Laser Projector vs. Lamp

You may find that the projectors you are considering buying have three possible light sources: laser, lamp, or light-emitting diode (LED.) However, you probably don’t know the advantages of a laser projector vs. a lamp projector. The traditional lamp-based projector has been around for a long time and remains incredibly popular. However, since the introduction of laser technology in the projection process, laser projectors have steadily increased in popularity, rising to a similar level as lamp-based devices. Read on to find out more about the best projectors.

Lamp vs. Laser Projectors

Many brands offer a wide variety of projector models that include either lamps or lasers as their light source. Lamp-based projectors often don’t last but provide an affordable, familiar option for consumers, but laser models may perform better in brightness and lifespan during projection. Leading laser InFocus projectors do not contain mercury, while lamp models do. Additionally, the technology that uses the lights can play an essential factor in the device’s performance and the throw ratio that you’ll find in many of the top ultra-short-throw projectors. To find out more about these technologies, check out our articles covering DLP vs. LED projectors and Laser vs LED projectors.

How Does a Lamp Projector Work?

Projectors that use lamps typically use ultra-high-performance lamps, which are high-pressure mercury arc lamps. Lamp projectors have to warm up every time you power them up, meaning there is a gap between when you press the power button and when the projector starts projecting. These devices provide good image quality, and you can buy projector lamp replacement bulbs. However, they consume more power than other projectors and do not have the same life expectancy.

Although, there are ways to use LED with a lamp projector. You can learn more in our guide on how to replace a projector bulb with LED.

How Does a Laser Projector Work?

As the name implies, laser projectors utilize laser light to create the projected image. These devices offer long-lasting light sources using a semiconductor laser. The laser passes through the color wheel within the projector and bounces off mirrors inside the device to create the image on the projector screen. Unfortunately, this technology sometimes suffers from the rainbow effect due to delayed adjustment of the spinning color wheel. Because of its exceptional brightness, a laser projector should be considered when debating whether you want an outdoor TV vs. a projector.

Comparison of Lamp vs. Laser

• Brightness: A laser projector gives off over 3,500 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) lumens, while a lamp-based one gives off over 2,000 ANSI lumens. As a result of the inherent brightness of lasers, laser products can be used in places with bright ambient light, and the same picture created using a lamp would be harder to see.
• Costs: Laser projectors initially cost more than lamp-based projectors, but the cost should decrease as these devices continue to gain popularity. At the moment, lamp models are the least expensive of the three available light sources. However, lamps often need to be replaced sooner, so you may end up with an equivalent cost in the long run.
• Life: Lamp life amounts to an average of 10,000 hours when run in Eco mode, and a laser version has double that life with 20,000 hours in Eco mode. It is important to note that either light source may not last as long if run using the normal or standard mode.
• Size: Laser devices are typically larger than lamp models. As a result, laser projectors can be harder to move, so they are traditionally used in businesses or schools in one location. Although they are smaller than laser projectors, lamp-based models remain larger than LED models.
• Noise: Laser and lamp products utilize a spinning color wheel that adjusts thousands of times a second, making noise. However, you may notice that laser models are louder than lamp projectors and that both are louder than LED versions. In this case, you will have to weigh the effect of the noise against the other advantages of lamp and laser projectors.

F.A.Q.S