Is a Projector Good for Gaming?.Projectors for gaming.
TVs are getting bigger and bigger, but their maximum height is around 100 inches. So for gamers looking to see a huge image, digital projectors seem like a good option. The question is whether the projector is suitable for games or not. The short answer is possible, but the detailed answer depends on several significant pros and cons.
Good Gaming Projectors Are Expensive
Like TVs, projectors are sold in all price ranges, specifications and quality levels. One key difference between TVs and projectors, however, is that most mid-range and low-end projectors are not suitable for gaming. On the contrary, even cheap TVs offer great gaming experiences.
Take any TV, a projector with the same image quality will be more expensive to buy. Of course, if you look at it in terms of a dollar per inch, the projector might be cheaper inch by inch, but size isn’t everything in the equation.
Refresh Rate, Input Latency, and Resolution
The image quality that you perceive with your eyes is the result of many different factors. To get a sharp, colorful, responsive image without blur, you need a projector with good performance.
In particular, it requires high native resolution, fast refresh rates, and low input lag. The last item on the list is the easiest to distribute. Input lag is usually listed in the printer documentation. It should be no more than 50 ms, preferably for teenagers. Some projectors have unique “game” modes that reduce input lag at the expense of image quality. The lower the latency, the more responsive the game will be.
The absolute minimum refresh rate for a gaming projector is 60Hz, which equates to a maximum of 60fps for a video game. Recent consoles usually offer games with this level of fluidity, so it would be useless to use a projector that only offers 30Hz. However, if you have the option of purchasing a 120Hz projector, it’s worth considering considering that gaming PCs and PS5 and Xbox series consoles support 120fps gaming.
Finally, we have permission. Basically, it works the same as it does on a TV, but marketing of projectors can be deceiving. The native resolution of the projector is important. However, some projectors are marketed as “1080p” or “4K”, which means they can only receive signals at these resolutions. But the actual projected image is reduced to a lower resolution.
So make sure the projector you are looking at can reproduce the image at the desired resolution.
The Projection Surface Is Critical
One of the unique aspects of using a projector is that you need to think about the surface you are projecting onto. The best solution is to use a projector screen, but many users want the image to fill the wall. It is not uncommon for projectors to produce images ranging in size from 100 to 150 inches, so it makes sense to take advantage of that.
150 Inch Elite Screens Manual Series Projection Screen
However, a regular home wall is not suitable for projection. This can distort the visual texture and color fidelity of the image. Also, the wall paint is probably not reflective enough, which will result in a blurry image. If you want to play video games projected onto a wall, then you should consider buying a special projection paint and make sure the wall in question is smooth and flat.
Your Room Needs Special Preparation
Today’s projectors are getting brighter, but most conventional devices still need to be operated in dark rooms. Gamers thinking about using a projector for gaming need to make some changes to their play space. Thicker curtains or blinds may be required and should be included in the cost estimate if you do not already have a dark room enough.
There are projectors that are bright enough to let in daylight in a room, but of course this feature comes at a premium.
Running Costs
The lamp inside the projector has a limited life before it needs to be replaced. The brighter the projector, the shorter the lamp life. LED bulbs have the longest life at a given brightness than bulbs found in standard LCD and DLP projectors.
Replacement lamp unit for Optoma UHD50X
LED bulbs can last for about 20,000 hours before starting to dim, while other types of bulbs will last anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000 hours. Replacing these bulbs is expensive, so keep in mind the running costs of using your projector for games.
Projectors Are Hot and Noisy
While modern projectors are cooler and quieter than ever, it’s not the same as being cool and quiet in absolute terms. The latest game consoles run quietly, and it would be a shame to spoil this with a loud scream from the projector cooling fan.
The solutions for this problem vary. Placing the projector away from where you sit can seriously reduce noise levels, and choosing an LED or low noise projector can help as well. You can also just get good noise canceling headphones.
You’ll Need a (Sound) Sound Solution
In terms of sound, modern flat-panel TVs now have much better speakers compared to the early days of thin, low-volume speakers. As a result, many people will not need to buy external speakers for their flat panel displays, compared to when soundbars were part of any home theater system not so long ago.
When it comes to projectors, you will almost certainly want to purchase speakers, unless you intend to rely on headphones. The speaker built into a projector is usually not what you would like to use, let alone inside a noisy projector!
Gaming Projector Examples
Projectors can be good for gaming and offer larger and more immersive images than any type of display other than VR headsets. However, you need to find the right model. We’ve covered some of the more important considerations, but let’s take a look at a few specific examples and explain why they are appropriate for gamers.
The Optoma HD146X is a DLP projector with an instant 16ms response time and 3600 lumens brightness. This makes it practical for use in a low-light room. It offers a native 1080p image making it suitable for 1080p gaming systems, but not the latest consoles. The theoretical lamp life is 15,000 hours and the price is reasonable.
The Optoma UHD50X has a much higher price tag but offers true 4K image reproduction, very low latency, and HDR support. It has a refresh rate of 240Hz and a screen brightness of over 3000 lumens. These are the specifications you’ll want to see when purchasing a projector specifically for gaming.
Do you want a projector for games? Let us know in the comments if you think this is a good idea or not.
Is a Projector Good for Gaming?
Is a Projector Good for Gaming?
Projectors for gaming