Hi there! Looking to setup an incredible home theater experience but torn on technologies? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll analyze short throw projectors and OLED televisions in depth to help you determine which is better suited for your needs and room.
Overview:
Short throw projectors utilize projection to cast massive 120"+ diagonal images a short distance from the wall. OLED TVs utilize self-illuminating pixels for unmatched contrast and color. Both offer 4K resolution but carry very different strengths.
We‘ll compare every key aspect of performance, visual quality, features and beyond. We‘ll also tailor recommendations based on priorities like budget, gaming, and daytime viewing. Let‘s dive in!
Display Technology Fundamentals
First, a quick primer on how these technologies work…
Short Throw Projectors utilize either DLP or LCD projection. Light from a high-powered bulb passes through microscopic mirrors (DLP) or liquid crystals (LCD) that manipulate color and intensity. This gets projected onto a screen to form the image.
OLED TVs contain panels of pixels made from organic materials that illuminate when electrical current is applied. This gives each pixel self-dimming control for superior blacks. Wide viewing angles and quick response times also benefit OLED.
Picture Quality Showdown
Let‘s compare visual performance metrics directly:
| Specification | LG Cinebeam 4K Projector | LG G2 77" OLED TV |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Brightness | 2,700 lumens | ~850 nits |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 | Infinite |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut | 80% | Over 95% |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 120Hz |
Light Output: With over 3X higher lumens brightness, the Cinebeam projector prevails in lighting up those massive screens, allowing daytime viewing. OLED TVs still reach impressive nits levels but projectors have an advantage here.
Contrast: OLED TVs can achieve true pixel-by-pixel blacks thanks to self-illumination control. This creates essentially infinite contrast for revealing shadow details. Short throws cannot quite match this but still produce excellent dynamic range.
Colors: Modern OLED TVs like the LG G2 cover over 95% of the cinema DCI-P3 color space for lush, vibrant images. Leading short throw projectors aren‘t far behind at ~80% gamut coverage, but OLED TVs have the edge.
Motion Clarity: Projectors boast higher native refresh rates up to 240Hz creating silky smooth, crystal clear motion. This helps sports and gaming performance. OLED TVs max out at 120Hz refresh but their instant pixel response times keep motion blur to a minimum.
Immersion & Cinema Accuracy Compared
Why do dedicated home theater fans gravitate toward projectors? Two key reasons:
Total Visual Field Immersion: Projecting a 120" image that fills your visual field provides unrivaled immersion, placing you directly into the content. Even the largest OLED TVs max out below 100", lacking the same field of view entrancement.
Commercial Cinema Recreation: Modern short throw projectors accurately simulate the visual experience of theaters with giant, high resolution images, matching aspect ratios, and light output to combat ambient lighting. Panel-based displays cannot fully duplicate this at home.
Gaming Ability
Gamers prize both high refresh rates for smoothness and low input lag for responsiveness. How do they compare?
OLED TVs decisively win on input lag with rapid pixel response measuring between 10-15ms vs 30-50ms for most short throw projectors. This speedier interaction benefits fast-paced competitive games.
However, projectors tout higher native refresh rates up to 240Hz enabling support for 48Hz or 120Hz gaming on new consoles and PCs. This makes motion ultra fluid. OLED TVs peak at 120Hz maximum currently.
So OLED TVs provide quicker reactions while projectors supply smoother animation. Pick based on your genre and platform!
Connectivity
Both the LG Cinebeam and LG G2 OLED feature four HDMI inputs, with some supporting next-gen HDMI 2.1 bandwidth levels. So you can expect abundant device support either way with room for 4K/120Hz sources plus audio system integration.
Cost Considerations
There is no getting around the fact that OLED TVs carry significantly lower prices across all screen sizes. Let‘s compare:
| Display | Price |
|---|---|
| LG G2 77" OLED TV | $3,000 |
| LG Cinebeam Short Throw Projector + 100" Screen | $7,000+ |
The starter costs for quality projection systems run more than double comparable OLED TVs. You must factor bulbs and potential screen upgrades too over time. Budget is a definite advantage for OLED televisions.
However, projectors give essentially endless screen dimension flexibility. Want to engulf the wall in a 150” picture? No problem! OLED TV shoppers face sharp price increments stepping up in sizes.
Room Setup Factors
Lighting: With triple the peak brightness, the short throw projector outmuscles sunlight far better, allowing daytime viewing. Near blackout conditions are required for OLED TVs to thrive. So consider your lighting carefully!
Mounting: Projectors demand more careful alignment but enable flexible angle mounting like ceilings. OLED TVs mandate centered eye level placement for ideal viewing angles.
Layout: Projectors need specific throw distance considerations and central seating. OLED TVs allow more flexible seating arrangements.
Recommendations By Viewing Profile
Home Theater Fans: Projectors better duplicate cinema with theater-sized screen immersion. Add soundproofing and bass shakers for full effect!
Sports Fans: The LG G2 OLED will deliver better bright room handling for day games, plus superb motion clarity.
Gamers: OLED TV‘s rapid response times provide a highly responsive competitive gaming experience.
Casual Viewers: LG‘s webOS smart platform offers top streaming app access on both. OLED TV removes hassle for plug & play use.
Budget Shoppers: Cost conscious buyers cannot pass up the value proposition of mid-range OLED TVs. Projectors carry steep startup costs.
Design Focused: Giant projecting boxes aren‘t for everyone! The LG G2 delivers outstanding performance in a stunning, razor thin panel perfect for style conscious surrounds.
The Bottom Line
Both short throw projectors and OLED TVs represent stunning display technologies. Those craving maximum immersion in cinema-sized images can only get it from projection systems. For everyone else expecting typical screen sizes under 100”, OLED TVs offer outstanding performance in cheaper, more convenient packages.
Hopefully breaking down their direct comparisons across the above areas helps identify which better matches your room, priorities and budget! Feel free to reach out with any additional questions in the comments below. Enjoy your theater setup journey!
