Should I Get A Projector Or TV For My Meeting Room

The short answer: For most meeting rooms, a large TV is the better choice. TVs offer brighter images, work well in standard lighting, need less maintenance, and give you more flexibility with room layout. Projectors work best in larger spaces where you need screens over 75 inches and can control the lighting.

But the right choice depends on your specific room, budget, and how you’ll use it. 

Let’s break down everything you need to know to make the best decision for your business.

TV vs Projector: The Key Differences

Image Quality and Brightness

TVs win here. Modern LED and OLED displays are much brighter than most projectors, which means clearer images even with office lighting on. You won’t need to dim the lights or close blinds for everyone to see the screen clearly.

Projectors struggle in bright rooms. Even high-end business projectors can look washed out under standard office lighting. This means interrupting meetings to adjust lighting – not ideal when you’re trying to keep things moving.

Screen Size Options

Projectors have the advantage for very large displays. While you can buy TVs up to 85 inches (and some even larger), projectors can easily create 100+ inch displays. For large boardrooms or presentation spaces, projectors might be your only option for the screen size you need.

Most meeting rooms work well with 55-75 inch TVs, which cover the sweet spot for 6-12 people around a conference table.

Installation and Setup

TVs are simpler. Mount it on the wall, plug it in, connect your cables, and you’re done. Most IT teams can handle this without specialist help.

Projectors need more planning. You’ll need proper ceiling mounting, cable runs to the projector position, and potentially a dedicated screen. Getting the alignment and image quality right often needs professional installation.

Ongoing Costs and Maintenance

TVs cost less to run and maintain. Once installed, they typically work for 5-7 years with minimal issues. The main ongoing cost is electricity, and modern TVs are quite efficient.

Projectors need lamp replacements every 2-4 years, depending on usage. Replacement lamps cost £200-£800, plus the time and hassle of changing them. Some newer laser projectors avoid this issue but cost significantly more upfront.

When a TV Makes More Sense

Choose a TV if:

  • Your meeting room has windows or bright overhead lighting
  • You need the display available quickly without setup time
  • Screen sizes of 75 inches or less work for your space
  • You want minimal ongoing maintenance
  • Multiple people will be using the system throughout the day
  • You’re working with a tighter budget

TVs work particularly well in standard meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and anywhere you need reliable, day-to-day use without fuss.

When a Projector is Better

Go with a projector if:

  • You need a screen larger than 85 inches
  • You can control the room lighting effectively
  • The room is primarily used for formal presentations
  • You want the flexibility to project onto different surfaces
  • The projector can be permanently installed in an ideal position
  • You have dedicated AV support for maintenance

Conference centres, large boardrooms, and training rooms often benefit from projectors, especially when designed with proper lighting control.

What About Interactive Displays?

Interactive TVs and smart boards are becoming popular alternatives. They work like giant tablets, letting you write, draw, and interact directly with content. These work best for collaborative sessions and training, though they typically cost more than standard TVs.

If your meetings involve a lot of whiteboarding or collaborative work, an interactive display might be worth considering.

Making Your Decision: Key Questions

Before you choose, think about:

  • Room lighting: Can you easily dim the lights when needed? If not, lean towards a TV.
  • Screen size needs: Measure your room and seating distances. As a rough guide, the screen width should be about 1/6th the distance from the furthest seat.
  • Usage patterns: Will this be used multiple times per day by different people? TVs are more user-friendly for frequent use.
  • Budget: Don’t forget installation costs and ongoing expenses like projector lamps.
  • Technical support: Who will maintain this equipment? TVs need less technical expertise to keep running.

If you’re still weighing up the options after considering these factors, discussing your specific requirements with an AV specialist can help clarify which solution best fits your workplace needs.

Making Your Decision: Key Questions

Whatever you choose, make sure your network can handle it. Modern meeting room displays often connect to wireless presentation systems, video conferencing platforms, and cloud-based content. This means your network infrastructure needs to be up to the task.

Poor Wi-Fi coverage or insufficient bandwidth can make even the best display system frustrating to use. Before installing new meeting room technology, it’s worth checking that your network can support it properly. If you’re unsure about your current network capacity, a quick infrastructure assessment can save you from connectivity headaches later.

Getting the Installation Right

The best display in the world won’t help if it’s poorly installed. Consider factors like:

  • Optimal mounting height and viewing angles
  • Cable management and power supply location
  • Integration with existing AV systems
  • Network connectivity for smart features
  • Proper ventilation (especially important for projectors)

Professional installation ensures everything works reliably from day one and can save you headaches later. Getting quotes from experienced AV installers early in your planning process helps you budget accurately and avoid common pitfalls.

About Nortech Network Services

At Nortech Network Services, we help businesses across the UK choose and install the right technology for their meeting spaces. We work with companies in education, healthcare, logistics, and local authorities to design audio-visual solutions that actually work for day-to-day use.

Our team combines network expertise with practical AV knowledge, so we can ensure your meeting room technology integrates properly with your existing infrastructure. From initial consultation through to installation and ongoing support, we focus on solutions that make your meetings more productive, not more complicated.

Whether you’re setting up a single meeting room or upgrading facilities across multiple sites, we can help you choose the right displays and ensure they’re properly connected to your network.

If you want to find out more about Nortech Network Services, our products and expertise or if you’d like to have an informal chat with one of our professionals about your requirements