Which is worse for your eyes: a projector or a TV? A scientific comparison and how to use it properly
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Modern people often spend long periods of time looking at displays such as televisions, smartphones, and computers, so the question of "which device is easiest on the eyes" is a constant topic of interest. When it comes to projectors and televisions, which are popular entertainment devices at home, many people have questions, such as "Are large screens bad for the eyes?" and "Is projection easier on the eyes?"
In this article, we scientifically compare the effects of Aestiquo projectors (especially the popular P1 projector ) and televisions on the eyes, explain which is actually gentler on the eyes, and provide detailed information on how to use them correctly. Based on the opinions of ophthalmologists and research data, we also share tips for enjoying video viewing at home comfortably and safely.
1. Causes of eye strain: Three common factors related to displays
Both projectors and TVs can cause eye strain when viewed for long periods of time. There are three main reasons for this. Understanding these factors will help you determine which is easier on the eyes.
Opinion of an ophthalmologist (Associate Professor Sato, Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University) : "The three main causes of eye strain caused by monitors are 'high brightness,' 'contrast balance,' and 'screen flicker.' If these are not appropriate, the pupils will contract and dilate frequently, which reduces the number of times the eyelids blink, making it more likely to develop dry eyes."
1) Difference between brightness and surrounding brightness (contrast ratio)
If there is a large difference between the brightness of the screen and the brightness of the room, your eyes will get tired easily. For example, if you watch a bright TV in a dark room, your pupils will have to adjust frequently, causing eye strain.
② Screen flicker and blue light
"Flicker," the rapid blinking of a screen, is often imperceptible to the human eye, but it can cause fatigue in the brain. Additionally, the "blue light" emitted from displays can disrupt sleep rhythms and affect the retina.
3. Reduction in gaze duration and blink frequency
When watching a video, you unconsciously blink less (about one-third of normal), which causes the cornea to dry out and become itchy and painful. This tendency becomes even more pronounced when you are immersed in a large screen.
2. Projectors vs. TVs: A Scientific Comparison
Let's compare projectors and TVs based on the three factors mentioned above. Here, we'll take the Aestiquo P1 projector (700 ANSI lumens, 1080P) and a typical 4K TV (55 inches, 500cd/m²) as examples.
| Comparison items | Projector (Aestiquo P1) | TV (55-inch 4K) | Eye strain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luminance (per unit area) | 100-200 cd/m² (80-120 inch screen) | 300-500 cd/m² | Projectors are cheaper and have less of a burden |
| The nature of light | Indirect light reflected off walls and screens | Direct light from the backlight | Indirect light puts less strain on the retina |
| Flicker | Almost none with LED light source + high frequency drive (in the case of P1) | OLEDs are rare, but some LCDs have visible flicker | Both have been improved in recent years. |
| Blue light amount | Moderate (P1 has blue light reduction mode) | High (many models have a reduction mode) | It depends on the settings, but projectors generally have fewer |
| Field of view and gaze range | Large screen (80-120 inches) makes it easy to move your eyes | A medium screen (55-65 inches) makes it easy for your eyes to fixate | Moving your gaze helps prevent eye muscles from getting tired |
| Harmony with the surrounding brightness | A dark room is recommended, but brightness adjustments can be made to accommodate a wide range of settings. | Easy to see in a bright room, but the contrast is large in a dark room | It depends on the situation, but overall, projectors are easier to adjust. |
Key point: A major benefit of projectors is their low brightness per unit area and indirect light. This reduces direct irritation to the retina and reduces eye fatigue even when viewing for long periods of time. The Aestiquo P1, in particular, is equipped with an "Eye Protection Mode" in the menu that automatically adjusts brightness and reduces blue light.
3. Cases where projectors are still a disadvantage: Three points to note
It's not necessarily true that projectors are easier on the eyes. Depending on the installation method and usage environment, they can actually put strain on the eyes. In the following cases, a TV is often a better option.
① When using a projector in a bright room <br>Projector screens appear dark in bright rooms, so you need to turn up the brightness to the maximum. This increases the brightness per unit area and reduces the contrast of the screen, resulting in a blurred image that can actually tire your eyes. In this case, a TV is more suitable as it has high brightness and can be seen clearly even in a bright room.
② Projecting a large screen in a small room<br> If you are viewing from too close a distance and projecting a large screen (e.g., 120 inches at a distance of 2 meters), your eyes will be strained to cover the entire screen, causing excessive eye muscle fatigue. Generally, a viewing distance of 1.5-2.5 times the screen diagonal is recommended (see Aestiquo's screen size calculator ).
③ Using a low-quality projector: Projectors with low resolution (720P or less), unclear focus, and low contrast ratios will cause your eyes to stare unconsciously at the blurred image, which will cause fatigue more quickly. In such cases, a high-quality TV may be easier on your eyes.
4. Seven rules for using projectors and TVs in a way that is gentle on the eyes
Regardless of the type of device, proper usage is paramount. By following these seven rules, you can significantly reduce eye strain with either device:
- Adjust the ambient brightness <br>Make sure there is a small difference between the brightness of the screen and the brightness of the room. For projectors, a dimly lit room is best, but it's even better if you add indirect lighting to the walls rather than making it completely dark. For TVs, close the curtains to block out direct sunlight in a bright room, and dim the lights in a dark room.
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Choose the appropriate viewing distance and screen size . Projector: A distance of 1.5-2.5 times the screen diagonal (e.g., 1.8-3m for a 100-inch screen).
TV: 3-5 times the screen diagonal (e.g., 1.6-2.7m for a 55-inch TV)
Outside this range, your eyes will have to adjust focus more frequently, causing fatigue. -
Use eye-friendly image settings Projector (Aestiquo P1): Select "Eye Protection Mode" or "Reading Mode" (automatically adjusts brightness and reduces blue light)
TV: Select Eco Mode or Night Mode (automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to appropriate levels) -
Practice the 20-20-20 rule
After watching for 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 m) away for 20 seconds. This will help relax the tense muscles in your eye. Children in particular are unaware of this, so it's a good idea for parents to set a timer to remind them. - Keep the screen clean . Dust on the projector lens or TV screen can cause blurred or reflective images, making it difficult to see and tiring for the eyes. Regularly wipe them with a soft cloth to keep them clean. For detailed instructions on how to clean the Aestiquo P1 lens, please see the product maintenance page .
- Maintain appropriate indoor humidity levels. Dry air can cause the tear film on your eyelids to evaporate more easily, leading to dry eyes. Use a humidifier to keep the indoor humidity at 40-60%, especially during the winter when heating is used. This will help prevent dry eyes even if you blink less.
- Reduce blue light exposure one hour before bed. Looking at screens that contain a lot of blue light at night can suppress the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone, and can cause sleep disorders. Use the "warm color mode" on your projector or the "night filter" on your TV one hour before bed, or avoid using devices altogether.
5. Special precautions for protecting children's eyes
Children's eyes are still developing, so they have a weaker resistance to blue light than adults, and watching displays for long periods of time can cause myopia (research data from the Japanese Ophthalmological Society). When letting children use projectors and TVs, please pay particular attention to the following points:
Recommended limits for children's viewing time (recommended by the Japan Pediatric Society)
・Under 3 years old: 0 minutes as a general rule (avoid watching videos)
・Ages 3-6: Up to 30 minutes per day ・Elementary school students: Up to 1 hour per day ・Junior high school students and above: Up to 2 hours per day (including for learning purposes)
Why projectors are better for kids
Projectors are generally better for children's eyes than TVs, and here's why:
- Indirect light reduces direct stimulation to the retina
- The large screen allows for natural eye movement, which helps develop eye muscles
- Some models, like the Aestiquo P1, have a "kids mode" that limits screen time and automatically reduces blue light.
Tip: You can set Aestiquo P1's "Kids Mode" to automatically dim the screen after a pre-set time (e.g. 30 minutes) to encourage breaks. Also, if you're playing educational content, select "Education Mode" to highlight text for easier reading (see the FAQ page for instructions).
6. Summary: It's best to use them according to the situation
There's no definitive answer to the question, "Which is worse for your eyes: a projector or a TV?" However, based on scientific data and the opinions of ophthalmologists, we can come to the following conclusions:
Bottom line: When properly set up and installed, projectors generally tend to be easier on the eyes . Especially when viewed in a darkened room with an 80-120 inch screen and a reasonable distance, the indirect light and wider field of view reduce eye strain. However, in brightly lit rooms or with lower-quality projectors, TVs are often a better choice.
The most important thing is to follow proper usage guidelines regardless of the device: adjusting ambient lighting, maintaining an appropriate viewing distance, and taking regular breaks will help minimize eye strain when using either device.
Aestiquo projectors are developed with an emphasis on "eye-friendly design," and the various eye protection features built into the P1 projector and other models allow you to enjoy watching videos at home comfortably and safely. Please choose the optimal device and usage method based on your living environment and usage scenario.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The causes of myopia are diverse, including genetics and lifestyle habits, and are not determined solely by the type of device. However, because projectors give you more opportunities to move your eyes, allowing your eyes to naturally adjust their focus, a certain degree of preventative effect can be expected. However, the most important thing is to watch for an appropriate amount of time and take breaks.
Blue light blocking glasses are effective in blocking some blue light, but the effectiveness varies greatly depending on the product. The Japanese Ophthalmological Society states that "direct damage to the retina from blue light is rare in everyday life." It is more important to utilize the blue light reduction function of the device itself and properly manage viewing time.
Yes, when you look at a blurry screen, your eyes unconsciously try to focus, which causes muscle tension and fatigue. With the Aestiquo P1, the "Auto Focus" and "Keystone Correction" functions make it easy to adjust the screen for clarity. Be sure to check the focus and screen position regularly.
OLED TVs do not have a backlight and are self-luminous, so they have a wide viewing angle and excellent black reproduction. They also tend to have less flicker, so they are generally said to be easier on the eyes than LCD TVs. However, they both have a high brightness, so you will need to lower the brightness when using them in a dark room.
For more information about the eye protection features of the Aestiquo projector or if you have any questions about how to use it properly, please contact the support desk listed below.
・Aestiquo official support: Inquiry form
・Telephone support: 050-5050-9599 (Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 18:00)
Product information: Aestiquo P1 projector
