I've always liked the idea of a projector, and I've used them plenty of times at work over the years, but the tradeoffs were never worth the increased picture size for me until recently. First I was tempted by a new generation of portable LED projector, but now laser projectors are becoming affordable on a paltry writer's income, and I'm mighty tempted.
The problem is that (a) I don't actually need one and (b) I wouldn't have many opportunities to use it. So let's reason this out like grownups who are responsible with money.
I Don't Need a Laser Projector -- but I Want One
So why the sudden interest in a laser projector? Well, as I said, it wasn't laser projectors before, but a modern LED projector. I'm quite limited in the size of TV I can use where I live. I had previously bought a 70-inch Samsung TV, but after moving into a new place it was too big. I switched it out for a 55-inch LG OLED (the 65-inch was unaffordable) and by and large this size is fine. My secondary TV is also a 55-inch screen, though in that case it doesn't matter because I use it on a rolling cart and have it up close so its apparent size is enormous.
A projector allows you to gain access to a 100, 200, or even 300-inch image sizes. Even a 100-inch TV is practically impossible to get through a door and takes up a huge amount of space. 200 and 300 inches? These sizes don't exist for single-panel consumer TVs, which top out around 115-inches at present.
Laser projectors in particular solve most of the issues that have been preventing me from pulling the trigger. Even the cheapest laser projectors are plenty bright for watching TV or movies with the curtains drawn. They effectively have the same lifespan as any regular modern flat panel TV, and have all the other smart features you get when buying a good traditional TV.
Why Laser Projectors Are So Tempting Right Now
As with most things, the main reason I'm suddenly interested here isn't the technology itself. Laser projectors have been great for a while now. It's that "good enough" laser projectors are dropping in price. It was the Hisense M2 Pro that first caught my eye. At $1,300, it's not cheap in absolute terms. In fact, it costs almost as much as my 55-inch LG OLED TV did.
However, the image size starts at 65-inches and it goes up to 200! I'm not (yet) interested in a so-called "laser TV" to replace my OLED, but this is exactly what I'm looking for. No permanent setup, integrated stand, and an all-in-one solution to just set up a movie night in any room, or any place at home or when traveling.
Hisense M2 Pro Portable Laser Projector Brand Hisense Native Resolution UHD 4K
An affordable, portable, 4K laser projector ready to provide up to a 200-inch image wherever you need it.
ANSI Lumens 1300 Projection Technology Laser Image Size 65-200 Inches $1300 at Amazon Expand Collapse The Harsh Reality Behind the Glow
In my imagination, having this gadget would be awesome, but will I actually use it? It's one thing if I were to replace one of my TVs permanently with something like an ultra short-throw laser projector, but I'm just not ready for that. The contrast levels on laser projectors still aren't anywhere close to an OLED or even a mini-LED, and you need a special projection surface to get the most out of what contrast and black levels it does have to offer.
Specifically, you need to use an ALR (Ambient Light Rejection) screen, and if I don't have the space to mount a 100-200 inch TV, I don't have the space to mount a screen that size. Projection paint is a somewhat inferior alternative, but it's more expensive than crude oil, and buying a whole can just to paint one small wall doesn't seem sensible.
The State of the Market: Closer Than Ever, but Not Quite There
Laser projectors are not in that phase of AV technology where they're good enough to be a serious contender as your main display technology, and cheap enough to tempt you, but there are still numerous shortcomings, some of which I mentioned.
We also have to look at the cost here. Generally, a 100-inch or larger TV is going to be more expensive than a comparable laser projector and screen, but there's a sweet spot for TVs in the 65-85 inch range where if that's the biggest picture you can get on the wall anyway it makes zero sense to get a projector, when even a cheap mini-LED or FALD LED LCD will blow it away in brightness and picture quality.
With the portable projector I'm tempted by, it offers something no TV can do by fitting in a bag and having the flexibility to take it anywhere, assuming I'm willing to put up with projecting on any random surface, but in general for stationary laser projectors meant as TV replacement, you really need to be aiming for those massive screen sizes where there is literally no competition at all from traditional TVs.
TCL QM6K 7/10 Brand TCL Display Size 85-inches Dimensions 74 x 42 x 2.3 (without stand) Operating System Google TV
Display Type QD Mini-LED Display Resolution 4K (3840 x 2160) $1499 at Amazon $1999 at TCL Expand Collapse The Rational Thing (I'll Probably Ignore)
I think, for now, I'll skip the $1,300 portable laser projector (though if Hisense wants to send me one to test I won't be angry or anything), but I'll be keeping an eye on the laser projector market with great interest.
That doesn't mean I'm completely out. I'm still interested in portable LED projectors like the Samsung "The Freestyle" projectors, which are much less bright and offer a lower resolution, but you can also pick up the first generation model for under $500, and the improved second-generation for around $800. A much more palatable price for an occasional-use device.
SAMSUNG 30 - 100 The Freestyle FHD HDR Smart Portable Projector $420 $600 Save $180 Brand Samsung
The Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen projector is a portable and flexible way to watch a screen. It automatically adjusts focus and image alignment, and its sound comes from all directions for a more engaging experience. It also includes a built-in Gaming Hub, which lets you stream shows and play games.
Native Resolution 1920x1080 ANSI Lumens 230 Projection Technology LED $420 at Amazon $500 at bestbuy Expand Collapse
However, the price basement on laser projectors doesn't have much further to fall before I won't have enough reasons not to get one. I already have a large empty room dedicated just to VR gaming. I could turn that into a home theater. It's even got a nice slanted wall so you could sit on recliners.
No! You see? I'm just talking myself back into this. I already own four TVs -- but maybe a fifth one isn't that crazy.