Decoding four common myths around home projectors

Decoding four common myths around home projectors

Sushil Motwani, Founder of Aytexcel Pvt. Ltd clarifies misconceptions concerning UST projectors

Whether you are seeking an extraordinary gaming experience or immersive cinematic thrills, laser projectors with Ultra Short Throw (UST) capabilities are the answer. They are fast becoming the premium choice for users. Their growing popularity is largely driven by changing content consumption habits, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic when many sought a theatre-like ambience at home. Still, there are many myths around their usage, says Sushil Motwani, Founder of Aytexcel Pvt. Ltd. and the official India representative of Formovie.

Debunking these myths, he shares the reality behind them.

MYTH 1: You need a huge room for a projector

There is a general misconception that a separate, especially large room with customised lighting is necessary to set up a home theatre. That’s no longer the case with UST projectors. They come with impressive short-throw ratio capabilities. For example, a Formovie Theater projector has a throw ratio of 0.23:1, allowing it to produce a 100-inch projection from just 9 inches away. Its maximum projection size is 150 inches, and with hassle-free installation, it can be set up easily anywhere in the home. These devices are often better suited to average-sized urban homes than wall-mounted TVs. This means a UST projector can be placed in a living area or any available space without requiring structural changes.

MYTH 2: Projectors are more expensive than TVs

Around seven or eight years ago, projectors were considered high-end luxury items, and at that time, they actually were. They were positioned as niche devices, either for serious cinephiles or for boardrooms with large AV budgets. But now, the economic landscape has changed considerably. Entry-level 4K projectors offer comparable or even better screen size and quality, often at a lower or similar price point compared to big-screen TVs. In fact, projectors can be more appealing in terms of screen size flexibility and price-per-inch, especially when paired with the right screen or wall surface. Increased competition has made projectors more budget-friendly. Also, there are multiple options now available that can suit the consumer’s budget and requirements. For example, alongside premium models like the Theater, Theater Premium, C3, and Cinema Edge, Formovie also offers budget-friendly LCD projectors like the Xming Page One, which delivers 1080p Full HD resolution at a very feasible price range.

MYTH 3: You can’t use projectors in daylight

In older lamp-based home projectors, there was a need for blackout curtains or dimly lit rooms, specially designed for screening. That misconception still exists in the minds of some consumers—that modern-day laser projectors and LCD projectors too cannot be used in daylight. This is not true. The fact is that laser-powered UST projectors can be used in well-lit rooms and are apt for Indian homes, where most people prefer the flow of natural lighting. With higher ISO Lumens, these premium projectors offer crisp and clear images anytime, and vibrant, bright colours can be accessed easily during daylight or even amid ambient light. Meanwhile, technologies like ALPD (Advanced Laser Phosphor Display) and triple laser light source technology help them offer a wider colour gamut for better contrast and colour accuracy.

MYTH 4: Projectors are meant for techies, not for regular users

Many people consider projectors to be complicated devices that are not easy to set up and operate. That was true almost two decades ago when AV setups like projectors required professional installation and guidance. But today’s smart projectors are built for plug-and-play simplicity. With thousands of movies and TV shows, live TV, and more available across 10,000 apps, the built-in Google TV easily allows users to access their favourite content without needing additional devices. Further, they can organise and select content using voice assistants like Google Assistant. It is ideal for family use, as it comes with integrated apps like Netflix, built-in speakers, and sound options like Dolby Atmos. The installation is also effortless. The menu and tutorials are detailed, allowing even first-time users to learn the operations quickly.