OLED vs Projectors: Which Display Technology is Best for Your Media Room?

Stunning OLED Technology vs Bigger-Than-Life Detailed Images

Home theaters are, undeniably, the ultimate home entertainment. When you get it right, there’s nothing like the immersive, all-encompassing sound and images that transport you to another world in an environment expressly designed to your vision. 

Today, however, there’s another home entertainment space gaining ground. In some circles, it’s even more popular than the dedicated home cinema. 

It’s called a media room. 

These spaces are designed for more: more fun, more socializing, and more activities. Multi-purpose in nature, they encompass all your family's leisurely interests, from gaming to relaxing amidst high-fidelity music and, of course, movie nights. 

As audiovisual consultants and automation experts serving Dallas, TX, our team at Integrated Lifestyles has designed, installed, and programmed many media rooms. One of the most common questions we hear is: which display is best for media rooms: projectors or TVs with OLED technology? 

We thought it was time to answer that question. Let’s uncover the difference.

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OLED TVs for Brilliance

OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode. In this type of display, each pixel produces its own light, unlike other technologies that rely on backlight. These self-illuminating pixels allow for extreme contrast, perfect blacks, and wider viewing angles. Rich, vibrant colors produce stunning images. 

These displays also excel in rooms with abundant natural light. Typically, they are much brighter with a higher contrast ratio than projectors, and the images come to life even in brightly lit rooms. 

With all that said, why would someone choose a projector? 

Projectors for Immersion

Before OLED displays reached up to 97 inches, the only way to experience images that enveloped you was with a projector and a large screen. In darker rooms, today’s 4K and 8K laser projectors can offer an immersive cinematic experience like no other, with extreme clarity and dynamic, natural colors. 

However, the size of the screen depends on the size of the room. For instance, a 100-inch screen requires you to sit about 8 feet away for the best viewing experience. You’ll need to sit about 12 feet away from a 120-inch projection screen. 

Hidden From View

Another factor to consider is the impact these different technologies will have on the room. After all, you don’t want to host a cocktail party in a room with a massive display that detracts from the aesthetics. 

Fortunately, today’s hidden technology takes care of that. Lifts can tuck TVs into ceilings or custom furniture. They can also hide behind paintings and paneling. Motorized screens retract into ceilings or walls, and ceiling-mounted projectors can be tucked into recessed areas. In-ceiling and in-wall speakers all but disappear.

With one touch, the displays appear and come to life.

The Final Tally

So, in effect, the best video display depends on the room, lighting, and how you’ll use the space. Simply stated, in rooms with a lot of ambient light, an OLED screen may be the best option. In dark rooms with sufficient space to sit back from a 120-inch screen, today’s 4K laser projectors may offer the best viewing experience.

At Integrated Lifestyles, we’re excited to create stunning home entertainment spaces that create a lifetime of enjoyment. To learn more about which solution is right for you, contact Integrated Lifestyles today.