Are you looking for the best projector to replace TV? If yes, you’ve landed on the right page.
Modern projectors have become consumer-friendly, feature-rich, and affordable, all at the same time.
Hence, it makes sense to consider replacing your TV with a projector.
In this article, I’ve listed the 3 Best Projectors to Replace TV that offer superior brightness, tons of features, and pocket-friendly pricing.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
Top 3 Best Projectors to Replace TV
1. Hisense PX1
The Hisense PX1 is an ultra-short throw laser projector. It has a triple laser light source that produces an extremely wide color gamut.
It can cover up to 107% of the BT.2020 color space, more than what most TVs can cover. Hence, you’re guaranteed a vibrant image production that puts any modern TV to shame.
The Hisense PX1 comes with Vivid, Sport, and Game modes that bump the projector’s brightness to its highest level for a comfortable daytime viewing.
In its brightest settings, this projector cannot achieve deep blacks; they look dark gray. However, switch the picture mode to ‘Theater,’ which reduces the brightness and helps achieve deeper blacks.
Being an ultra-short throw projector, it’s ideal to use during the daytime if you couple it with an ALR projection screen.
In terms of hardware specs, the Hisense PX1 is a 4K projector with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160p. The projector has 2x HDMI ports (HDMI1 supports eARC) that support 4K@120Hz. As a result, it’s ideal for playing games on modern gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Furthermore, it also has a built-in TV tuner making it the best projector to replace TV. The TV tuner can receive, process, and broadcast TV signals without requiring an external device.
The triple laser light engine produces up to 2000 lumens brightness. Most of you might feel that 2000 lumens brightness is less for daytime viewing. However, since the projector sits just a few inches from the projection screen, it’s more than enough to use during daytime and nighttime with ambient lighting.
The Hisense PX1 is a smart projector and comes with an Android TV built-in. It’s pre-loaded with apps like Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, etc. Moreover, you can download your favorite apps from the Android TV app store, which has 5000+ apps.
Apparently, it doesn’t support Netflix. You can tackle this minor issue by purchasing a $30 streaming media player.
For a living room setup, you don’t even need an external speaker to pair with this projector. It comes with a 30-watt Dolby Atmos speaker setup that’s good enough to fill a whole room.
Compared to its massive listing price, the Hisense PX1 is now available at half the price, making it a massive steal. Just couple it with a capable ALR screen, and you have a projector that can give any modern TV a run for its money.
Pros
- Support for 4K@120Hz
- Built-in TV tuner
- Triple laser light with 25,000 hours of life
- Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Average black levels at the brightest setting
- The remote control isn’t backlit
- No Netflix support
2. Xgimi Aura
Xgimi is a popular projector brand. I highly recommend their products in most buying guides, and the Xgimi Aura is no exception.
Like the Hisense PX1, the Xgimi Aura is an ultra-short throw laser projector with 2400 lumens brightness. Thus, it can easily replace your TV for daytime watching once you couple it with a competent ALR projection screen.
At first look, the Xgimi Aura design might look basic; however, it has an exceptional fit and finish. The projector feels sturdy, and its 33 pounds net weight ensures the brand hasn’t cut corners.
A few, smaller things, also make the Xgimi Aura a desirable purchase over other UST laser projectors. Like, it supports fast boot and can boot within 12 seconds, which is a massive time saver. In addition, it can produce a 100-inch screen from a distance of just 10 inches from the projection screen.
It uses a single laser phosphor light source coupled with DLP projection technology. The laser light source is rated to last up to 25,000 hours. Thus, the projector can easily last up to 10 years without any issues.
The Xgimi Aura has several modes like Standard, Bright, Eye Protection, Performance, etc. In projectorreviews.com’s review about the Xgimi Aura, they calculated the projector can produce up to 2574 ANSI lumens, which is more than what the manufacturer states.
The Xgimi Aura supports HDR10 and HLG to improve your movie-watching experience. You can also watch your favorite sports and TV shows at their best.
Most of the Aura’s weight comes from the impressive built-in speaker system. The 60-watt speaker system is supplied by Harman Kardon that includes 2x 15-watt tweeters and 2x 15-watt woofers for a crisp and room-filling sound.
Also, the Xgimi Aura comes with a beautiful remote control, which looks like a work of art. Sure, it has basic control and no backlighting; however, during use, it gives you a premium feel.
Pros
- Chromecast and Android TV built-in
- 25,000 hours of lamp life
- Higher ANSI lumens brightness than suggested by the manufacturer
- Beautiful and sturdy design
- 60-watt Harman Kardon speaker system
Cons
- No Netflix support
- Heavy at 33 pounds
- Slightly expensive
3. Awol Vision LTV-2500
Awol Vision is a fairly new brand that has hit the roof with its range of ultra-short throw projectors.
The brand has several successful Indiegogo campaigns, making it popular among most consumers.
For starters, it is a triple laser projector that supports modern technologies like HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, ideal for watching movies, TV shows, and live sports at their best.
It is a 4K projector that produces up to 2500 lumens peak brightness and a laser lamp lasting up to 25,000 hours.
Like most high-end laser projectors, the Awol Vision LTV-2500 can produce between 80-150 inch screen size thanks to variable focus. To put it into context, this projector can produce a 100-inch screen from a distance of just 10 inches. For a 150-inch screen, it requires approximately 20-inch distance.
The Awol Vision LTV-2500 can produce up to 1 billion colors. It is possible because it can cover 107% of the BT.2020 color space. As a result, the projected images look vibrant, allowing you to watch various types of content and play your favorite games.
Like many UST projectors, the Awol Vision LTV-2500 also has a front-firing speaker system. It’s a 36W speaker system; however, I found it lacking, yet it’s loud enough to fill a whole room. Surely, you can easily tackle this by coupling it with an external speaker setup.
Lastly, the Awol Vision LTV-2500 is a superb ultra-short throw laser projector. It’s a premium model, and hence you pay a premium price. Once you get it, I’m sure you won’t regret it. Make sure to couple it with an ALR screen, and you’re good to go.
Pros
- Triple Laser Projection Technology
- Vibrant picture quality
- HDR10+ support
- Can produce around 80-150 inches projection screen
- Feature-packed
Cons
- No Netflix support
- Average sound quality
Can a Projector Replace a TV?
Not all projectors can replace a TV. Moreover, it also depends on your individual needs and preferences.
For example, not all projectors are suitable for daytime viewing or for using in an environment with ambient lighting. Comparatively, you would have no issues using a TV in such an environment.
However, ultra-short throw projectors or Laser TVs can completely work as TV replacements.
These projectors sit just a few inches away from the projection screen rather than several feet.
ALR (Ambient Light Rejection) projection screen is a special type of projection screen that works best with Laser TVs and ultra-short throw projectors.
ALR projection screen cancels most of the ambient light from the surrounding and specifically reflects the light from the projector.
Here’s a small comparison between a projector and a TV.
| Factor | TV | Projector |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing Habits | Ideal for casual and frequent use | Best for longer, yet infrequent viewing sessions |
| Room Conditions | Works well in all lighting conditions | Requires controlled or darker lighting for optimum experience |
| Budget | Less expensive | Higher total setup cost |
Benefits of Replacing TV with Projector
Larger Screen Size
Projectors are popular for producing a larger and variable projection size as per your requirements. In comparison, you’re stuck with the same screen size with a TV. Additionally, the bigger size also offers an immersive experience that’s hard to get with a TV.
While watching a movie or TV show, you get a theater-like experience with a projector at the comfort of your home.
Portability & Storage
Projectors do not need a fixed space; you can move them anywhere. Plus, once you’re done using a projector, you can store it in your basement, store room, or wardrobe.
Comparatively, TVs are hard to move around due to their massive size. TVs also require more real estate than a projector.
Better Built-in Speakers
TVs are infamous for poor speakers and sound output due to their design. It’s the completely opposite with a projector, especially ultra-short throw projectors or Laser TVs.
A UST laser projector sits on a TV unit, and its front section is designed like a soundbar. Most UST laser projectors come with a 2.1 speaker setup that is loud enough to fill a living room and offer better sound quality than TV speakers.
No Unwanted Reflections
I cannot recount how often I’ve been irritated due to TV screens’ reflections. I’m sure you must have been through this situation too.
No matter what kind of anti-glare TV you buy, you can still notice reflections of your surroundings during the daytime or in ambient lighting. It gets worse during darker scenes.
To tackle this, you’ll have to bump the brightness or slightly change the TV’s orientation.
You are safe from this problem because a projection screen is made of fabric and is not reflective like a TV screen.
Drawbacks of Replacing TV with Projectors
While there are numerous benefits when you replace TV with projector; however, there are a few drawbacks too.
You should carefully consider these drawbacks before making a purchase:
Time-Consuming & Complicated Setup
TVs are plug-and-play devices; however, the same cannot be said about projectors.
If you plan to purchase a Laser TV, be prepared for a time-consuming and complicated first-time setup.
An ultra-short throw laser projector’s first-time setup involves setting the projector correctly, projector screen assembly, drilling, mounting the projector screen, adjusting focus & zoom, keystone correction, several bouts of setting the projector, etc.
It can take around a couple of days to correctly set up your Laser TV. However, the end result will be extremely satisfying after watching your favorite content on a massive screen.
External Lighting Affects Projection
It’s no secret that ambient light can wash out the brightest projection. Thus, if you’re planning to use your projector on the wall or on a basic projection screen, you’ll have to consider external lighting conditions each time.
To tackle this, you must purchase an ALR projection screen to pair with your UST laser projector. This setup will help you compete with a TV considering the external lighting conditions.
Expensive Setup
A combination of a UST laser projector and an ALR projection screen alone can run into thousands of dollars. Plus, a speaker system can cost an additional $200-500, depending on your requirements.
Suppose you’re uncomfortable setting up the projector and projection screen yourself. In that case, you may need to hire a professional, which further bumps the cost.
Thus, you’ll need to be mindful of the impending expense of replacing TV with projector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth replacing TV with projector?
Replacing a TV is worth it if you want a larger screen and a theater-like viewing experience at home. A combo of UST Laser TV and ALR screen works best as a TV replacement.
Can I watch TV on a projector?
Yes! You can watch TV on a projector by connecting it to a Cable TV box or a streaming media player. A few projectors, like the Hisense PX1, also have a built-in TV tuner.
Is a projector more energy-efficient than a TV?
No, a projector isn’t more energy-efficient than a TV due to the complex hardware and cooling system. However, laser projectors are more energy-efficient than their lamp-based counterparts. Read this article to learn more about projector power consumption.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you choose the best projector to replace TV.
Modern projectors have come a long way from their sketchy past. Thus, you won’t have to think much before considering to replace TV with projector.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.
Thank You!
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