How to Use a Projector as a TV

Ashley_Buckwell

Projectors offer unparalleled screen size at a reasonable price point, with many 100-inch-display projectors coming in at less than the price of a 55-inch television. But what about watching content other than movies and prestige TV shows? What about normal everyday use: your cable TV sitcoms and favorite news channels? Projectors are an excellent option for these use cases, too. In this article, we go over why you might consider a projector for your home theater, and how to use a projector as a TV.

Benefits of a TV projector

Price: projectors win at bigger display sizes

Projectors offer unparalleled screen size at a reasonable price point, with many 100-inch-display projectors coming in at less than the price of a 55-inch television. But what about watching content other than movies and prestige TV shows? What about normal everyday use: your cable TV sitcoms and favorite news channels? Projectors are an excellent option for these use cases, too. In this article, we go over why you might consider a projector for your home theater, and how to use a projector as a TV. 

Most of the large-screen TVs available on Amazon top out at display sizes of 55 inches, with models from reputable brands costing $400–$900, depending on specs. For the few options available with display sizes of greater than 55 inches, prices start to increase exponentially. Sure, the highest quality large-screen TVs will amaze viewers in terms of performance and image quality; however, a projector can be used to max out your display at a much cheaper cost. The Acer P6500, for example, which is specifically designed for large-venue viewing, can project a 1080p diagonal image of up to 300 inches, regardless of ambient light.

Projectors take up less room

Projectors are typically small and light, meaning they do not take up much space and can be easily stashed away in a cupboard when not in use. They can also be mounted in relatively out-of-the-way places, like on the ceiling. Similarly, rollable screens can enable the use of any wall space: just roll the screen down for showtime.

Projectors offer incredible visuals

Unlike a cheap TV, an inexpensive projector will fill most of your wall. Most projectors throw out a 100-inch display, which can dominate a large wall. High-quality projectors that include short-throw functionality, such as the Acer H6517ST 3D DLP Home Theater Projector, can even be placed close to the screen and still project large displays without compromising image quality. Short-throw projectors are specifically designed for small spaces, like living rooms and home theaters.

Great for gatherings

A projector can bring your movie nights closer to an authentic cinematic experience. Add a decent sound system, turn out the lights, and hand out some popcorn to really make your place the go-to option for film releases and TV specials.

Outdoor TV projector

Projectors come in relatively portable sizes and weights and can be boxed up and transported with far greater ease than a TV. If you are holding a garden party during the summer, try whipping out the projector and watching a movie once the sun goes down.

If your goal is big, there’s no question that projectors have the advantage. And if you are already convinced, check out the wide range of quality home projectors available from Acer.

How to watch TV on a projector

Watching normal TV on your home projector is possible, but you need to set it all up correctly. First, you will need an HDMI cable. Second, you will need either a cable or satellite box or a TV tuner device to deliver the TV signals to your projector. This will enable you to start watching your favorite cable TV shows on your projector screen. Additionally, for non-TV content, connect your streaming device to your projector the same way you would connect it to your TV. You can connect a Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, gaming console, Blu-ray or VCR player, and more.

Connecting cable or satellite TV to a projector

1. If both your cable box and projector have HDMI ports, you can connect the HDMI cable directly between both devices. 
2. If the HDMI port is absent on either of the devices, use an adapter to enable the HDMI cable to connect the devices. 
3. On the projector, using its remote, access the menu option and select HDMI as the source.

Connecting a Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, or other streaming device to a projector

1. Plug your device directly into the HDMI port of your projector. 
2. You can also use an HDMI extension cable to connect the device to the projector. 
3. If you want to connect the devices wirelessly (in case you have an overhead projector and don't want to have to point your remote up awkwardly), you can plug a transceiver into the HDMI port of the projector and a receiver onto the device. 

Use the built-in apps on your projector

Projectors often have apps installed, especially if they run on Android. With an android system, you can download apps directly on the projector to watch your favorite TV show or stream content from the Internet. Just make sure that your projector is connected to Wi-Fi.

Connecting a gaming console or PC to a projector 

1. Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port of the projector. 
2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the video output port of the console. 
3. Access the input/source menu of the projector. 
4. Set the source to HDMI. 
5. Exit the input/source menu; the output from the console should now be visible on your projector’s display.

Connecting a TV tuner to a projector

Most TVs have built-in TV tuners to decode the signal coming from your TV antenna, but projectors are unlikely to include a TV tuner. You can buy a TV tuner or personal video recorder with a TV tuner built-in, like a TiVo, and then connect the device to your projector using HDMI.