Light source projectors provide screens with the largest and most captivating images for an optimal viewing experience for presentations, lectures, movies, and more. For both cinema and home-theater needs, laser projectors have started to replace traditional lamp projectors as the light machine of choice. If you are in the market for a new projector, here is some information on laser projectors vs. traditional projectors to help inform your purchasing decision.

Image Quality
Essentially all projectors work the same with a light source shining through an image and then being projected onto a whiteboard or screen. The big difference in regards to laser projectors vs. traditional projectors surrounds the individual projector’s efficiency and abilities. Traditional lamp projectors create white light and throw away all of the other colors, only leaving behind red, green, and blue by either absorbing it or blocking it. This is an inefficient way of creating the colors you see on the screen. Laser projectors are known to produce a better image quality with a projection of deeper, richer, and more lifelike colors. They only create the exact colors that are needed, which in turn uses less power and energy. This increase in efficiency means that laser projectors are able to get much brighter. The laser projectors can also produce more colors than a traditional lamp projector because they are able to be built to create any wavelength.

Reliability and Maintenance
Laser projectors are usually more reliable. Because there is no need to replace their lamps or filters, few laser projectors will require any serious maintenance during their lifetime, which is usually set at around 10 years. On the other hand, traditional lamp projectors require their bulbs to be replaced a good amount over their lifetime which can add up in costs. Nothing would be worse than having a bulb go out in the middle of a presentation and not having one on hand to replace it with which is something to consider when comparing laser projectors vs. traditional projectors.

Costs
The biggest disadvantage associated with laser projectors is the higher upfront costs. Generally speaking, you will probably end up paying about $2000 more for a laser projector than you would for a more traditional lamp projector. However, it is important to take into considerations the costs of replacing the bulbs in a traditional lamp projector over the years as they can run anywhere from $250-$400 a bulb.

General Advantages

• Laser projectors require a smaller amount of electricity to stay powered
• Laser projectors have great viewing range and can be placed virtually anywhere
• Laser projectors have a faster on/off

-If you use a projector to help deliver your lectures or use it for meetings throughout the day, you will probably be spending a good amount of time turning you projector off and on
-With a laser projector, you do not have to wait for the projector to warm up or cool down as long as you do with a traditional lamp projector

• Traditional lamp projectors are more affordably priced upfront
• The lamps and bulbs in traditional lamp projectors are able to be replaced quite easily

General Disadvantages

• Laser projectors are likely to be bigger and heavier than traditional lamp projectors
• The lasers in laser projectors are unable to be replaced after they go out so you will have to buy an entirely new projector
• The picture, color, and brightness of traditional lamp projectors will likely fade and change over time

Conclusions Comparing Laser Projectors vs. Traditional Projectors
Although they have not been available for public use for very long, lamp projectors have made significant changes to the audiovisual world. Overall, laser projectors offer greater durability, reliability, and longevity over the traditional lamp projectors, although they might not offer the familiar comfort that a traditional lamp projector can provide. Taking everything into consideration in the battle of laser projectors vs. traditional projectors such as how much color and contrast you need, how often and for how long you will use your projector, and where your projector will be installed,  just make sure to find the right projector that fits all of your light source needs.