Buying a projector with the wrong light could be a thousand-dollar mistake

Plenty of consideration goes into finding the right entertainment projector for your home. While there are quite a few similarities with smart TVs, there are still some unique qualities to projectors that require further exploration.

With a smart TV, you must consider the light source, whether a back panel illuminates the screen or the screen itself lights up with individual pixels, as in an OLED TV. With a projector, though, you must look at the lamp itself. And the type of lamp used is going to have its own benefits and drawbacks, and inform use, longevity, and price. Here’s what you should know about the main types of projector light sources.

Standard UHP lamps make for bright viewing

Budget-friendly option for casual movie nights

One of the most common and longest-running styles of projectors is the ultra-high pressure projector, or metal-halide lamps. These styles provide a bright light source, albeit with a shorter lifespan. They also tend to heat up and produce a bit of noise. As the light source diminishes, which can begin after you eclipse anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 hours, brightness and color accuracy will wane. However, the bulbs can be replaced.

Such projectors may offer either 1080p or 4K resolution, and come in various sizes. Prices vary, but they tend to be relatively cheap for what you are getting. Considering the cost and limited detail, these projectors are popular for casual viewing, where the experience of watching, perhaps outside, is more important than fidelity or cinematic integrity. They may not be the most convenient, however. Some can take time to turn on and cool down, and they tend to be a bit bulkier than alternative options.

LED projectors provide portability

These small models are popular and easy to use

An increasingly popular light source, particularly for those seeking portable, versatile projectors, is LED. With powerful light-emitting diodes, these projectors tend to last longer, with lifespans of over 20,000 hours. As they are more energy efficient, they are quieter, cooler, and smaller than projectors with standard lamps. LED projectors are useful for setting up around the house and in the backyard; they are quick to turn on and off, and easier to store. They also require little maintenance.

While they tend to offer quality color with their RGB filters, the general lack of power means they struggle with brightness. They aren’t ideal for watching during the day or in any space with ambient light. Still, the low price point makes them appealing for casual use.

LED models can vary in quality, and some higher-end models may be suitable for more consistent viewing. Because of their longevity and convenience, they tend to complement rather than supplement a large home smart TV setup.

Laser projectors provide premium entertainment

Precise tech comes with a high cost

At the premium end of the projector spectrum are those with laser light sources. These are the brightest of all the light sources, reaching and exceeding 2,500 lumens. However, they are also among the most expensive. They boast a long lifespan and some of the most accurate colors as well, making these projectors ideal for those seeking cinematic fidelity. Laser projectors are options for those seeking to replace their smart TV as the central home entertainment hub.

While they don’t require much maintenance, these projectors tend to be sizable and static, meaning you’ll more than likely be setting them up in one spot permanently. They turn on quickly but also require fans to run, so you may hear a soft background noise at times. Investing in such a projector likely means you’ll want to invest in a screen as well as a suitable sound system.

Light source and display tech

Combinations inform visual experience

It’s important to keep in mind that the experience you’ll receive with your project is due to the light source as well as the display technology used. These three different light sources inform brightness and longevity, while various display technologies (DLP, LCD, LCoS) dictate the quality of the final image in terms of clarity, color, contrast, and sharpness. Basically, the lamp is the light and the display what the projector does to that light to produce a final image.

For example, LED projectors almost exclusively use DLP technology, while standard lamp projectors tend to use both DLP and LCD displays. Laser projectors may use all three display types. For those seeking the best projector for a theater-like cinematic quality, then you might want to consider an LCoS laser projector. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget and want something simple and portable, then a DLP LED projector is probably best.