People have opted to use a monitor when setting up a desktop since that is the recommended viewing screen. However, some people may find the screen size of a monitor too small, especially if you use a computer where you have a lot of people watching or perhaps it is your preference. It may have crossed your mind whether it is possible to connect your computer to a projector rather than a monitor.
Can I Use a Projector Instead Of Computer Monitor?. Yes, you can use a projector instead of a computer monitor. When setting up your desktop, you must connect an HDMI cable to the projector while ensuring that no other display device is connected. The computer will immediately recognize the projector as an external display. Using the projector as a secondary screen to your monitor is also possible.
Before deciding to use a projector instead of a computer monitor, there are some things you need to consider. The pros and cons of both devices can help you make a decision.
Using a Projector Instead Of a Computer Monitor
By attaching a projector to a computer’s accessible video output connection, you may utilize it as a computer monitor. However, it is not recommended to utilize a projector as a second monitor since the projection quality will deteriorate as the bulb’s lifespan shortens. A projector bulb’s lifespan, typically between 1,500 and 5,000 hours, is substantially less than that of a high-quality LCD display.
Replacement projector bulbs may be rather pricey. Most of the time, purchasing a brand-new projector is preferable to simply changing the bulb in an old one. After all, projectors weren’t made to be used every day or all the time, but occasionally to view movies and TV shows.
There are other reasons why using a projector instead of a computer monitor is not recommended. Keep reading to find out.
How to Connect Projector and Use as a Monitor
- Remove the connection by loosening the thumbscrews holding the monitor cable to the computer’s video port.
- Tighten the thumbscrews after connecting the projector’s video connection to the computer’s video port. The projector will now show the Windows desktop.
- Remove the connector by releasing the thumbscrews holding the projector cable to the video port. Tighten the thumbscrews after connecting the desktop monitor’s video to the computer’s port.
Using a Projector as a Secondary Screen
By hooking it to one of the extra video ports, you may utilize a projector as a second display for a computer. Windows will instantly activate landscape mode and add the projector as a second screen.
Right-click the desktop and choose Display Settings to change the settings and configure the layout. Additionally, you may get to these options by hitting Windows Key + P.
Differences Between a Projector and a Monitor
| Projector | Monitor |
| Have wider screen sizes, as much as 300 inches across. | The usual diagonal dimension of a screen is between 13 and 80 inches. |
| They have a limited lifespan due to the lamps they operate with. Lamp projectors can be used for over 5,000 hours and about 20,000 hours for laser projectors. | The half-life of TVs and monitors is said to be 100,000 hours. Once you keep the screen intact from breaking, it can last long for you. |
| It has an awesome 3D experience due to the screen size. | They also have a good 3D viewing experience but are limited due to the screen size. |
Pros and Cons of Using a Projector Screen
Pros:
- Wide Screen Size
A projector screen may become far larger than anything a computer display could hope to achieve. The size of a typical monitor has increased over time, yet it still pales in comparison to the enormity of a projection screen.
80 to 100 inches are regarded as typical in the projector industry. The largest computer monitors, on the contrary, have not even broken the 50-inch level.
The biggest computer monitor as of March–June 2021 is the Samsung CHG90, which has a 49-inch screen. The larger projection screen is useful if you’re giving a presentation to many people in a room, such as a group of students or coworkers.
- Uses Less Space
A typical computer display requires much more room than a projector. Additionally, the potential space savings increase with screen size. Consider installing a 49-inch monitor in a space that would be too tight for a 32-inch monitor.
The profile of a large-screen computer monitor may be slimmer, but you’ll still need a special table to set it on. You may remove a projector from a table or stand after usage and store it covertly because it is considerably smaller and portable.
A computer display cannot hide, let alone be moved to a different location after each work session. A computer monitor may be mounted to a wall, although that is not how they are often set up.
- It can Be Used as a Secondary Screen
A projector can serve as the source for a secondary display. A canvas will be prepared for stretching or duplicating the primary computer display.
You may purchase an additional monitor and connect it to the current one in the case of a monitor, but doing so may increase your costs. It should go without saying that a larger display will cost more money.
- Scaling is Easier
It takes little time or effort to increase or decrease the size of a projection. However, a conventional computer monitor lacks this versatility. You’re trapped with a 32-inch computer screen if you have one. It cannot be enlarged or contracted. You’ll need to get a new monitor.
A far larger screen than that of conventional computers is not only feasible with a projector, but it will also be free of charge.
Cons:
- Surface Level” Problems
Your projector may be used with a screen, wall, or fabric. Even so, the projector will function flawlessly, although there could be readability issues. The images might seem blurry when used with an “untreated” wall or another hard surface that hasn’t been prepared for projection.
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Screen clarity is crucial when reading or writing texts, using spreadsheets, etc. Additionally, the pictures could be reflected on the screen or wall is glossy. This can also be a problem if you prefer matte computer monitor screens.
- Ergonomics
Using a projector can make it difficult to get the proper ergonomics, which are relatively easy to do with a conventional computer and desk. Your neck may hurt if the screen is projected from a height, making it difficult to view for an extended period.
- A Particular Ambient Light Is Needed
Some lighting setups are ideal for projector performance. Few projectors can function well in erratic or intense lighting. Text on the projection screen is typically very difficult to read when the artificial lights in the room are switched on, or the windows are open to the sun.
On the other hand, the screen will become too bright if all lights are turned off, and the sun is fully blocked out. Even if you could change the brightness, staring at a screen in complete darkness is bad for your eyes.
- Projector Fan Noise
Under excessive strain, computer fans often turn on and produce noise. However, routine things like viewing movies, reading the web, and working with spreadsheets don’t put too much strain on the gadget.
On the contrary, a projector bulb warms up quickly, forcing the built-in fan to start operating nearly immediately. For other people, the loudness might not be a big deal. However, if your laptop’s quiet fan noises distract you from the work at hand when you’re trying to concentrate, you’re sure to become irritated.
Pros and Cons of Using a Computer Monitor
Pros:
- Various Viewing Angles
Your computer monitor’s orientation and viewing angle are adjustable. Although standalone displays cannot be swiveled 360 degrees or even 180 degrees like laptops can, they can still be tilted back, front, or sideways with relative ease.
Monitors also move up and down on a special stand. The sliding feature helps correct things if the monitor’s center is not on the same plane as your eyes.
- A Variety of Options to Choose From
Choices are available for a computer monitor’s size, cost, colors, form factors, etc. A computer monitor can never be as large as a projection screen. However, not everyone needs a huge screen; most don’t.
Curved displays are advantageous for running several open programs or playing games on a widescreen display. With a curved screen, certain aspects will be considerably simpler to focus on because they will naturally fall into your peripheral vision. Using a projector, you must find a screen or wall with the “curves” to create comparable curves. Arched screens might exist, although they might not work well with all projectors.
- Horizontal Stretch
For personal or professional usage, a broader computer screen is preferable to one that is elongated on all sides. Although you can adjust projector displays to a 16:9 aspect ratio, very few stretch horizontally the way standalone computer monitors do, like this 29-inch LG 29WN600-W monitor, which has a 21:9 aspect ratio.
With a projector, the usual and most likely the only aspect ratios available are 4:3, 16:10, and 16:9. The 21:9 aspect ratio of a widescreen monitor will be most useful to those who want to have several windows open at once. The wider comparison area makes comparing two or more separate files simpler. The wide aspect ratio eliminates the requirement for two monitors to be placed side by side.
- All-In-One Computer
An all-in-one PC allows you to have a simple desktop arrangement if you want that. The configuration consists of a monitor, which houses the computer’s internals, a keyboard, and a mouse. One example is new.
You don’t need a computer in a discrete casing, which may be big and intrusive if there isn’t much room above and below the desk. There are some projectors with built-in computers, although they are uncommon. Not to add, they fall short of an AIO’s computational power and capabilities.
Cons:
- High-End Monitors are Expensive
Although there are various price ranges for monitors, you can discover some affordable ones if the money is tight. You will undoubtedly need to spend a lot of money if you want reliable monitors that include superb color accuracy, a bright 4K display, and a contemporary style.
Although you may rely on older models, individuals normally like the ones that include the newest technology.
- Eye Problems
Computer displays technology to project images on the screen has significantly advanced. Cathode ray tubes, which were in use at the time and were responsible for the radiation they emitted, were at fault.
The dangerous radiation often associated with uranium and other radioactive elements is not emitted by the considerably flatter monitors of the present day. However, prolonged exposure to the most recent LCD panels can be harmful.
Some people on the internet assert that switching their computer displays for projector screens has resolved their eye issues. While it could be the case, you should still consider such information with a grain of salt.
- They are Fragile
Monitors in today’s slim designs are also highly sensitive. Traditional monitors were strong and had some padding to protect the displays and other delicate components. Modern displays, however, are virtually entirely made of the screen; as a result, without actual bezels, computer monitors are increasingly susceptible to dings, scratches, and even breaks.
Final Thoughts
Using a projector in place of a computer monitor can be helpful, but it has disadvantages. Before deciding which one to you, consider what you are using it for and where you intend to use it. It could come in handy in an office setting, but using it as a secondary screen would be helpful. If you intend to use it at home, it may only come in handy if you want to set up a theatre. Regardless, the decision is yours to make.
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