Projection TV or Direct View TV. What is Best for Home Theater?

When it comes to TV screens, bigger is often better. With most TV’s boasting 4k resolution, we can now sit closer to the screen without losing image quality. Prior to 4k, when you got too close to a screen, the image would become pixelated. With new technology, closer viewing distances are possible which open the possibility for using a larger screen. This technology has improved so much that Sony has introduced a 100” LED TV. Previously a screen this size was only possible with a projector. So, when is it best to use a projector vs a direct view TV? 

Projection TV

Projectors still reign king in dedicated home theaters. Any screen size over 100” is going to have to be a projector and most home theaters are between 100” and 200”. We love projectors for their massive size. Another pro of projectors is their ease on the eyes. Projector screens reflect light which causes less eye strain than TVs which emit light. This same advantage to projectors is also their biggest weakness. Projectors do not do well in high ambient light situations. Projector screens are meant to reflect light whether it is from the projector or not and this can cause a washed-out image. So, in situations with high ambient light levels, a traditional TV should be used.

Direct View TV’s

The advance of direct view TV’s has made them a more viable solution for smaller home theaters. They are much easier to install than a projector as they can be mounted on the wall in an hour or two but installing a projector and separate screen takes considerable time. Direct View TV’s are brighter than projectors, giving them the advantage in high light level situations like a living room with big windows. Sony and Samsung both have TV options with anti-glare technology to further nullify ambient light.

Combination

We are also able to provide a combination of the two screen technologies for the best of both worlds. A direct-view TV can be mounted on a wall for daytime viewing. A drop-down theater screen can then be installed above the TV. This screen would then drop over the TV for a home theater experience.

Sound

A common ground for whatever display is chosen is the sound system. Having a quality sound system is more important than having a bigger or better TV. The easiest and most affordable option for your home theater audio is a soundbar. We have multiple options from Sonos to Bowers and Wilkins. Since sound is so important for home theater, we recommend using a separate A/V receiver and dedicated speakers instead of a soundbar. This means at least a 5.1 surround sound system for theater-like sound. This means 5 full-range speakers and 1 subwoofer. A 7.2.2 system is also an option for even better sound. This is 7 full-range speakers, 2 subwoofers, and 2 in-ceiling speakers. A setup like this creates an environment capable of Dolby Atmos sound. Dolby Atmos creates a 3-dimensional sound experience rather than a standard 2-dimensional surround sound.

Every home theater is different which is what makes working with a professional so important. The Audiohouse has the experience to properly design and install everything from a simple system to a world-class home theater in your Vero Beach home. Come to our award-winning showroom to see the options for your home theater.