Can a Projector Replace a Smart TV in Meeting Rooms?

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right display for a meeting room, one question keeps coming up for office managers and IT teams: Can a projector replace a smart TV as the main display? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of projectors vs. smart TVs in a meeting setting—and share some practical recommendations for finding the right conference room setup.

Table of Contents

1. Projector or Smart TV: What You Need to Consider Before Buying?

Choosing between a projector and a smart TV is one of the most important choices you will have to make when designing the ideal entertainment or presentation room. Although both provide wonderful experiences, their functions vary based on your tastes, usage, and available space. Examining the primary distinctions can help you make the best decision.

1.1 Screen Size and Viewing Experience

If you’re into big-screen experiences, projectors have the upper hand.  A lot of projectors can produce screens that are between 100 and 200 inches in size, offering you a movie-like experience. This is ideal for giving presentations in big spaces, viewing movies, and attending sporting events. Conversely, smart TVS are available in fixed sizes, usually ranging from 32 to 85 inches. Despite having crisp resolution and colourful images, their size is insufficient to replicate the immersive experience of a wall-sized projection.

1.2 Picture Quality and Brightness

Smart TVS produce crisper and brighter images, especially in well-lit spaces. Their integrated OLED or LED displays are designed to function in daylight. Despite having high resolution, projectors frequently need controlled lighting to get the finest image. Even with their enhanced brightness levels, some more recent models could still have trouble in direct sunshine.

1.3 Space Usage and Portability

The portability of projectors is one of their main benefits. They are very portable, and you can even take them outside for movie evenings. They only require a clean surface to project onto; they do not occupy any wall space. However, smart TVS are heavy and stationary. After mounting or setting them on a stand, you will probably leave them in one location. Even if the latest models are more fashionable and thinner, they still take up real space.

1.4 Installation and Configuration

In general, setting up a smart TV is simpler. Simply plug them in, establish a Wi-Fi connection, and you are set to go. They provide remote controls for immediate access as well as pre-installed apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+. Other parts, including projector screens, external speakers, or mounts, could be needed for projectors. You'll also need to put the projector at a precise distance and angle, which can take some tweaking.

1.5 Quality of Sound

The built-in speakers on the majority of smart TVS provide respectable sound quality for daily watching. However, people frequently combine them with soundbars for richer bass and more dramatic sound. The built-in audio of projectors is typically weaker, especially in smaller or less expensive models. You would probably need a Bluetooth sound system or extra speakers to achieve excellent sound.

1.6 Projector vs Smart TV – Quick Comparison

Figure1-meeting room

2. Why Select a Projector for the Conference Room?

Projectors offer several unique advantages, especially in larger or more flexible meeting environments:

• Large Display Size

 One of the biggest advantages of projectors is their ability to project ultra-large images. By adjusting the distance from the projection surface, a standard projector can display an image ranging from 80 to 150 inches or even larger, making it especially suitable for PowerPoint presentations.

• Long-Term Investment: Extended Lifespa

Another advantage is the longer lifespan, particularly with LED projectors used in meeting rooms. High-quality LED projectors typically offer 20,000 to 30,000 hours of use. For example, the CZUR StarryHub can last over 10 years, whereas TVs often have a lifespan of only 4 to 6 years. Projectors are more future-proof, as their internal systems can be upgraded multiple times to match next-generation models, unlike TVs, which may need to be replaced entirely more frequently.

• Portable Options

For businesses that hold meetings across different rooms or buildings, the portability of projectors is highly practical. Many modern projectors weigh less than 5 pounds and can be easily carried in a briefcase or backpack. Some models even come with built-in batteries that support 1–2 hours of use without needing a power source.

• Flexible Screen Placement

You have a variety of placement options with projectors. You do not have to worry about restricted viewing angles or commit to wall-mounting a large TV. Alternatively, you can use retractable screens, painted walls, whiteboards, or even makeshift sets like movable backdrops.

• Portable Options

Portability is essential if you work for a company where meetings are held in different rooms or even separate buildings. Projectors are ideal for it. Since many contemporary projectors weigh less than five pounds, they fit easily in a briefcase or bag. You may conduct a brief meeting or make a presentation in a client's workplace without worrying about power cords because some even have built-in batteries that last one to two hours.

Figure2-meeting projector

3. Why Choose a Smart TV for the Meeting Room?

Smart TVs remain a reliable choice for smaller meeting rooms or well-equipped collaborative spaces for the following reasons:

• Ease of Use

Smart TVs come with built-in operating systems (such as WebOS, Tizen, or Android TV) that are compatible with conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. They boot up quickly, switch input sources smoothly, and even support voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant.

• High Brightness and Clear Picture Qualit
  

Smart TVs are ideal for meeting rooms with windows or bright lighting. Their LED or QLED displays deliver high brightness and sharp, vibrant visuals. With 4K or higher resolutions, presentations and video calls appear crisp and detailed.

• Stable Audio Performance
  

 Most smart TVs support Dolby or DTS audio technologies. Their built-in speakers are sufficient for everyday meetings, and for larger rooms, sound systems can be connected via HDMI or Bluetooth. Additionally, smart TVs generally have fewer audio synchronization issues compared to projector systems with external speakers.

• Smart Collaboration Feature

Some high-end smart TVs offer picture-in-picture or split-screen modes, allowing multiple types of content to be displayed at once, perfect for collaborative work. Enterprise-grade models also support remote management, enabling IT teams to push updates or adjust settings remotely.

• Better Value for Smaller Meeting Rooms

While many companies require large displays for their meeting spaces, an enormous screen isn’t always necessary. In many cases, an 80-inch flat-panel TV is sufficient. For displays under 80 inches, TVs generally offer better cost-performance while maintaining high visual quality. While smart TVs excel in small rooms, larger spaces may need a hybrid approach, which we explore next.

Figure3-TV is sufficient for small room

4. Using Both a TV and a Projector in a Conference Room?

When it comes to modern meeting spaces, one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it anymore. Businesses are no longer choosing between a smart TV or a projector,  they're choosing both, and for good reason.

Why Settle for One, When You Can Flex with Both?

Let us say your team gets together for a little 15-minute stand-up. Instead of struggling with remote controls or waiting for anything to boot up, you project your screen onto a stylish 65" smart TV. Even with sunshine pouring in through the windows, it is quick, clear, and crisp enough for everyone in the room to view the dashboard.

However, you have a department-wide training session the following hour. That same smart TV is not working anymore. At this point, a sharp 120" display is sent across the wall by the projector. All of a sudden, everyone at the back of the room is paying attention and following your marketing campaign or product demonstration.

5. Business Conference System Solution at CZUR StarryHub

Have you ever encountered frequent technical issues or poor audio quality during meetings? Don’t worry—StarryHub offers effective solutions to these common problems. Let’s look at how it tackles each of them individually.

• How can I get a clear projection even in a bright meeting room?

StarryHub delivers 2200 ANSI lumens of brightness, allowing it to project clear and vivid images even in well-lit environments. No need to draw the curtains or turn off the lights—just start your meeting with consistently high image quality.

• Trouble hearing others or seeing blurry video during meetings?

No worries—StarryHub features a built-in AI camera, a 360° omnidirectional microphone, and a 10W speaker. It captures voices, supports smart voice tracking and echo cancellation, and ensures an immersive video conferencing experience.

• Is the projected image always skewed or blurry?

StarryHub supports Auto Focus and Keystone Correction. Automatically delivering a sharp and correctly aligned image without manual adjustments. It supports projection up to 150 inches, perfect for medium to large meeting spaces.

• Is switching devices during multi-person meetings a hassle due to HDMI cables?

StarryHub supports wireless screen casting through Miracast, AirPlay, Chromecast, and DLNA. Whether you're using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, you can easily cast with one click, making device switching smooth and cable-free.

• Looking for a more streamlined meeting solution?

CZUR StarryHub integrates projection, audio, and video conferencing functions into one device, eliminating the need for separate equipment like cameras or microphones. The built-in cable management keeps your setup tidy, enhancing the look of modern offices and shared spaces. Lightweight and portable, it can be easily moved between rooms, making it an all-in-one solution for flexible meetings.

Get CZUR StarryHub！

Figure4-Business Conference System Solution at CZUR StarryHub

Conclusion

Can a projector replace a smart TV? In many cases, especially in larger spaces or presentation-focused environments, the answer is yes. However, the best display solution depends on factors like room size, lighting conditions, how the space is used, and your budget.

For many businesses, the ideal setup may involve a smart projector or a combination of both technologies. Solutions like StarryHub bridge the gap by offering flexibility, scalability, and built-in collaboration features to meet modern meeting needs.