projector screen versus 100 inch tv

[easyrider]

We are thinking of a do over in the living room next year. I'm thinking of placing a TV or projector over the tops of the windows and there is a good 46 inches of height to do this. Regarding width there is maybe 18 ft between wall sconce lights fixtures. So the top of the viewing area is about 128 inches and the bottom viewing area would be about 82 inches.

One of the timeshares we like has a 96 inch+ screen tv in the living room and we really like it. The reason I'm thinking projector is because of the weight and maybe cost. From what I can tell, both have decent screens and sound. Anyone have one of these ?

Bill

 

[DrQ]

Unless you can completely darken the room, I would not go with a projector. Even then, the black areas will still be less dramatic. Also, DLP chips wear out.

We had a rear projection DLP 72" TV. At the time, it was a great bang for the buck, but the LED flat screen we have now (46" QLED) has a much better picture and contrast. I bought the 46" because I could install it myself, if it would integrate into my home theater and if I would be happy with it:

• Yes
• Yes
• Yes

With projection, you have to replace bulbs, and I would put it on a UPS give it clean power and the ability to cleanly power down and cool off in the event of a power outage. Also, look into the cost and availability of bulbs. For our DLP, it was ~$100/bulb assembly.

Projectors have a maximum "throw" range and if you exceed that distance, you might not be able to properly focus the image. You will also need a reflective screen to get the best picture with which you need to handle.

 

[jp10558]

Always go with a TV if you can afford it - it'll be better and likely cheaper than a projector over time (those bulbs aren't cheap to replace).

 

[DrQ]

With such a large viewing area, I would only consider OLED or QLED technology which will give you a better (wider) viewing angle.

 

[buzglyd]

Just look for short throw projectors. It depends on how much light you have in that room. The real advantage to a projector is you don’t have a gigantic TV hanging on your wall. You would also want a nice screen you could hide when not in use.

 

[DaveNV]

Projector imaging isn't ever as good as a regular screen image. Installing it yourself is not a valid reason to accept a substandard image after the fact. Hire help if you need it, or even pay to have it professionally installed. Six months later, you'll thank yourself for having the better image, and the installation cost won't matter.

Dave

 

[easyrider]

The projector dealio I am thinking about is a laser projector with an "enhanced screen" that blocks light but not the laser and a bulb life of 20,000 hours. Our first big screen tv was a projector TV that I liked better than the plasma tv that replaced it. Yup, our projector TV took up a lot of space and did go through plenty of bulbs. The reason I favor this is the weight of the screen and all I need is a shelf for the projector. The reason I'm thinking of not doing this is cost now that I've been looking.

A Black Friday deal is what I'm looking for so I might have to settle on something a like an 85 inch Samsung.

It occurred to me that our first TV was a 13 inch black and white dinker with 3 channels. We've really come along way from those times.

Bill

 

[DaveNV]

Newer TVs are much lighter and thinner than they were just a few years ago. Size matters, in terms of screen imaging, but the weight of a 100 inch TV may not be what you think it is. Just grabbing Costco for reference, a 98" Samsung TV weighs 114 pounds. If installed correctly (into wall studs) that weight shouldn't be an issue.

Dave

 

[buzglyd]

Like others have said, viewing angle is important in a large room. My LG OLEd are excellent from an angle.

I‘ve thought about getting a projector and screen for our house in Scottsdale. Warm nights in the pool with a game on would be fun.

 

[TUGBrian]

80-100" tvs are just stupid light (and inexpensive) now....id take that over a projector any day. (for indoor use)

 

[easyrider]

The height of the TV might be the next problem. I have about 45 inches over the tops of the windows on the TV wall. The center of the TV would be about 104 inches. I would angle it down. A 98 inch TV has a height of about 48 inches so it would hang over the window. The Samsung 85 inch TV is about 43 inches so that is about as good as it gets.

Bill

 

[PigsDad]

The height of the TV might be the next problem. I have about 45 inches over the tops of the windows on the TV wall. The center of the TV would be about 104 inches. I would angle it down. A 98 inch TV has a height of about 48 inches so it would hang over the window. The Samsung 85 inch TV is about 43 inches so that is about as good as it gets.

Personally, that would drive me crazy. I would end up with a sore neck looking up at a screen all the time. For me, the middle of the screen is at eye height or lower. I won't put a TV above a fireplace either -- just not good ergonomics.

But good luck with that!

Kurt

 

[easyrider]

Personally, that would drive me crazy. I would end up with a sore neck looking up at a screen all the time. For me, the middle of the screen is at eye height or lower. I won't put a TV above a fireplace either -- just not good ergonomics.

But good luck with that!

Kurt

Thanks for mentioning this Kurt. It's exactly what my buddy said.

My first thought is it will be fine up high because the 65 inch TV in the master bedroom is centered high. The bottom of the master bedroom TV is right above door height. It angles down. Laying on the bed with a pillow is pretty good viewing. In the living room I'm usually reclined on the couch so I think it will be fine.

If I move the TV to the other wall I could actually get the over 85 inch TV. Something like 100+ inches. The problem is I would be facing away from the outdoor view which is occasionally better than the TV. The marlin could stay on the wall too. I want to widen all of the windows or install a Nanawall onto the deck which requires the TV be moved. Next summers project maybe.

Bill

 

[Ken555]

A few years back, the common advice was to have the top of your TV screen at eye level or just slightly above when you're sitting down. However, with the size of TVs today, that guideline has evolved. Still, if you find yourself craning your neck to watch, it's likely going to lead to some discomfort!

This is why I often find myself frustrated with the way hotels and timeshares position their TVs above fireplaces or way up high on walls, treating them like artwork. It really is one of those design choices that could use a rethink—more people should definitely voice their thoughts on this!

The same goes for computer screens. It’s super important to avoid any positioning that causes you to strain your neck. Comfort is key!

 

[buzglyd]

With large TVs the general rule is the center of the TV should be at your eye level in your normal sitting position. People tend to mount them too high.

Also, there are articulating mounts now for above fireplace mounting that lower the TV in front of the fireplace for viewing. Negates being able to use your fireplace while watching TV.

 

[jp10558]

All I know is at the office they've been happy to replace projectors in conference rooms with 85" TVs. All the A/V experts tell me the video quality and ease of use is much higher with a TV. In my experience, (not with the absolute latest projectors) you always had to dim the room to see the display, which was fine if it was movie night, but if you just want to watch some TV or show a powerpoint was less than ideal. And projectors etc always had bulb issues. Maybe modern laser/LED solve that, but if it cost MORE than a similar sized TV I would skip it.