06/15/2023
The entertainment market has been evolving significantly in recent years. With the popularization of smart mobile devices and the availability of high-quality video streaming, consumers’ viewing habits are gradually changing. They are seeking more immersive audiovisual experiences and freedom in using the devices, whether it be in the comfort of their own homes or while on the go, and a device that can enrich their living spaces while offering more possibilities for use.
With new technologies appearing on home cinema setups, the TVs were adapting to the new content era while projectors have also come a long way.
The TV screen has become bigger, thinner, and the image quality better, but all of that comes at a price, and a rather steep one. This makes it less competitive compared to other devices, especially when one takes into account other downsides like the space required to accommodate a large TV, limited installing spots, and unable to hide the fixed screen while it’s not in use. Therefore, consumers started to look for new alternatives to fulfill their requirements.
A New Light on Home Entertainment
Projectors, on the other hand, can offer a larger screen size with greater setup flexibly for a screenless cinematic experience even in confined spaces. With a wide range of throw ratios, consumers can select the projector that suits their space at a minimal setup cost.
For instance, an ultra short throw projector can deliver a 100” screen from a distance of less than 30cm, whether mounted to the ceiling or simply placed on a coffee table or nightstand, depending on the available space. Moreover, the projected image can essentially disappear from the viewing wall when it’s not in use, all while preserving a room’s aesthetic and freeing up space for other activities.
Portable or not, projectors have also made significant advancements in terms of general setup. Once reserved for those who could afford a spare room and a technician to install and calibrate their device, projectors are now very user-friendly and easy to set up, expanding the range of possibilities for everyone. With features like auto focus, 4-corner adjustment, and the advanced automatic horizontal and vertical keystone, it becomes simple to install a projector in any space without the need for the device to be front and centered.
Another remarkable feature is the instant auto focus. It’s a game-changing feature that utilizes time-of-flight (ToF) technology to quickly and accurately adjust the focus of the projector in seconds. By emitting a pulse of light and measuring the time it takes for the light to bounce back, the projector can determine the distance between itself and the projected surface and adjust the focus accordingly. This ensures that the image is always sharp and clear without the need for manual adjustments, regardless of the distance between the projector and the screen. As the projectors use reflected light, as opposed to emitting light directly toward the user's eyes like TVs, they also protect against eye strain during prolonged viewing sessions.
The miniaturization of components plays a significant role in the new hype surrounding projectors. Some models have become smaller, lighter, and cordless which can easily fit into a backpack or small suitcase. Furthermore, projectors now feature Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless screen mirroring via various content platforms and built-in professional speakers to play high-quality audio via Bluetooth, enjoying large-screen entertainment effortlessly at camping trips, viewing parties in the backyard, or gaming sessions on a friend's rooftop.
Space for New Possibilities
Projectors are no longer the tedious and expensive devices they used to be; they have become serious contenders to TVs. This is particularly true in light of the current content consumption paradigm, driven by the widespread adoption of video on-demand and streaming platforms, which empowers viewers with the freedom to watch any program at any given time. Projectors excel by adapting to the lifestyle of the times.
Portable projectors understand that well, as they can follow you from room to room. You can start a show in the kitchen while cooking supper, continue watching it in the living room, finish it in the bedroom before going to sleep, and rewatch it with the neighbors the next week while barbecuing in your garden, all using the same device, on a big screen, without having to reserve and accommodate a special place in each space.
The other types are not at rest when it comes to creating more room to fully express one's identity through interior design. Mounted models flawlessly cater to the requirements of the most avid viewers without having any impact on room organization, while table projection variants can be quickly installed when needed and safely stored after use, or even seamlessly blend into the room's aesthetics.
At ViewSonic, we consistently put great efforts into developing increasingly versatile and user-friendly projectors, keeping up with the actual needs and expectations of the general public. I sincerely believe that the current momentum that projectors are experiencing will continue to build up in the years to come, and we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of projection, offering cutting-edge technology that is accessible to everyone.
About ViewSonic
Founded in 1987 in California, ViewSonic is a leading global visual solutions provider with a presence in over 100 countries. The company leverages over 35 years of expertise in visual technology to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, content, and services. ViewSonic offers a wide range of products, with screen sizes spanning from 5 inches to a massive 760 inches. This includes interactive displays, large format displays, LED displays, pen displays, monitors, projectors, SaaS, AI services, interactive content, and more. This innovative ecosystem empowers education, workplaces, and individuals to foster creativity, collaboration, and seamless learning. ViewSonic focuses on designing products that deliver optimal performance and customer satisfaction while integrating sustainable production practices and upholding comprehensive environmental, social, and governance standards. The company's goal is to enable customers to "See the Difference". Learn more at https://www.viewsonic.com
