Last Updated on April 22, 2022 by Markeyus Franks
Projectors can serve a lot of applications. You can easily view presentations, display pictures, and even videos on the screen using projectors. However, the question plaguing many consumers is, can a projector be used as a TV? We would not only highlight the answer to this question below but also go into greater detail.
Can a projector be used as a TV? Yes, a projector can be used as a TV. It is certainly possible to convert your projector into a full-fledged entertainment source like a TV. With any projector supporting up to 100 inches of screen size, the TV experience using a projector is excellent.
How can a projector be used as a TV?
Every projector consists of numerous ports. Most of those ports are capable of converting a projector into a TV. We will highlight how you can do so by using various ports.
1. HDMI:
Even when using a regular TV, you can add the TV box to it using the HDMI port. The HDMI port in the projector can help you do the same. However, you cannot only connect the TV box to the HDMI port but also other devices. We will mention the same below.
• Firestick:
With the help of a fire stick, you can stream content from various sources through your projector. Plenty of these sources provide you access to TV channels as well.
Roku streaming stick:
Most of us know about the Roku streaming stick. It can help you browse hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes. By plugging the stick into the HDMI port of the projector, you can start streaming such content.
• Synchronizing with computer monitors:
Numerous websites online provide you access to TV channels and other entertainment sources. You can use the HDMI port of your monitor and the projector to stream content through your projector.
As you can see, the HDMI port of any projector is multipurpose. It can help you use a projector as a TV.
2. Components:
A projector also has a components port. These are usually a set of 3 ports distinguished by color. The colors are red, green, and blue. If you observe your TV box, it has the same colored ports as well. Consequently, you can connect your TV box to the projector using these ports to transmit analog video signals. It is another way to use your projector as a TV if you have an analog TV box.
3. Coaxial:
The coaxial port comes in handy in conjunction with a digital television converter box. You can connect the TV box to the converter box and the converter box to the coaxial port to use your projector as a TV.
4. DVI:
Do you want to connect your computer monitor to your projector?
If yes, you can do so using the DVI port. DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. This port is available in computer monitors as well. Synchronizing the monitor with your projector is easy by using this port. All you need is a DVI cable, and you’re good to go. As stated above, there are plenty of websites that offer you movies, TV episodes, and much more. Using the DVI port, you can directly stream this content on the projector.
5. RGB:
The RGB port allows you to connect computer and satellite sources to your projector. Both of these offer you the ability to use your projector as a TV.
As you can see, numerous ports facilitate the use of the projector as a TV. Before we go any further, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of using one as a TV.
Advantages:
Let us first look at the advantages.
1. Better value for money:
A projector is much more affordable than a TV. A prime example is the Optoma EH412 1080P HDR DLP Professional Projector. It supports 4K resolution. Buying a TV offering the same resolution (screen size over 60”) will cost you at least twice as much. Therefore, you cannot ignore the financial advantage.
2. Excellent viewing experience:
Many projectors provide up to 100 inches of screen output. The advantage of these projectors is that the viewing experience is excellent. You cannot get the same on TV. The immersive experience which a projector provides is difficult to achieve from a TV. Additionally, the eyestrain resulting from a projector display is much lesser than that of a TV. So, the user experience is better while using a projector.
These 2 are the primary advantages of using a projector as a TV.
Disadvantages:
The projector has a few disadvantages as well.
1. Higher operating cost:
The output of the projector is dependent on the projector bulb. The problem is that the life of most projector bulbs is 2000 hours. Just to give you an idea, if you use the projector as TV for 6 to 8 hours a day, that is around a year. After that time, you will have to replace the bulb, which will cost you money.
Even when you take the advantages and disadvantages into account, you cannot deny that using the projector as a TV makes sense.
Types of projectors that can be used as TVs:
It is essential to go through the types of projectors to make an informed decision when buying one.
1. Short Throw projectors:
The short-throw projectors project the screen only up to 8 feet. The range is from 3 feet to 8 feet. If the screen or the display surface is close enough, you can certainly go for them.
2. Regular projectors:
The regular projectors, also known as the standard throw projectors have a projection range of 8 feet to 10 feet. At 10 feet, they can create a 100-inch image as well. That is why they stand out when it comes to TV usage.
Short throw projectors vs regular:
While comparing short-throw projectors versus regular, you have to remember that the regular projectors offer a large image. Also, with the throw distance of up to 10 feet, it is perfect for your living room and other larger rooms. You can easily enjoy the TV experience using the regular projector. If you indeed want one to use as TV, the only one which meets those requirements is a regular/standard throw projector.
3. Laser projectors:
It is another type of projector on offer. These are known as the laser projectors. These use lasers instead of the bulbs to display the images. While they might be better in terms of display quality, the cost of such projectors is often higher.
Thus, when looking for a projector that can be used as a TV, the regular/standard throw projector is the perfect option for you. However, it is crucial to take the lumens rating of the projector into account before choosing one.
What factor to keep in mind when choosing a projector over a TV?
The lumens rating of a projector plays an important role when choosing one for usage as a TV. The lumens rating determines the brightness of the video output. If the brightness is low, it will be hard to distinguish the details on the screen. Ideally, when you’re choosing a projector, the brightness should be about 2000 lm. Only then, you can use one as a TV.
Want to just go with the best projector to use as a TV?
If yes, we have a good recommendation for you.
Our Recommendation:
- The Viewsonic 3600 Lumens WXGA is your best bet. It is a projector offering many features necessary to use it as a TV. These include:
- Lumens rating of 3600
- 2 W Internal speaker
- Easy setup
- Contrast ratio of 21,000:1
- Compatibility with the Mac, PC, and other such devices
- The lamp life span of 15,000 hours
- Numerous ports on offer
- 1080p resolution
- Reduced Input Latency
All these features help it stand out when looking for such a projector. The excellent resolution makes it perfect for TV. Moreover, since it is a standard throw projector, the screen can be at a distance of 10 feet, which allows you to use it as a TV and view the output with your family. The weight of 8 lbs ensures that you can move it from one room to another. These features make it one of the best projectors which you can use as a TV. Check prices on Amazon
Conclusion
So, the answer to the question can a projector be used as a TV, is definitely yes. Using our guide above, you can not only select such a projector but also understand how you can do so. There are numerous ways to connect to a TV box or to use other sources to use a projector as a TV. You need to follow the tips and guide above, and you can certainly enjoy an immersive entertainment experience with a projector.
