Many people are now choosing to use a projector over an LCD or OLED TV for their home entertainment needs. Projectors and OLED displays are two very different types of display technology.
Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but which one is the best for you, Projector vs OLED? We’ll look at the differences between projectors and OLED TVs and help you decide which one is right for you.
Projector Vs OLED: Which Is better?
What is OLED?
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is a light-emitting diode (LED). This is exactly what OLED stands for, Organic Light Emitting Diode. The emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compounds that emits light in response to an electric current. This layer is composed of a series of organic thin films, typically deposited by vacuum evaporation.
The organic light is placed between 2 electrodes, with one of these electrodes typically being transparent.
OLEDs create digital displays in devices such as PDAs, television screens, computer monitors, portable systems such as mobile phones, handheld game consoles, and television screens.
There are two main groups of OLEDs, the ones employing polymers and those based on small molecules. If mobile ions are added to an OLED this creates an LEC (light emitting electrochemical cell), which has a different means of operation. OLED displays can be driven with an active matrix (AMOLED) or a passive matrix (PMOLED). In passive matrix OLEDs, each line and row inside the display is controlled sequentially, one by one, while in active matrix OLEDs a thin-film transistor is used backplane to access directly and switch each individual pixel off and on, which allows for both larger display sizes and higher resolutions.
* side note: OLED is different from LED in that LED is based on a p-n diode structure.
OLED displays work without a backlight because it emits visible light on its own. This explains how these displays can show deeper black levels while also being lighter and thinner than Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD). OLEDs are also able to achieve a higher contrast ratio than LCDs in areas with low ambient light regardless of whether an LED backlight or cold cathode fluorescent lamp is used. LCD’s and OLED’s are made in the exact same way except after addressable grid (for passive matrix displays) and TFT or Thin field transistor (for active matrix displays) or Indium Oxide segment (for segment displays ), the display is thin covered with hole injection, electroluminescent material (after the transport and blocking layer), and transport and blocking layers, and then metal or ITO may be added as a cathode and the whole material stack is encapsulated.
OLEDs are also well suited for use in flexible displays, which can be rolled or folded.
What is the difference between Projector vs OLED?
Projectors create an image by shining a light through a small aperture, or “picture tube.” Not all projectors shine light through picture tubes however, some of the emit light beams via the projectors bulb using a laser. Projectors are capable of “projecting” static or large images on to flat surfaces like in movie theaters.
Projectors can take a long time to heat up, helping the device emit said light beams.
On the other hand, the OLED display does not require a backlight; instead, each pixel emits its own light. This helps them provides accurate and rich colors, with true black included. Not only that, but as mentioned above this type of screen also has excellent contrast in viewing. The diodes in the OLED screen have thin, organic films between them and act with the aid of electricity. As said above, no backlight is required for them to operate as screens. A number of diodes will light up individually resulting in the video and image projection on each part of the screen being enhanced.
After all, there are several additional distinctions between OLED TVs and projectors, which we’ll go over in further depth below.
Screen Size
OLED Screen size
OLED screens come in various sizes, from small wearable displays to large television panels. However, recently LG has introduced a 97-inch OLED TV. The size of an OLED screen is typically measured in inches, diagonally from corner to corner.
The largest OLED screens are around 77 inches, but smaller sizes are much more common. Smartphones, for example, typically have OLED screens that are 5 inches or less.
Projector screen size
You can get an OLED TV in different sizes, but the largest is 97 inches, and the largest projector screen size is up to 300 inches. So, if you want the biggest possible image, you need to go with a projector.
Projector screens come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The most common aspect ratio is 16:9, which is the same as a traditional TV. However, you can also get screens with a 4:3 aspect ratio, perfect for older movies.
If you want to go really big, you can even get a 2.35:1 ratio screen designed for movies shot in Cinemascope.
Projectors have the ability to cast content at home at 4K on 100 to 150 inch screens. But to do this (unless you have a short throw or ultra short throw projector) the projector must be a fair ways away from the screen.
Note: If you don’t know of an aspect ratio, click here to read about aspect ratios on our site.
Which screen size is the best, Projector or OLED?
It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the biggest possible screen, you’ll need to go with a projector. However, if you’re looking for the best possible resolution, you’ll want to choose an OLED.
Resolution
OLED resolution
One of the main advantages of OLED over other display technologies is its ability to achieve a very high resolution. The best OLEDs on the market have a resolution of 4K and 8K, and this means that they can display over 33 million pixels, which is 16 times the resolution of a 1080p HDTV.
OLEDs are also capable of very high refresh rates. The best OLEDs can refresh at up to 120Hz, twice the standard 60Hz refresh rate. This means that they can display twice as many frames per second, ideal for gaming and other high-resolution applications.
It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the biggest possible screen, you’ll need to go with a projector. However, if you’re looking for the best possible resolution, you’ll want to choose an OLED.
Projector resolution
There are a few different projector resolutions, but the most common is 1080p. This is the standard resolution for high-definition TVs and Blu-ray players, and it’s also the minimum resolution for a 4K projector.
If you want to get the most out of your 4K projector, look for one with a resolution of 4096 x 2160. This will give you the full 4K experience.
You may also see projector resolutions advertised as WUXGA (1920 x 1200) or WQHD (2560 x 1440). These resolutions are higher than 1080p, but they’re not true 4K.
The most advanced projectors only have the ability to offer resolution up to 4K and they have a less dynamic and lower color gamut than OLEDs.
Color Accuracy
OLED color accuracy
OLED screen diodes can produce a high range of colors and can process colors better. OLED screens use a few different methods to emit colors one of which is the Shadow Mask Patterning Method which essentially means that green, blue, and red light emitting layers are placed in a pattern in each individual pixel of the device. In this method, each subpixel is given a distinct, single color which gives greater clarity of images.
Projector color accuracy
Many modern projectors with advanced technology equipped can produce a wide number of colors – the main ones with this capability are DLP, LCOS, and LCD models. However, even the most advanced projectors can’t come close to average OLED screens.
Technology
OLED Technology
OLED screens are made up of diodes that emit light that have organic thin films placed between them. These diodes are what’s responsible for producing colors and light to make the content seen on the screen, when electricity passes through.
Projector Technology
Projectors however, produce a single beam of light that is made up of all the colors used in the content.
Quality
OLED Quality
OLED screens are made up of eco-friendly and durable materials. They neither produce or need too much heat, which allows them to last as long as they do.
Projector Quality
Projector durability and quality depends on the make. And, due to backlight usage and heating requirements they damage the bulb inside and deteriorate.
Installation
OLED Installation
It isn’t considered to be very difficult to install an OLED TV – they work like regular screens that’re placed on tables or stands. All you have to do is attach it to the cable box or computer and plug it in.
Projector Installation
Projector installation on the other hand is a bit different than installing a projector. This is because there are more factors to consider such as ambient light, distance from the screen, etc.
Price
OLED Price
It will be difficult to find an OLED for less than $1000 and the good OLEDs are often more than $3000.
Projector Price
Projectors are considered to be economical and can be found for less than $100 – the better ones tend to cost more than $1000 though.
Are projector and OLED 4K resolution The same?
The answer is no; projector and OLED 4K resolution are different. When comparing a 4K projector with a 4K OLED TV, you’ll notice that the picture quality and clarity are best in the OLED TV.
OLED TV brightness vs Projector brightness
There are many similarities and differences between the two when it comes to OLED TV vs projector. One of the most important factors to consider when making your decision is brightness. Here, we take a closer look at the brightness of OLED TVs and projectors to help you make the best decision for your needs.
The brightness of an OLED TV is measured in nits, whereas the brightness of a projector is measured in lumens. There’s no way to compare the two based on their ratings since each has a different scale. You can compare the brightness of the OLED AND projector images as you see them.
When it comes to OLED TVs range from about 200 nits to 600 nits, and the average is about 350 nits. On the other hand, projectors can range from 1,000 lumens to 15,000 lumens, and the average is about 4,000 lumens.
The projector is brighter in a dark room, but in bright room conditions, OLED TVs are brighter.
This is a big factor to consider if you plan on using your device in a variety of settings. If you are primarily using it in a dark room, a projector may be better. However, if you need your device to be visible in various settings, an OLED TV may be a better investment.
OLED color vs projector color
When it comes to displaying technology, there are two main types of colors – additive and subtractive. Additive colors are those that are created by adding light, while subtractive colors are those that are created by removing light.
OLEDs use an additive color process, which means that each pixel emits its own light. This allows for a wider range of colors and more accurate color reproduction.
Projectors, on the other hand, use a subtractive color process. This means that they project light onto a screen, and the colors are created by removing some of the light.
Projectors can create a wider range of colors than OLEDs, but they are not as accurate. The human eye is more sensitive to additive colors than subtractive colors.
If you want the most accurate color reproduction, then OLED is the way to go. But if you want a wider range of colors, then a projector is the way to go. Personally, OLED display colors are best.
OLED vs Projector contrast
A display’s contrast ratio measures the brightest white that it can produce vs the darkest black. A higher contrast ratio means that the display can have a wider range of brightness levels, which results in a more realistic image.
OLED technology has incredibly high contrast ratios, often exceeding 1,000,000:1. OLED displays can produce incredibly deep blacks while still maintaining bright whites.
In comparison, most projectors have contrast ratios around 1,000:1. This means that while projectors can still produce decent images, they will never match the deep blacks and bright whites that an OLED display is capable of.
OLED vs Projector sound
OLEDs have an advantage over projectors in this area because they don’t require a separate sound system. On the other hand, projectors need an external sound system to get the best possible audio quality.
If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality for your home theater, OLED is the way to go.
OLED vs Projector price comparison
To help you choose the right display for your needs, we’ve put together a quick OLED vs projector price comparison.
OLED TVs are typically more expensive than projectors. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when comparing prices.
First, OLED TVs tend to have a higher resolution than projectors.
Second, OLED TVs also have a higher refresh rate than projectors.
Third, OLED TVs typically come with built-in speakers, while projectors will require an external sound system.
Overall, OLED TVs are more expensive than projectors, and however, they offer a better picture quality, smoother performance, and more features. If you’re looking for the best possible display for your needs, OLED is the way to go.
Which to Choose OLED or Projectors?
It really depends on your needs. If you need the best possible picture quality, OLED is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a big screen and a more affordable option, a projector may be better. The projector is also light, making it easy to move.
Is OLED good for the eyes?
Yes, OLED screens are better for your eyes than LCD screens. This is because OLEDs emit light directly from the pixels rather than a backlight. This means the image is usually brighter, and the contrast ratio is higher. This can help reduce eye strain.
Do OLED projectors exist?
No, currently, there are no OLED projectors on the market. However, a few companies are working on developing this technology. So far, a few prototype OLED projectors have been shown off, but none have been released for sale yet.
Is OLED 4K better than 4K?
Generally speaking, OLED 4K is better than 4K, and this is because OLED offers better contrast ratios and brightness levels than 4K.
How long do OLED TVs last?
Typically, an OLED TV will last around 100,000 hours. This is longer than most people will ever use their TV for, so it’s not really something you need to worry about. However, it’s worth noting that OLED screens can suffer from image retention and burn-in if they’re left on for too long.