Shopping for a home entertainment projector can be just as complicated as buying a new smart TV. There are plenty of considerations when it comes to price point, specs, smart system, and portability in order to match the projector to your viewing needs. Perhaps the most influential spec comes down to display technology, which will inform picture quality and usage.

Two of the most popular display technologies are DLP and LED. Understanding the similarities and differences, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, is crucial to making the right investment. Here’s what you need to know about these projector types.

1

LCD projectors offer impressive color and brightness

Quality devices for casual viewing

One of the popular display types is LCD, or liquid crystal display. These projectors use three LCD panels, one for red, green, and blue, that results in a colorful, vibrant image. These projectors tend to offer more brightness relative to alternatives, as well as impressive color accuracy. This display technology may use a lamp, LED, or laser as its light source. These projectors tend to be relatively affordable, and are popular for home viewing, especially in spaces with some ambient light.

While they offer vivid colors and quality brightness, LCD projectors tend to suffer when it comes to contrast. Grays and blacks can blur together, with shadowing taking place in darker scenes due to the low contrast ratio. It may be harder to discern details in some titles, particularly more cinematic or prestige titles that use high-end filming techniques to produce immersive, atmospheric work. They also may struggle with sharpness, especially during action-heavy scenes or live sporting events, with the possibility of motion blur.

You may be able to enjoy animated films and popular blockbusters, but art house films, horror movies, and some streaming dramas may not appear faithfully on the screen.

2

DLP models provide quality contrast

Superior detail though lacking brightness

You may consider a Digital Light Projector (DLP) as an alternative to an LCD model. These projectors use a system of super-tiny mirrors in order to direct and redirect light. There may be hundreds of thousands or even millions of these microscopic mirrors in play within the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) within the projector. Most models use a color wheel, through which light passes to create an image, while some high-end models forgo a color wheel in favor of three DMDs, each representing a basic color. Like LCD projectors, DLP models may use any light source.

DLP projectors result in a sharper image that handles motion quite well; it’s much easier to enjoy live sports and action movies with a DLP projector. Contrast is also superior, with much deeper blacks and more gradients of darker colors. DLP projectors tend to be smaller than LCD models and are more contained, requiring less cleaning and dusting.

However, DLP projectors typically suffer when it comes to brightness and color saturation. These projects are best suited to completely dark environments as they tend to not be bright enough to withstand ambient light.

3

Consider viewing location and content type

Entertainment priorities dictate your decision

Your decision between these two very different projectors comes down to what you tend to watch and where you’re planning on watching it. With superior brightness, LCD projects are ideal for rooms with ambient light. For casual entertainment consumers, especially those looking to watch reality TV, news, or more popular programming, an LCD projector is likely the preferred model. They aren’t particularly expensive, although due to their size, you’ll want to make sure you can set them up in a static position. These kinds of projectors aren’t particularly portable.

However, for those seeking something closer to cinematic fidelity, investing in a DLP projector is likely the better choice. With superior contrast and sharpness, these projectors provide a more immersive and faithful visual experience. These are also preferred for avid gamers or sports fans, as they’re better at keeping up with fast-moving action on screen. In order to fully enjoy a DLP projector, you must make sure you have a suitable environment devoid of light in order to support its limited brightness. DLP models often allow for some degree of portability, with relatively smaller sizes that let you set them up around your home or on the move.

4

Additional projector considerations

Set up your projector for success

Once you figured out the best display technology, there are more considerations to keep in mind. That’s because both of these types offer models in budget, mid-range, and premium pricing tiers, with features and specs varying greatly. In both categories, you can find value projectors for a couple of hundred dollars, while the top-tier options can cost several thousands.

You’ll want to consider resolution, light source, peak brightness, and smart systems when looking at either model. There are also accessories you’ll need to think about, including a screen, a stand or mount, and audio output.

Both are suitable to be replacements for smart TVs, offering an immersive home theater experience, if you’re willing to pay for it. Conversely, both display types offer you a chance for more casual viewing on a budget.