Most projector beginners wonder how to use a projector as a TV at home. In this guide, we will introduce methods to use a projector as a TV and explain some related problems.
Can I Use My Projector As a TV?
The answer is yes, but the detailed steps are slightly different for different types of projectors. For some multimedia projectors without a system, you need to connect the projector to external devices. For some projectors with Android TV, you can just watch movies and shows just like a TV without connecting the projector to an external device.
How to Use a Projector As a TV?
In this section, we will explain how to use a projector as a TV for different types of projectors. If you want to get a better effect, you can connect the projector to a speaker or sound bar to achieve a better audio effect.
For Multimedia Projector
A multimedia projector refers to a video projector without a smart Android TV system. You can use one of the following 3 methods.
Streaming Devices
You can connect the multimedia projector to a TV stick or a TV box to play shows on the projector just like a TV. Here are the detailed steps.
- Turn on the projector.
- Connect the projector to the streaming device via the HDMI interface of the projector.
- Select the HDMI signal as the input source on the projector.
- Then, you can see the homepage of the streaming device on the screen.
- Just enjoy the content just like a TV.
TV Tuner
This method is suitable for users who want to watch shows on local channels and broadcast television channels.
- Turn on the projector.
- Connect an antenna to the TV tuner.
- Connect the TV Tuner via the HDMI interface of the projector.
- Select the HDMI signal as the input source in the projector if necessary.
- Then, you can watch shows from local television channels (It may take a while for the device to receive signals and program information).
Cable Box
This method is suitable for users who want some features of traditional TVs on the projector.
- Turn on the projector first.
- Connect your projector to the cable box via the HDMI interface of the projector.
- Select the corresponding HDMI signal as the input source (If it can’t sync automatically).
- Then, you can enjoy content on the projector just like a TV.
For Android TV Projector
If you have an Android TV projector, you can access various content easily without connecting to streaming devices.
Android TV projector has built-in streaming Apps and Google Mobile devices. You can just download various Apps in the Google Play store. Then, you can watch the shows.
How to Choose a Projector as a TV Replacement?
Compared with TV, the projector has two major weaknesses. Firstly, the projector is not bright enough. Secondly, the projector takes a much bigger space to project a big screen.
If you pay more attention to the brightness and space, you can choose Ultra Short Throw laser projectors which are also called laser TV.
Ultra Short Throw projector can project a big screen within an extremely short distance so that you can place the projector on a cabinet just like a TV.
In addition, Ultra Short Throw laser projectors usually have high brightness so that you can watch movies or shows during the daytime.
For choosing a projector as a TV replacement, the image quality of the projector is critical. Therefore, the resolution, contrast, and color gamut are also top factors to consider. The higher the contrast and resolution, the sharper the image.
Last, is the smart system. If you want to access content from streaming platforms conveniently, you need to pick a projector with a built-in Android TV system.
Why Use a Projector Instead of a TV?
The projector has many advantages over a TV, including screen size, cost, eye protection, portability, and flexible setup.
Screen Size
Compared with a TV, a projector has a bigger and changeable screen size. A common entry-level projector has a screen size range of 60-200 inches. Some projectors can project a max screen of 300 inches, building an immersive and cinematic viewing effect. You can watch movies at home just like in a theater. The screen size of a TV is fixed, which ranges from 60 inches to 100 inches. The screen size of a projector is changeable while the TV is unchangeable.
Cost
Compared with a 100-inch TV, the cost of a projector is much lower as most projectors can project a 100-inch screen. A common projector costs just $70 – $300. However, a common 100-inch TV costs about $1,000 -$5,000.
Eye Protection
The projector adopts diffuse reflection, which is different from the direct reflection of a common TV. This reflection mode greatly reduces the harmful light and causes less harm.
Portability
A large-screen TV is heavy and bulky, and you can’t move it at will. Generally, the position of a TV remains unchanged. However, the weight and size of a projector are small, you can carry it with just one hand. Therefore, you can change the position at will. Some portable projectors can be put in a handbag. You can carry a projector for camping or an outdoor movie.
Flexible Setup
A projector generally supports four kinds of projection modes, including front, rear, front ceiling, and rear ceiling. You can change its image orientation by just moving its position or flipping down. You can project the image onto the ceiling so that you can lay on the bed and see the image on the ceiling. However, the position of a TV is relatively fixed and not flexible enough.
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