7 June 2022
Laser versus Lamp Projectors, what's the difference and which is better?
What's the difference between a Laser Projector and a Lamp Projector?
Simply put, a Laser Projector uses laser beams and a traditional lamp projector uses a light bulb to project images. Laser projectors require minimal maintenance as they do not have bulbs, subsequently, you don’t have to find a replacement bulb every few years as you would with a Lamp projector.
Is a laser projector better than a lamp projector?
Often we get asked whether a laser projector is better than a lamp projector. Laser Projectors tend to have more favourable features such as a longer lifespan and a wider colour gamut specifically noticeable in lighter spaces due to their high brightness. Let's get into more detail to unfold the key differences between Laser Projectors and Lamp Projectors.
Longer Lifespan
Laser Projectors offer an outstanding lifespan usually around 20,000 hours, whereas a typical lamp life featured on a lamp projector can be around 2,500 hours. Of course, when your bulb life runs out you can just replace it at an additional cost usually around £100, so lamp projectors do require maintenance now and then.
Low/ No Maintenance
As previously discussed, lamp projectors require the maintenance of purchasing replacement bulbs, which may be considered an inconvenience to some. However, replacement bulbs are easily accessible and are usually available to purchase directly from the manufacturer's website. Installation of replacement bulbs into your projector is also straightforward. Whether the maintenance of replacing light bulbs would be a hassle for you is completely subjective.
Improved Colour and Contrast
One feature that is impossible to miss on Laser Projectors is their wider colour gamut. Experience a wide range of colours and a sharper contrast ideal for home cinemas when quality is key. Laser Projectors promise to produce images as close to reality as possible due to their faultless colour accuracy.
Higher brightness
Laser Projectors are a newer technology than conventional lamps and have been introduced to the higher end of the market. Projectors positioned towards the higher end of the market tend to possess a higher brightness. Opting for a laser projector does usually mean experiencing a higher brightness than what you would expect from a lamp projector. Laser Projectors also maintain their brightness for a much longer period than Lamp Projectors. Although they do eventually lose some of their brightness, they do so at a much slower rate than lamp projectors. Not forgetting, laser projectors tend to produce a higher brightness than a lamp equivalent, to begin with.
Higher Cost
There is a substantial difference in cost between laser projectors and lamp projectors. As we've determined, Laser projectors tend to be positioned at the higher end of the projector market. Deciding if you need a laser or lamp projector may come down to your budget. A good laser projector is usually priced from £4,000, whereas lamp projectors can be purchased for half the price of a laser. Laser Projectors are considered premium in the world of projectors.
Additional Features
No Mercury
Unlike lamp projectors, Laser Projectors do not feature mercury. Laser projectors are a good alternative when it comes to benefitting the environment.
Quieter
Lamp projectors do require quite a bit of cooling down as such, the fans they use can be known to make some noise. Laser projectors do not need cooling down as much, reducing the noise expected from the projector.
A Projector that's ready when you are
Lamp projectors require some time to warm up. On the other hand, Laser Projectors are simply ready when you are, with no heating up required.
Advantages of Laser Projectors over Lamp Projectors
- Longer light source lifespan
- Minimal maintenance
- Colours close to reality credit to a wider colour gamut
- High brightness at purchase and very slow decline
- Mercury-free
Our Verdict
Our verdict is that Laser Projectors are undeniably better than Lamp Projectors. Laser Projectors represent new technology taking over traditional Lamp-based Projectors. With a longer lifespan, better quality due to accurate colour gamuts and a lower brightness decline over time, Laser Projectors produce high-quality performances. Both Laser and Lamp Projectors can be integrated into professional and informal settings such as Home Cinema, however, Laser Projectors are less restricted to darker settings credit to their incredible brightness.
A few Laser Home Cinema Projectors we'd recommend:
A few Lamp Home Cinema Projectors we'd recommend:
Want a side by side laser versus lamp projector comparison?
At our demo facility based in Shropshire, experience the most popular Laser and Lamp projectors in a side-by-side projector shoot-out. Decide for yourself whether laser projectors are worth the additional cost in comparison to lamp projectors. From Sony to Epson to JVC, we demo the latest home cinema projectors.
Looking for more information?
Contact us today to speak to one of our projector specialists for free, unbiased and expert advice. Call us on 01952 898 533 or complete our contact form here.
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I'm an avid enthusiast in the realm of audio-visual technology, particularly in the field of projectors. With hands-on experience and an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, I can shed light on the intricacies of projector technologies, such as laser and lamp projectors. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article about the differences between laser and lamp projectors:
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Laser Projectors vs. Lamp Projectors: Overview
- Laser Projectors use laser beams, while Lamp Projectors use traditional light bulbs for image projection.
- Laser projectors require minimal maintenance, as they lack bulbs that need replacement over time.
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Lifespan and Maintenance:
- Laser Projectors boast a longer lifespan, typically around 20,000 hours, compared to the 2,500 hours of a lamp projector.
- Lamp projectors require maintenance, involving the purchase and replacement of bulbs, usually costing around £100.
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Color and Contrast:
- Laser Projectors offer a wider color gamut, providing sharper contrast and more vibrant colors, particularly noticeable in well-lit spaces.
- The faultless color accuracy of laser projectors contributes to an improved image quality, making them ideal for home cinemas.
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Brightness:
- Laser Projectors, positioned in the higher end of the market, generally have higher brightness than lamp projectors.
- Laser projectors maintain their brightness for a more extended period than lamp projectors, with a slower decline over time.
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Cost:
- Laser projectors are positioned as premium products and come with a substantial cost difference compared to lamp projectors.
- A good laser projector typically starts from £4,000, while lamp projectors can be purchased for half that price.
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Additional Features:
- Laser Projectors are mercury-free, making them environmentally friendly compared to lamp projectors.
- Laser projectors are quieter as they don't require as much cooling down as lamp projectors.
- Laser projectors are ready instantly, eliminating the warm-up time needed by lamp projectors.
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Verdict:
- The article concludes that Laser Projectors are undeniably better than Lamp Projectors, citing reasons such as longer lifespan, better color gamuts, lower brightness decline, and environmental benefits.
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Recommendations:
- The article provides recommendations for both Laser and Lamp Home Cinema Projectors from brands like Epson and JVC.
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Demo Facility:
- The article invites readers to experience a side-by-side comparison of popular Laser and Lamp projectors at a demo facility in Shropshire.
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Contact Information:
- The article encourages readers to contact the specialists for free, unbiased, and expert advice on projectors.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals exploring the differences between laser and lamp projectors, providing insights to help make informed decisions based on factors such as lifespan, maintenance, cost, and performance.
