HD Blu-ray player with a 4K TV, with the same price of a 4K HDR projector. And also if you really want the highest possible resolution, you can go for 8K OLED TVs, where 8K projectors don’t yet exist. So if you prefer high resolution over anything, OLED televisions are for you.
Winner: OLED TV
OLED vs Projector: Installation
Now let’s move on to an important part of these two different technologies. When you are setting up a home theatre system, the installation of the screen is a fundamental part of the process.
And if we compare the installation system of both OLED TVs and projectors, we will see that televisions are a lot easier to install than the projectors. The large televisions might be a bit heavy in weight and fragile in nature, but you can place it in a home theatre system very simple and start using it easily.
Check out some of these large televisions here.
Projector
On the other hand, in order to install a projector, you will need more planning and effort as installing projectors can be complicated. The first issue will be the screen where you are going to project the light from the projector and watch the shows.
You can either paint a wall to make it like a screen, or set up a free-standing screen, or you can go for a motorized screen that will have to be attached to either your wall or ceiling. Whatever method you choose, first you will need to have the necessary space and for the screen, as the screens are big.
Then comes a bigger challenge for you and that is you will need to make sure that the position of the projector is correct. The installation of a projector might be a really hard task for you, so getting help from an installer will be a wise thing to do, also a projector installation guide can be of great help.
You’ll need to route HDMI cables to the projector for compatibility problems, or you can use wireless transmitters, which would cost you more. In addition, if you don’t plan to link either one or two sources, you’ll require an A/V receiver or an HDMI switcher at the very least.
These special projectors can be set up on a table or something. Even in some cases, you can set them up just on the floor as they can be set just in front of the screen keeping it on the floor.
Some latest laser projectors can be kept even closer; you can set them less than 10 inches away from the wall. And these new advanced projectors also are equipped with built-in soundbars which can also reduce the problems for installation.
OLED TV
And also OLED televisions can work as a great unifier for all the devices and equipment you will use in the home theatre system, as everything can be plugged in directly into the television itself and also you can control all these devices connected to the TV with the TV’s remote in most cases.
If you don’t mount the TV on the wall, the installation becomes way easier. And even if you choose the wall-mounted setup, you can complete the installation on your own. Or an installer can help you with it at a low cost.
Therefore, regarding all the things, OLED TVs are still way easier to install and start using as it’s a whole package.
Winner: OLED TV
OLED vs Projector: Sound Quality
If we talk about the sound quality of these two different technologies, OLED TVs will win over the projectors easily as TVs actually have built-in speakers, and most of the time they possess really decent speakers.
Whereas on the other hand projectors are generally not equipped with built-in speakers, though the laser-based projectors come with built-in speakers. And the few models that have speakers other than the laser-based ones, their speakers are nothing significant at all.
Take a peek at these Soundbars for Projector.
They are small in size and produce little sound and usually that sound doesn’t matter for the placement and also other powerful speakers are evidently used which makes a strong and clear sound.
However, whatever technology you use, an additional sound system will always come in handy. Even with OLED TVs, if you use an external sound system, it can make a huge difference to your entertainment experience as TVs are primarily for playing video playing roles.
But you can also not use them if you want in terms of OLED TVs, as basic audio needs can be handled well by a high-quality TV, but they are a necessity while using projectors. So, using a TV is profitable in this case.
Winner: OLED TV
OLED vs Projector: Convenience
If we talk about which one among these two is more convenient to use, after all the discussions from above it is kind of apparent that OLED TVs are more convenient than projectors.
As televisions require less effort and planning to set up, disruptions won’t be caused by lights of ambiance, problems to watch the screen for objects casting shadows on it won’t occur and also they are really simple to use.
They also don’t need bulb replacement.
And nowadays, almost every affordable OLED TV comes with a slew of smart features, including the option to use a variety of apps, voice activation, streaming services, and so on.
In the case of projectors, they are becoming smaller and simpler to mount these days, but they also necessitate extra work. Even though laser projectors have a lot to do, OLED TVs are much more comfortable. But if you want the taste of 3D, you will need to have a projector, as the TVs don’t work in that sector.
Winner: OLED TV
OLED vs Projector: Verdict
From the above discussions, if you sum up the whole thing, it is evident that OLED televisions are better and convenient in almost every aspect. However, it still depends on what you want and you should choose one based on your preferences.
And apart from less convenience and complicated usage, projectors can be a glorious touch for your home theatre system if you can conduct an ideal projector set up.
Managing ambiance lights and creating a dark room with a big wall screen and quality sound system can help the projectors deliver you a great cinematic experience at your home, which includes 3D too. So don’t rule out anything yet. And give your preferences the priority and choose one according to it.
Author’s Pick: OLED TV
You can either choose to buy an OLED TV or a projector; it depends on your preference and taste. But for either choice, there are a huge number of options available in the market from which you have to choose the perfect one, which fits your choice.
So for your convenience, we have gathered a list of the best OLED TVs and also the best projectors in the market from which you can easily choose one without hesitation. To make your choosing task easy, we have included 3 of the best OLED TVs and 3 of the best projectors in the list mentioned below.
Top 3 OLED TVs You Can Choose
LG CX Series OLED TV
Pros:
- Provides stunning picture quality
- A captivating super slim design
- Supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision
- Many smart features
Cons:
- Doesn’t support HDR10+
- Heavy bass sound can get distorted
Among all the topnotch 4K smart TVs, the LG CX OLED surely stands out as one of the most perfect OLED TVs out there. With a sleek and great design, drop-dead black levels, and outstanding picture quality, it has become a really excellent OLED TV for you to consider.
It supports both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, and a new processor (Gen 3) has been used to further process the image. This has four HDMI 2.1 ports, which allow you to connect external devices without experiencing any latency. It supports so many smart features as it uses the brilliant webOS platform of LG.
Though it doesn’t support HDR10+, this is one of the best deals you can get for an OLED TV for a really good price.
Philips OLED 804 TV
Pros:
- Great HD and 4K resolution
- Features an immersive Ambilight design technology
- Topnotch color contrasts and sharp, beautiful pictures
- Has great value as an OLED
- Supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
Cons:
- Using is complicated
- Has a lack of bass sound
- Has problems with Android TV features
- Clipping is caused often by vivid mode
Being one of the best OLED TVs out there in the market, the Philips OLED 804 TV can provide you one of the best entertainment experiences ever. If you want to ask especially why this OLED TV has been chosen over many other decent OLED TVs, the most specific reason probably is the Ambilight feature.
The Ambilight design feature provides a great aesthetic and gorgeous effect, as it helps the TV to feel the room with an ambient glow. So this OLED TV has a built-in system for mood lighting, which can really set up your mood to watch something nice and entertaining and give you the best experience by filling your heart with a certain good feeling.
The color and contrasts of the TV are also phenomenal. You won’t need to choose between a dynamic HDR format as it supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision and the OLED images are really enhanced by the P5 Picture processor of Philips.
The Android TV features of this TV are not much smooth, so it can be a bit problematic, and there is also a lack of Freeview Play. And the price is a bit expensive, but considering everything, this OLED TV can be a very nice and exceptional option for your home as it can have an aesthetic effect on the ambiance of your entertainment system and home.
Sony A8/A8H OLED TV
Pros:
- Provides a good sound quality
- Has ultra-wide viewing angles
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- No HDR10+ support
- Android features can be problematic at times
Sony is one of the most premium brands in the world for televisions. And the things that made us love Sony as a television brand, has obviously been reincarnated into the new Sony A8/A8H OLED TV.
Sony has used its Pixel Contrast Booster which makes the image highlights more intense, its top-line X1 Ultimate processor, and also a newly featured OLED version of the X-Motion Clarity Feature to provide you with a premium and excellent OLED picture performance.
A combination of a two subwoofer bass system and the Acoustic Surface Audio Tech helps the TV to have a really impressive sound system, which makes you immerse in the movies or shows you are watching and make them really enjoyable.
The brightness is a little low in this OLED TV compared to others, but it still provides one of the most refined pictures regarding OLED TVs. You can Choose between 720p and 1080p 32 inch TV.
Top 3 Projectors You Can Choose
LG HU85LA CineBeam
Pros:
- Has excellent image quality
- Sleek rectangular design
- Short throw features
Cons:
- Middling speakers
- Not so good with sound qualities
- Price is a bit expensive
The impressive short-throw technology lets the LG HU85LA CineBeam projector to project a huge display even if it is set up only inches away from the wall, which makes the projector really convenient to use.
But to project from such a short distance, it had to use advanced technologies, that’s why the price is a bit high. But it seems reasonable if you look at the increased convenience. And for this convenience, you can set it up almost anywhere you want in the room.
You can set it on the ceiling, or on a table, or just keep it on the floor. And the sleek rectangular design helps it to perfectly fit with the ambiance of the room. If you keep it 2.2 inches away, it can deliver a screen size of 90 inches, while it can deliver a 120-inch screen if it’s kept at 7.2 inches away.
However, the sound quality is not as impressive as this projector. Both high and low frequencies lack power while playing. However, this projector can be a good addition to your home cinema system.
BenQ TK850
Pros:
- Supports 4K resolution
- Supports HDR
- Produces highly bright picture
Cons:
- Doesn’t support streaming apps
- Can create some unwanted video noise
If you are really into sports and want to arrange big sports broadcasting sessions at your home and enjoy it with your friends and family, the BenQ TK850 is the perfect projector for you, since it is well known for helping to broadcast sports events.
The most captivating feature of this projector is that it supports 4K resolution, unlike many other projectors. And the brightness level of this projector is really high as it creates an intense brightness of 3000 lumens.
It has an exceptional HDR, high contrasts, and also a lens shift tool to lower the height or elevate the projection. And for the high brightness, the ambiance can hardly affect the colors and details of the screen.
During dark screens, it might cause some noises, and it also doesn’t support streaming apps, which are problematic. But still, the BenQ TK850 is one of the best projectors in the market.You can also Read comparisons between Epson Home Cinema 1060 and 2150.
Optoma
Pros:
- Projection rate up to 120 inches
- Has a brilliant sound system
Cons:
- Uses basic level old software
- Doesn’t support 4K resolution while using online streaming services
The Optoma UHZ65UST is one of the most impressive projectors out there with its laser projection system and ultra-short throw technology. It also comes with a massive display of 120 inches and a built-in soundbar.
The projector easily handles 4K resolution and HDR sources, which makes the projection great. The detail in the picture and enough usage of HDR color makes the picture quality much better than SDR projectors. It has a good design with a dimension of 576 x 383 x 130 mm.
The brightness level is also really high in this projector as it can produce 3500 lumens of brightness. It uses a built-in NuForce soundbar, with which it provides a wide soundstage and a great amount of audio detail, which can enhance your movie-watching experience greatly as the movies will sound phenomenal.
However, if you stream Netflix or other streaming sites with this, it won’t be able to provide the 4K resolution. It also uses an outdated smart platform. So if you are not much into watching shows from streaming services, it can be a great one for you.
Whether you choose to buy an OLED TV or a projector for your home, if you decide to choose one from the above list, you are sure to have a great experience of entertainment at your home.
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