There are many reasons why you might want to install a projector on your TV: you might want a larger image than your TV, or you don't like the look of the TV in your living room, or you might want to spend a relaxing time with your family during a movie night with friends or family. Since the cinema is not an option for most people now, many friends ask what projector to buy at home.
DLP or digital light processing and LCD projectors are bulb based so bulbs will eventually degrade, but they are much cheaper than laser projectors. DLPs tend to be smaller and more portable, and they offer more contrast and darker blacks. LCDs tend to have sharper, sharper images and look brighter than DLPs even at lower lumens. Projectors with laser sources are not bulb based and therefore require less maintenance; on average, the laser lasts 5 times as long as the bulb. Unlike bulb-based projectors, which emit light through a color wheel to produce the image, laser projectors only produce the exact colors needed for the image. This efficiency results in brighter images, very accurate colors, and deep black levels and contrast. However, all of this comes at a higher price. Low-end laser projectors typically cost around $2,000, although you can find some smaller projectors for less.
Then there's the throw ratio, which is the size of the image versus the distance from the surface. Traditional projectors are located behind the audience, ideally 10 to 20 feet from the projection surface. Meanwhile, short-throw projectors can project large images just a few feet from a wall, while ultra-short-throw projectors are basically against the wall.
The surface you project on your projector at home matters - you can use a wall; white is best - but it won't show the projector at its best. Each tiny bump refracts light and creates small shadows, so the image eventually loses quality and brightness. Buying a projector screen will benefit you a lot, especially if you're viewing in daylight. Projector screens can significantly brighten images, depending on their coating.
4K projectors are much more expensive and not as common as 4K TVs because the pixels on the projector chip are so small. But unless you're really shopping for a proper home theater, most living room setups won't let the average viewer notice the difference between a good 1080p projector and an affordable 4K projector.
Regular projectors have an HDMI input, built-in speakers, and an audio output, so you can easily stream content by plugging in your cable. You can also use a laptop, Apple TV, or any device you use to stream video.