Around 2010, companies introduced major consumer electronics such as 3D product lines, touting them as their best TVs. However, the 3D TV craze has died down since then. Many projector manufacturers, though, continue to provide alternatives to 3D, and today we will compare 3D TVs vs. 3D Projectors.
3D TVs vs. 3D Projector: Is there even an option?
You must have heard about the 3D content and the charms of watching them. Possibly, you might have a list of your favorite 3D movies and waiting to watch them on a device but are stuck between the two options.
Although both devices are good, but they have significant differences that make one better than the other. Thanks to the adventure of 3D TV and projectors due to them, it has been possible to bring all the excitement at home for 3D viewing. A question might be hovering around your head, are 3D projectors worth it? If anyhow they are, how do they compare to the 3D TVs?
Let’s find out the answers to all of your questions together!
Comparison Between Passive & Active 3D TV vs. Projector
After extensive research, we have collected all the necessary information regarding the benefits and flaws of 3D TVs and Projectors for you to choose between these two options. Some of the major points are mentioned below:
Passive 3D TV:
Passive 3D TVs can blend two frames into one by altering the horizontal lines of the frame meant for the left eye and the one for the right eye.
Less wattage is used in them as compared to projectors. There is no need for syncing glasses with the device.
But,
HDTVs have smaller sizes, so the 3D content is less obvious in them. Also, a reduction in resolution has been observed in passive 3D by half to produce 3D effects.
Active 3D TV:
The quality of content remains the same as the resolution will not be compromised. A full-screen resolution can be seen by each eye independently.
But,
Active 3D needs syncing with the device to work. Crosstalk is more than Passive 3D devices.
Passive 3D Projector:
The screen size of a passive 3D Projector is larger than HDTV to display 3D content more obvious. Passive 3D projectors are low in price as compared to 3D TV.
These are the most cost-effective appliances. No need to sync with glasses and crosstalk is also less.
But,
More wattage is used in projectors in comparison to TVs. The resolution is also reduced in the case of passive 3D projectors.
Active 3D Projector:
All features are comparably similar to the passive 3D projectors, except, that active 3D will need to sync with the device to work.
Display Quality: 3D TV vs. 3D Projector
The stake is higher than vibrancy and deep black levels, considering the display quality of 3D content. The real joy of 3D comes from the immersion displayed on the screen, which can be challenging for small or medium-sized displays.
The color gamut used in TVs is wide and also provides better HD resolution as compared to the video projector. Though TV never gives off poor content but the overall quality of projector screen gives better options to consumers for an authentic 3D viewing experience.
Value for Money: 3D TV vs. 3D Projector
Interestingly, projectors offer a much larger and more flexible screen at a lower price, even a decent projector under 500 can support 3D. There’s only one advantage of using a TV over a projector is that it consumes less energy.
The obvious difference will be visible on the electricity bill, depending on the plan of how much using them.
Note: All projectors do not support 3D. You must look at the specifications to see if there is a specified statement for displaying 3D content.
3D TVs – Benefits and Drawbacks:
3D TVs have been discontinued by many manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, Sony, and others but still, there are many in use. They have been widely replaced by 3D projectors. The provided information is for those who need clearance on used 3D TV or for archive purposes.
Benefits:
Watching 3D content in movie theaters is fun but being able to watch 3D movies, shows, programming, and video/PC games at home is the best deal for anyone. If properly adjusted, 3D TV can deliver an excellent immersive viewing experience.
If you are not a big fan of 3D content, there is also an option for displaying 2D content on that TV in the best quality.
Drawbacks:
By comparing filmed content with the content being displayed in 3D, you will find out the depth and layers of the images are not similar to in the real world.
Many people also do not like 3D TVs because they are easily bothered by wearing 3D glasses. The field of vision also gets narrowed by wearing 3D glasses.
Though wearing or not wearing 3D glasses can be some options for you, the high pricing to pay is the only choice you can make. Some 3D TVs use passive polarized glasses that are less expensive and more comfortable.
Without any doubt, 3D TVs are very expensive. Due to their discontinuation, their prices have same down after a few years, but these prices are still higher than other non-3D TVs.
Best Seller List of 3D TVs:
- POWERS 3D COLOR MAPPING AND UPSCALING FOR A CLEAR PICTURE: Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ELEGANT DESIGN THAT ENRICHES YOUR SPACE: Enhance your home décor with a TV crafted from a single metal sheet and featuring a slim bezel. Add a hint of sophistication with an aircraft-inspired design, and watch TV with minimal distractions.
- SECURES PERSONAL DATA* WITH TRIPLE-LAYER PROTECTION: Your TV experiences are secured. Samsung Knox Security defends against harmful apps and phishing sites while keeping sensitive data, such as PINs and passwords, secure. It also safeguards your IoT devices connected to your TV.
- A WORLD OF CONTENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED: Watch 2,700 plus free channels including 400 plus Samsung TV Plus premium channels and on free streaming apps. Enjoy national and local news, sports, movies and more. Explore new content being added regularly.
- UPGRADES WHAT YOU WATCH TO CRISP 4K CLARITY: Get up to 4K resolution in all the content you love. Watch details come to life in every scene of shows or that classic film you love, even if the source quality is lower-resolution.
- 3D HD
- Modern 3D HD TV technology uses standard paper 3D glasses
- Eye popping 3D
- English (Publication Language)
- 4K UltraHD Resolution - Experience incredible detail with 4X the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs.
- High Brightness LED Backlight - Enjoy a brilliant picture in any room.
- Enhanced Color - Enhanced color bringing rich, vibrant images to life.
- Motion Rate 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion - Combines multiple motion enhancement technologies for best-in-class motion clarity.
- Fire TV Experience – All your entertainment in one place. Fire TV gives you quick access to live TV, video games, music, and lets you stream over 1 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may apply.
- SELF-LIT PIXELS: LG's signature OLED technology creates an incredible watching experience and stellar picture quality illuminated with over 8 million self-lit pixels. Take in rich and accurate colors from the brightest to darkest parts of the scene thanks to 100% Color Volume and with 100% Color Fidelity.
- BRIGHTNESS BOOSTER: Our Brightness Boosting technology magnifies each individual pixel for luminous quality that shines with every detail.
- DOLBY VISION, FILMMAKER AND DOLBY ATMOS: Experience the magic of the big screen right from your couch. Every LG OLED comes loaded with Dolby Vision for extraordinary color, contrast and brightness, plus Dolby Atmos for sound you can feel all around you. Land in the center of the action with FILMMAKER MODE, allowing you to see films just as the director intended.
- A9 AI PROCESSOR GEN7: The C4's exclusive processor is the brains behind a truly unforgettable TV experience. You'll get smooth, vivid picture no matter what you watch with AI Super Upscaling which automatically enhances picture quality whether you're watching sports, movies, or a late-night favorite. Multi View with 2 screens lets you split your screen into 2 unique views so you can watch even more than before, everything looks and sounds incredible on a LG OLED TV.
- REFRESH RATE OF 144 HZ : Enjoy crisp, smooth visuals with a 0.1ms response time and up to 144Hz refresh rate. LG OLED TVs feature NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR for enhanced gaming quality. With four HDMI 2.1 inputs, connect all your devices effortlessly. The LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer provide complete control whether you game on consoles or in the cloud.
- SUPERSIZE PICTURE ENHANCER: AI-enhanced picture quality optimized for a super large screen; The Supersize Picture Enhancer reduces noise and increases sharpness even at its largest size, so you get a picture that’s as bold as it is big¹
- PURCOLOR: See a wider spectrum of colors than traditional RGB models with PurColor; From green turf to an amazing sunset, you’ll enjoy true-to-life picture quality with our innovative color technology
- 4K UPSCALING: Get a clearer picture for more of your shows and videos; 4K Upscaling transforms each pixel for improved content
- MOTION XCELERATOR 120Hz: Experience smooth action with exceptional motion enhancements; Get crisp visuals at a speed of 120 frames per second for a seamless picture²
- MEGA CONTRAST: Automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast; It reduces the difference between light and dark areas so that objects on screen stand out more
3D Projectors – Benefits and Drawbacks:
Benefits:
Projectors have bigger screen sizes as compared to TVs which reveals the greater 3D viewing experience in 3D projectors.
A 3D TV will require a 3D Blu-ray disc player that will cost an extra amount, while projectors are the least expensive.
These projectors are portable as you can carry them easily anywhere due to their compactness in size.
A wide variety of screen sizes is also available for 3D projectors, and you can also customize them as per your need.
The light emitted by TVs can be a torcher to the eyes, but 3D projectors are not complex to the eyes, and you can comfortably watch any content peacefully.
Drawbacks:
There can be some issues faced in 3D projectors during data transmission if you are unaware of transmission formats.
Although the bulbs used in 3D projectors have years of lifespan, they still need replacement after a certain period. You will be spending extra money on bulb replacement that can prove costly for you.
Best Seller List of 3D Projectors & TVs:
- Built-in Netflix: Access 10,000+ apps from Google Play and enjoy a vast library of 700,000+ movies and shows from top streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more. [Note: Some apps and/or content may not be available in all countries.]
- Laser-Powered Brilliance: Elevate your viewing experience with unparalleled brightness, thanks to the 1200 ISO lumens powered by cutting-edge ALPD laser technology. Every detail of your content shines through with the Atom 1080P Full HD Projector, ensuring stunning visuals whether you're streaming, gaming, or presenting.
- Easy to Carry: Sleek at 1.87 inches thin and weighing just 2.82 lbs—lighter than a standard laptop. Atom allows you to effortlessly carry it to different rooms in your home. Take your entertainment anywhere with the sleek and lightweight design of the Atom mini Projector.
- Bring the Theater Home: Immerse yourself in a stunning up to 180-inch 1080p image, supported by HDR10. Experience theater-quality sound, delivered through dual 5W built-in speakers (on the same side) with Dolby Audio.
- Lightning Fast Setup: Say goodbye to complicated setups with smart features like autofocus, keystone correction, screen fit, and obstacle avoidance. Enjoy a clear, rectangular, and perfect image in seconds, so you can spend less time adjusting and more time enjoying your favorite content.
- World’s First UST Projector with Built-in Center Channel Speaker: Innovative center speaker mapping delivers crystal-clear dialogue directly from the screen without extra speakers. Paired with AWOL premium ALR screens and the ThunderBeat 4.2.2 surround sound system, it instantly upgrades your home theater to a 5.2.2 setup. Tip: As an ultra short throw projector, it has a fixed throw ratio of 0.25:1 (approx. 8.54" for 100", 12.84" for 150"). If your cabinet depth is insufficient, use the AWOL motorized Slider to adjust placement for perfect focus and screen size.
- All-Scene 4K 3D Triple Laser Projector: Triple Laser (No Color Wheel) + 4K UHD + Dolby Vision + HDR10+ + 3D support deliver sharp, vibrant images day or night. Combined with Dolby Atmos, enjoy immersive 3D home theater experiences any time. Tip: For the best 4K quality, ensure both your content source and playback device output in 4K resolution.
- Smart Home & Cinema Integration: Supports PJ Link IP control for seamless integration with home automation systems like Control4. Dolby Vision HDR dynamically optimizes color, contrast, and brightness, while Dolby Atmos surrounds you in sound from all directions.
- Explore the 3D Cinematic Realm: Put on active shutter 3D glasses and enter a new dimension. Connect a 3D Blu-ray player to enjoy thrilling 3D movies at home. More than a projector—it’s your key to a new entertainment realm. Source Recommendation: Use 3D Blu-ray discs with a 3D-capable player, or ensure streaming files/content are in 3D format.
- 1+ Billion Colors for Cinema-Grade Visuals: Covers 107% BT.2020 and 147% DCI-P3 for contrast and color accuracy comparable to digital cinemas. With AWOL ALR Daylight screen, enjoy bright, clear images even during the day. Best with 150” screen to replace traditional TVs for an unmatched big-screen experience.
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- 【Official Netflix License, Watch Shows Online】VOPLLS Smart Projector with built-in smart operating system that supports over 1,000,000+ videos, including certified Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. With just one click, you can quickly enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows without purchasing an additional TV stick. Besides, you can access the ""Open Browser"", ""My App"", and ""APP STORE"" for unlimited entertainment options at any time!
- 【Auto Focus & Keystone Correction and 180° Integrated Stand】VOPLLS projector utilizes state-of-the-art AI focusing and displacement gyroscope technology that detects in real-time and automatically corrects within 3 seconds to ensure a clear projection. Equipped with a 6D keystone correction function, it can automatically adapt to any wall and remove the restriction of placement. 180° rotatable Stand simplifies the installation and realizes the best projection effect in any scene.
- 【4K Supported &1200 ANSI Lumens -Detail-Oriented Visuals】The VOPLLS Smart Projector delivers true-to-life 1080P resolution with 4K compatibility, enhanced by HDR10+ technology for superior contrast and color accuracy. 4K projector advanced LCD optical system achieves 99% color gamut coverage while minimizing harmful blue light emissions. Boasting 1200 ANSI lumens brightness and 25% greater dark detail reproduction than other 1080P projectors priced similarly. This versatile movie projector transforms any space - from immersive home theaters and gaming setups to vibrant outdoor movie nights during camping trips or garden parties - delivering crystal-clear visuals day or night.
- 【True Audio-Visual Feast, 3D Stereo Sound】 VOPLLS video projector with built-in hi-fi stereo speakers, and unique sealed core technology that effectively reduces noise by up to 80%, allow you to fully immerse yourself in the 3D stereo sound environment. The icing on the cake is that VOPLLS bluetooth projector can also connect to external speakers or use it as a standalone speaker via Bluetooth 5.2.
- 【Realize Zero-Latency 2.4G/5G Dual-Band WiFi Connection】The wifi projector is equipped with a 2.4G/5G dual-band WiFi connection, so you can easily connect the projector to your cell phone or computer for instant and stable transmission. Projection is no longer delayed, or lagging, greatly improving the gaming experience and wireless projection experience, especially when playing Switch/PS4/5/X-box, etc. The outdoor projector is perfect for customers who love big-screen movies/game experiences.
- High contrast ratio and BrilliantColor technology
- Built to perform with high brightness
- Slim and eligent
- Built to perform with high brightness
- High contrast ratio and BrilliantColor technology
- Home Cinema Experience
- Game Display Mode
- Easy Installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3D TVs still available in the market?
Since 2019, 3D TVs have stopped being on the market. The companies have stopped manufacturing new 3D TVs at all.
Is it possible to watch 3D pictures without glasses?
Yes, you can watch any kind of 3D content without wearing 3D glasses, but the picture quality will be less than your expectations.
Can 3D movies be displayed on a projector?
To play a 3D movie on a projector, it is compulsory to make sure your projector is compatible with the content. There are various ways to watch 3D content on different projectors. But keep in mind, you can’t play 3D movies on a regular projector as it won’t be able to interpret and read 3D signals for converting into 3D images.
For watching 3D content, is it necessary to have 3D TV?
Definitely, there will be a need for 3D TV to display 3D content on screen. Some other devices such as a 3D Blu-ray disc, player, 3D glasses, and an HDMI cable will be required. These devices are usually compatible with 3D TVs.
Conclusion
There are only minor differences between the 3D projectors and 3D TVs. The major difference is in the pricing and screen size, which is why most people prefer 3D projectors over TV. It means that if you want to watch a 3D movie, it must be on a large screen with adequate 3D quality.
To produce a good 3D effect, 3D TVs are nowhere near 3D projectors, especially regarding the high pricing of TVs. So, it is clearly better to use their projector counterparts.
Last update on 2025-10-23
